Former housemates Mac and Erika are homeless.Well, Erika is fine, she just has to live with her parents until she can find another rental. Mac’s situation is much worse – family isn’t an option and she’s surfing the couches of her increasingly exasperated friends.
Driving around one lonely afternoon, Mac discovers Barren Cape. Once destined to be a luxury escape, now it’s just wire fence and grey cement. It’s stark, but quiet. There’s no harm in staying here a little while …
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A gripping thriller. I could not put it down! Kerry, WA, 5 stars
A real page turner that kept me enthralled from start to finish. The description of the haunting resort and danger looming for the young homeless people kept me wanting to know what happened to them. A sign of the present times relating to accommodation and desperate measures young people have to go to for shelter and safety brings the dilemma into perspective. Well written and captivating. Diana, VIC, 5 stars
Barren Cape has a fabulously constructed plot. It explores the desperate measures a young woman will go to, just to put a roof over her head and have a safe place to sleep at night. Given our current cost of living crisis, it is also a story that is totally relatable and believable. Mac and Erika are the two characters central to the story and how they react to suddenly being homeless after being housemates together. Cue the abandoned resort and it’s infinite options and opportunities to live rent free. Combine this with an escaped criminal and some wayward teenagers who also see the resort as a place to hang out and fate has their paths cross with deadly results. The suspense builds slowly and is compelling right through to the end. It was a five star read for me. Kim, NSW, 5 stars
Mac and Erika are best friends happily sharing a flat together however when they are evicted, they are faced with a common problem of facing the housing shortage. After numerous attempts to find new accommodation Erika reluctantly returns to her family home while Mac and her mother never see eye to eye she is determined not to return home. Mac begins the difficult task of couch surfing at friends but after some time knows her options are running out so for one terrifying night sleeps in her car. Finding an incomplete abandoned building at the beach, which was to have been luxury resort, Mac makes a temporary home there as she waits her passport and visa to arrive so she can travel to visit her sister in London and find work there. Mac is not the only person using this building; however, the real problems start when Erika breaks a promise and tells others of Mac’s arrangements. There are lots of twists throughout the book and the ending was certainly unexpected. Marg, VIC, 5 stars
Barren Cape by Michelle Prak is about two friends who are homeless. Erika is fine as she can move back in with her parents. Mac’s situation is much worse. She calls on friends to allow her to couch surf but it is difficult to keep doing this. Mac is determined to find somewhere to stay. As she drives around, she comes across an abandoned resort. The resort has just been left unfinished. Mac thinks that she could stay there awhile as it’s so quiet. But it doesn’t stay quiet for long. Mac eventually tells Erika about the resort. Erika then tells some friends, and they end up staying there too. Someone else has found the resort, too. This leads to trouble. So much happens. An excellent read. Denise, VIC, 5 stars
This is a light easy to read mystery. Loved the Australian setting and I would definitely want to explore an abandoned resort. Loved seeing how the close friends relationships changed. Well written story and I will investigate her other books. I liked the unique storyline. Yvette, NSW, 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this spine-chilling thriller. It was a real page turner full of tension and suspense. The book is written from the viewpoint of three memorable female characters; Mac, Erica and Brex. Highlighting the rental crisis in Australia, Mac and Erica are unable to find a place to rent together. Mac stumbles across an abandoned resort with no water, power or toilet provisions. It seems her answer to a place to stay, just for a little while. No-one else knew about this, Erica had family to fall back on so Mac would have the place all to herself or would she? Brex also checks out ‘Cape Baron Resort’ but finds out, with her friends, what happens when people are pushed to the edge. The book is gripping and dangers are lurking with unthinkable crimes. A great read. Helen, QLD, 5 stars
A part of current societal issues revolving around the lack of available and affordable housing. This story written in first person helped explain issues and the disasters that follow from fights to murders. It was well written and easy to follow the storyline from start to finish. Dale, VIC, 5 stars
The Rush by Michelle Prak was one of my top reads in 2023 and I was eagerly awaiting her next book. I can happily say I was not disappointed with Barren Cape. This book, set in Adelaide, has a lot going on – a dead body, delinquent teenagers, abandoned resorts, creepy stalkers as well as addressing the various forms of homelessness and current housing crisis in Australia. This is a very tense read that makes you want to turn the pages quickly to find out what is going to happen next. I give Barren Cape 5 stars and recommend it to lovers of Australian thrillers. Joanne, QLD, 5 stars
It was very readable. As well as having a plot which draws you in, it provided an insight into the challenging problem of youth homelessness. I found myself unable to put the book down. All the characters were well developed and interesting. All in all a great read. John, VIC, 5 stars
This gripping novel kept me on the edge of my seat, with every twist and turn raising my blood pressure as I anxiously tried to predict what would happen next. The story weaves together the lives of three young women, exploring their relationships with friends, family, and their work, all while uncovering the mystery of an abandoned resort. The characters are well-developed, and the suspense builds in such a way that you won’t be able to put the book down. If you’re a fan of thrilling, character-driven plots, Barren Cape is a must-read! Laura, NSW, 5 stars
Being unfamiliar with this author, I had no real expectations. As it turned out, from the very first page I was drawn in to the unfolding drama in which three close young female friends find themselves, as they set out to make their way in the world. The chapters throughout are related in turn by each of these girls and this intimate style makes you feel as if you actually know them, as well as giving an added sense of tension and anxiety as things unfold. As time goes on their circumstances begin to change, unforeseen events take place and things quickly begin to unravel. It also turns out that their bond isn’t quite as tight as they first believed. I love a good page-turner, and I found this book very hard to put down. If circumstances had permitted I could have easily read it in one go! I will now be looking forward to reading more by Michelle Prak. Carel, VIC, 5 stars
The ‘Barren Cape’ by Michelle Prak was a gripping read, I found it hard to put down, the characters felt real and stayed with me. The main people in the novel all had instances of feeling homeless, whether it be from feeling unsafe in their home or not having a home. This is why they venture to the isolated and unfinished Barren Cape resort. The story twists and turns from the feeling of safety to the feeling of fear! I would highly recommend this book and look forward to the next novel by Michelle Prak! Julie, VIC, 5 stars
Mac and Erika former housemates find themselves homeless. Erika returns to her family home to live but Mac isn’t so lucky and is sick of couch surfing on friends. Sleeping in her car is worse. Mac then stumbles across what was supposed to be a luxury resort but it is quiet and abandoned so she figures it can’t do any harm to stay there just for a few nights. She couldn’t have been more wrong! The pace of the plot is fast and demanding and I loved racing with it to keep up. I screamed at the young adults silliness and naivety. They are like most teenagers thinking that they are untouchable. I enjoyed the thrills and spills of the spine tingling anticipation of the story! The ending while not surprising still felt exciting and summarised perfectly. Leanne, QLD, 5 stars
Yes, the housing affordability crisis has been in the news, but until Mac and Erika are evicted from their flat, it was someone else’s problem; now, it’s theirs, too. Erika goes back to her parents. After months of couch surfing and a frightening, aborted attempt at sleeping in her car, Mac stumbles on a possible solution: an unfinished coastal resort abandoned during the pandemic. No water or power, but standing empty, right on the beach, a public ablutions block nearby. She sneaks in, sets herself up for a temporary stay (her British visa surely can’t take too long now) and makes sure to stay under the radar of the lazy security guard. What she doesn’t count on: a violent prison escapee, a trio of truant teens, and a thoughtless friend unable to keep a secret. There’s not a huge body count, but there is plenty of tension, with twists, turns and surprises keeping the reader guessing. Topical, wholly credible, and nail-bitingly good. Marianne, NSW, 5 stars
I loved Michelle’s previous book, The Rush, so was excited to dive into Barren Cape – it didn’t disappoint! I was gripped from the start and found it such a page-turner. Michelle knows how to deliver suspense and well-developed characters that keep moving the story forward. I loved the setting of Barren Cape, which created a strong atmosphere, helping fuel the ominous vibes. Just like The Rush, Michelle built the story to a satisfying conclusion that provided closure. It also makes me want to read more of her work! A great read and highly recommend. Ellen, TAS, 5 stars
A story which was both current and relatable as the main character finds herself couch surfing during the housing crisis. Her predicament finds her squatting at an isolated, half constructed beach resort, but unknown to her she’s now the only one staying there. I was hooked to this story from the start, as the individual POV’s from the characters added the necessary details which had my palms sweaty and teeth grinding. It was a suspenseful page turning story which was executed efficiently, leaving no questions unanswered, providing closure to the end. Jess, QLD, 5 stars
I loved this. I was caught up in the story from the very beginning and read it in one long sitting. The main characters are Mac, Erika and Brex. Each have there own issues and I felt for them all. I liked learning more of each one and understood their situations with a lot of compassion…but are they all worthy of it or not? The story covers young people trying to find themsleves and the homeless situation that is happening in many countries now. The story shows a real perspective of it. It was a great read and I will certainly look for more from this author. The ending was a surprise. A great read. Tracey, NSW, 5 stars
This is an amazing story about a unique situation in which the lives of completely different people cross paths for a few days. The story is narrated in the first person by three central female characters, who provide insights into their mother-daughter relationships. The majority of the action unfolds at an abandoned construction site, once intended for a lavish luxury resort. This haunting location serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, adding an air of mystery and tension. Interwoven throughout the main narrative are compelling background stories that delve into the lives of the characters, revealing their struggles, aspirations, and the circumstances that ultimately brought them together at this desolate site. These personal narratives enrich the storyline and highlight the connections between the characters, making their encounters all the more significant. The story addresses various issues, such as violence, youth crime, stalking, sexual predators, and Australia’s rental crisis. We see the human instinct to survive and the unexpected actions that individuals may take when faced with extreme situations. The characters’ lives will be touched in different ways, and life could never be the same for any of them. As a reader, I was left wondering about the ongoing effects of their individual experiences. Susan, QLD, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a book that I could sit down and read for hours. Christine, QLD, 4 stars
An abandoned resort seems the perfect place to hide, but is Barren Cape a refuge or a trap? I loved the desperate times; desperate measures situation. There’s a gradually building sense of menace and these ominous undertones just added to the drama and intrigue. Another amazing read by this Australian author. Nadine Amber, NSW, 4 stars
This is a story of two women, Mac & Erika, who are good friends and share a house together. Their lease is terminated and they cannot find a suitable rental. Erika moves back in with her parents, but Mac’s home life isn’t much of a drawcard so she decides to go to London to live with her sister. Whilst she’s awaiting her visa, she couch-surfs at friends’ houses for a while but gets the sense that she is outstaying her welcome with them. Then she discovers an abandoned construction project, Barren Cape, and figures that sleeping there for a few nights before she goes to London will be the answer to her residential issues. There’s nobody there; who’s to know? However, Barren Cape has a lot more going on there than Mac realises, and before long, she is not only in fear of getting discovered trespassing by a security guard, her life is in danger. I enjoyed this story – I read it in less than two days! It was very fast-paced and had me wondering what else could go wrong for poor Mac. Michelle Prak’s writing style is great and easy to read, and I will look out for her other stories. Thank you. Dariel, WA, 4 stars
This second novel by Michelle Prak, has all the workings of a suspenseful thriller. Building tension, page turning and a believable plot that keeps you guessing and could be straight out of a today’s news story. We meet Mac and Erika, evicted from their shared rental, who find themselves suddenly homeless, and unable to find another place to live during a current ‘rental housing crisis’. whilst Erika can go home to her parents, things are different for Mac. Not close to her mother and after she exhausts her friend’s hospitality whilst ‘couch surfing’, she stumbles across an abandoned resort that was never finished. Could she stay here? Erika tells her ‘sort of’ boyfriend and his mates about the place and they show up much to Mac’s disgust. Throw in a murder prisoner escapee from a local jail, and some delinquent teens, it becomes a question of will they survive ‘staying’ at this place where no one can hear them scream, and where no one knows they are out there at all. Melissa, VIC, 4 stars
Mac and Erika are homeless and struggling to find a new place to live in, in Adelaide. I truly was immersed in this and love the twists and turns that it took. I felt empathy for Mac as the subject of homeless dives deep into this as it’s a common thing in Australia currently. though when reading i felt discounting from one part as it didn’t really go anywhere and probably didn’t need to be included. The story is told in three povs but mainly focuses on two characters. Mary, VIC, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful novel by Michelle Prak. This is a very topical novel tackling some serious issues like homelessness, sexual harassment and issues for youth. Many of us may think of homelessness as being people who may be long-term unemployed but this was written from the perspective of young employed people who simply couldn’t get a rental. The novel is written with short punchy chapters which I really enjoyed, as it made for a fast paced read. This would be a great holiday or plane read that you could get into very quickly. The book is written from three different perspectives which was quite enjoyable and developed the characters well. I felt that Prak created a suspenseful environment where I was never quite clear where the plot was going to go or what might happen next. I will admit to being slightly disappointed with the ending (I am a bit of a “details” person!) however, I really enjoyed this novel and I will look for more by Michelle Prak. Tracey, TAS, 4 stars
An abandoned resort seems like a perfect place to hide and stay for Mac. Currently homeless and over imposing on friends it seems a great option. Enter a teenage girl trying to escape an unsafe home, her friend Erika and her friends plus an escaped convict. With many twists and turns, a dead body thrown in this is a spine thrilling thriller keeping the reader enthralled to the end. Helen, TAS, 4 stars
This book kept me reading into the night, real edge of the seat reading! A topical read, which made this a credible read, making me understand the peril even moreso. The fear and danger of being homeless was real. A great mystery; highly recommended. Rylee, QLD, 4 stars
I really enjoyed the author’s first novel and this one didn’t disappoint either. Mac and Erika have been forced to move out of their rental and are struggling to find alternative living arrangements. When she happens upon an abandoned luxury beach resort, Mac thinks she’s found an ideal solution, but not everything is as it seems… Short chapters and 3 different character perspectives made this a quick and easy read, and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. The stakes and pace really picked up in the last part of the book and the ending tied everything up nicely. Mac was a relatable character and I felt sympathetic towards her. The book’s cover helps give you a clear idea of where the action is taking place, and the writing itself is also very descriptive and atmospheric, especially the night time scenes. Being from SA myself I really loved that it was set there, however it was an odd mix of real place names and fictional ones! I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Australian mystery. Lauren, WA, 4 stars
Set along the gorgeous South Australian coastline this story tackles current issues of housing, domestic violence and homelessness. Bred is on the flee from a home where she does not feel safe, while others have no home to go to. Finding an abandoned building site each person has their own reason to rejoice – from the prisoner on the run to lovers looking for a space to explore. There is more than meets the eye with murder, kidnapping, drugs and constant fear while you wait for each person to escape the life that has been dealt to them. Tina, QLD, 4 stars
Michelle Prak’s Barren Cape is an edgy thriller that keeps the reader guessing. The somewhat isolated Adelaide setting serves well to amplify the suspense. This story gives an insight into houselessness. Astrid, VIC, 4 stars
Barren Cape by Australian author Michelle Prak is an authentic fiction mystery with fear-filled moments and suspenseful intrigue. Mac and Erika are housemates who find themselves homeless, Erika returns home but Mac must find a place to stay. When she comes across abandoned Barren Cape, which was once a luxury escape, she feels it’s the perfect place to stay. Little does she know she will be met with unruly teenagers and a violent prison escapee. The author clearly has a vivid imagination and a way with words that compels you to keep reading. You’ll find yourself drawn into this story as the descriptive writing brings the scene alive in your head, allowing you to live the story and feel the helplessness and fear. There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you hanging on and guessing. I found the characters compelling and to be the next-door-variety: completely believable. Barren Cape is a story I enjoyed, it is just the right length to intrigue a reader and give them something to think about. The subject is a heart-breaking story with the housing crisis and homelessness, but a guaranteed thrilling, ‘edge of your seat’ read that you won’t easily put down. Prak has crafted a highly enjoyable story that crosses many genres and will certainly have appeal for all different types of readers, I highly recommended. Melissa, SA, 4 stars
Michelle Prak’s story, ‘Barren Cape’ is full of intrigue for the reader. Her description brings us to the scene where events take place and is full of surprises. The characters move the plot along with their actions. By taking risks things don’t always prove to be the right choice when it all goes wrong and not according to what was planned. As the characters are so young and inexperienced their judgement is clouded with unrealistic expectations. Finding somewhere isolated and out of bounds is an exciting enticement when young and free to choose not to follow the rules. This is enhanced when alcohol and pills are ingested, amplifying their euphoria. Harmless fun can turn ugly very quickly when not prepared for the consequences. This book is a page turner making it hard to put down when wanting to find out how it will all end. An enjoyable read. Cherylene, QLD, 4 stars
Not only a mystery and crime but interwoven into the housing crisis. Meet Mac and Erika who are between places and then add the Teenager Brex. Stumble across a half built resort that is yet to be completed but more abandoned they set up to live here and form more of a community. That is until a murder happens. What they thought was a good idea turns on them. The twists turns and intrigue through the book will set you up for an ultimate mystery and find out who is responsible. Tianne, NSW, 4 stars
Having read the reviews for Michelle Prak’s first book, The Rush, that described it as terrifying, electrifying and chilling, her second book, Barren Cape, didn’t disappoint. It delivered on all those descriptive words. It tackles the growing problem of “homelessness” or those who are “between houses” and spending their nights couch surfing at their friends’ places. Mac has nowhere to go, having exhausted the friend options, until she discovers Barren Cape, a partially built but abandoned resort, some way out of town. She spends a couple of nights there on her own, until Erika follows her home, then brings along her also homeless mates, breaking the confidence Mac had placed in her. Suddenly, they realise they are not entirely alone at the resort and what happens leading to the tense and exciting denouement, is truly page-turning. This book is highly recommended if you want a nail-biting read that builds successfully to a fast and furious end. Robyn, QLD, 4 stars
What a ride! Barren Cape is a thoughtful and insightful read based in a unique setting. It was confronting at times, but in a good way. It brought to life the reality of the housing crisis we’re seeing across Australia at the moment along with demographic and socio-economic struggles. Tied in with a thrilling plot and some pretty awesome character development, I’m feeling the need to go find some more Michelle Prak books! Belinda, VIC, 4 stars
When things go wrong – and you’re not to blame – is it ever right to take the law into your own hands? Mac is desperately trying to find somewhere to live after being evicted by a greedy landlord. Brex is trying to keep out of her abusive step-father’s way. Their lives converge at an abandoned resort, where each of them, and their friends, end up in a deadly game of survival. I really enjoyed reading Barren Cape – it’s so easy to understand why each character made sometimes questionable choices. No perfect role models here! Flawed characters lead to much more interesting stories, conflicts and situations and that’s what we find in Barren Cape. Prak’s dialogue is gritty and believable and her description of the incomplete resort makes it jump to life in your mind. I enjoyed watching the relationship arc between Mac and Erika, and particularly Mac and her mum, as Mac’s desire for independence and isolation was sorely tested. The ending certainly raises many questions, but in a good, “I wonder what’s going to happen now?” way. I found this book an easy read, with excellent characters and an interesting plot. Recommended. Lisa, NSW, 4 stars
Really gripping plot, I couldn’t put it down! I finished it in 24 hours. Very easy to read. I thought the characters were interesting but a little bit one dimensional. The dialogue was the worst part, very clunky and boring. Writing “haha” as dialogue feels very lazy. There wasn’t a lot of tension, I think because we already knew that Brex was the one there and she was a teenaged girl. Certain bits were creepy and really good ideas but I knew what was out there. Kestrel, NSW, 4 stars
A fast pace thriller that constantly left me guessing all the who’s and what’s. The short sharp chapters made it a breeze to read. And the multi-POV narration was easy to follow. I definitely liked some of the characters far more than others, and that made the read more subjective. Danae, TAS, 3 stars
The synopsis was intriguing to me but the story was a bit of a let down. Despite being spruiked as a ‘thriller’, I didn’t find it very thrilling. The characters weren’t likeable and towards the end I was actually hoping they’d all end up at the police station as I didn’t care much for them. While it was well written and fairly fast paced, this isn’t a book that will stick in my memory unfortunately Natalie, NSW, 3 stars
Barren Cape by Michelle Prak highlights the effect of homelessness and sense of frustration felt by people impacted by a housing crisis. Whilst I felt empathy for the characters and their situation, I struggled to really bond with any of them – adults or teenagers. They all seemed shallow, irresponsible and unbelievable. Mac was the only character who evoked some sympathy from me as she showed a sense of maturity, responsibility and genuine goodness which was lacking in all other characters. The double-barrelled ending was a disappointment and whilst the reader is expected to feel that Erica has behaved in this way to help Mac, I saw it as her saving her own skin. Perhaps it is my elderly age and this novel is more suited to young adults who may relate better to the characters? Overall, the story had some exciting moments where I wanted to keep reading and find out what happened, but generally the dialogue was uninspiring and the events inconceivable. The introduction of a stalker, which went nowhere, seemed a strange distraction from the actual storyline. Maree, ACT, 3 stars
I read this novel while holidaying on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the place where the author got her inspiration. But try as I might I couldn’t imagine such a menacing tale happening there. The plot, revolving around the housing crisis, was interesting but not always believable, especially when we realise that three separate ‘groups’ have chosen an abandoned development as their place to squat. I found it difficult to differentiate between the teens and the adults, their actions and language were often immature and childish. I failed to become emotionally involved with any of the characters, except maybe Mac and her plight. Maybe this author would appeal to a younger audience? Susan, VIC, 3 stars
Enjoyable story of friendship, trust, loyalty and perseverance. Loved the references to my home town of Adelaide and the demographics of the books characters. Great pace and storytelling where Barren Cape is like an onion with many layers. The relationships of Erika and Mac bring the story together well and offer you food for thought for us with a bestie or two. Would you stay or would you go? Great read. Mark, SA, 3 stars
Barren Cape is an almost cautionary tale of how quickly lives can slip into disarray, and how people of all walks of life can be affected. Michelle Prak writes each chapter from the point of view of the different main female characters. This means we are able to connect more deeply and emotionally to each character; even those we may not initially resonate with. With themes including homelessness, abuse, delinquency and murder, there is enough to sink your teeth into. The intensity definitely increases as the story unfolds. The reader is left guessing until the very end. Alicia, NSW, 3 stars
An abandoned resort, homeless housemates, delinquent teenagers and a dead body ! The premise of the novel ticked all the boxes for a fabulous psychological thriller, however, it was very slow moving and wasn’t a real page turner for me. Chapters shifting between three main protagonists , Mac, Erika and Brex, did work ( easy to follow) but there was a lack depth to all characters, I just felt I needed more! The twist at the end was a surprise …..Barren Cape wasn’t as compelling as Michelle Prak’s first novel The Rush! Ilona, VIC, 3 stars
An abandoned and isolated half-built luxury beach resort. A escaped prisoner. A homeless young woman and a trio of smartarse teenagers. Sounds like an interesting setup but in the end disappointing. There’s a few thrilling moments but mostly I just didn’t care about the characters and even though the story is fast moving some of the dialogue is just stupid. And why introduce the stalker character and do nothing important with him? Meh. Janelle, NSW, 2 stars
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