Your Preview Verdict: Gemini Falls by Sean Wilson

A great coming of age story where the vast differences between city and country, and the ‘them and us’ of the great depression displaced workforces of the 1930s is mixed together with a murder and memories of a life which had to all extents and purposes been buried from family. It seems everyone has a secret and strangers (even ones returning after years of absence) are treated as outsiders and viewed with suspicion. I found it very easy and enjoyable to read and feel it has a lot to offer readers of all ages. It could easily have turned into a ‘young adult’ book but the author has masterfully interwoven plots to keep us all guessing to the very end. The story is full of intrigue, murder and mystery with a lot of humour. Highly recommended. Terry, SA, 5 Stars

“Gemini Falls” is an awesome soul searching, emotionally raw and in parts disturbing read. This debut by Sean Wilson could well become an iconic Australian story. The main characters, Jude Turner, son Morris (the narrator) and daughter Lottie reminded me of Atticus Finch and his children Jem and Scout. I liked the historical backdrop of the Great Depression and how it is cleverly woven into the story. Congratulations to the author on some excellent research. Together with the menacing threat of polio hanging over them the book details how people had to fight for their being on many levels often forgoing their basic rights as human beings. In 1930 there was no polio vaccination and also no social security support. I found some sense of parallel to finding our way through the COVID pandemic and the current housing crisis. Times of crisis bring out the best and the worst of human nature. It was sad to read how people were judged and discriminated against because of the way they were forced to live. Wouldn’t it be great to see “Gemini Falls” being made into a movie! Being gifted an advance reading copy has been a privilege, thank you to Better Reading and Affirm Press. Susan, QLD, 5 Stars

Gemini Falls is a historical fiction coming of age story set in Melbourne & rural Australia during the polio pandemic outbreak. Told through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Morris, Wilson has accurately captured the angst and innocence of childhood on the cusp of adulthood. I thoroughly enjoyed Wilson’s writing and found it reminiscent of Silvey’s Jasper Jones, Brandi’s Wimmera and Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe. I would highly recommend this book and can see it being made for the screen as well. Mel, NSW, 5 Stars

A young woman is found murdered in a small country mining town. A Melbourne police detective is sent to solve the crime. He is returning with his motherless children to the town where he grew up. The younger children join forces with their cousin and a friend to try and solve the murder themselves. I loved these kids, forefathers of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. I couldn’t put this book down, read it in a day. Buy it, read it, love it. Lynda, SA, 5 Stars

What a fantastic debut novel Sean Wilson has written. I have to be honest I love a great Aussie who dunnit story and this novel delivers. The well developed characters and intriguing storyline make this book very hard to put down. Expect to lose some sleep wanting to finish this book. I highly recommend. Trudy, SA, 5 Stars

Gemini Falls by Sean Wilson is a murder mystery set in rural Victoria in the 1930’s. A young woman has been killed and Melbourne detective Jude Turner is sent back to his small home town of Gemini to investigate. Reluctant companions are Jude’s 13 year old son Morris and older daughter Lottie who are both still coming to terms with their own mother’s death. In an interesting twist that does work well, the story is told in the first person and from the viewpoint of young Morris who teams up with his detective novel obsessed cousin Flo to try to find the killer. The threat of polio and the growing hopelessness of people made homeless and desperate as the Great Depression takes hold adds to the air of menace that allows suspicion to fall on a number of townsfolk and members of the shanty town that has grown up on the outskirts of Gemini. Sean Wilson creates scenes of great beauty as Morris falls under the spell of the bush and the wide skies intermingled with tension and brutality as the search for the killer reaches its shocking climax. Dianne, QLD, 5 Stars

Gemini Falls by Sean Wilson would make a wonderful Australian movie! The novel has a great setting-scene of the Australian bush land and depicts the atmosphere and feeling of the time during the 1930’s Great Depression. I can just see Russell Crow in the role of Jude Turner, the father of the leading character Morris Turner and a respected Detective. Morris, together with his father and sister, return to the family farm in Gemini to investigate and solve a mysterious murder of a young girl. It is in this little town where Morris begins to learn about his families past and to acknowledge his fear and anxiety caused by the loss of his mother. Morris’s strength is shown by the way he respects his father’s lessons and the way he befriends people. This is a great novel that draws you into a fantastic scene-setting of the rugged Australian bush land and its people. I would recommend to both family and friends who love an Australian crime mystery novel. Raffaela, VIC, 5 Stars

This was another book that was hard to put down. From the start to the finish, I was drawn into the lives Morris and his family. Intrigued by the family dynamics and interaction with the wider community and the deep secrets that threaten to change long held perceptions. Cath, ACT, 5 Stars

Gemini Falls is a coming-of-age story with a definite ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ feel. The story is told by 13-year-old Morris whose father, Detective Jude Turner returns to the small rural town of Gemini Falls to solve a murder. Soon after his arrival, Morris is conscripted by his cousin Florence, and her friend Sam to run their own investigation. There are a number of suspects for them to consider and although they do end up identifying the murderer, this is due more to luck than their investigative skills. For me, watching Morris grow and develop an understanding of his world and others through his experiences and under his father’s guidance was as intriguing as the solving of the murder. I loved the expert way Sean Wilson uses words and images to paint the unique description of a small town gripped by the hardship of the Depression and the people who are trying to survive there. A great read. Leigh, QLD, 5 Stars

Sean Wilson has beautifully captured the essence of growing up in Australia in the 1930s in his first book Gemini Falls. His main character Morris Turner is a likeable, curious and deep thinking thirteen-year-old with a strong sense of right. I really found myself relating strongly to this young teen and his friends. This book was a real page turner for me. I found myself staying up late to read what happened next. Morris’ anxiety was palpable as the tensions rose and the teens got closer to solving the murder that occurred in his father’s hometown of Gemini Falls. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good crime solving novel. I can’t wait to read Sean’s next book! Michelle, TAS, 5 Stars

Seen through the experiences of 13yr old Morris and set in Victoria during the 1930’s Sean Wilson’s Gemini Falls is a memorable Australian novel. Together with his children, Morris and Lottie, Detective Jude Turner returns to his home town of Gemini Falls to investigate a young girls murder. Staying at the family property Morris finds himself trying to understand the strangers who are his relatives. Together with his young ‘detective want-to-be’ cousin, and others, Morris is drawn into investigating the secrets of the small town. The reader is easily drawn into the life of this isolated community struggling with deprivation; unemployment; the effects of the Great Depression; unwelcome and destitute “camp” dwellers; the polio epidemic; family secrets and violence. We are given a vivid reminder of how tough life was for all society during that period. I appreciated the patient wisdom of Jude and the bond he had with his son. Helping Morris make sense of his world often likening it to the ancient stories of the night sky. This is a well structured, intriguing novel with a surprise ending. Gemini Falls is well worth reading and I’d welcome seeing it converted to the screen one day. Neville, NSW, 5 Stars

It is Melbourne 1930 , the time of the Depression and polio. Detective Jude Turner is asked to investigate the murder of a young girl in the country town he left many years ago. He takes his young children Morris and Lottie with him where they meet the family that they never knew. Morris makes friends with his cousin Flo, who looks detective novels, and together with Sam, the Mayor’s son they decide that they are going to solve the case. Morris is shy and likes nothing better than to gaze at the stars through the telescope and recall their stories that their father taught him. The town is different from the city and the camps of the homeless are on the edge. He learns that people are not always what they seem and he learns the family secrets. Liz, VIC, 5 Stars

Told from the point of view of a thirteen-year-old boy (Morris), this book is set during the early years of the Great Depression in Australia. It is a book about relationships – family, friends and community – the secrets held, the struggles, the importance they hold in giving us strength to get through the tough times. So many life lessons were learned by young Morris during his time in Gemini, summed up best by this quote: “Maybe the world is a place that needs us to be strong, makes us change into a size that helps us hold the words we can’t say so we can help each other, keep each other from hurting.” This is a lovely book, perfect for anyone who loves to read about the human condition. Lee, ACT, 5 Stars

Gemini Falls begins with echoes of other Australian novels I have loved such as Jane Harper’s, The Dry, and Mark Brandi’s, The Others – not so much the style of writing as the subject matter. The central character here is also the narrator with events explained from his youthful point of view. The novel is set in the Depression years in Australia, a time of poverty and polio. The action takes place in both the city and a small coal mining town in the hinterland. It begins with a brutal murder, and the reason for the narrator’s detective father to return to his hometown of Gemini Falls. It’s a mystery to be solved or not. Author, Sean Wilson, keeps up the pace, and with enough ‘cliffhangers’ to keep your attention focussed on the story. Gemini Falls is both the name of the coal mining town, and a nod to the star gazing theme which intertwines with the story. An excellent debut novel from an already seasoned writer. Chris, NSW, 5 Stars

Gemini Falls is a suspenseful, gripping tale. Even though the setting is 90 years ago it is easy to relate to the events, the people, and the intrigue. It’s one hell of a story keeping its secrets till the very end. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars

This is a fantastic debut by Sean Wilson, historical fiction that combines a coming-of-age story with crime mystery. Sean’s writing was able to transport me back to the 1930s and polio epidemic; the closest I’ll ever get to living in that era. I liked the small town feel of it, and it somewhat reminded me of Australian classic, Jasper Jones, as it’s told from the perspective of Morris, a highly perceptive 12-year-old. It was a slow-burn at first, but with multiple mysteries, I found myself hooked, and wanting to solve everything along with Morris, his sister Lottie, their detective Dad and friends. The dialogue was excellent and I was not surprised to later discover Sean Wilson is a playwright – it shows! Very well-written, highly engaging. I really enjoyed this one and can see why Sean was signed to a two-book deal! Rowan, TAS, 5 Stars

GEMINI FALLS By Sean Wilson Gemini Falls is a WONDERFUL story. I loved it from start to finish. I’d like another 300 pages please, Sean. On the back cover, someone wrote that story was reminiscent of Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD which is a favourite of mine. I couldn’t agree more with this comparison. The storyteller is Morris, a 13year, whose voice is still in my head. His father, a policeman, is sent back to his hometown, Gemini, to investigate a murder. The story revolves around Morris, his cousin Flo and her friend Sam who set out to solve the murder mystery too. The story flows quietly with Sean using fantastic words to paint a vivid picture of life in the 1930’s depression in an Australian rural setting. Life is grim and tough! Even though everything is seen through the kids’ eyes, this is still a thriller. A predictable ending – no not quiet which I thought was great and different. Loved it! Thank you Better Reading for giving me the opportunity to read Gemini Falls. We waited 60 years for Harper Lee’s sequel so I hope we don’t have to wait that long for a sequel to Gemini Falls. Sharon, ACT, 5 Stars

Morris Turner, a curious thirteen year old, and his big sister Lottie, live in suburban Melbourne in the 1930’s, where the Great Depression has a hold and polio is tearing neighbours apart. When their dad, Jude, a detective, is pulled back to his home town of Gemini to help solve a murder, they never realised how their lives would change. In a town like Gemini, where the 800 locals know each other and each others business, solving a murder should be easy. But everyone has secrets and mysteries. Local children, Flo & Sam team up with Morris to help solve the case, but being so young can mean trusting and listening to the wrong people. An enjoyable crime mystery with a great depiction of life during the Depression, I found myself forgetting the narration is of a thirteen year old as I was drawn into the story. Amanda, VIC, 4 Stars

Set during the Great Depression a murder occurs in a small town called Gemini. The book is written from the perspective of 13 year old Morris. His Dad, a detective in Melbourne takes the family to his home town of Gemini to solve the murder. The book is well written and sets the scene so that you can easily picture what the author describes. The book reveals a number of mysterys which come to light throughout the book. Meaghan, ACT, 4 Stars

If ever there was a novel that kept the reader wondering and interested in a time long gone, it has to be Gemini Falls ..wonderfully crafted by Sean Wilson. He completely immerses you in the era of the 1930 Great Depression. Morris, 13, a passionate would be astronomer and his older sister, Lottie, accompanied their detective father, Jude, to his home town .. where he’d been sent to investigate a murder. With polio rampant in the city, he felt his children would be safer in the country. They would also meet family for the first time. A young girl’s body was found in puzzling circumstances.. Morris is led by his ‘new’ cousin, Flo, who proclaims that they and Sam, the Mayor’s son, should do their own investigation. Town folk are convinced that the ‘down and outers’ in the nearby squalid camp are to blame. The three children are soon convinced that they have found the perpetrator, but that was to change a few times.. with perhaps the most unlikely murderer finally being identified. An intriguing story, not easily forgotten. Thanks to Better Reading and Affirm Press for an Advance Reading Copy to review. Chris, QLD, 4 Stars

Engrossing story combining a murder mystery, family history and a coming-of-age story of Morris the thirteen-year-old narrator. Set in the 1930’s in rural Victoria during the depression era, the writing transports you back in time and you get a real feel of the frustrations, poverty and struggles families contended with. Morris’s father, Jude is detective who takes Morris and his sister Lottie back to his rural hometown to investigate a murder. The stories unfolded gradually at a reasonable pace that kept me enthralled with an unexpected twist at the end. Julie, QLD, 4 Stars

This novel is a slow burning murder/mystery set in the country town of Gemini falls. Morris, a young boy, is the main character, and his father is the lead detective on the murder case. Morris along with his older sister Lottie and their father all move to the titular town from Melbourne, staying with relatives until the case is solved. Morris and his new friends are well described and interesting kids whose desire to help solve the murder moves the plot along. The culmination of the story was not rushed giving full satisfaction to the twist at the end. A good debut, looking forward to more by this author. Kristy, NSW, 4 Stars

This beautifully constructed, intriguing story is written from the perspective of 13year old Morris, who is an anxious teen. It’s part who-dunnit, and part a story of loss of childhood innocence, woven into our 1930s Aussie history by threads that include the depression and the polio epidemic, and embroidered by mental health issues, the struggle of life on the land, murder, fear, prejudice and gossip in a small rural town. Another thread is the undercurrent that runs through the entire story, then a top layer where Jude uses the night sky to explain his philosophy of life to his two children. The plot is intriguing and the characters are relatable. I could see my family lurking in the background with their own struggles. I am thrilled to be able to pass this book on to my teenager, knowing it is suitable for him. I loved going on this journey with Morris. I think you will be too. Liesl, NSW, 4 Stars

Sean Wilson’s Gemini Falls makes for a very impressive debut read. It’s an edge-of-your-seat whodunnit novel that keeps you guessing right up to the very end. The characters are all well-developed and intriguing. I enjoyed the undertones of Great Depression class politics and felt that they added to the foreboding atmosphere of the novel. Wilson’s background as a playwright also shines through. With the narrative tone flowing beautifully and character dialogue always feeling well-constructed. Overall this is an excellent melding of the historical and crime fiction genres and I look forward to reading Wilson’s upcoming work. Penelope, QLD, 4 Stars

‘Gemini Falls’ by Sean Wilson is a slow burn, building up anticipation as the reader must wait patiently to discover the identity of the killer, what is really going on in the town and the people living there. The novel grabs you and you will not want to let you go! It delivers thrills, shocks and surprises, and even though it is a slow progression the thrills continue to the final page. It is written from the perspective of 12-year-old Morris. As a child narrator, sometimes he sees things very clearly, and sometimes his vision is blurry. The story is superbly well written. It’s part a coming-of-age story for Morris. The story would have been a lot darker had it not been told from a child’s perspective. I really enjoyed the blending of an historical coming of age story and a murder mystery. Whilst the crime provides the framework for the novel, it’s the narrator that provides me with the highlight. As his father investigates the murder of a teenager in his old hometown, seeing the world through the eyes of Morris is a fascinating experience. Sam, QLD, 4 Stars

Gemini Falls by Sean Wilson is more of a coming of age story against the backdrop of a crime story than a story focused on the crime itself. This would suit readers who are most interested in the growth of the young hero, Morris, and his journey in uncovering his personal family mysteries rather than those who want to methodically work on solving a detective puzzle. The story is a slow-burn – immersing us in the small Australian town atmosphere. The details of astronomy and legend that name the town scattered through the book add another layer of interest. Rebecca, NSW, 3 Stars