And though I never met Andrew McGahan, I owe him my thanks, too. Until I read his novel Last Drinks I didn’t know it was possible to write about my hometown and all its contradictions with honesty and affection. He was an incredible writer, gone too soon.

Kirsten Alexander was born in San Francisco, raised in Brisbane, and spent some years in London. She lives in Melbourne with her partner, two sons and two dogs. Her first novel was Half Moon Lake; this is her second.

Praise for Kirsten Alexander and Half Moon Lake

‘An impressive historical fiction debut . . . A captivating tale that explores the bonds between mother and child, the power of money and the importance of truth.’ Herald Sun

‘A gripping, nervy tale of identity, class and race . . . A strong original narrative, with a central mystery and an intriguing plot.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘By covering complex terrain, Half Moon Lake opens up an emotionally charged dialogue surrounding the choices we make and the lies we tell ourselves.’ The Age

‘This is why we read novels – to come across a story such as Kirsten Alexander’s Half Moon Lake . . . In its craft and psychological subtlety, Alexander’s story comes close to a masterpiece.’ Robert Hillman, bestselling author of The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted

‘An accomplished debut . . . The publisher’s blurb says the novel is about “the parent–child bond, identity, and what it means to be part of a family”. All true: but what the novel is really about is power.’ Australian Book Review

‘A thought-provoking tale of the lengths we go to in order to save those close to us – and ourselves. I was gripped throughout.’ Natasha Lester, bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress

‘An evocative, unputdownable story about every parent’s worst nightmare – losing a child . . . I highly recommend this novel.’ Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of The Mother-in-Law

‘Alexander’s thoughtful novel kept me engrossed and raised plenty of questions that had me thinking about the book long after I finished.’ Good Reading

‘This isn’t simply the story of a missing boy . . . it’s also a skilful exploration of multi-generational trauma, wrapped up in an engrossing mystery.’ Books+Publishing

‘A captivating novel . . . Transporting us to another time, [Alexander] takes readers to a world rife with injustice and prejudice, where the truth can be bought with gold and social appearances mean everything. For readers who enjoy both historical and thriller fiction, Half Moon Lake should be on your reading list.’ Better Reading

‘An incredibly strong debut that left me thinking about this book for weeks.’ Sam Still Reading

‘This book defies categorisation. Elements of mystery, true crime, family drama and social commentary are woven together seamlessly. Half Moon Lake should be read and re-read – devour it for the engrossing story, and return to it for the lyrical language.’ Meg Keneally, bestselling author of Fled

‘A truly mesmerising novel, beautifully written with such a strong sense of time and place.’ Theresa Smith Writes