The Grapevine

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What to expect

'I absolutely couldn't stop reading . . . It took me hostage'
Marian Keyes

'Lively, original . . . packed with tension'
Janice Hallet

'A revealing close-up of a claustrophobic community. I loved it'
Jennie Godfrey

'Deeply impressive . . . The final twist is devastating'
The Times

Australia, 1979.


It's the height of summer and on a quiet suburban cul-de-sac a housewife is scrubbing the yellow and white chequered tiles of her bathroom floor. But all is not as it seems. For one thing, it's 3 a.m. For another, she is trying desperately to remove all traces of blood before they stain. Her husband seems remarkably calm, considering their neighbour has just been murdered.

As the sun rises on Warrah Place, news of Antonio Marietti's death spreads like wildfire, gossip is exchanged in whispers and suspicion mounts. Twelve-year-old Tammy launches her own investigation, determined to find out what happened, but she is not the only one whose well-meaning efforts uncover more mysteries than they solve. There are secrets behind every closed door in the neighbourhood - and the identity of the murderer is only one of them . . .

Richly atmospheric and simmering with tension, The Grapevine is an acutely observed debut novel about prejudice and suspicion, the hidden lives of women, and how the ties that bind a community can also threaten to break it.

What readers are saying about The Grapevine:


'A brilliant debut novel' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A gripping suburban drama steeped in mystery and neighbourhood intrigue' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A compelling blend of psychological suspense and domestic drama' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'An absolutely brilliant read which I couldn't consume quick enough. And that plot twist at the end!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Kept me up all night' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Critics Review

From its shocking opening to its impeccable conclusion, The Grapevine is a cleverly revealing close-up of a claustrophobic community. I loved it
Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things
The Grapevine by Kate Kemp is a lively, original murder mystery set in 1970s Australia, where twelve-year-old Tammy is determined to investigate the murder of Antonio, whose severed foot is intensifying the already choking claustrophobia of a small town community. Beautifully written and acutely observed, this is a story where women of all ages are centre stage and the intertwining relationships between families, friends and neighbours drive a story that's packed with tension and intrigue. The Grapevine is such an elegant, sophisticated read, I can't believe it's a debut. Kate Kemp is definitely one to watch
Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
I absolutely loved The Grapevine. Brilliantly gripping and atmospheric, with such great characters - secrets, lies and all
Sarah Brooks, author of The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands
Generous, ingeniously plotted and teeming with memorable characters, this finely observed novel brims with wit on every page. The Grapevine is a darkly compelling story about love, family, community and the friendships that sustain us
Margaret Meyer, author of The Witching Tide
An atmospheric, richly observed debut set in 1970s suburban Australia. Immersive and compelling from first page to last. I loved it
Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time
Deliciously dark and acutely observed, reading it is like being in the story. I could see the curtains twitch as I uncovered the secrets, and there were lots of them. This is a claustrophobic read with a shocking (and very satisfying) end, I inhaled it
Nikki May, author of This Motherless Land
A wonderful debut. I loved it and was utterly captivated by Kate Kemp's writing - one of those rare writers who made me laugh whilst also breaking my heart. Tammy especially will stay with me for a long time
Emily Elgar, author of The Herd
Full of wonderful characters, a gripping plot and great writing. I loved it and couldn't wait to return to it each night. Such a fantastic story
Orla Owen, author of Christ on a Bike
The Grapevine was a joy to read. Its flowing, witty prose and deft characterisation transported me effortlessly into a small suburban street in 1970s Australia where murder has occurred, opening up the lives of its inhabitants for inspection. It's a cleverly constructed page-turner, endowed with empathy and insight, but the standout for me was how accurately - and often very amusingly - Kate Kemp captured the detail and dialogue of the era. My reading experience was littered with oh yes! moments. Bravo
Dianne Yarwood, author of The Wakes
A beautifully written, claustrophobic and compelling mystery where secrets and lies hide behind closed doors. Kate Kemp is a writer to watch
Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes
I absolutely adored this debut, which instantly creeps up on you. The Grapevine is claustrophobic and sharp, with a dry wit - an unapologetically feminist novel with a suspenseful murder right at the centre
Lucy Rose, author of The Lamb
Superb . . . written with effortless grace, it's a rich tapestry of a book that's psychologically astute. The wit and humour is incisive
Chris Bridges, author of Sick to Death
Secrets, lies, and a sweltering summer in a Canberra suburb . . . The Grapevine is a wonderfully-written debut about the secrets we keep from each other and ourselves. Yes, there's a murder, and yes there are some stunning twists along the way, but what really kept me hooked was the brilliantly-drawn relationships between the neighbours of Warrah Place. The simmering tension, and Kate Kemp's sublime observation of the intricacies of human behaviour, means the novel sizzles towards an explosive conclusion that left my jaw on the floor. I adored it
Emma Cowing, author of The Show Woman
Deeply impressive . . . the final twist is devastating. Barbara Vine would have approved
The Times
Secrets and prejudices proliferate like wildfire . . . gloriously evocative
Observer
Extremely well-rendered . . . This dry, sharp and atmospheric debut is well worth the read
Guardian
I can wholeheartedly recommend this exceptional debut . . . Deserves to be a big hit
Bookseller
A great suburban mystery
i Paper
A great read that totally pulls you in and brims with simmering tension throughout
Prima

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