The Grapevine

January 1979 in a suburb of Canberra. It is another hot summer and the residents of Warrah Place are feeling the heat. Then a man's foot is found in the bush nearby. The foot is recognised as belonging to one of the residents, Antonio.

As the police investigate what happened to Antonio the secrets of the residents are revealed. This is a community where everyone wants to know their neighbours' business. The novel also provides an overview of life in Canberra in 1979, especially the life of women. Attitudes to migrants who have recently arrived in Australia is also a focus of the novel. Life and attitudes in the 1970s were very different from today.

Twelve year old Tammy is determined to find out what happened to Antonio but she is not always successful. Meanwhile as the police investigation continues, the relationships of many of the inhabitants of Warrah Place begin to disintegrate.

The Grapevine by Kate Kemp, although a crime / mystery novel is very much a study of relationships and prejudices in a closed community. 

The Grapevine - review by Sally Nimon.