Sceptre Highway Thirteen

Highway Thirteen is a gripping novel by Fiona McFarlane that delves into the complex themes of crime, grief, and the public perception of tragedies. The story unfolds around the arrest of an apparently ordinary Australian man in 1998, who is charged with a series of brutal murders. These events not only shake the affected families but also cast a shadow over the society trying to comprehend the horrors. McFarlane employs stylish and lyrical prose to develop the characters deeply and illuminate the emotional impact of the crimes. The novel spans various geographical and temporal levels, from the perpetrator's childhood to modern narratives in podcasts and biographies. Highway Thirteen prompts reflection on how communities cope with such horrific events and whether it is possible to tell true crime stories without placing the perpetrators at the center.