Review by Lana McLean
Set against a rural Australian countryside, Aoife Clifford’s It Takes a Town unfolds in the small town of Welcome, where the death of the beloved Vanessa Walton shocks the community to its core. Known for her glamorous lifestyle and deep roots in the town, Vanessa’s untimely demise at the bottom of her staircase is quickly labelled a tragic accident by most—until young Jasmine Langridge, the stepdaughter of local MP Barton Langridge, stirs the pot with a bold accusation.
The novel thrives on the tension between appearance and reality, as the facade of a close-knit community begins to crumble. Clifford expertly portrays the town of Welcome as a place where everyone knows everyone, yet secrets are buried deep. Jasmine’s discovery of a threatening note in Vanessa’s handbag and her subsequent claim that Vanessa was murdered throws the town into chaos. When Jasmine suddenly disappears, fear and suspicion grip the town, transforming it into a pressure cooker of mistrust.
Clifford’s writing brilliantly captures the isolation of the rural setting while delving into the complexities of small-town dynamics and, having grown up in a small country town myself, I can attest to the validity of each, and every character portrayed in the town of Welcome (though the addition of an angry publican would’ve been more fitting to my experience). The characters are vividly drawn, with the town itself almost becoming a character—its serene exterior masking the darker undercurrents of envy, ambition, and desperation.
It Takes a Town is a gripping exploration of how fear and distrust can unravel even the most seemingly idyllic communities. Clifford’s ability to build suspense is masterful, as she layers the narrative with red herrings and unexpected twists. The plot moves with a steady pace, keeping readers engaged as they try to piece together the truth alongside the town’s residents.
This captivating read is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries that explore the dark side of human nature. Aoife Clifford has crafted a tale that leaves readers questioning how well they truly know their neighbours.
