Review of 'Rumour Has It' by Karly Lane

Review of 'Rumour Has It' by Karly Lane

Release date: December 2nd, 2025

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

REVIEW

With Rumour Has It, Karly Lane proves once again what a great story teller she is. This page turning murder mystery with a healthy heaping of romance kept me enthralled with its intriguing twists and turns and delicious surprises. Once I started I could not put it down and completed it in a day! I always feel at home reading a Karly Lane novel. Her characters are realistic and her plots ingenious. And her varied themes explore and resonate with a number of human experiences and emotions. So it’s always a pleasure to dive into a new story she has created.

Rumour Has It begins with a welcoming description that is so divine you can imagine the sweet scent of Aubree’s candles and hear the tinkle of the bell over the door as it opens. It is such a nostalgic scene with a homey atmosphere. It is easy to see why Aubree is proud of her shop (and the independence it offers her). I could picture all the ‘quirks and charms of a hundred-and-six-year old building.’ That is ‘tucked under a wide verandah’ running the ‘full length of Dalhousie’s Main Street.’ Karly provides an inviting description that allows me to visualise this characterful shop and its natural surroundings of rural beauty. Who wouldn’t want to work in a place like that? But many thought Aubree was mad to move there because numerous shopfronts were empty at the time. She wasn’t worried, though, as most of her business was online. Ironically after she settled, people began to drift from the cities into town, seeking a quieter location. And so a resurgence in the community happened and she became busier than ever.

The magic and allure of the location continues through the first three paragraphs. Until the door opens again and the tone and sound changes from a tinkle to a frantic jingle, signifying something is about to happen that may not be good. ‘Red-headed whirlwind’ Ronnie, Aubree’s best friend, rushes inside with news that will set up the mystery elements of the plot. Paul Sullivan, the pharmacist is missing. His wife, Irene, had an affair with businessman Bruce, Aubree’s ex-father-in-law. We learn more about this ‘quiet, churchgoing woman in her late sixties,’ and how the news of this unlikely couple rocked the town. And we hear what kind of person Bruce is, too. There’s lots of small town chatter and gossip about this man who has upset quite a few people’s worlds. But is there a connection between him and Paul Sullivan disappearing?

There are a number of colourful characters in this story and each one is well defined. And while the mystery of the missing pharmacist is waiting to be solved, another person enters the scene also looking for the infamous Bruce. Beau Huxley rides in on his motorcycle, back into the town that caused him ‘rage and heartbreak’ many years ago. Since then— he has been around the world, seen a lot. Now he has returned to get answers. But while visiting Dalhousie, he bumps into Aubree, his old flame. And the embers of their passion ignite again. Will they get a second chance?

The dual timeline flashbacks worked well within this novel’s format as it shows us Aubree’s and Beau’s past together. I won’t say what happened or how they were split up but now that he is back, many interesting things start to happen. I really enjoyed the romantic elements and the delightful connection between these two who deserve to be together. Aubree’s past failed marriage is reasonably explored. And we get to know her grown children and their integral parts in her current life. There’s important personal development all around in the positive characters. And the villains, well, they are exposed as expected. But there will be some surprises and plot twists.

There is a lot going on in this novel: there’s a romance at its heart but also a murder mystery. And a man has been unjustly accused and served a sentence. Our hero, Beau, is determined to set things right.

As the truths in this novel unfold, we get a clear picture of what it is like to live in a small town and to nurture a relationship. Everyone knows everyone and gossip and rumours abound. And the ‘grapevine’ becomes the gospel that fuels actions and reactions. Words are powerful as they can slice or repair. Wounds may be long lasting but healing is possible. Relationships can mend with love and forgiveness. Wrongs can be challenged through rectification.

Rumour Has It is an appropriate title for this inspiring novel. I loved every page. I sympathised with the characters over their dilemmas. I was charmed by the re-ignition of a special romance. And I was surprised by the outcome of the mystery. But I was uplifted by the foundation of this novel’s focus on family: a sense of belonging and finding your home. Love is the fuel that provides strength. Hope is the harbour for change. Faith is the key for courage. I am always refreshed by the wisdom, wonder and warmth I see and feel in Karly Lane’s books. I cannot praise her work enough and Rumour Has It is another winner. She’s a champion of heart-warming, meaningful stories that shine a light on the unique features of rural communities. 5 Glowing Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for a review copy.