Poison Bay is a journey of self-discovery in the same mould as Deliverance (without the duelling banjos) and Lord of the Flies (without the kids) and, on a lighter note, City Slickers (without the laughs), but up there with them in the memorability stakes. I’ll definitely be on the look-out for Belinda Pollard’s next novel.
The writing is wonderful – at times I felt I was there alongside the characters in the cold and relentless rain on the side of a mountain in New Zealand. This is a story about greed and revenge and how they can destroy lives... friendship and teamwork and parents’ love for their children... survival of the elements, mistrust and faith. I rarely write the over-used term ‘page-turner’, but in this case it is fully justified ... I have no hesitation in recommending it to mystery/thriller readers or those that like a tale set in the wild outdoors.
Suspenseful and nearly impossible to put down, the story grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them guessing as deeper layers slowly begin to reveal themselves. … Poison Bay is a diligent study of human behavior, of how tragedy can unhinge us and desperation can motivate us; it also examines the way we look at people, as Callie begins to understand her misguided teenage fancies and sees the merit in people she had always overlooked for their simplicity.
It is a hugely enjoyable read, which had me guessing throughout. It is packed with action and full of gripping description of one of New Zealand's most remote and magnificent landscapes. I felt I was there, with the (gradually dwindling) group, smelling and seeing, touching and experiencing savage nature in all her glory for better and worst. I also thoroughly enjoyed the way the author seamlessly wove the mountain rescue team's story with the main story.
Eight people start out on a trek in New Zealand’s wilderness. Eight people are supposed to die, and this is the story of a fight for survival. ... I love stories that transport me to a different world, suck me into the lives and emotions of others so that I become unaware of my surroundings ... (Curled up on my sofa in front of the fire is not actually the same as being on a precarious ledge on a mountain while being battered by wind and driving rain and wondering whether someone has me in the sights of a rifle, but in my mind I was RIGHT THERE!) The characters are well written – not just the eight friends, but the anxious mother and the tenacious police officer as well. ... It is clear also that Belinda Pollard has carried out thorough research. If you like mysteries or stories about the outdoors, I can’t recommend this book highly enough.