Paper Cage
Baragwanath, TomLorraine Henry may only be a records clerk for the Masterton police station, but she's a fount of knowledge about the 'ins' and 'outs' of the town. But now with two children missing, one of them her great-nephew Bradley, Lo has skin in the game and in conjunction with Justin Hayes, a Wellington detective, she becomes a vital cog in the investigation.
With its descriptive writing, its strong sense of place and its sharp-eyed protagonist, this is a slow-burn thriller that skilfully exposes the dark underbelly of small-town New Zealand. [Larger font]
Pages
312
312
Year
2022
2022
Reviews
14-05-2025
Most enjoyed the books, and the local social issues made for interesting conversation.
09-05-2025
This book led to a lot of discussion in our group. Most really enjoyed it. Lots of conversations around complex issues raised. One member said it was the best book she'd read.
07-05-2025
Very readable but not memorable.
07-05-2025
We all loved this book, although a couple of people found some small gaps in the storyline. Some found it a bit confusing at the beginning working out who the narrator was, but all agreed the second half was a real page-turner. Impressive first novel for the author.
08-04-2025
This book sparked a lot of debate. Some loved Lorraine , the "loose cannon", but most of us found her hard to believe. Some of us found it hard to get into and felt we had to suspend a lot of belief. Addressing the problems of neglectful parenting is one thing, but the solutions dreamed up by Mr. P defied belief.
07-04-2025
Mixed feelings about this book. Some really enjoyed it, some were disappointed about the ending thinking it was quite predictable. Some enjoyed the social comment within the story.
10-03-2025
Slow to get into, you had to stick with it. We enjoyed the story which had a nice flow. So small town N.Z.
06-03-2025
The social issues highlighted in this very readable novel stimulated thoughtful discussions. We enjoyed the scene settings, the familiarity of them.
24-02-2025
Engendered a lot of discussion, although there was a wide range of opinions regarding the genuineness of the book.
06-01-2025
Most in the group enjoyed this book, felt it was well written and realistic.
09-12-2024
Most of our group found the early chapters difficult to engage with - but interest grew with the tensions developed in the narrative. One member refused to read this book. Comments included - a perspective on social issues; greater understanding of this community the author was describing.
02-12-2024
Conflicting opinions in our group. Some enjoyed, others thought too unrealistic and narrow portrayal of area and population.
16-10-2024
One or two in the group didn't particularly like the book, but the rest of us LOVED it. The characters were very believable, his approach to the Maori-Pakeha divide was excellent. A very necessary discussion. We had a Maori perspective as one member part Maori, and another raised alongside Maori. We all benefited from reading this book.
29-08-2024
We all enjoyed this book. The depiction of a small N.Z. town and all its undercurrents with crime and gangs featured, was very well described. For a first novel it showed the author as a master of language and storytelling.
29-08-2024
Our club enjoyed this book - its raw language and blatant confrontation of topics in N.Z. society.
08-08-2024
A well written debut novel, with a sympathetic protagonist, that highlights the cultural divides that exist in rural NZ. As a Wellington based group, the Wairarapa setting was familiar and the descriptions of the local environment very accurate. The underbelly of this gentrified area of NZ and the racial arrogance of the Pakeha 'saviour' mentality provoked an interesting and lively discussion. There were some plot holes but otherwise an absorbing thriller.
07-08-2024
Mixed reviews. Nice (easy) to read a N.Z. novel related to community. Liked the style of writing but there were plot holes - evident to the police officer in our group! We found the questions particularly complex to consider.
15-07-2024
The group felt the actual story was far fetched and often wandered away from the storyline. The writing though was very good and the descriptions of small town N.Z. were accurate and believable.
06-06-2024
We must admit to bias with this book! As a Wairarapa group (ages 70-94) we delighted in the "local" content. Streets, rivers, places were all 'ours'! A good, pretty well-written story, which did bring up discussion regarding racism and the white/Pakeha - 'We are better than them" ending.
09-05-2024
Well-written for a first novel. We believe the author (known to one of our group) has had experience as a social worker so has written with substantial background knowledge and insight. Some of our group more aware and understanding of these themes. We all acknowledge it is a true and accurate portrayal. This made some of us uncomfortable admitting that it wouldn't worry us so much if about another cultural divide in another country.
24-04-2024
Thought provoking book - many ideas present that led to a good robust discussion.
17-04-2024
Overall 'Paper Cage' was enjoyed by everyone, and was a good reflection of small town life in New Zealand. Some considered the themes overstated and that the book would only be relatable to New Zealand readers. It reflected badly on N.Z. police, especially their lack of concern for the missing children. Hayes is an exception. It was an easy fast exciting read even though a little improbable at times. Some readers are looking forward to his next book.
15-03-2024
Group members mostly enjoyed this book. The author cleverly looks at the impact of racism, poverty and inequalities on crime solving and in communities in N.Z, while depicting a series of kidnappings.
11-03-2024
Enjoyed the book. Thank you.
22-02-2024
Everyone (bar one) enjoyed this. The author's description of N.Z. small towns and the countryside was very evocative. Suspense maintained. A part of N.Z. life most of us don't know about but very well-written and researched.
15-01-2024
Hard to get into for the first few chapters and then it gets very captivating and hard to put down. Would have liked more character descriptions. Enjoyed it being set in Aotearoa.
13-12-2023
Most people enjoyed the book, but didn't like the unresolved ending.
12-09-2023
All loved this novel. Easy read with good level of suspense. Some very thoughtful discussion on 'community secrets' and different layers of justice. Definitely a good read.