In the Clearing

Pomare’s new novel, In the Clearing, is written with a technical aplomb that proves his first was no fluke. There’s no doubt about it: Pomare is a master of the carefully constructed, impeccably paced psycho-thriller. - The Australian

There are lots of premium crime-fiction offerings this summer, but this bloodcurdling exploration of the asphyxiating grip of a cult on its followers deserves to be at the top of your pile. - The New Daily

Pomare alternates between Freya and Amy’s stories in ways that challenge the reader to work out how these two characters connect, gradually revealing the secrets of the past until all the pieces of the puzzle fit satisfyingly, although somewhat unsettlingly, together. - Sydney Morning Herald

Both his books are testament to the fact that he could be one of the most exciting literary thriller authors to come out of the country. - The Saturday Paper

If J.P. Pomare’s Call Me Evie was a slow-burner of a psychological thriller, his follow-up, In the Clearing, is a pared-back firecracker. - Books+Publishing

In the Clearing will keep you on the edge of your seat and wide awake until you’ve raced to the end. A true psychological thriller that is totally believable and which will stay with you long after you’ve finished. - Herald Sun

Clear your schedules, because after reading page one you won’t be able to stop. In The Clearing is another breathtaking page-turner from the author of Call Me Evie. A dark, chilling, atmospheric thriller populated with mysterious and wonderfully flawed characters. - Christian White, bestselling author of THE NOWHERE CHILD

Pomare’s writing is clear and precise, with not a word wasted. The characters are especially well drawn, developed patiently and with empathy … It is the plot, however, of In the Clearing that is especially impressive - ambitious, audacious, and masterfully rendered. - Australian Book Review

J.P. POMARE is an award-winning author whose debut novel, Call Me Evie (2018), won the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. In the Clearing (2019) was made into a Disney+ Original Series, The Clearing, while Tell Me Lies (2020) was a #1 Audible bestseller and was shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel and the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. The Last Guests (2021) was critically acclaimed and made into a Stan Original TV series, Watching You. His fifth book, The Wrong Woman (2022), was a top-ten bestseller and was highly acclaimed, as was Home Before Night (2023). 17 Years Later (2024) was shortlisted for both the 2025 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction and the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel, and is currently being adapted for the screen. The Gambler is his eighth novel.

J.P. Pomare was born in New Zealand and lives in Melbourne with his wife and daughter.