As an English major, my TBR (to-be-read list) is an endless mix of the latest viral books and friends’ recommendations. However, every time Charlotte McConaghy releases a new book, it goes straight to the top of my list. Over the past four years, I have fallen in love with the Australian novelist and screenwriter and her unique combination of thriller and mystery with romance and climate consciousness.
My first experience with Charlotte McConaghy was a Christmas gift from my grandmother during my senior year of high school. The book is called “Migrations” and — like most of her novels — deals with themes of climate change, mental health, mystery, suspense, and tumultuous relationships: the perfect recipe for a thrilling, eventful book full of social commentary.
“Migrations” follows a woman on an incredible journey as she tracks the last migration of a flock of birds. As climate change has ravaged the world, these birds become a symbol of last hope. With many twists and turns, this hopeful yet emotionally difficult story paralleled the ups and downs of my senior year. I would recommend this book to anyone going through a major change in their life.
At my grandparents’ ranch in the Northern California Mendocino mountains, I was transported to the highlands of a Scottish national park in McConaghy’s next book: “Once There Were Wolves.” This book’s themes explore the nuanced relationship between farmers and climate change. Since I’m from Northern California, this topic is a constant state of debate.
McConaghy weighs in on the question: How do we provide food for an entire country while still being eco-conscious and considering the effect on our climate?
“Once There Were Wolves” gives insight into both sides of the debate while simultaneously telling a thrilling murder mystery. To anyone who loves animals (especially wolves), and anyone who loves a suspenseful, tense story — I’d highly recommend this book.
I’m currently reading McConaghy’s newest novel — “Wild Dark Shore,” which was released in 2025! As I work my way through this book, I am stuck in suspense as I figure out new details with each chapter. Each character’s thoughts reveal a new aspect of the storyline and make me anxious to get to the end.
As with her other books, there is a continuous commentary on climate change and an enthralling, suspicious mystery that needs solving. I unravel it as I read and even find myself trying to put the pieces together in my head, when I should be focusing on my class. You should read this if you are interested in family dynamics, grief, loss, climate change, and intriguing mystery.
Charlotte McConaghy introduced me to the world of an “eco-thriller” novel. All because of a Christmas gift four years ago, I am anxiously awaiting her next novel, and you should be too. If you haven’t read any of these books, put them at the top of your TBR list today!