The Cuckoo’s Cry is the thirteenth novel by Australian journalist and author, Caroline Overington. When Morgan turns up on his doorstep with her request for help, Don Barlow has no reason not to trust her: she knows all about the boy he fathered back before he married Pam (not that this was ever a big secret), so her claim to be his granddaughter is convincing.

It’s just before Australia locks down for COVID, she has lost her nannying job and is estranged from her dad, his son Paul, so she needs a place to stay. Don has a house in Bondi with plenty of room and has been missing Pam since she died, so welcomes the company.

When Don’s daughter, Danielle learns of Morgan’s presence, she’s aghast that he could so easily admit a stranger into his life. And yes, Morgan does seem to be doing all the right things with her father, and yes, Danielle allows that she might be who she says, but her suspicion that Morgan is intent on scamming Don out of house and home won’t abate.

Even more annoying is how much everyone: Don, his neighbours, and even Danielle’s husband and their daughters (via Skype), like the young woman. But perhaps her chagrin has an element of guilt? The last few years have been so busy with their boutique hotel and restaurant up in Scone, and it’s true that they have neglected visiting a dad and grandpa who is understandably lonely since being widowed.

Like any nineteen-year-old, Morgan seems glued to her phone. But who is this Bayley she’s regularly texting?

Overington’s story premise is completely credible and it’s interesting to see where she takes it. The high index of suspicion that the reader will have about Morgan is confused a little by her benign, even caring, behaviour towards Don. Is she just a very good actress? There’s an unexpectedly exciting climax that involves a gun and a rooftop, and the ironic twist that precedes the wholly realistic conclusion is quite satisfying. Excellent Aussie fiction.