Any decent literary small town roils with secrets, and Mululuk stands in that tradition, the perfect milieu for sordidness. Affairs, past insults, tested friendships, and bad habits are all laid bare as Austin weaves her complex plot between shifting perspectives in sleek, elegant prose. The interplay between the characters and the reader is reminiscent of a comedy of errors, albeit without the humour, and it is entirely engaging. The reader is privy to the truth behind every misunderstanding, misconception, and superstition that assail Austin’s well drawn, grounded characters. Bridges, Charlie knows, demand a sacrifice to remain standing, while Gussy hunts a more earthly saboteur, and Father Nott would rather neither of them speak to Richard. While All Fall Down isn’t exactly a thriller, a delicious tension is maintained throughout. Each revelation adds to an increasing foreboding that reaches its climax throughout the final stunning and satisfying scenes.