Cirrus@Austlit

'How much is a baby worth?

'Career politician Vann Willis is on track to find out when a blast rips through her electoral office. Her Inquiry into forced adoptions and surrogacy stirs up bad blood and uncovers crooked deals. To get to the truth she forms an unlikely partnership with Seth VerBeek, an investigative journalist.

'Together, they explore the seamy side of Maidenhead, a gothic homestead that was once a country hideaway for pregnant teenagers. Now, enclosed in an electrified fence, it has become an enterprise that is far more sinister.

'For Vann and Seth each step unleashes a new challenge. Dark secrets emerge. Threats are made on Vann's life. One relationship ends while another blossoms.

At the heart of the mystery is the baby farm.' (Publication summary)

'A scarlet key

'A bittersweet secret

'A corpse with cryptic tattoos

'When an envelope with a key and address lands on his newsroom desk, Seth VerBeek is thrust into a thrilling new crime adventure. The reporter's challenge is to identify the body of a tattooed lady. Why and how did she die? Above all, he must live up to his reputation: Seth VerBeek will know what to do.

'The cast of unforgettable characters includes a psychic tattooist, a greyhound trainer, a retired art teacher with an outrageous plan, and a personal handyman who fixes matters of the heart. Each character's story unfolds like a slow striptease. Layers of subterfuge come off one by one until all is laid bare.

'The Scarlet Key is a page-turner that tackles themes of positive ageing, finding love, psychic healing, forgiveness, and end-of-life choices.' (Publication summary)