Cirrus@Austlit

'A surfer who becomes horrifyingly one with the sea. A new mother’s devastating search for belonging. A stone gargoyle with a violent history. A fisher boy who discovers the real cost of forbidden love. A farmer whose delight at drought-breaking rain quickly turns to terror. A hedonistic rock star who manifests double trouble. A young girl’s chilling sacrifice for justice. A dirty ex-cop with a dirtier secret. An unscrupulous mayor’s solution to rid her city of the homeless…

'These are just some of the characters you’ll meet in this collection of dark offerings.

'From the harsh terrain of the Outback, to the depths of the Pacific Ocean, the wilds of Tasmania, dystopian futures, enchanted lands, and the familiarity of suburbia, Coralesque and Other Tales to Disturb and Distract takes readers on a journey into unsettling, unforgiving, and unforgettable territory.' (Publication summary)

'A winking gargoyle brought to Tasmania from dubious origins, A mysterious Antarctic research expedition leaves Hobart but doesn't seem to want to reach its destination, Noisy Tasmanian Devils at a remote campsite, Sinister black Currawong birds, A secret underwater cave at a popular tourist spot holds mysteries untold, The disappearance of Mount Kunanyi, A writer from overseas finds the Tassie writing retreat he's awarded reveals some secrets from his past, and puts his present in danger...

'All stories are set in Tasmania and written by Tasmanian-based authors or with a strong family connection.

'Providing all the ingredients for a dark journey into the imaginations of some of Tasmanias best dark fiction authors, Voume 1 of Dark Tas contains 7 short stories from 5 award-winning and emerging authors of dark fiction, offering a selection of styles and themes. It includes the Shirley Jackson Award-nominated/ shortlisted Novelette by Steve Dillon: Deeper, Darker Things.' (Publication summary)