Cirrus@Austlit

'From the author of the international bestsellers, Outback and Paradise, Patricia Wolf returns to the red dirt of Australia in this compelling sequel.

'DS Lucas Walker's half-sister Grace is visiting from Boston, and he is determined to finally prioritise family over work and spend a week introducing her to her Australian family. Plans change, however, when he discovers that his cousin Blair needs help to return home from a tiny, remote opal mining town, so he and Grace set off on a rescue mission to Kanpara. A life- changing opal discovery, murder, floods and vigilantes turn the planned overnight visit into a week of intrigue and danger, giving Walker no choice but to step in and help.' (Publication summary)

'TWO MISSING BACKPACKERS. ONE VAST OUTBACK.

'DS Lucas Walker is on leave in his hometown, Caloodie, taking care of his dying grandmother. When two young German backpackers, Berndt and Rita, vanish from the area, he finds himself unofficially on the case.

'But why all the interest from the Federal Police when they have probably just ditched the heat and dust of the outback for the coast? Working in the organised crime unit has opened Walker's eyes to the growing drug trade in Australia's remote interior - and he becomes convinced there is more at play.

'As the number of days since the couple's disappearance climbs, Walker is joined by Rita's older sister. A detective herself with Berlin CID, she has flown to Australia - desperate to find her sister.

'Their search becomes ever more urgent as temperatures soar. Even if Walker does find the young couple, will it be too late?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.