Cirrus@Austlit

A collection of short stories and verse from the Mid North Coast of New South Wales writers.

'Katrina, Jamie and Amelia leave the far west of the state for the two-day drive to the coastal resort of South West Rocks for a family holiday. But within a short distance they encounter a red fog that envelopes the car in a violent storm and when they emerge, they have reached their destination. Bridget and Warren, their parents are unaware that anything is wrong and have no memory of the storm, nor do they seem to notice that there is nothing there - no town, no shops, no camp site. The mystery deepens when six-year old Amelia demonstrates strange powers over animals and she heals Katrina when she is bitten by a lethal Brown Snake. Then Jamie discovers the astounding reality. Not only have they travelled over a thousand kilometres in a few moments, they have also gone back in time by 500 years. But they have yet to learn the shattering truth of how and why this has all happened. The children must display great courage and intelligence to solve the mystery of just who or what is Amelia, why do their parents not notice anything strange and how to combat the enemy that has followed them through the time portal and how they can return home.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'It begins with a series of brutal killings in Sydney, all committed in the same way against similar victims. A serial killer is at work. Another series, different victims, different "modus operandi" occurs in North Sydney, then a third is discovered in Melbourne. The Sydney Homicide Squad is baffled and frustrated as the killings continue with not a single clue being discovered to indicate the killers. Finally, the Squad leader, Detective Inspector David Hunter is able to bring his old friend and colleague out of retirement to work with him. Jack Savage, the best criminal profiler in the country had retreated to grow alpaca and grandchildren in his rural property, but when David's sister is the next victim of one of the killers, he comes down to Sydney. It gets worse. David discovers that similar serial killings are occurring in Canada, the USA, the UK and Europe, possibly more. And then he gets the break that tells him what's going on. The only way he can get to the heart of this horror is to go undercover and begin a deadly game, not knowing if he is hunter or prey or whether he will live to see the next day.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'This book illustrates the growth in Dogga’s philosophy of life. He comes up against bullying- of his sister and others. We live through it all with him and the children learn strategies to cope. There is again plenty of action , with surfing, kayaking, tennis and current issues for kids of that age. It is amazing how Dogga can relate his fears and philosophies of life without pretension. We learn about the qualities of a good friend.' (Publisher's press release)

'Dogga is the cool main character and has cruised along in life pretty well. However, in this book he has to face the difficulties of moving away from his safe haven, including the surf, when his parents move for work. He is the new kid at school and looks at life from a different angle. Children also learn that they don’t have to solve the really big issues in life. They learn what to do with the information they have. There is plenty of action, both surfing and horseriding.' (Publisher's press release)

'Surf Turf; has plenty of action which children love. There is a moral dilemma and ultimate message through the book. Is it enough to just surf with your mates and have fun? Or should you put yourself out, to care about other people around you and the planet we live on, starting in your own backyard? The illustrations in this book are outstanding as they resemble photos. We can see how the characters feel and we can relate to them.' (Publisher's press release)

'It is England, 1159 and Lady Evelin knows the people of Trescothic Estate look to her for their livelihood. And they have a problem.

'The powerful Baron of Ramsgate wants all that is theirs and more.

'Evelin turns to her cousin, King Henry II. Not for the first time, the King commands the modest northern estate do his bidding in return. This time, as always it involves great personal risk. And on the estate, nobles and peasants alike make similar sacrifices in the defence of their land and homes.

'There is no barrier for Ramsgate’s machinations: fire, theft, intimidation, kidnapping and rape. He has a Spanish ally whose motives, Evelin suspects, are more complicated than is first evident. It is disconcerting enough that his dark gaze rests upon her with alarming regularity, not least for her unbidden response, but it his infiltration of her family that causes the greater concern.

'For Evelin and young Tom keep a secret; one which inexplicably entwines them more closely than siblings. Together, they have proven Ramsgate’s nemesis but should he guess their secret, everything and everyone they hold dear will be at risk and their lives forfeit.

'Before that can happen, Evelin brokers a truce with Fernandez, much to the chagrin of his former ally. As Ramsgate’s forays intensify, Evelin and Tom take greater risks, countering with every scheme, every hurdle they can throw in the baron’s way.

'But when Ramsgate defies the king and lays siege to Trescothic Castle, Evelin realises that time is in short supply.' (Publisher's blurb)