Cirrus@Austlit

'Revenge, redemption ... and pastry. The witty new novel from the author of Hotel du Barry, for fans of Jonas Jonasson.

'In the winter of 1912 on the wild West Coast of Tasmania, Wolfftown's most notorious heiress and murderess, Sasha Torte, tells the tale of her own spectacular downfall.

'Forsaken by her parents and raised by criminals and reprobates, Sasha becomes a world-famous pastry chef at the tender age of seventeen. Entanglement with the disreputable Dasher brothers leads to love, but also to a dangerous addiction.

'Behind bars in Wolfftown's gaol, Sasha sips premium champagne as she recalls a life of seduction, betrayal, ghosts, opium and an indiscreet quantity of confectionary - and plots her escape.

'The Scandalous Life of Sasha Torte is a wild romp of dastardly deeds, intrepid protagonists, dark villains, wild gangs, luxurious hotels ... and mouth-watering treats.' (Publication summary)

'London's luxurious HOTEL DU BARRY has been left unscathed by WW1 and the party has just begun: tainted love, murderous desires and gin. It's THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL with a dash of Gatsby.

'When a laughing baby is found amongst the Hotel du Barry's billowing sheets, tucked up in an expensive pair of ladies' bloomers and neatly pegged to the laundry line, the hotel staff resolve to keep the child. The hotel's owner, Daniel du Barry, still mourning the loss of his lover in an automobile accident, adopts the little girl, names her after his favourite champagne and seeks consolation in fatherhood. Cat du Barry grows up beloved by both hotel staff and guests, equally at home in the ninth floor premium suite as she is in the labyrinth below stairs.

Years later when Daniel du Barry dies in sinister circumstances, Cat determines to solve the mystery with the assistance of her extended hotel family.

'From hotel detective to roguish Irish gigolo, from compassionate housekeeper to foxy chamber maid, each will play their wicked part in this novel that will charm, amuse and delight.' (Publication summary)