Cirrus@Austlit

'In the fight for justice, no secret stays buried forever.

'Diane Spencer is embracing her new life as founder of the Social Injustice Centre, a groundbreaking project aimed at freeing the innocent and exposing corruption. But as Diane champions justice for others, the ghosts of her own past resurface with a vengeance.

'When the daughter of Judge Lucy Prior—known for her lenient sentences—vanishes, Sydney erupts in a media storm. Chief Superintendent Bruce Spencer, Diane’s brother, leads the investigation, but the list of suspects is tangled in a web of power, crime, and revenge. Is the culprit Sarah Bancroft’s vengeful brother, disgraced aristocrat Winston Stevens, or her son Henry, a wannabe gangster out of his depth in Sydney’s criminal underworld?

'Meanwhile, the SIC team races to prove the innocence of an Aboriginal woman wrongly imprisoned for murder. As the case grows more complex, Diane’s newly recruited intern, Emma, becomes a victim herself, drawing the team into the dark, dangerous world of Henry Bancroft.

'While lives hang in the balance, Diane confronts the man who shattered her own. As buried secrets come to light, the boundaries between justice and vengeance blur. With the stakes rising, Diane and Bruce find themselves on a collision course—both seeking resolution, but in ways that could destroy everything they’ve fought for.

'A gripping tale of betrayal, redemption, and resilience, Book 2 of' The Spencer Investigations' series delivers shocking twists and a finale that will leave you questioning how far you would go for justice.' (Publication summary)

'This is the against-all-odds story of Peter Norris, the son of one of Australia’s most wanted criminals, and his struggle to escape his father’s shadow.

'Born into a life of crime, Peter’s earliest memories are shaped by the chaos of his father’s criminal exploits. Torn from home to home and running from heist to heist, his childhood was marked by violence, betrayal, and upheaval.

'In this compelling memoir, Peter exposes the truth of his turbulent upbringing. As the youngest son of Clarence “Clarry” Norris, a notorious fugitive, Peter recounts the powerful love and loyalty that bound him to his father, creating a profound inner struggle between the allure of the underworld and the desire for normalcy.

'Faced with a heart-wrenching decision at just 12 years old, Peter had to choose between following his father's criminal path or seizing a lifeline. The memoir moves from the underbelly of 1970s Sydney to the outskirts of Melbourne, highlighting a troubling chapter in Australian history when Peter and other innocent children were sent to abusive institutions.

'Ultimately, Peter rises from the ruins of his troubled past, embarking on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and growth. He defies the odds to become a successful CEO, world-class athlete, and motivational speaker.

'The Bank Robber’s Boy is the unfiltered account of innocence on the edge of law and one young boy’s unyielding determination to overcome his past.'  (Publication summary)

'Three inventive and daring kids, along with their families, live in a three-story apartment block called' Parrot Palace'.

'Hari, Lily-Rosa, and Mikey come from different cultures, but their differences unite them as they form a close-knit team. They share their secrets as they navigate their dreams and challenges.

'Will Mikey become a joker or follow in his dad's footsteps as a builder? Can Lily-Rosa balance her dreams of becoming a firefighter, and a ballerina? And will Hari fix the disaster he created for his Nani and mother?

'They join together and confront their arch enemy, the neighbour Mr Crabtree. It is here, that they eventually find the real answers to friendship.'  (Publication summary) 

At sixteen years old, Lily Arthur was caught between the women’s liberation movement of the ‘swinging sixties and the draconian ideology that young women should be punished for deviating from society's 'moral codes'.

'For the 'crime' of being pregnant, Lily was forcibly taken from the man she planned to marry and incarcerated in the notorious Holy Cross Home for ‘wayward’ girls in Wooloowin, Brisbane as a ‘prisoner’ of the state. Lily spent her entire pregnancy performing unpaid labour its infamous Magdalene Laundry.

'On 1 September 1967, the terrified teenager was taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital where she gave birth shackled to a bed, and her newborn son cruelly stolen from her – one of 250,000 babies forcibly seized from vulnerable unmarried mothers under the Government’s illegal forced adoption policies of the era.

'After decades of heartache and an emotional reunion with her long-lost son, Lily remains on a crusade to expose the truth behind the crimes a country tried to hide and has taken the fight to the Human Rights Commission in Geneva, demanding justice for a generation of women who were victims of one of the worst human rights violations in contemporary Australian history.'  (Publication summary)

'Hannah Rigby was a poor Liverpool seamstress, a prisoner and a serial thief. Exiled from her homeland, oppressed by poverty and rigid social mores, used and discarded by a series of men. An “exemplary” servant who was fond of a lark – and a single mother determined to keep her family together.

'One Free Woman tells the true, compelling story of the only female convict to stay in Moreton Bay when the penal settlement closed – a woman who notoriously served three separate sentences of transportation, including two to one of the harshest establishments in the country.

'It is a heartbreaking and sensitively told story of a life that was typical of many women of the time struggling against poverty and gender inequality – women whose voices throughout history have seldom been heard. One Free Woman reveals new information and celebrates a remarkable woman who, despite a lifetime of immeasurable suffering and loss, could somehow still summon the joy to dance until she dropped.' (Publication summary)

'In the serene setting of Vanuatu’s Santo Island, tranquillity shatters when the lifeless body of a French farmer, Guy Simeon, is discovered on the pristine white sands of Champagne Beach. As they delve deeper, a labyrinth of secrets, coercion, and lies emerges. Simeon’s missing wife and strained relationship with his son paint a complex picture of his troubled life. Moreover, his financial woes and grievous interactions with locals only deepen the pool of suspects.

'From the bustling port town of Luganville to the idyllic beaches and azure waters of Santo, George and Jayline tirelessly pursue leads, but find themselves entangled in a web of confusion with no clear motive, weapon, or suspect in sight.' (Publication summary)

'In the early years of the Second World War, Australian women began lobbying to contribute to the nation’s wartime effort. From 1940, women were signing up to serve in the Royal Australian Nursing Service, and in 1941, an Auxiliary arm of the Royal Australian Air Force was established, allowing women to join on a temporary basis to enhance the organisation’s ability to fight.

'In the decades since, Australian women have continued to contribute significantly to the operational capability of the world’s second oldest air force. They have done so regardless of the social norms of the time, or the perceived limits of their abilities, always showing their detractors that they are capable of great things.

'‘Changing Altitudes: Stories of Australian Air Force Women’ includes the personal stories of some of these women, recounting in their own words their experiences while proudly wearing the uniform of the Service.

'This is the second volume of the Royal Australian Air Force Oral Histories series, aiming to capture the one capability that the RAAF cannot operate without - its people. (Publication summary)

What happens when a quirky Australian town faces the imminent arrival of a huge fiery comet? Do the residents embrace all possibilities or run like hell?

Cactus Bob, a grizzled pensioner in a red beanie, thought surviving a death-roll by a monster saltwater crocodile was tough. But now he faces an even more devastating challenge: strange messages are arriving via his clapped-out black-and-white TV, warning of a fiery comet hurtling toward his tiny cottage on the outskirts of Wellsprings.

Café Puccini, the social hub of the colourful community, is abuzz. Is the comet real or just another zany publicity stunt dreamt up by Ah Sow, the town’s crafty trader? Will Angelo, the café owner, reunite with the wife he had somehow 'misplaced' thirteen years earlier? How did a lucky Zulu millionaire and his mysteriously 'top-secret' Norwegian wife become tied to all the comet chaos, and why is a crusty old Scottish boat-builder crafting a unique monument to the stars?

As the comet draws closer, secrets unravel, alliances form, and tensions rise. Join Wellsprings’ oddball residents as they navigate love, cosmic calamities, and outrageous adventures.' (Publication summary)

'When Cindy Gambino dropped her three boys off at their dad’s on Father’s Day 2005 she had no idea she would never see them again. By day’s end, their bodies lay at the bottom of an icy dam, a tragedy that sparked one of the most controversial and prolonged murder cases in Australian history.

'Award-winning author and journalist Megan Norris followed the case for eight years, chronicling Cindy’s heartbreaking journey through a trial, retrial, two failed appeals, and a 2013 High Court ruling that blocked Victorian father Robert Farquharson’s final bid for freedom, putting him behind bars for at least the next thirty-three years.

'Through exclusive, intimate interviews with Cindy and her family, and a meticulous examination of the overwhelming evidence before the courts, Norris details how two juries concluded Farquharson was guilty of murdering his children. This book offers valuable and first-hand insight into a crime intended to last a lifetime.

'Told through Cindy’s eyes in the aftermath, ‘On Father’s Day’ is a mother’s legacy to the family she left behind when she passed away in 2022. Updated with an epilogue, her heartbreaking story shows that this is a crime that goes way beyond the grave.' (Publication summary)

'A gripping look at teaching in the volatile world of juvenile detention.

'Inside Juvie plunges readers into the eye-opening journey of Tommy, a former state schoolteacher now navigating the tumultuous world of juvenile detention. Transitioning from teaching adults in prisons to stepping into classrooms within youth incarceration facilities is a far cry from the predictability and safety of traditional education.

'Amidst the chaos, violence, and fleeting moments of connection, Tommy rides a gritty roller-coaster, encountering unexpected breakthroughs amidst the turmoil. The stories are both heartbreaking and compelling: a 12-year-old who has never known the security of three meals a day, a young detainee who waits in vain for a mother’s visit that never comes, and the frightening escalations of violence that trigger duress alarms, security guards and devastating consequences.

'With a candid blend of darkness, hope, and humour, Inside Juvie explores the intricacies of the youth justice system. It sheds light on the harsh realities, diverse backgrounds, and daunting challenges faced by incarcerated youth, as well as the teachers who strive to reach them. This book promises readers a compelling journey through the often overlooked and misunderstood realm of juvenile detention.

'Inside Juvie is a rare, first-hand perspective on the contentious world of youth detention.' (Publication summary)

'Trigger Warning is a story of success, triumph, trauma and overcoming. This is the story of a former Special Operations Engineer as he worked relentlessly to rekindle his life after the war. Having worked alongside Australia’s Special Forces, he discusses in great detail, the exploits that he was tasked to perform as an engineer during his multiple tours to Afghanistan, during some of the roughest years of the war. However, this tale is something more, as it is also a human story, of a son chasing his father’s approval, the challenges of growing up in a shadow, and one man’s unrelenting drive to make peace with the demons that followed him home.

'Nathan became a Special Operations Engineer and chose to perform one of the most revered job roles during the conflict in Afghanistan, search and clearance of Improvised Explosive Devices. Nathan found himself involved in countless traumatic situations throughout his tours, from when his vehicle struck an IED and exploded, to the fear that he felt having laid on top of a pressure plate with the main explosive charge being underneath 5 of his mates behind him. These hidden bombs were littered all over the battlespace and became so feared, that soldiers were known to refuse to get out of their vehicle until an engineer had checked the ground first. These tours would inevitably take a toll on Nathan, both physically and psychologically, but due to his inability to look inwards, and his negative association towards vulnerability, he was unable to see or accept its impact until it was too late.

'Post-war, Nathan hit rock bottom, and believed that to leave this world was the only way out. Nathan’s climb out of the darkness was supported by a rather bizarre contraption, where he managed to find purpose through an old, beaten and battered off-road racing sidecar that his dad used to race back in the 80’s. Nathan ultimately made a profound recovery, and although forever scarred by his active service, no longer do his demons define him. Nathan now embraces vulnerability to its utmost and uses his experiences to help inspire others. Vulnerability was never a sign of weakness as Nathan had once believed, but is now the truest test of bravery imaginable, for it took more courage for Nathan to face himself and his demons than it ever did to stand firm on the battlefield.'  (Publication summary) 

'In the darkest shadows, the pursuit of truth is the only light.

'‘Brilliant … a captivating new voice in Australian crime fiction’

'In the scorching summer of 2004, a working-class Sydney suburb erupts in turmoil when Percy Fullwood, a respected local, is accused of a heinous crime by his own family. As the media frenzy ignites, Detective Bruce Spencer leads a high-profile raid, branding Percy guilty before trial.

'Enter Diane Spencer, Bruce's wealthy and determined sister, who refuses to accept the verdict. Teaming up with enigmatic lawyer Otto, Diane launches a daring quest for justice.

'While Percy languishes in prison, Diane and Otto risk everything to uncover the truth, delving deep into the labyrinth of corrupt officials and Sydney's dark underbelly.

'Against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal vendettas, the investigators navigate treacherous waters to unravel the conspiracy. As they dig deeper, Diane and Otto realise that the powerful forces at play will stop at nothing to protect their web of secrets.

'Will truth triumph against the odds, or will the Spencer team be consumed by the darkness they seek to defeat?'  (Publication summary)

'This fiercely funny memoir is set in Melbourne during the 1940s. The entrenched Protestant–Catholic divide of those times informs the narrative. Juxtaposed is the gulf between Melburnians and the thousands of Yanks stationed in their city following Pearl Harbor; the dizzying effect on the women had far-reaching consequences. Growing resentment and the increasing fear of a Japanese invasion add to the tension.

'Born in 1938, Peter relates that he was conceived twice. The conception resulting in his parents’ marriage occurs in the back of a ’36 Chevy. Five months after the wedding, his mother (who wasn’t above telling a little fib) experiences the first signs of pregnancy: it is then she knows that she doesn’t want to be a mother.

'As the war escalates Peter’s father joins the RAAF, leaving Peter with a mother who resents having a small child to care for. Neglected, cold and hungry, shame engulfs him when his mother entertains a stream of GIs.

'Blending the matter-of-fact voice of a child with the accomplished voice of a journalist, Peter’s Wars captures the precise detail of the period: a kitchen without heating or running water, black market grog, rationing … the combination of satire and realism highlighting human truths with stark acuity.

' When Peter turns ten, his rich Catholic grandmother decides his religious education should not be neglected any longer and enrols him at Xavier College. There, Peter learns about eternal damnation and hellfire. Terrified, he responds by trying to make up for ten years of religious ignorance by attending daily mass and amassing enough ‘good’ points to save his soul.

'Peter’s Wars is a memoir that begins and ends with the defining factors of every human life: time and place.' (Publication summary) 

'Get ready for chaos as Romeo Fortez, the cutest sloth EVER and the world's most fearless superhero, takes on another Weird-Warp mutant army!

'The city that never sleeps faces a monstrous threat from the twisted genius of Professor Ian Weird-Warp. From the depths of New York's sewers emerges a terrifying army of mutant hog-ators: half-razorback hog, half-alligator, wreaking havoc in the famed Museum of National History!

'Romeo and his team of crime-fighting friends must defend the innocent citizens of New York and safeguard the museum’s priceless treasures. As they battle the mutant menace, they need to unravel the sinister plans of Weird-Warp.

'Will Romeo harness his extraordinary superpowers to thwart the dastardly professor and save the day? Or will Weird-Warp march ever closer to his dream of world domination?

'Join Romeo Fortez on another adventure filled with action and excitement as he faces his greatest challenge yet.' (Publication summary)

Suicides, hangings, shootings, car accidents, drownings, cliff falls, electrocutions …
Detective Peter Seymour has seen every type of death imaginable in his time in the NSW Coroner’s Court and, after many years in law enforcement, the tragedies are beginning to take their toll.

Dealing with death day in day out becomes too much for Seymour and this seasoned veteran starts to grapple with overwhelming feelings of fear and doubt. He decides to return to the police force hoping the operational work might offer some reprieve. Fate would have it otherwise as he is thrust straight back into an intense murder investigation.

'One Friday night in the year 2000, Nick Hanes is heading home after a night out with his mates. Barely two-hundred and fifty metres from his home, he is set upon by two men. Bashed, beaten then murdered, Hanes dies after a senseless and random attack.

'Seymour is called to the St Mary’s crime scene. He examines the body and discovers that there are very few clues, no leads and no witnesses. As the case unravels it takes every bit of his experience, tenacity and determination to not only discover the identity of the perpetrators but to also deal with his own demons that are beginning to spiral out of control.

'Shattered Lives tells the true story of two men embarking on dangerous paths. One man finds himself the victim of a violent crime, the other searching for justice for the dead man’s family as he struggles with his own battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the result of a life spent giving his all for others. Both paths are intertwined, and there is no turning back.' (Publication summary)

'This book focuses on the last three months of Robert O’Hara Burke, William John Wills, and John King on Cooper’s Creek. The original expedition which set out in August 1860 was to explore the centre and northern reaches of the Australian continent. The expedition essentially concluded with the death of Burke and Wills on Coopers Creek from starvation and illness in late June and early July 1861.

'The tragedy was a sliding doors moment in history. Burke, Wills, and King arrived back at the famous ‘Dig Tree’ camp site, the same day that this manned outpost decided to pack up and return south towards Menindie. They missed each other by a matter of hours.

'Over the last few decades revisionist history has attempted to place Burke, Wills, and the sole survivor King, within the paradigm of ‘stupid, arrogant white fellas’ who ignored the wisdom and help of the Yandruwandha people who had successfully carved out a niche along and around Cooper’s Creek. The story as told by the participants through their diaries, letters, journals, and oral history from members of the Yandruwandha clan tells a completely different story. The three men appreciated that their very survival was dependent on the Yandruwandha and much time was spent trying to keep good relations with the local indigenous clan, with a few odd exceptions.

'Overall, relations between the two groups were good, and it was for this reason that King survived with the help of the Yandruwandha people – without them he too would have died. This book places the death of Burke and Wills, and the generosity and good will of the Yandruwandha clan in its proper historical context.' (Publication summary)

'One of the finest soldiers and most courageous leaders I have ever known. – Lt Doug McClean, D Coy, 39th Battalion

'If you have trekked Kokoda, then the campsite of Templeton's Crossing will be familiar. Discover the story of the man behind the name.

'Captain Sam Templeton was the first Australian officer to be captured by the Japanese in the Kokoda Campaign. After being interrogated by his captors he was executed on the battlefield.

'Prior to facing his enemy, Templeton had predicted his fate, telling one of his platoon commanders, that if 'he went into action, he wouldn’t come back'. Having resigned himself to his destiny, Templeton misled his captors on the numerical strength of the Australian forces waiting in Kokoda and Port Moresby.

Did the misinformation given by a militia officer slow the initial push by the Yokoyama Advance Force into the Owen Stanley Range, allowing the Australian Imperial Force to join the fight earlier? Did Templeton create doubt in the mind of the commander of the South Seas Force, influencing an operational change for the attack on Port Moresby?

'A quiet and often aloof character originally from Belfast, Captain Sam Templeton is mentioned in just about every book written about Kokoda. Prior to fighting in New Guinea, Templeton is reputed to have helped quash the Irish rebellion, served in submarines with the Royal Navy during the First World War and to have fought with the International Brigade during the Spanish Civil War.

'Kokoda Legend goes beyond the myth to discover the real contribution Captain Sam Templeton made to stopping the Japanese advance over the Owen Stanley Range in 1942.' (Publication summary)

'Embark on a gripping adventure with Mark 'Trigger' Tregellas in Backup is Three Hours Away, a true crime memoir chronicling nearly three decades of policing Victoria's remote coastal region. Trigger never knew what each shift would bring – tragedy, laughter, adventure, danger – sometimes all on the same day.

'Trigger's personal journey, fuelled by a thirst for adventure and special forces training, led him to the frontline of policing. He faced life-threatening situations and earned commendation for his exceptional and courageous service, recognition that came at a personal cost. Through Trigger’s career he sustained severe injuries, including a broken spine, a gunshot wound to the face and PTSD.

'Trigger delves into encounters with peril, unexpected twists, and heartbreaking moments, shedding light on the motivations that drive officers to willingly confront the unknown. Despite the physical and mental toll, his story is one of triumph, showcasing a resilient mindset honed through exhaustive training and the overcoming of life's challenges, including a brush with cancer.

'Backup is Three Hours Away is a genuine portrayal of policing, from the unpredictable and humorous moments, to heart-wrenching tragedy. Trigger's narrative transcends the typical law enforcement tale, revealing indomitable human spirit and resilience – a powerful and inspirational testament to the highs and lows of a career dedicated to service.' (Publication summary)

'Can you really change how you feel with only a thought? You sure can!
Learn how to turn a grey day into a Yay day.
Turn a frown into a smile.
And discover the power of a simple thank you.

'Exploding with joy and hope, Thank You will support children (and parents) through tough days and anxious times.

'‘Thank You’ is the perfect antidote for growing anxiety in young minds. Packed with practical "Thank You" empowers kids to discover their own superpower and find strength in their words and actions.' (Publication summary)