Cirrus@Austlit

'Cotton Trash is the gripping third installment in the eco-thriller series featuring investigative journalists Jack Miller and Sharon Davis.

'Set in rural Australia, the duo receives an anonymous tip about unusually high cancer rates in their community. Their relentless investigation uncovers a web of corruption involving politicians, bureaucrats, and a powerful multinational pharmaceutical corporation. At the heart of the scandal is a dangerous herbicide used in cotton farming, leading to a deadly cover-up that puts Jack and Sharon in grave danger.

'Inspired by the documentary "The Monsanto Papers," this thrilling tale of David versus Goliath echoes the spirit of "Erin Brockovich," as the journalists face increasing threats while fighting for the truth.'  (Publication summary)

'San Francisco, 1978. Sam Riddell is visiting his brother en route to a long-awaited adventure in Central America and points south. But from his first night at Curtis’s fashionable apartment, the visit turns lethal. He is soon embroiled in a savage world of gun-running and drug-dealing, a world softened only by the presence of Sally, the enigmatic English girlfriend whom Curtis neglects.

'Events multiply with alarming speed. Curtis sends Sam and Sally to the highlands of Guatemala to deal with a deranged dictator, who regularly executes rebellious underlings. They escape with their lives, only to return to mayhem back home, where the fruits of Curtis’s machinations have become dangerously overripe.

'From the opening pages of The King, anything goes. A cross country flight in a camper van see Sam and Sally pursued by a hired killer. Five years on, they reinvent themselves as New York sophisticates. But the shadow cast by Curtis and his enemies is long and, in the end, threatens everything they have built together.'  (Publication summary)

'In the heart of a Kenyan game park, a retired policeman’s death shatters the tranquil landscape. Officially marked as the work of Masai tribesmen, doubts linger for two young biologists, Marion and Nicholas, who knew the victim well. Determined to uncover the truth, they plunge into a treacherous investigation, only to find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and danger.

'The deceased, an esteemed police inspector, was on the trail of ivory poachers before his demise. With a chief suspect seemingly protected by an airtight alibi—a renowned ornithologist on a distant safari—their quest for justice becomes a perilous game. Yet, as Marion and Nicholas unearth clues, they unwittingly become targets themselves, locked in a deadly dance of pursuit and evasion.

'As evidence mounts against the suspect, the elusive truth remains just out of reach. Until an unexpected ally emerges: the Red Bishop, a tiny avian marvel with a secret of its own. The puzzle unravels, exposing the tangled threads of corruption and betrayal lurking beneath the surface of the savannah.' (Publication summary) 

'Marcus Rhodes is a man caught between worlds and driven by a thirst for justice. Born to a Polish mother and an aristocratic English father, Marcus finds himself expelled from Sandhurst Military Academy after a jaw-shattering confrontation with the commandant.

'Disillusioned and estranged from the British Empire, Marcus journeys to his ancestral homeland of Poland, where he transforms into a formidable Grom agent. Teaming up with two skilled Norwegian FSK agents and a determined Serbian Policeman, Marcus is thrust into a mission of global significance. Tasked with unraveling the mysterious American 'invasion' of Norway, suspicions within NATO escalate, pointing to possible foul play.

'As Marcus and his eclectic team dig deeper, they uncover a web of deception, danger, and unforeseen complexities. The stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined, and Marcus must navigate a treacherous path to unveil the truth.

'In this gripping tale of espionage and intrigue, Marcus Rhodes faces a world where trust is a scarce commodity, and the line between ally and adversary blurs in the face of an unimaginable threat.' (Publication summary) 

'Lancaster, Northwest England, the naked body of a woman is found lying across a railway line in the middle of the night. The site is near a spot where couples go for casual sex at night, and it is in the vicinity of a large mental hospital. Police are totally unable to identify the victim, and there are no clues as to exactly what happened.

'Eventually a report of a missing woman leads to an identification, but there are still remarkably few details or clues available - it is as though she was not a real person. Further investigation reveals a different identity, which leads to a number of possible suspects but the police are unable to incriminate a single one of them.

'The investigation is helped by a young woman who had suffered domestic abuse, a young man who is somewhat socially disconnected, a pest control officer in a large mental hospital, and a long-suffering police sergeant, amongst others. Each provides a small amount of evidence over time, and their lives gradually intertwine in friendship.

'But one person has known all along. She knew who had committed the murder, where and when, but she is not able to tell anyone about it. In frustration she takes her own dramatic action.' (Publication summary)

'Letters From a Hard Country is a sweeping tale of conflict, murder, action, adventure, family bonds, politics, romance, love, and loss. A story of heroes and villains, good and evil, and a tragic genius who left a lasting legacy.

'Award-winning broadcaster and master storyteller Bob Maumill takes readers from a beautiful part of Wales to the hard country of the eastern goldfields, Kimberley region, and arid outback of Western Australia.' (Publication summary)

'1962, a time in the Western world emerging from society’s constraints. Annabelle is soon to be married. Having lived her life as the perfect daughter, she feels stifled. She requests one year to travel and learn about herself. Against the wishes of those closest to her, she sails away.

'Life is wonderful. Opportunity arrives and Annabelle travels to her dream destination, the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands.

'Temptation pulls her in. She finds herself in deep, murky waters. Her knowledge of the world has not prepared her for what is to happen.' (Publication summary)

'Canberra, Country, City, whatever, wherever, the subject is the same. People die, motives are mixed and popular Detective Inspector Maria Lech is back, relocated to Canberra. Enjoy the mayhem.' (Publication summary)

'Three Sydney-ites muddle through a comedy of errors discovering their vulnerabilities and revealing their personal foibles. This is a calamitous, darkly amusing series of interconnected novellas. Read them as distinct stories or as a suite.' (Publication summary)

'The body of a young woman is found roughly buried in a remote spot in the Queensland Gulf Country. Forensic evidence from maggots in the body suggests that she must have been killed in Papua New Guinea, but the body could not possibly have moved from PNG to the Gulf within the timeline available.

'Further investigation shows that she might have been caught up with drug smugglers and cattle thieves, but clues are still not forthcoming.

'A maggot expert investigates in northern Cape York, aided by a young aboriginal girl who knows her country and its wildlife well. Together they try and work out what must have happened when, and who did it. They are aided by a wise hotel chambermaid, and a bird of paradise and a tree kangaroo.' (Publication summary)

'A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STAR

A HUMAN TRAFFICKING MOGUL

A WANTAWAY GANG MEMBER

EVIL WEARS MANY FACES

'East Los Angeles is brimming with anticipation. It's been years since a local high school football team had a genuine shot at the national title. Auriel Lopez is the star quarterback to make it happen. But not everyone is aboard the Lopez hype train.

'One of the skeptics is Raul Jiminez, a disillusioned soldier for the Belvedere Familia who dreams of leaving gang life behind. He knows about the degrading sexual acts Auriel records to share with teammates.

'Another is Detective Addison Mowbray.

'When the scorched bodies of teenagers from marginalized neighborhoods start turning up around the city, it seems only a matter of time before their worlds collide.

'It's been three months since Addison and his partner Jed Perkins made a pact to eradicate the snuff club Filii Reprobi.

'The renegade investigation has been progressing slowly, but that is about to change if Sean Brody has his way. Freshly retired from the LAPD and his vigilante activities, Sean has time on his hands, and blood on his mind.

'However, staying ahead of the Old Man and the group isn't easy with the detectives' families in Filii Reprobi's cross hairs.

'Set against a backdrop of organized crime, high school sports, and a human trafficking network, the stakes have never been higher for Addison. Can he stop the monsters in time? Or will he lose everything trying?' (Publication summary)

'It is the year 2204, and things are not quite right at The Bibliotek - the world's largest library and the last hope for the books stored in its 75 subterranean levels.

'Mads Ingridson, the Bibliotekar, or the 'Keeper' as his staff call him, is facing a hidden threat on several fronts. His best friend and colleague, Rafe Nagy, the most senior and best Finder of books for The Bibliotek, is also a target. But why?

'Is the sect that is determined to finally rid the world of printed books behind the escalating danger, or something or someone else?

''Finder, Keeper' examines a future world where humankind's obsession with books and destroying them reaches a zenith. Mads finds himself navigating political intrigue, Rafe finds himself the target of more violent actions.

'Together they must find out who they can trust and why secrets are being kept, all the while doing what they do respective best as Finder and Keeper.' (Publication summary)

'No Flag is a Good Flag is a story for adults who sense that our freedoms are slowly being restricted, and who believe creative writing still has a place to defend them. The text is alive with psychological tension. At its heart is the concept of emancipation from malign narratives. The story is set in 2014, with Joe as one of its characters. He is a decorated 66-year-old Vietnam veteran with PTSD who runs The Rocking Chair Motel. A 12-room establishment located on a lonely West Texas highway. Travellers arrive, and each have a story they are unable to tell. Subjects addressed include the human cost of war, child abuse, pornography, the secret state, domestic violence, and racism. Graphic descriptive passages leave little to the imagination. The book is for the mature reader who can continue to think about disquieting material while continuing to trust in an author’s positive intention.'  (Publication summary)

'A SATANIC SNUFF CLUB
A RUTHLESS VIGILANTE
AN INTRICATE WEB OF DECEPTION
WHO CAN YOU TRUST?

'Los Angeles is a city under siege.

'When Detective Addison Mowbray begins investigating the murders of two young women in the Hollywood Hills, he can’t  imagine where the case will lead. He suspects the crimes were inspired by an occult fascination, due to some missing body parts and the inverted Christian cross branded on the victims’ breasts. But apart from Addison’s temperamental partner, Jed, the only other person keen on them pursuing that line of investigation is Lilly Coniglio, a medical examiner from the Coroner’s Department. The LAPD is already under immense public pressure due to all the  bad press another killer – a vigilante – has brought to their door: it’s been over a year since the first organized-crime figure showed up full of holes, with a plastic police badge beside his body.

'As Addison and Jed navigate a murky, disturbing occult landscape in search of answers, they uncover something even more terrifying than a killer hiding in the shadows: an organization so vile and powerful that it changes their lives forever. These two  troubled detectives are all that stand between this organization  and a spectacular season of carnage.

'Set against a backdrop of urban bleakness and social inequality,  Sons of Brutality combines deeply flawed protagonists with human monsters, integrating strong dialogue, violent action and gripping suspense.' (Publication summary)

'A Walk Within the Mafia

'Who is this man Susan finds herself married to? What is her secret? What does she know? Can Susan love her husband, Tony Caperelli, flawed, caring and battling hidden demons? What is his hidden world?

'One moment Susan is sitting at home under the fan in country Queensland, the next in New York City, what a ride! It's an adventure that comes unexpectedly, and she's loving every moment. His people are mafia, cosa nostra; secrets lie behind hidden doors, danger abounds. Susan takes up self-defence, against Tony's wishes. Meetings and violence are commonplace, and murder is inevitable. The FBI are watching.

'Who is Ma Barker? How is she connected? What danger does she bring? Don Carlo's youngest son, struts the catwalk; the oldest wishes to see his father dead. Suddenly kidnapped, Susan finds her bodyguards dead or injured. The drug lord is boss here, below the border. Jorge is his second. What does he hide? Where does he go on those moonlit horse rides with his pretty women?

'Can Susan escape before the ransom is paid? Read on dear reader and enjoy the ride---' (Publication summary)

'Sometimes the stories grandparents tell seem just that, stories. After the death of her mother, Joanna Fallon visits an old lady who claims to be her grandmother, Maria. She tells Joanna a detailed story of how she met her grandfather, David, and how they ran a yacht charter business in the south of France in the late 1930s. David disappeared at the beginning of World War II. Now that the war records have been opened, Maria asks Joanna to find out what happened to David. A simple task? When skeptical Joanna sets out to confirm Maria's story she discovers it is true, but not the whole truth. There is a lot more. Unbelievably more. Has Maria cleverly set a trap using Joanna as the bait? What Joanna finds is the untold, horrifying other half of the story.' (Publication summary)

'Sol y Sombra, a cocktail, a type of ticket bought at a bullfight, and the name of a discotheque in Western Mexico made infamous by barbarism. Alcohol, machismo, excitement, and violence, all feature in this account of an epic journey undertaken by two friends. Their road adventure takes them from New York City to the Pacific coast of Mexico. They ride in a classic car. A 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback in dark Highland Green. Two very different characters. Black’s love of automobiles is intertwined with his thirst for the new, thrill seeking, and his willingness to take risks. White is no risk taker, but someone who can apply himself to tasks with discipline and determination. The desire to experience more from life drives the trip. The book is about their journey, and navigation of human appetites along the way.' (Publication summary)

'This story is about respect of others and their land.

'The people from the land of plenty find a holiday destination at a nearby island. The islaners welcome them in with open arms, trying hard to make them feel special. The story takes us on a journey with choices made by both the visitors and the island people and the consequences that follow.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.