Cirrus@Austlit

'George now a columnist on the Bellarine Courier discovers through the police the scattered bones of an old murder victim, Nearby they find grainy black & white photographs and a Flanders’ Badge- a flower of remembrance for those who suffered or died.

'The Courier which gets immersed in this cold case. It quickly develops into a race against time to put names to the photos as the Poppy Day killers tentacles creep into the present day.

'A twisting tale of passion, secrets and vengeance on the Bellarine Peninsula reaching back to the dark.' (Publication summary)

'Disillusioned crime reporter George ‘Jogger’ Jensen has quit his job at a major newspaper in Melbourne and sought refuge in his childhood seaside home town of Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula to contemplate his future.

'Within a week he comes face-to-face with the last thing he thought he’d see in the sleepy seaside town: the body of a young unidentified woman being fished out of the sea.' (Publication summary) 

'Set in northern Australia’s Victoria River region, the narrative interweaves three eras.
In 1839 British explorer, Stokes, finds oily sludge in water wells on the banks of the river.

'In 1942 Nackeroo corporal, Ash, believes a German-born missionary is collaborating with Japanese invasion plans. Aided by Aboriginal tracker, Gabriel, Ash stalks, determined to find out the truth…

'In 1987 after a drilling rig accident geologist, Brad, meets hospital nurse, Karen, the missionary’s granddaughter and Karen introduces Brad to Ash, now their guardian. In a turn of events, Brad also meets Gabriel, now a land rights activist. A drilling program is suspended in the wake of the world stock market crash. Brad, guided by Ash, takes Karen to look for Stokes’ water wells and the mission ruins. Brad and Karen are unaware Ash has their own plan… Gabriel also knows more than Brad and Karen could anticipate…'  (Publication summary)

A fascinating look at endangered animals and what zoos and wildlife organisations are doing to increase the chances of survival for a number of species.

Did you know?

The Tasmanian Tiger was wiped out within fifty years of European settlement in Australia. The Mountain Pygmy Possum was thought to be extinct until one was discovered in an alpine hut in 1966. There are about 800 Red Pandas living in captivity around the world but only about 500 left in the wild.

Many animals are on the edge of extinction. For some species it's too late, but for others there is still hope. Endangered! Working to Save Animals at Risk takes the reader behind the scenes for a fascinating look at what zoos, conservation groups and researchers are doing to help these endangered animals and increase their chances of survival. (Source: Publisher's blurb)

''Run! Both of you, run. Get away from here and hide.' Narina's voice was shrill above the savage growls of the invading warrigals. Bala hesistated. He was terrified of the wild dogs, but desperate to help his mother defend their home.' In this exciting sequel to The Ancient Secret, Bala and Pipinya, the water-rats, find their happy world torn apart when vicious wild dogs go on the rampage. Worse still, The Great Snake Mamaragan is abroad again. Bala and Pipinya, with Japara and Wahn, must return the Stones of Fire to their rightful home - there is no time to lose. As they journey through the Australian outback, they discover friendship in the most unexpected places, but they also learn that you should never underestimate your enemy. This is a magical story about faith and trust, and finding the answer to a mystery as old as time. The first Stones of Fire book is The Ancient Secret.' (Publication summary)

'When Japara and Wahn set off with Guruk to search for a missing uncle, they know little about the secret he has uncovered. Dark forces work against them as they are drawn deeper into the mystery of the Stones of Fire.'

Source: Google Books.