Cirrus@Austlit

'It's The Medusa Situation — are you ready for a caper mystery set in Sydney and starring Medusa and the Greek goddesses Hera, Athena and Artemis?

'In modern day Australia the Greek goddess Hera and her Olympian family have accepted their forced divine retirement and live out their immortality in the suburbs.

'Their once exciting, all-powerful, and totally worshipped lives have been replaced by endless days of quiet resentment and mystical reality TV programs.

'Then Stheno and Eurydale, sisters of the more infamous gorgon of legend, turn up on Hera’s doorstep asking for help because Medusa’s head has been stolen. Again.

'In a race against time Hera and her step-daughter, the goddess Athena, join forces with a rag tag bunch of ancient Greek deities and mystical creatures to find the culprit and recover Medusa’s head before it creates havoc across the mortal and divine realms.

'The novel is Janet Evanovich meets Natalie Haynes, in an entertaining urban fantasy which examines issues of justice, male entitlement, and the ways in which powerful women have been treated throughout the history of storytelling.' (Publication summary)

'Victoria Street is a crossroads, like in those old stories of bushrangers and highwaymen. It’s a place where everyone and everything crosses paths ... A street right out of a fairytale, I reckon. It’s 1973, and 11-year-old Billie is living in the best street in the whole world: Victoria Street in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Billie can’t imagine being anywhere else. But things are changing. Billie’s neighbours are being forced out of their homes, and scary people are patrolling the street, trying to get everyone to leave. Without realising it, Billie, her family and her neighbours find themselves caught up in one of the most important public protests in Sydney’s history. The battle for Victoria Street is their fight to save their homes and their way of life from destruction.' (Publication summary)

'Australia’s First Saint

1842-1909

The story of Mary MacKillop, from teacher to saint.

“We must teach more by example than by word.”' (Publication summary)

'Six-year-old Helen Porter just wanted to sing on stage. As a child, and then a teenager, she continued to pursue her dream of being a great opera star. In 1886, aged 25 she left Melbourne for the bright lights of London. Born Helen Porter Mitchel, she changed her name to reflect her Melbourne heritage. In 1887 Nellie Melba made her operatic debut. She went on to sing in all the great opera houses of Europe. During World War 1 Nellie Melba worked tirelessly holding many fundraising concerts for the war effort. Nellie Melba was the first great Australian diva.' (Publication summary)

'Rosie is an unhappy house whose beloved family have moved out. The Frogmarches and their horrible nose-picking son threaten to move in and Rosie is beside herself with worry. Rosie’s friend, the wattle fairy, grants her a wish. Rosie grows legs and goes in search of her very own loving family.' (Publication summary)

'Mad Dog’s neighbour, Coco the pink poodle, is throwing a pool party on a particularly hot day while her owners are out. During the fun of the party, the dogs notice that Buster, a rude and unfriendly bulldog, is tied up in the sun without water next door. Can Mad Dog and the gang save Buster from a hot and thirsty fate? Naturally, an enticingly cool recipe is included as a delectable canine party treat.' (Publication summary)

'We learn how Winston becomes “Mad Dog the Chef” by trying to improve the diet of himself and his friends. This is the first in a series of doggie adventures about a culinary mut and his neighbourhood pals. Mad Dog’s recipe for “Barking Meatballs” is included and can be created by children and offered to the family pooch.' (Publication summary)

An anthology-style television program, like its British predecessor Tales of the Unexpected, Twisted Tales featured a weekly story of horror or the unexpected, each with a surprise ending. The program made use of a combination of emerging and experienced writers and directors. Each episode was introduced by Bryan Brown.

Twisted Tales was followed by Two Twisted.