Zach is eighteen. He is bright and articulate. He's also an alcoholic and in rehab instead of high school, but he doesn't remember how he got there. He's not sure he wants to remember. Something bad must have happened. Something really, really bad. Remembering sucks and being alive - well, what's up with that?

No one bats an eyelid when a bag lady washes up on the shores of Sydney, minus five fingers and decked out in designer couture; nor is anyone too perturbed when socialite Beatrice Musgrave plunges to her death soon after. No one, that is, except ghostwriter and Merlot-lover Roxy Parker. She’s been writing Beattie’s 'autobiography' and has just stumbled on a secret that’s worth killing for.With slick black hair, tortoise-shell glasses and a penchant for cheap Merlot, Roxy Parker is a sassy new female detective … except she’s not strictly a detective. Rather, she’s a writer with a taste for the morbid and mysterious—and this time her little sideline may get her in way over her head …In the first book of the Ghostwriter Mystery series, Roxy is hired to ghostwrite the life story of department store heiress Beatrice Musgrave. Beatrice has promised Roxy a secret worth writing about, but before she gets the chance to tell all, the socialite is found ripped to shreds at the bottom of a cliff. The police say it's suicide but Roxy knows better—there are too many people looking way too relieved. And so she embarks on an investigation of her own. From the posh suburbs of inner-city Sydney to remote outback Australia, Roxy finds herself lured into a web of deceit where time has healed no wounds and no one is who they appear to be. One thing, however, is crystal clear: chasing headlines can be a deadly occupation. Roxy must also act fast—there's a menacing stranger threatening her life, a handsome best friend growing increasingly impatient, and her mother is really starting to get on her nerves. Killer Twist is a fun, fast-paced adventure for anyone who loves a good cozy mystery with a little wine swilling and fashionable accessories on the side.A Word of Caution About the Language This story is set in Australia so you may come across some unusual colloquialisms and cursing. Both are an everyday part of our vernacular but I apologise for any confusion or offence; it is not intended.

Can tenderhearted Pastor Ian MacCraig keep a pair of prickly sisters from marrying the wrong men? Emily Downey has found the perfect groom. If only she loved the man... Chelsea Downey is wild about her boyfriend. Trouble is, he’s two-timing her and everyone sees it but her. Their thorny situation gets even stickier when the church ladies come up with a plan.Can tenderhearted Pastor Ian MacCraig keep a pair of prickly sisters from marrying the wrong men? Emily Downey has found the perfect groom. If only she loved the man... Chelsea Downey is wild about her boyfriend. Trouble is, he’s two-timing her and everyone sees it but her. Their thorny situation gets even stickier when the church ladies come up with a plan. Can Pastor Ian MacCraig weed out the thistles and get to the heart of the matter in time to save the day?

The fourth installment in the Relic Master quartet! Galen and Raffi's quest has brought them to the Pits of Maar. There, below the surface of the world, in the deepest darkness, a most evil thing is waiting for them to come. Watch a Video

The hard-up Diamond Brothers win a weekend for two in Paris, but as soon as they arrive, they find themselves in danger. There's a nasty smell in the air and it's not the cheese. If Nick and Tim aren't careful, their dream holiday could end up being a nightmare from which they'll never wake up.

Best friends Lexi Lin and Elliott Lee are excited about beginning their freshmen year in college. But all Julia Kyoto feels is apprehension. Determined to shed her shy girl tendencies, Julia makes a pact with God to help her overcome her inhibitions with a little step of faith. All seems well, until Julia's diary ends up in the wrong hands, that of unattainable Wynn Yoshida.Best friends Lexi Lin and Elliott Lee are excited about beginning their freshmen year in college. But all Julia Kyoto feels is apprehension. Determined to shed her shy girl tendencies, Julia makes a pact with God to help her overcome her inhibitions with a little step of faith. All seems well, until Julia's diary ends up in the wrong hands, that of unattainable Wynn Yoshida. Follow Julia and her friends as they strive to figure out how to live out their Christian faith once they leave home and set out on their own during their college years.

This is a fast-paced science fiction thriller in which a near-future Earth has solved its energy crisis with... the Ore. Powerful crystals of endless energy, they promise to reshape the world into the Eden it once was, but at what cost? When one man gets a shard of the Ore embedded in his chest during a freak accident, he gains unexpected powers - and is set upon a dangerous path.After decades of squandering and abusing the earth’s natural resources, the future of mankind was bleak. Humanity searched the earth for any remaining energy, hoping to discover an answer before the lights went out. They resurrected the ancient grounds of Eden, hoping to find its power – an extraordinary ore offering an unlimited source of energy. Gabriel Roberts, the son of the ore's discoverer, awakens to a horrific storm that kills his mother and leaves him with a piece of the ore plunged into his chest. He survives and is found by rescue teams the next day; their helpful nature changes as they discover what's in his chest. Panicked Gabriel unleashes a massive explosion from the ore in his chest. His estranged brother, Adin, arrives after the blast and takes him to hide live with him in the metropolis of Denver. It isn't long before strangers come looking for Gabriel. Attacked in the night, Gabriel is saved by a young woman with supernatural abilities. She leaves him promptly with only a warning to stay hidden and not to trust anyone. Gabriel rushes back to reconnect with his brother, but trouble follows and rips the two apart once again. Gabriel makes a daring escape, hoping Adin will be spared as their attackers chase after him. His world begins to spin out of control as he discovered a hidden war, raging on behind the scenes. As Gabriel learns about the true nature of the ore in his chest, he forced to choose a side. A decision that will shape the course of humanity.

Now a seasoned combat veteran, Paksenarrion must seek the fabled stronghold of Luap far to the west. The way is long, the dangers many -- and none can say whether glory or ruin awaits....

I knew who he was before he introduced himself. Jeans and a black sweatshirt with the hood pulled up over his head. The hem of the material hid his face like he was the grim reaper. Or a Dementor. Legend has it that he’s a serial killer. And that he is covered in abs. Ribbed for a lady’s pleasure. And he just programed his number in my phone.

The Empire is on the brink of war...the City Watch and the Imperial Guard regularly exchange blows...and what did the palace maid hear that meant she had to die?...Welcome to Highport!When Emperor Frederick decides that a parade should be held to honour his return to Highport, Captain Thomas Winterburne of the City Watch knows that things are going to get busy. But, when he also learns that the peace talks with Queen Ysabel of the Commonwealth have broken down he smells even more trouble brewing. Not only that, when he is called to investigate the murder of an apparently innocent serving girl he soon discovers something more sinister going on, something so big that it threatens the very fabric of the Empire. And what's more...only he can stop it.

Ten years after the blackout, a group of humans struggling to fight off a conscious famine, try to re-learn empathy to save humanity in an old industrial assembly plant. In 3 days; feigned affection, deception and a black heart will take them to the repression of their own fears in search of unconditional love.A Rising Fall is the first book in a dystopian trilogy entitled City:aliteraryconcerto. The story starts ten years after the blackout as a group of humans struggling to fight off a conscious famine, try to re-learn empathy to save humanity in an old industrial assembly plant. In 3 days; feigned affection, deception and a black heart will take them further into the repression of their own fears in search of unconditional love. Following the theme of a concerto, City is divided into three parts; A Rising Fall, Utopian Circus and I, Cannibal. Each book is then divided into three pieces and with A Rising Fall, each piece refers to a day; the three days leading to the fall of their city. The trilogy illustrates the human emancipation from three states of love; Eros, Philos and Agape as each is torn apart under the guise of well intention as humanity; now void of identity in the wake of a century of dehumanising dependence and necessity upon industry and digital technology; has separated itself from the labour of its existence, aborting empathy and setting in place the death of mother nature. Yet, on the verge of extinction; mankind presses on; towards salvation; towards the city of light and sound; towards New Utopia

It starts off with a hit and run. Next it’s a car crash. Then the school bus is obliterated by a train. Then there’s a fire… Each time, it either involves someone who upset Jasmine, or Jasmine miraculously survives. She reckons the angel Gariel is protecting her. But Gariel needs a book, and Jasmine doesn’t know where to find it – and the longer she takes, the more the school seems to be in dangerAn infection must be curbed – even in a schoolIt starts off with just one; a hit and run.Next it’s a car crash, with no survivors. Then the school bus is completely obliterated on a level crossing.Then there’s a fire…Each time, it either involves someone who upset Jasmine, or Jasmine and her friends miraculously survive.Jasmine reckons it’s her guardian angel Gariel that’s protecting her.But Gariel is increasingly insistent that Jasmine has to find and hand him a book he needs.Problem is, Jasmine doesn’t know which book he means – and the longer she takes to find it, the more the school seems to be in danger.

The Yeerks plan to use the Helmacron ship they have repaired to capture the Andalites and track down Elfangor's blue cube--the cube that gives Cassie, and the other animorphs the ability to morph.

Captain Etienne Navarre is a man on whose shoulders lie a cruel curse. Punished for loving each other, Navarre must become a wolf by night whilst his lover, Lady Isabeau, takes the form of a hawk by day. Together, with the thief Philippe Gaston, they must try to overthrow the corrupt Bishop and in doing so break the spell.

Set around the year 2050 when overpopulation is causing food and energy shortages, mass unemployment, social tension and civil conflict. An ex politician and professor of biology talks to a grandson no longer able to cope with life in an overcrowded city. A follow-up to 'The Malthus Pandemic', this hard-hitting short novel is based on original facts and forecasts. Not for the faint hearted.'The Cage' is a hard hitting, well researched and possibly controversial short novel based around the year 2050 when overpopulation in Western cities is causing food and energy shortages, mass unemployment, increasing social tensions and civil conflict. An ex politician and professor of biology, renowned for warnings and predictions about the effects of overpopulation is being held in an open prison. He is visited by his grandson unable to cope with life in the city. 'The Professor' listens sympathetically, but, after a lifetime spent forecasting exactly those effects if world population went unchecked, admits he is unable to offer a solution. Past warnings, he says, went unheeded due to politicians' fears about human sensitivities about population control. 'That is not leadership,' he says, 'But world politicians and religious leaders were weak, scientifically illiterate stage performers, constantly shedding tears of compassion about suffering and poverty for short term popularity and political advantage.' His grandson listens but also provokes him into explaining the reason why he was in prison - because he had helped his aged mother to die believing, just as his mother did, that in a civilised society, quality of life mattered more than its longevity. He objects, he says, to the uncivilised habit of 'abandoning old people to fend for themselves or live together in conditions that, as younger people, they would have found totally abhorrent.' 'Someone once said that you had no place in civilised society.' his grandson continues. But the older man counters again: 'I disagreed, of course, and I remember replying to that Christian bishop that he might like to consider whether he himself had any place in a modern, civilised society. Surely, it is a sign of an advanced civilization to be able to anticipate human disaster before it happens and to act accordingly.' 'A human life that is fulfilling and contented needs to be accompanied by at least some hardship and struggle.' he claims. 'To exist without the need for individual effort weakens the body and the will to fight for survival. Politicians, though, need the apathy that comes with a culture of dependency on the state because it ensures their own survival.'His grandson slowly admits to being drawn into physical conflict with the 'newcomers'. But, 'I do not want to kill anyone, grandfather. They came here to look for a better life. It is not their fault. Some of them are good friends. It is not fair.'"You speak of fairness?' his grandfather asks. 'You speak of things being made fair when thousands are already dying? Like rats in a cage they fought within their own communities for the basic necessities of food, water, jobs and shelter, but there is no fairness and no winners in sectarian conflict and when resources run out.' His grandson finally pleads for a solution but the older man is just as pessimistic. 'Do not expect someone to arrive in your midst, to wave a magic wand and put everything right. It is too late now. If urban fighting spreads, it will be like no other war in history. But that, in my opinion, is when a real decision maker may arrive on the scene. It will be someone just like the ones that have gone before - a self serving individual seeking fame and prestige and with a vision of going down in history as the saviour of the human race. But be aware that this leader may show his ultimate leadership qualities merely because he has the power to press a red button."A follow-up to the author's previous thriller, 'The Malthus Pandemic', this hard-hitting short novel contains facts and forecasts supported by original papers. Not for the faint hearted.

Her life has been a lie.Amy Corbett wants answers. About her past and why her mother didn’t clue her into the truth. Reluctantly accepting the changes forced upon her, Amy’s trying to embrace her new self, but being a witch is hard work. Not able to grasp a simple spell, she learns about a secret society of magic users, shunned for not being able to ‘fit in.Her life has been a lie.After the events in “Ordinary World,” Amy Corbett wants answers. About her past and why her mother didn’t clue her into the truth. Reluctantly accepting the changes forced upon her, Amy’s trying to embrace her new self, but being a witch is hard work. Not able to grasp a simple spell, she learns about a secret society of magic users, shunned for not being able to ‘fit in.’ Maybe she’ll find a place where she truly belongs. There’s no place like home? Sometimes there are alternatives.

When the entire continent of Australia disappears into thin air, Jack White, a professor of unexplained phenomena and folk lore is contacted by the government to assist them in cracking the case that has officials baffled.Oceans will rise and cities will fall... Will mankind survive?When the entire continent of Australia disappears into thin air, Jack White, a professor of unexplained phenomena and folk lore is contacted by the government to assist them in cracking the case that has officials baffled. When another country disappears and leaves behind only ocean water, it becomes a race against time to find answers to the inexplicable disappearances that are now ravaging the world. How do you protect your family and prepare the world for an impending doom if you don't know what you're up against?

Mitch Tacit is Hyperion Dazzle's best friend, and being best friends with the universe's most famous media star requires going to extreme lengths. With Hyperion's new album ready to be released, Mitch uncovers a coup threatening his position as best friend. Thankfully, Mitch has his own network of friends to rely on for support.Mitch Tacit is Hyperion Dazzle's best friend, and being best friends with the universe's most famous media star requires going to extreme lengths. With Hyperion's new album ready to be released, Mitch uncovers a coup threatening his position as best friend. Thankfully, Mitch has his own network of friends to rely on for support, including a hive mind and his employer, the entity responsible for his best friend's persona.

Dirk Dynamo is enjoying a life of learning with the Epiphany Club. Joining an expedition to find the Great Library of Alexandria, he finds himself on the island of Hakon, where colonial life is not what it seems. With monsters in the jungle, conspiracies in the mansion and ninjas dogging his trail, can Dirk and his friends find the first clue to the Library before they meet a deadly fate?Dirk Dynamo is enjoying a life of learning with the gentlemen adventurers of the Epiphany Club. Joining an expedition to find the Great Library of Alexandria, Dirk finds himself on the island of Hakon, where colonial life is not what it seems. With monsters in the jungle, conspiracies in the mansion and ninjas dogging his trail, can Dirk and his friends find the first clue to the Library before they meet a deadly fate?

Aphrodite’s Curse is about a dynasty’s fall from grace, unrequited love and retribution.Aphrodite’s Curse is about a dynasty’s fall from grace, unrequited love and retribution.A powerful family is brought to ruin, the consequences unforeseen and irreparable. The trouble begins with King Minos who asks the gods for a bull to be sacrificed so that he may become ruler of Kretos and surrounding lands. Poseidon sends him a gift of a white bull and instead of sacrificing it, King Minos keeps it. Poseidon is angry by his supplicant’s actions and as punishment glamour’s the king’s wife, Pasiphae to lust after the bull.The story is told by Phaedra, Theseus’ wife, who witnesses first-hand, the rise and fall of her family. She grows up in a privileged environment, a princess and daughter of King Minos. From a very early age she knows the power her father wields, but is also aware his actions may have precipitated the misfortunes that followed. She reflects on the different and disturbing events from a detached perspective. Her tone can sometimes be one of a spoilt child, then at other times resigned and on occasion shows an uncanny insight. This retrospective musing comes from her sighting of Hippolytos, her husband’s son from a previous marriage. She falls in love with him and finds it difficult to contain this secret and eventually tells her nurse. Phaedra asks for Aphrodite’s help, even builds a temple, however Hippolytos spurns her advances. Shamed by her actions and by his revulsion, she poisons herself, leaving a letter to her husband writing that Hippolytos had raped her. The story ends with her death.

Free short sci-fi dystopian story first published in The Talking Stick about a group of people about to executed because, though they've done nothing wrong, they are carriers of a fatal flu.It's more than just a cold draft, a simple shadow out the corner of the eye; the sound of movement when no one's there.Olivia Strange just moved into her new apartment with her cat Lexington and already strange things are happening! But can Olivia figure out what's going on or will she be the next person to disappear?Excerpt:A scurry across the floor jerked her head to the side where she saw nothing. She couldn't see the floor well at all from where she was sitting so she eased forward, still holding onto her blanket, to check. She wanted to be sure there wasn't a rat running across her floor. Just as she leaned her body over the edge of the bed is when she felt a shift in the bed around her. It seemed to depress. Her hair stood on end and her arms became riddled with goose bumps, than the light snapped off with a metallic sound.She jumped turning to look at the lamp which was still semi visible in the dark thanks to both the moon light from the open curtains of the windows and her clock. She reached out to turn the lamp back on but nothing. The bulb had blown. A second sound of movement slid across the floor.“It’s okay. Get a hold of yourself.” She mumbled in the darkness letting out another hot breath between her trembling teeth. Her eyes strained to see before she remembered her flashlight tucked away.She reached down to the floor and eased her hand under the bed. Her fingers reaching out for the flashlight she knew should have been within reach, but now, when she needed it most she struggled to find the darn thing.