Featuring a diverse array of characters and themes, this collection includes original novellas by prominent Australian fantasy authors. Readers will encounter a rich tapestry of narratives, showcasing trolls, angels, and princes, alongside puritans and master crafters. Each story invites exploration into fantastical realms, blending unique elements of magic and craftsmanship, making it a captivating anthology for fans of the genre.
The book captivates readers with its gripping narrative and fast-paced plot, making it a true page-turner. It offers an engaging experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, ensuring they stay invested in the unfolding story. The compelling characters and thrilling twists contribute to its overall enjoyment, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking excitement and entertainment.
Before there was Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, there was Fergus Hume’s The Mystery of a Hansom Cab—the biggest- and fastest-selling detective novel of the 1800s, and Australia’s first literary blockbuster.Fergus Hume was an aspiring playwright when he moved from Dunedin to Melbourne in 1885. He wrote The Mystery of a Hansom Cab with the humble hope of bringing his name to the attention of theatre managers. The book sold out its first run almost instantly and it became a runaway word-of-mouth phenomenon—but its author sold the copyright for a mere fifty pounds, missing out on a potential fortune.Blockbuster! is the engrossing story of a book that would help define the genre of crime fiction, and a portrait of a great city in full bloom. Rigorously researched and full of arresting detail, this captivating book is a must-read for all fans of true crime, history and crime fiction alike.
Over 150,000 words of multiple award-winner Lucy Sussex's best stories.IncludesLipton Village SocietyMontageMy Lady TongueGod and Her Black Sense of HumourThe LotteryMerlusineThe Queen of ErewhonAbsolute UncertaintyFrozen CharlottesLa SentinelleMatricideThe RevenantMist and MurderSomething Better than DeathMatilda Told Such Dreadful LiesAlbert and VictoriaRobots and Zombies, IncArdent CloudsKay and PhilA Tour Guide in UtopiaThe Parish and Mrs BrownRunawaysRed OchreDuchessA must for any Lucy Sussex fan. Published June 2011.Introduction by Delia Sherman
Life in the city of Quentaris is never dull. The city's two feuding families, the Blues and the Greens, have just held a battle in the market. There has been a duel between wizards and a burglary at the Villains' Guild. And the chief Soothsayer has just prophesied another disaster. "I see a disc of changing colours, passing from hand to hand. I see murder, misery and mayhem. I see the disc destroying everyone who touches it." Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.
Shadow Alley is a compilation of short crime stories written around the premise of detectives when they were teenagers.