Reviewed by Rod McLary This is the fourth book by Sarah Bailey featuring Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock but the first one which I have read – an oversight which I intend to rectify as soon as possible. DS Gemma Woodstock is an engaging, multi-dimensional protagonist who is balancing the demands of a baby daughter, a
Reviewed by Ian Lipke Imagine a young writer who never writes that one smash hit. He’s bored and disaffected. He knows his writing is not substandard but can never write that elusive bestseller. Employed by ‘The Company’ in the position of ‘The Consultant’ he is tempted to write using his employer supplied materials. Tempted further
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve This guide, written by respected psychologist and neuroscientist, Professor Joel Pearson, is both thought provoking and practical. It entertainingly conveys how the boundless capacity of the unconscious can be trained to use intuition in a scientific way. As the title suggests, it is ‘a new science of knowing WHAT without knowing
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Professor Bettany Hughes OBE FSA is an award-winning historian, author, and broadcaster, who has devoted the last 25 years to the vibrant communication of the past. Her speciality is ancient and mediaeval history and culture. Her published books cover classical antiquity and myth. In recognition of her contribution to research, she
Reviewed by Richard Tutin I often wonder as I listen to a piece of music or a song on the radio about its backstory. Why was it written? What was the inspiration behind it? I also am interested in those who sing the song and provide the musical backing. What drew them into the music
Reviewed by Rod McLary William Boyd – an English author and an excellent short story writer – once said [in A Short History of the Short Story in Prospect 17 April 2018]: [a short story] seem[s] to answer something very deep in our nature as if, for the duration of its telling, something special has
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Claire McNeel is a fifth-generation football supporter who believes that women belong in the action not just on the sidelines. A former registered nurse and researcher, with a PhD in Neuroscience, she was a finalist for Best Screenplay at the Byron Bay International Film Festival, and this screenplay formed the basis
Reviewed by Rod McLary Leah is twenty-eight and for the past twenty years – since a childhood accident at age eight – she has suffered from akinestopsia. This is a rare condition affecting the brain and consequently sufferers are unable to detect motion even though they can see perfectly well. Moving objects appear much as
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This story by Amy T. Matthews takes the reader into the mayhem of social media. This is a new world for some readers and although it seems very artificial and invasive at times this story shows how all this hoopla can be used to achieve good if one is strong enough
Reviewed by Rod McLary The Beacon is the debut novel of P. A. Thomas and what a debut it is. Set in Byron Bay with a cast of colourful – and some not-so-colourful – characters, it is an exciting read from beginning to end. Jack Harris – son of Malcolm Harris the all-powerful owner of
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke This brightly coloured hard covered 26cm square children’s book, is produced by writer of science books for children, Idan Ben-Barak and Christopher Nielsen, Australian children author and illustrator. In 2018 Nielsen’s first picture book saw him shortlisted for the CBCA Crichton Award for best new illustrator, and in 2022 his book
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Peppercorn House is the title of the latest novel by Nicole Hurley-Moore. Out of curiosity I looked up this name and discovered that there is indeed a “Peppercorn House” at 13 Hawthorn Street Northcote which was built around 1910. This house bridges the gap between Victorian and Edwardian architecture, combining the
Reviewed by Richard Tutin Catching a wave from a point or beach along the Australian coastline is a favourite pastime for many Australians. For those in the elite ranks of the sport it is the source of their livelihood though even if they weren’t paid they would still be out and about looking for the
Reviewed by E B Heath Poppycock, I most definitely am my thoughts, Leslie countered silently, as one by one her truths blazed. And what’s more, the whole world would ignite if it knew what women were really thinking. Wallace and Lesley Bird are exhausting. According to their daughter Caroline, they are bigots, bogons and racists.
Reviewed by E.B. Heath Dr. Michael Greger’s latest book – How Not to Age – provides readers with trustworthy scientific research on how to get healthier as you age. Wild unsubstantiated claims are used to promote anti-aging products, often sponsored by vested interests producing skewed results. It is very hard for the general public to