This week I’ve moved Writers’ Block to Geelong in deference to my guest, Ellie O’Neill, but I’ve still created a piece of the mystical island, Hy Brasil. To the outside world it’s shrouded in mist, but cocooned within that mist is a way of life the islanders protect fiercely. Especially the oldies. They’ve been giving me the evil eye as I wait on one of the low stone walls that honeycomb the island. They are strangely strong, these old islanders, and, when they think I’m not looking, unbelievably content. I hope they’ll be more welcoming to my guest, whose second child is due any day. Here she comes now, looking as bright as the landscape, ready to chat about her latest novel of magical realism and Irish fables, The Enchanted Island.
Category: Blog
Review: Here We Lie by Sophie McKenzie
In her third stand-alone psychological thriller, Sophie McKenzie delivers a tale of the tragic consequences of blind trust and terrible secrets.
The Hand That Feeds You by A J Rich
One for those who like their psychology hand fed and their thrills more slow burn than edge-of-your-seat.
Review: The Enchanted Island by Ellie O’Neill
Maeve is single, ambitious and has so lost herself in her hectic social life of hook-ups and selfies that her best friend has kicked her out. Maeve soon learns there’s no better way to discover her real self than on a reclusive island where strange shrieks echo through the night, the town elders want her gone and the one person she’s come to see refuses to be found.
Childhood and Silver Screens
For the first time in years, the roller door is up and a lamp burns brightly casting shadows across an old sofa and the dog-eared biography of Katharine Hepburn. The garage still smells of Pa—of sweat, engine oil and stale booze—though the old man hasn’t been here in a while. This is Tom’s place. A place of memories and secrets and startling discoveries. I’m here to welcome Australian author and creator of the wonderful Tom Houghton, a novel that deserves to become a classic. Join me in welcoming Todd Alexander.
On the Scent of a Woman
From the relative cool of a shady spot on the De Lasset estate I observe the May rose harvest of Grasse. It’s the time of the Great War and with all the men away it’s women, wearing simple cotton skirts and shirts, who are bent over the sea of pink blooms, plucking and filling their sacks with petals that will form the heart of Grasse perfume. Tea has been laid out in honor of my special guest and creator of the story contained within this wonderful vista, multi-talented Australian writer Fiona McIntosh.
Review: The Perfumer’s Secret by Fiona McIntosh
When her brother-in-law Sebastien walks into her life, wounded and handsome and bearing a devastating family secret, Fleurette faces her biggest challenge. Will Sebastien save her—or ruin her? A richly hued tale of love and adversity at a time of great upheaval.
Crime, Place and Politics
Situated in an open-fronted bar on the famous Walking Street of Pattaya, the Coconut Club isn’t a place I’d normally inhabit. Especially not alone. Still, after the late afternoon humidity of Pattaya I’m grateful for the chill airconditioning. A slender Thai beauty works her grass skirt and flirtations on the leering blokes, using drinking games and flattery to keep the beer flowing. At the bar PI Jayne Keeney is on a case, looking pale and interesting as she coaxes information from another of the waitresses. She hasn’t spotted me, which is fine, because I’m here to meet her creator, award winning Melbourne writer Angela Savage.
Review: Tom Houghton by Todd Alexander
A wonderfully immersive novel about facing up to who you are, and who you are not, Tom Houghton will keep you reading late into the night.
Review: Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer
Troubled Teens, Sylvia Plath and ‘magical’ journals: Belzhar is a thoroughly enjoyable YA novel with a great twist, the whiff of romance and a dark side.