Bird Deity by John Morrissey
Up and coming First Nation’s author, John Morrissey, stuns with his cosmic horror, Bird Deity, a vivid and haunting speculative fiction novel that explores the effects of colonialism, both to indigenous people and to the colonisers.
David is a scout. For ten years he has plundered the ruins of an alien civilisation about which he knows nothing. Now his contract is ending, and he’s ready to go home, a wealthy, successful man. As he waits for the ship that will take him away, he begins to question the choices he has made.
Before he can leave, he is visited by anthropologist Sarah, who has travelled far to learn about the strange, humanoid species that wander the rainswept wasteland of the plateau. David is hired to be her guide; one more expedition before he goes home, one that will make him rich beyond his wildest dreams.
But he soon comes to realise that he may yet lose everything, as he is drawn inexorably towards an encounter with the terrifying soul of this world.
The world of Bird Deity is rich with lore and reads with a beautiful, dream-like quality that quietly presents the reader with the morally corrupting nature of colonialism. Apathy becomes its own form of violence towards the dehumanized ‘parasapes’ who call the plateau home in a beautiful, if not confronting tale.
Review by Georgia, Library Promotions Officer
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Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
You never know what magic a reliable list and a second chance may bring you.
The only thing Agnes Aubert enjoys more than lists is rescuing the stray cats of Montreal. Finding a new space for her cat shelter, however, was not on her to-do list, not on any of them for that matter.
When Agnes finds the perfect space, it seems almost too good to be true. However, who are the strangers visiting the basement and how does a cold, disused oven always give off such wonderful smells? Is her new cat shelter being used to hide something untoward?
Another thing not on her lists – finding out her new landlord was the notorious, yet handsome, Havelock Renard, magician, dark lord, ender of worlds. She was at a loss of what to make of him when she first encountered him in his night clothes of all things!
Reluctantly, these two opposing forces will have to work together to keep their safe haven hidden from those who would destroy their dreams. As they spend more time together Agnes realises that people, and magicians, are not always who they appear to be. The evil villain? Not quite so evil after all (unless you count the snark and pettiness). And maybe, a little magic isn’t such a bad thing after all.
A heartwarming tale filled with whimsy, meddlesome cats and unexpected love; this story is perfect for those longing for magic and a little mayhem in their cosy read.
Review by Rachel, Customer Experience Officer (Libraries)
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Dead Fall Lake by S. R. White
Beneath the glittering surface of a pristine lake lies a dark, multi-faceted secret. The discovery of a local free diver handcuffed thirty meters down in Dead Fall Lake sets in motion the unravelling of a gripping web of lies, as S.R. White returns with their latest high-stakes police procedural.
When the complex murder investigation begins at an isolated bushland property, Detective Dana Russo encounters her most perplexing and elusive case yet. Set during COVID restrictions, White crafts a narrative that leverages the locked down, paranoid energy of the small Australian town to perfection, creating a moody, atmospheric sense of unease that builds with each chapter. Everyone is guarded and on edge, but who is also guilty?
The strength of the narrative lies in Russo’s sharp, methodical approach to uncovering the truth as she probes a tight knit network of suspects who all have something to hide. This slow-burn narrative relies on cutting dialogue, psychological depth, and the measured reveal of information, that will have amateur sleuths second guessing their deductions before the end.
This fifth installment in the Dana Russo series will appeal to those who enjoy atmospheric Australian mysteries like Jane Harper’s The Dry, and outback noir TV series Scrublands.
Murder at the Castle by David Safier
Calling all cosy crime lovers!
Angela Merkel ex-German Chancellor has finally retired from public life with her husband Achim and their new pug Putin in the quaint village of Kleinfreudenstadt-on-Dumpfsee. However, retirement isn’t all she thought it would be and settling into country life just isn’t as exciting as dealing with international affairs and deranged American presidents.
When local aristocrat Baron von Baugenwitz is found poisoned and dressed in armour in his castle dungeon which has been locked from the inside, Angela finally finds a purpose to her retirement. A mystery that needs solving! With the help of her husband, ever patient bodyguard Mike and of course her beloved dog Putin she undertakes a somewhat dangerous hunt for his killer. Will she be able to solve the crime and find the killer before they try to finish her off first?
What really sets this novel apart, however, is its wit. From the opening pages, Murder at the Castle consistently delights with sharp wordplay and cleverly layered intertextual references, particularly in its playful reimagining of aspects of the real Merkel’s life. Intelligent, funny, and remarkably well realised, this story is a superb achievement.
A wonderful cozy mystery for fans of Richard Osman and Amanda Hampson. This is a light, humorous read featuring the reimagined political figure. A delight for all!
Reviewed by Barbara, Customer Experience Officer
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Happy Ending by Chloe Liese
A perfect slow-burn rom-com for a cold winter’s read!
Meet Thea, recently divorced bookseller fighting with her ex over custody of their dog, and Alex, chef extraordinaire who is devoted to amicably co-parenting his daughter as he navigates his own divorce. When Thea and Alex discover their exes are now dating one other, they impulsively fabricate a back story for themselves pretending to have been each other’s first love and pen-pals, who are happy to be reunited. What begins as a spiteful lie unexpectedly grows into a steady, meaningful friendship. Two years later when their exes invite them to come away on holiday together, all four lives intersect, forcing Thea and Alex to confront a question: could their pretend bond be the start of something real?
Happy Ending is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance in which readers are sure to enjoy Thea and Alex’s journey from hurtful lie to a connection so genuine you can’t help but root for them.
Thea and Alex feel like real people carrying real-life baggage—divorce, messy exes, emotional ruts, and the longing for a place that finally feels like home. Their friendship is the heart of the story and is written with emotional nuance. You feel the trust building between the two and witness the gradual shift from platonic affection to a deeper longing as they fall for each other but are both hesitant to risk the friendship they’ve come to rely on.
Happy Ending is a warm, funny, and heartfelt romance about growth, healing, and the unexpected joy of second chances.
Reviewed by Khode, Librarian
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Strange Pictures by Uketsu
A strange mystery by an equally strange author.
The mysterious and enigmatic Japanese YouTuber and author, Uketsu, whose true identity remains unknown, has done it again with another chilling murder mystery revealed through unconventional clues.
A series of drawings made by a young woman before her death, posted to an old blog online. A child’s disturbing picture of his home, and the paranoia that follows him and his mama from the shadows. A desperate sketch made by a murder victim in his final moments, studied relentlessly by his former student in a search for the truth. Strange Pictures invites the reader to solve a series of mysteries spanning more than 60 years by finding the clues and oddities in a series of hand-drawn pictures. Each one paints an eerie and horrifying picture that reveals a little bit more of how everything is all connected, culminating into the big reveal of a shocking secret at the end.
Uketsu’s writing style is simple but immersive. Readers will feel as though they are in the room with the characters, nodding along as questions are raised and eagerly studying the drawings to find the clues first. The narrative jumps from different points of view throughout the timeline, giving readers a fresh perspective with each chapter that helps build upon the story. What you will find at the end is a haunting tale that will have you asking how far someone would go to protect the ones they love most?
Strange Pictures is the perfect read if you are looking for something a little less conventional in your mysteries, or something you can curl up and devour in a single sitting, preferably on a gloomy day with a warm drink!
Reviewed by Georgia, Library Promotions Officer
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