AustLit

'Lian Knight has recreated the amazing life of her grandfather, a war hero. What has been published about him is extraordinary – 2000 newspaper articles, many printed more than a century ago. Yet almost nothing written about him is consistent. The press varied his name, his age, his place of birth, where he lived and what he did. There were whispers that he emerged from poverty, delivering fish before dawn in London’s East End in the markets and laneways of Jack the Ripper’s local haunts, before joining the army at just thirteen. Averse to authority, he was a military superior’s nightmare. He served in South Africa and India before migrating to Australia.

'When World War I broke out, he was despatched to the Western Front where, gassed, bombed and working against remarkable odds, he saved the lives of many and was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for valour. He became legendary, gaining medals and escaping death on numerous occasions. After the war he married and finally returned to Australia. He was famous in England and Australia for his bravery and kindness to his fellow man. Later as a movie star, a politician, a boxer, a celebrated Australian identity and a good Samaritan, his notoriety seemed to know no bounds. Which of these stories were real? A mixture of truth and fantasy has continued to be reported … until now.'  (Publication summary)

'A deserted picnic ground. The killer, horrified and frozen with indecision, falls asleep at the scene until he mistakes a firetruck for authorities and bolts. Kate wakes from a dream holiday to discover her husband Matt is leaving for a younger woman, Bridie. Matt shares his initial joy with his friends; Paul, a womaniser; Lewis, a computer nerd struggling with relationships and Jason, a professional family man married to Angela, who travels interstate regularly on business. But not all is as it seems. Paul keeps a childhood secret of drowning his schoolmate Aaron's younger brother, and attempts to seduce Kate. He runs into Aaron, who confronts him. Jason meets Julie whilst away and begins an affair. Julie idolises him and tracks his movements. Jason flies to WA where he is revealed as Will who runs a profitable drug business with his brother. In Sydney, a couple's marriage is souring. Ryan works shifts on a rig in WA, but his wife Indio learns he travels elsewhere. She discovers a large stash of money and two passports in their apartment. When Jason returns home, his son is injured, Indio investigates him and Julie pursues him. Lewis takes Julie to his apartment intoxicated and she wakes alongside, aghast. Later, picnickers find her body in a local park. Police do door-to-door checks and Paul deflects the enquiries onto his mates. Jason makes a sudden return interstate and when Angela phones, Ryan receives it and his true identity as Will is learned. Bridie wounds Paul whilst fighting with Matt, and Aaron reluctantly provides medical assistance. Indio confronts her husband at a restaurant. She accuses Angela and she and Jason are taken into custody, where the police reveal they have Jason's full history of false identities, drugs and bigamy. They suspect murder too until Lewis confesses.' (Publication summary)