AustLit

'Zach Brinkley is a prickly, fiercely independent boy with a chip on his shoulder. When this story opens he's in hospital, having been hit by a truck in a pedestrian crossing near his home. His heart has stopped and he's clinically dead. Doctors resuscitate Zach but he winds up in a coma, unable to communicate with anyone except some rather bizarre, otherworldly visitors. He meets Astra, for example, a yellowish winged thing who irritates him in the extreme. He also meets a set of scary twins who reveal to him that his being hit by the truck was no accident! Someone is trying to kill him? Who could want him dead? And why? This story follows Zach's determination to stay alive with the help of Astra, the twins and his only worldly contact, the insufferable, know-it-all Sophie Cunningham. Will he emerge from his coma in time to thwart his would-be killer?' (Publisher's blurb)

'Sophie's Return is a sequel to Angel of Fire. In this story, Zach Brinkley returns home, bringing with him the otherworldly friends who helped him when he was in hospital. He and his ghostly companions and Sophie Ferguson, pledge to help earthbound spirits seeking peace. On a school excursion to abandoned railway tunnels beneath Bottleneck Bay, a case presents itself in the form of Hank, the troubled spirit of a young man from Sophie's past ... her past in a previous life, that is. In trying to help Hank, Sophie places herself in mortal danger. Will Zach, the twins and Astra be able to save her?' (Publication summary)

'Zach Brinkley's secondary education is about to begin. He and Sophie Ferguson are enrolled at the prestigious Josiah Batty Grammar School. Unfortunately, Zach discovers that something at this new school isn't quite right. What's worse, the spirit of the school's founder, the Honourable Josiah Batty, expects him to make it right. The founder's ghost pursues Zach relentlessly, exhorting him to rid the school of the corruption that he perceives to be at its core. Will trying to generate justice for this vengeaful spirit lead to Zach's expulsion?' (Publication summary)

'There's a new boy at Josiah Batty Grammar whom at first, Zach and his friends can't stand. Although Raoul improves on acquaintance, it isn't long before Zach discovers that befriending him is dangerous. In trying to help Raoul, Zach risks his own life.'

Source: Back cover blurb.

'Zach visits Shady Glades Rest Home and meets the mysterious Mr Cathcart, who's suffering from dissociative amnesia. Who is he? Can Zach and his friends unlock the secrets of this old man's past? What dangers may lurk there?' (Publication summary)