Sale author Trevor Tucker, who in the past has written Gippsland-based stories, has released his fourth novel A Sense of Justice, available now.
Here’s a snapshot of the story:
Two young Englishmen, Harry Taylor, a minor felon, and Patrick Galbraith, a navy marine lieutenant serving on the final convict transport ship, are bound for Australia in October 1867.
Harry and Patrick become friends, and both end up at Trial Bay Prison on the north coast of New South Wales.
In return for good behaviour, an early release allows them to explore the hinterland. Opportunity knocks when the pair have a violent run-in with bushrangers and land a windfall beyond their wildest dreams.
But their newfound wealth also haunts them throughout adventurous lives filled with indigenous warriors, cattle thieves, murderers, and colourful figures of the colony’s racing and farming industries.
Harry and Patrick find love in the arms of beautiful women, but their good fortune comes under threat when a ghost from their past emerges.
Mr Tucker embarked on his fourth authorial adventure following the success of his first three books: Ned Kelly’s Son; The Stolen Maps: Australia’s greatest maritime secret? and Aussie Anecdotes.
“A Sense of Justice was inspired by the thought of witnessing life on the outskirts of recorded history and suggesting alternative feasible outcomes, albeit not as historians conjectured,” Mr Tucker said.
“I have now formed the belief that writing is a most satisfying outlet for creativity … both challenging, and relaxing.
“However, writing is not just escapism, but rather the compulsion of a glorious illness, that which I call, ‘The Dreamer’s Disease’… the more you give, the more you receive.”
The book is available now internationally in print and ebook formats. Buy it locally from Collins Booksellers Sale in-store or phone 5144 6262 to speak to their friendly staff and order a copy.
