Bücher veröffentlicht von Shawline Publishing Group

THE MURDERS CONTINUE TO HAUNT ANASTACIA "CHOOK" BABCHUK, A COP OUT FOR REVENGE...She'll stop at nothing to even the score, even if it means becoming a murderer herself. After Anastacia hunts down the old man responsible for the deaths of Evelyn and Polly, she seeks refuge with her friend, Harry Becker, on his farm near Wagga Wagga.But Harry is wrestling with his own ghosts, including helping Angelina Cosco deal with the fallout from the death of her mafia boss father.When Chook's past tracks her down, and Angelina Cosco once again finds herself on the wrong side of the Griffith mafia, Harry and Chook must work together to overcome the dangers that pursue them both.Corruption and danger insist on intruding on their professional and personal lives as Harry and Chook find themselves pulled deeper into the corruption of Griffith's mafia.Is there ever a way out?This third instalment of the Harry Becker series offers the danger and emotional heart readers have come to expect from Gordon Reid's thrilling investigative novel series."The Becker series is perfect crime thriller material to enthral and engage lovers of Australian rural crime fiction... great work!" Dennis, Readalot reviewer

THE SPEAR OF DURANDAIL HAS BEEN RECOVERED.BIRDS HAVE FLOWN FROM ROVIRA AND THE CALL HAS BEEN ANSWERED.THE ARMIES OF FAITH MARCH NORTH.Lukas Raynor returns to his homeland to face the wrath of Dorian. The world changes when he meets his brother atop the ruins of a sundered village, a place that will change the fortunes of both.Earl Magnus is dead. Astrid Farrin denies the wishes of her people and refuses his crown. The passage to the uncharted south is open and its mysteries call to her. To discover what lies beyond the Empire's borders, ships are made ready and a path is charted for a journey that will become legend.Kitara is in chains, bound for Empire and a life of servitude. Alone, save for a small company of Salvaari prisoners, Kitara must use every skill she possesses to survive this torment. The mercenary Bellec enlists the aid of Sakkar Alsahra and the moonseer Aeryn to hunt those who enslaved his daughter. To do so, they must cross the entire breadth of Medea, Annora and Larissa as those nations prepare for war.In the wake of great tragedy Sir Kyler Landrey and his mentor ride for Elara. Their quarry: a shadow of the past. They are greeted by a new hell. The great trading Empire is under siege. While at war with the Sacasian pirates, Elara has become a powder keg. The oppressed lower districts have been left further and further behind by those east of the river. Gangs stir in the Pits and resentment towards the magister grows by the day.This war in the shadows pales in the face of a rising nightmare. The Nightingale. A demon to the wealthy, a burning brand to the poor. Corruption. Betrayal. Murder. Secrets.Elara is ready to fall.

IN THE HEART OF 18TH-CENTURY ENGLAND, ON THE MOORS AND AMIDST THE GRIMY ALLEYS OF LEEDS, THE LIVES OF JOHN AND ROBERT RUSHWORTH UNFOLD IN A GRIPPING SAGA OF AMBITION, DANGER AND REDEMPTION.Leaving the desolate moors behind, the brothers venture to Leeds with dreams of escaping poverty's clutches and carving their names into the annals of history.In a world teeming with beggars, cutpurses and outlaws, the Rushworth brothers navigate treacherous paths, facing fear and uncertainty head on. Amidst the backdrop of a ruthless era, where murder and theft weave a web of ominous intrigue, the enigmatic tavern keeper, Smythe, holds their fates in his hands.A pirate captain, Captain Girlington, steps into their lives, harbouring secrets and a choice between love and the call of the sea. The brutish Jacob Wilding enters the fray, driven by relentless determination to capture Robert Rushworth and claim a perilous reward.Bound by a curse that threatens to consume them, the Rushworth brothers must confront their inner demons and forge a path back to success.In a tale where historical fact merges seamlessly with heart-pounding fiction, Dream of Courage unravels a tapestry of suspense, intrigue and human resilience to be experienced..."Another great work by a very talented author who loves his period works and characters from his great plots. He writes with verve and intent to deliver the imagination something unexpected and greatly appreciated... Brilliant..." Gavin, Readalot Magazine reviewer

AS TENSIONS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND CHINA BOIL OVER, SABOTEURS STRIKE TO CRIPPLE AUSTRALIA'S AIR AND NAVAL FORCES...An invasion fleet, headed by China's new aircraft carrier, is on its way south and none of Australia's treaty partners want to be involved.Defenceless and alone, Australia finds an unexpected glimmer of hope in Dave Pentreath and Trevor Mayer, both retired RAAF pilots. Their daring plan has a team of old colleagues coming together to steal thirty-six obsolete F-15 Eagle fighters from the US.Aboard the Chinese aircraft carrier, Captain Huang Bai itches for combat as he heads the state-of-the-art squadrons of fighter pilots into battle.In a confrontation on the high seas, thirty-six ageing Australians piloting fifty-year-old fighters stand against the cream of China's southern naval fleet.If these men fail, Australia falls to China and the world as we know it changes forever..."Clive Cussler, Alister MacLean and all writers of great military thrillers would be proud of this amazing new book by a very talented author... Exceptional in plot, character and detail... Brilliant read!" Davis, Readalot Magazine reviewer

SYDNEY, 1925.AT FIVE YEARS OF AGE, ALICE WAS ALREADY A MASTER PICKPOCKET AND THIEVING IN THE COURTHOUSE DURING HER OWN FATHER'S TRIAL.Ten years later, seizing the opportunity to escape his grasp, dire consequences force Alice to flee the city and hide in the Blue Mountains.Landing in the protection of elderly sisters with mysterious criminal connections, Alice's passion for horses drives her further across the country to the lush greenery of Adelaide and then the arid outback of the wide-open Western Australia.Driven by the desire for love, Alice's unique journey is not without dangers and, despite her strong morals, there comes a time under intense circumstances when past skills must be reawakened.Born to a life of crime and misery - how far will she go to find her glorious sunshine?"A brilliant tale of love and struggle from a new exciting author. Highly recommend..." Colleen, Readalot Magazine reviewer

AFTER YEARS OF PEACE, KING ARTHUR NOW FACES HIS GREATEST CHALLENGE...Five Knights of the Round Table remain, Mordred LeFay and his armies are set to conquer Camelot and soon after, all of Albion. Arthur must unite a new and brave allegiance of companions to stop Mordred and the dark powers of the evil sorceress Morgana.Arthur will meet new allies and reunite with old friends on his new path to peace, however the forces of evil remain at his back as the kingdom fights for freedom.They are stalked by a dangerous and seemingly invincible cursed spirited warrior, along with being beset by strange monsters of dark magic and are haunted by a mysterious knight in red iron.Mystic visions warn of the dark fate to come should Arthur and his new warriors fail to stop Mordred's impending invasion of a long-lost island, thought to be only a legend - the great kingdom of Avalon..."An enjoyable take on the classic tales of knights and magic told in a fresh voice by an author passionate for great characters and plot... A wonderful read and experience..." Ash, Indie Book reviewer

THE THRILLING SECOND INSTALMENT TO THE DUMNONIAN COMPASS, WITH OLD FRIENDS, NEW ADVENTURES AND MUCH MORE...With her eighteenth birthday looming, Darcy Bennet is restless. Dumnonia seems no more than a distant memory of a dream, and now, Darcy wonders if any of it was actually real.Darcy is drawn back to places and people that connect her to the events of three summers ago. With barely enough time to breathe, she finds herself thrust back in the thick of another journey into Dumnonia.Darcy returns to the world of myths and magic to seek out her old friends and loves but waiting for her in this world she has come to love, is a new journey she had not expected to take...Adventure is waiting but beware, danger lurks in the shadows..."A wonderful addition to an amazing first tale... Great writing, great plot and enjoyable twists... A story for all to enjoy again and again..." Margret, Indie Book reviewer

DURING THE TWELFTH CENTURY CRUSADES A DEADLY JOURNEY MUST BE MADE FOR SALVATION TO HAPPEN...When the king of Jerusalem is diagnosed with life-threatening leprosy, his physician and two apprentices - Ippolito and Ruth - will travel to India in search of a cure that has only ever been rumoured to exist.They face many trials and tribulations along their journey to India and each will be more traumatic and devastating than the last. Against all odds they must continue as they hold the legacy of humanity in their hands alone.With daring adventures having deadly consequences at each junction of the quest, it is their love and fortitude that drive them forward with nothing but a hope in their hearts of succeeding. To lose would be too devastating to contemplate.The only thing for certain is survival is not guaranteed..."A mystical tale of human courage and conviction to belief and purpose... A really great book for lovers of well thought out plot and riveting characters..." Tom, Indie Book reviewer "...a breathtaking adventure, rivalling the stories of Marco Polo, and considerably more fun." Tom Flood, Author & Miles Franklin Award Winner

IT'S 1887, DR HAMISH HART ALONG WITH HIS FRIEND, DR RITA CARTWRIGHT, ENJOY A WEEKEND STAY AT THE OPULENT NEW HOTEL AT DEEPWATER POINT...There is excitement for the upcoming aeronautical exhibition by French beauty Celestine DuPont which is unexpectantly disrupted by the mysterious murder of a young nurse also staying at the hotel...The talk is filled with conspiracy by the guests and staff at the hotel... Could the murder be linked to Glenda Hembrow who had a child in secret prior to her marriage, or perhaps the Captain Murdo Black, one full of stories worthy of a sea captain? Is it linked to Celestine DuPont whose father had disappeared after a fateful ballooning accident, or even Colonel Otis Winter, recently retired from the German Imperial Army?Hamish believes the answer lies in a deeper understanding of the deceased and who she was before her demise.The revelations become simpler than Hamish first imagined when he ponders not who she was, but rather what she saw before her death..."A fantastic new episode for the brilliant Dr Hamish and written by an amazing author of great mystery and character creation in the entire series... Exceptional..!" Sandra, Indie Book reviewer

YACHTING STORIES OFTEN DESCRIBE DIFFICULT OCEAN PASSAGES OR THE BEAUTY OF REMOTE ISLANDS...THIS COLLECTION OF OCEANIC TALES IS VERY DIFFERENT!Short Stories for the Daring Yachtsman is about the lives of actual yachtspeople who sail along the coast of Mexico.You may call them wanderers of the sea, for they are not tied down to a port as many yachtsmen are.They instead meet on the docks, in the cafes and cockpits, telling stories of future sailing plans and adventures on boats and through weather on the ocean.Many even prepare for a cross-pacific voyage.Things never go as planned. There will always be surprising outcomes and tragic endings. But the journeys to becoming sailors and crossing oceans will change their lives forever...You are invited to share in these amazing tales and partake in the greatness of their courage and lives at sea."What an enjoyable and fresh book of well-written tales to be shared and admired... Excellent read..." Toby, Indie Book reviewer

PART MEMOIR, PART SELF-HELP BOOK, YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU IS HERE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO EXERCISE THE CONCEPT OF CHOICE AND RESPONSIBILITY WHEN FACED WITH CHALLENGES...From surviving an horrific dog attack as a toddler, to the tragic death of his father in a car accident, to the challenges of leaving the country of his birth and then finally to the very emotional divorce from his wife... this story has truth at its heart and purpose at its soul.Funny, tragic, and at times unbelievable, the story weaves its way from various towns in the regional Eastern Cape Province of South Africa to the cities of the Gold Coast, Sydney and Brisbane.Yourself or Someone Like You details the traumatic yet very real life experience of author, Grant Parkin, and his amazing outcomes that will inspire your life also..."This book had me both laughing and crying nearly all the way through. A true alternative perspective to help look at life through a new lens... A masterpiece!" Aaron, Indie Book reviewer

NEW LOVE BEFORE THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC LOOKED AND FELT VERY DIFFERENT...Dana, a 27-year-old scientist, has taken a new job working within the COVID-19 branch of the hospital. Her goal: to work with and learn how to identify the virus.She works closely with the medical teams to uncover the data they need to treat the radical virus onslaught, but in the process her own life becomes threatened and she experiences the virus firsthand...Her contagion brings her a chance introduction to an unexpected love interest during the hospital shutdown.This unintentional attraction for English doctor, Michael, leads them to being exposed to the virus and ultimately places them both in a strict quarantine. Enduring days in isolation together, the tension between Dana and Mike grows.The virus has delivered many terrible things, but this inconvenience for the smitten Dana and Mike may bring them more happiness than they could have ever expected..."This warm and romantic spin on recent issues is a fresh light of thought and shows how we as people can still find love, no matter the situation. Great read..." Michelle, Indie Book reviewer

THE SILENT SOCIETY IS AN ADVENTURE THAT PURSUES THE PHILOSOPHICAL UNDERPINNINGS OF WHAT IT IS TO BE A HUMAN BEING AND OUR PLACE ON THIS PLANET...Sufferers of the disease are unable to speak to those around them, unable to voice what's happening to them.Dr Ryder and his team must race against time to find the source of the disease before they too succumb to its insidious impact on the human function.In the process, stark realities about the current state of human society are brought to light.Dr Ryder and his team grapple with how best to implement their findings to eradicate the disease without causing a monumental collapse of what it is to be a human in the present century.The team must confront the mismatch between where we have come from and where we find ourselves as a society."A thrilling and engaging dive into the darkness of illness and the human condition... Great read..." Marcus, Indie Book reviewer

THE LOYALTIES OF THOSE CLOSEST TO HIM WILL BE TESTED...When an unprovoked and vicious assault leaves William Denham at a Sydney hospital with serious head injuries, he soon begins to experience strange visions.Forced to question his sanity as the realisation that he is experiencing premonitions of violent and horrific crimes yet to occur, those closest to Will are confronted with his newfound abilities, causing fear for his state of mind.As the visions of these brutal crimes continue to plague Will, he must turn to his friends for help to save the lives of the unsuspecting victims..."An unnerving and thought-provoking new novel from a talented writer who grips the emotional tension with both hands and doesn't let it go..." Trevor, Indie Book reviewer

CAN ANNA OUTRUN HER PAST?Reinventing herself as a nurse in the tropical frontier of Australia, healing her soldier-lover, raising her unruly daughter - these are just a few of the challenges Anna Sinclair, a young suffragette, faces while on the run from the law back in Scotland.As she struggles to establish her own hospital, her past draws closer and risks exposure of her shameful secret, along with the loss of everything she holds dearest.Will everything she desires be achieved, or crumble around her?"A powerful and perceptive depiction of love in the wake of war and trauma." Nadine Davidoff, Freelance Editor"A story about confronting and overcoming trauma within history... It had me turning the pages in a frenzy. Absolutely captivating!" Sandra, Indie Book reviewer

A DEADLY CAR ACCIDENT STEALS KATE'S LOVER FROM HER LIFE AND SHE LOSES EVERYTHING...Running from the life she had built in New York to attempt a new life in Seattle, Kate is determined to run from her demons before they swallow her whole.Instead of the desired new beginning, Seattle holds the ruins that threaten to overwhelm her once more.Kate learns of a twin sister, along with her death, and finds the remnants of a decades-long civil war that tore her unknown family apart.A new world suddenly reveals itself to Kate; one populated by Faeries, wolf-shifters, kitsune and a vast array of other Fae - some determined to protect her and some hellbent on ending her...Kate must stand against the forces assembling and stop the darkness consuming her or lose even more than she first thought sacred..."A stylish fantasy thriller with great characters and twists to immerse oneself in... Brilliant!" Dianna, Indie Book reviewer

AFTER A NIGHT OF STORMY, HIGH-SEA BETRAYAL AND ADVENTURE BUZZBOMB, THE COCKROACH FROM SYDNEY AUSTRALIA, AWAKES ON A DESOLATE STRIP OF BEACH.Little does Buzz know he was not the only survivor of the prawn pirate attack on the cargo ship.A creature so crazed and ravenous that it dreams of nothing but chaos and destruction, has washed up along the same beach and been captured by a power hungry General.With its green glowing blood pulsing through the cane toad canons and stinkbug goo guns, the coastal farming villages are doomed.Hungry and half mad from drinking saltwater, Buzzbomb is surrounded by serpents and creepy crawlies that want to eat him. Then he stumbles upon Dust, the hidden village's warrior princess.Can Buzzbomb and Dust save the day before the monsoon hits and floods the grasslands, or has the ravenous horror whose glowing green blood is weaponizing the stinkbugs already won?One thing is for sure...When the monsoon comes, this terrifying beast will feed..."A fantastic array of imagination and narrative, blended with amazing artworks makes this one of the best illustrated novels on the market for 2023... Exceptionally awesome!" Matt, Indie Book reviewer

FAMILY IS THE TIE THAT WILL BIND...Set amongst the giant ghost gums of country Victoria, follow the trials and tribulations of two sisters who must battle through great personal sacrifice, unrelenting passions and disarming loss as they navigate the happenings around them.The Vietnam War arrives and brings them more heartbreaking tragedy, loss and unrequited love from which they may not recover.Spread across both time and place, The Ties That Bind is a journey of healing and love but not one that shies away from the pain that comes from the intensity of both.When two worlds collide, peace can be found on both sides..."Stunning and moving as we share such insight into family and the consequences and tribulations of lives entwined... Great read..." Samantha, Indie Book reviewer

TO FLEE FROM ONE LIFE TO FIND ANOTHER CAN BE EXCITING... BUT WILL IT BE MORE THAN SHE IMAGINED...?Struggling with the death of her boyfriend, Summer leaves a life in Australia to study overseas where she meets the enigmatic Lincoln, who becomes an instant distraction for her.Despite the numerous rumours warning her about Lincoln, they find an intense chemistry and Summer cannot seem to keep her distance from him.Lincoln has been trying to escape his past and is haunted by his mistakes. His past isn't the only thing Lincoln is running from, and he knows the dangers that come with allowing himself to get close to Summer.Yet, when he realises she is the one keeping his deepest demons at bay, he cannot keep away from her.Summer and Lincoln need each other to help face the past and overcome painful grief... but when secrets come to light, will they make it through?Or will the truth destroy everything...?"An exciting romance of passion and danger that keeps the pages turning... Loved it immensely!" Robyn, Indie Book reviewer

SOME OF THE BEST MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE ARE THE ONES YOU CAN NEVER TELL ANYONE ABOUT...Stella knew she had to share her story about her passion with Jack before she burst!Their chemistry was off the charts!From the moment they'd met at a simple job interview, to the day their lips touched for the first time...The Universe knew they were meant to be together and their destiny would be written in the stars. They were going to get together no matter what, especially if Stella had her say! No one would get in her way when it came to her true love and her destined happiness. Well... at least she hoped that would be the case and not another disaster story.But let's continue now with Jack and Stella's true love story and find out together... Shall we?"A romp of good measure in romantic idealism and innocent fun with a twist of dreaming... Great read and clever tale..." Diana, Indie Book reviewer

RAVENS ARE THE SENTINELS THAT WATCH OVER THE TOWN OF LOST SOULS...Ravens Hollow is a hauntingly beautiful story of facing confrontations from the past and overcoming the terrifying bleakness of the future.Set in a small, central Victorian town, rooted in the gold rush of 1851, Lee Ping, a Chinese migrant and gold digger, is murdered and his soul left to drift; trapped in the eternal terror of Ravens Hollow.Ravens Hollow follows families haunted by the dead as they become trapped within their final resting place.With the dead watching and the living often providing no comfort; family secrets are forced to be revealed as a dim hope for peace is craved.With secrets finally revealed too late, the implications of Ravens Hollow are profoundly emotional and tragic for all residents."An unnerving, well written tale of terror and a great new work by a new author learning the craft... Enjoyable read..." Tabitha, IndieBook reviewer

A SIMPLE TALE ABOUT A HALFLING STRUGGLING TO GAIN THE RESPECT OF THOSE THAT HAVE GREAT PREJUDICE...Torbiro is on a quest of discovery to seek out his dream, one so impossible to achieve that even his friends laugh at the absurd notion.The trials ahead will be filled with humourous moments and littered by quirky characters who all help the quest unfold in wonderous ways through the journey of our halfling hero.Will the battle for advancement between science and magic be too big for a little hero like Torbiro? Only he can decide... once he either succeeds, or is defeated."A frolic of classic telling the farfetched and the humour of perspectives we take for granted...great work and an enjoyable read..." Colin, Indiebook reviewer

FROM AWARD NOMINATED BEST SELLING BRISBANE AUTHOR COMES ANOTHER INSTANT MYSTERY CLASSIC...It's 1886 when Dr Hamish Hart is asked to examine the body of a Chinese businessman found murdered in a Brisbane factory.Hamish recognises the deceased as the uncle of his childhood friend and makes a commitment to his friend to find the person responsible.The investigation takes Hamish deep into the secrets of Frog's Hollow, a smoky world of gambling houses, opium dens and prostitution.Hamish is forced to navigate a complex array of kinship obligations and family debts to reveal the ultimate truth which he seeks.He is desperate to help his old friend - but can either of them handle the real truth?"Karen is a master of her genre and this book is the evidence of her confidence and poise for the story and the characters she makes us all love...brilliant and absorbing...marvelous read!" Tabitha, Indie Book Reviewer"Splendid, exciting, and very intriguing...a wonderful book and a great opener to a new mystery series and sleuth...hungry for the next one as this one delivered so much more than expected with amazing locations and characters and plot...a great new author...5 stars" Caroline, Indiebooks reviewer."Karen Thurecht has done it again with a captivating and engrossing mystery set in a detailed period of Australian history and culture...her attention to detail and thought-provoking characters blended with her tapestry of plot is exceptional...brilliant..." Thomas, Indiebook reviewer

THE HERO OF THIS STORY IS A MOST UNLIKELY CHARACTER...This is a tale of how misunderstandings, suspicions and superstitions lead to a mass hysteria. The towns of Scaysborough and Tremlite are embroiled in such an occurrence within their communities.Truscott knew that there was no point in going over things that could not be changed. He put his mind to what they could do to prevent the war that was rising. They needed to alert the leaders to the mistake and prevent possible bloodshed.Danio knew the clearing at the foothills, where the troops were headed because he'd spent days there exploring the bush and surroundings. He predicted that the Tremlite troops and the Scaysborough troops would be on opposite sides of the great lake and the potential attacks would happen here at the edge of the vast water.They needed to get to the lake and plead wisdom to both sides and alert them of the errors in their fabled reasoning. The talk had taken hold and the Lurkin be ripe for satisfaction...and suffer the fool who delves into the truth of the whisper."An intriguing and beguiling tale of characters and perspectives of conversation...a very thoughtful work from a new author..." Daniel, indiebook reviewer

SET IN CRETE, 1941, IN THE SHADE OF THE MOUNTAIN IS AN EMOTIONALLY COMPLEX STORY.As the youngest son growing up on a vast South Australian sheep station, Andrew Mitchell earns his living by being a gambler, fighter and a conman. He certainly knows that the fastest way to make money is to tell people what they want to hear. He was often so good at it that he made a living from it until Andrew enlists for a war spread over three fronts. His own personal battles, his confronting creditors and Elizabeth, the one woman he cannot extricate from his soul. His goal is desertion; to run and join the local Greek resistance movement and vanish from the war without remorse, only there is one small problem ... the new price on his head. A desire to survive and the desire to get home to his love will drive Andrew to all ends of his convictions in this intelligent work by new Australian author M.K.Jacobs."A delving and immersing experience by a talented new author who knows her geography and her characters without fault. Wonderful and thoroughly recommend..." Tabitha, Inbdiebooks reviewer

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 ACT BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDAfter 50 years as an Australian diplomat, UN official, intelligence analyst, academic and company director working in and on the Middle East, Bob Bowker enjoys unique insights into the challenges, professional and personal, of representing Australia in the Arab world. In this occasionally light-hearted professional memoir, revealing something of the person behind the diplomat, he sets out his views and reflections on major Middle East issues and into what makes diplomacy in the Arab world effective.He also captures the complexity, the drama, the ambiguity and sometimes the absurdity of certain situations he faced as an Australian ambassador in the Arab world:-A sacked local staff member in Syria was found to be an informer for the secret police.-Overnight, a shipload of Australian sheep became Bulgarian.-A judge in Sudan successfully prosecuted his own case in a murder trial.-As demonstrators hurled stones and bottles toward his office, women in his microenterprise program in Gaza sold soft drinks to the crowd.Praise for Tomorrow There will be Apricots:Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC QC, Australian Foreign Minister 1988-96An evocative account by one of Australia's most accomplished diplomats of the highs and lows, rewards and frustrations, delights and stresses of diplomatic life-not least, it seems, in working with their Ministers. But also a deeply thoughtful analysis of the multiple geopolitical challenges the Middle East continues to pose, charting possible ways forward in writing that is often provocative but always stimulating. Two books for the price of one-and both eminently worth the purchase.Nick Warner AO PSM, former Director of the Office of National Intelligence, Director General of ASIS, Secretary of the Department of Defence, and Australian Ambassador to Iran.The Middle East matters to Australia, and we have been lucky in recent decades to have a group of exceptional diplomats dedicate their careers to understanding the region. Bob Bowker has been the dean of this group. His important book throws light on the history of our relationship with the Middle East, where we have gone wrong and right, and what we should do now.Professor the Hon Bob Carr, Australian Foreign Minister 2012-13.As Foreign Minister I grew to admire the razor-sharp insights of our best diplomats. It was an education and a pleasure to read their cables and savour their briefings. Bob Bowker in his memoirs delivers deep knowledge matched with sound judgement not least in his appraisal of the Arab world and, among other things, its relationship with Israel and the Israeli rule of the 4.5 million Palestinians in the occupied territories. All our best diplomats should write books like this.Professor Amin Saikal AM FASSA, Founding Director of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, ANUDr Bowker has combined the skills, experiences and nuances of a very seasoned diplomat and academic analyst to produce a fascinating memoir. More than a story of his successful journey through the minefields of Arab politics and society, it is also a very enriching intellectual analysis of various tensions and conflicts that continue to shape the Arab world. The volume is a must read for not only policy and opinion makers, but also for students of the Middle East.