A fictional murder mystery set in a small Australian country town in 1947.

Secrecy, anxiety, distractions and threats surround the murder of a naked young woman whose body is found on an ants’ nest in the bush with a Christian cross cut into her forehead.

The normally laid back culture and dry sense of humour of this outback post-WWII community is shattered by this dramatic event.

Detective Harry Taylor, a damaged and flawed war hero, returns from behind enemy lines to face different battles in his home town.

Expected to solve the case quickly, Harry’s local knowledge and investigative skills are tested by religious bias, racism, bigotry, romance, jealousy, sexual abuse, disability, power plays and divided loyalties.

Opinions and suspects are plentiful. Nobody has the answers. Everybody has something to fear and hide.

With more antagonists than friends, it’s up to Harry to solve the case.

Told from Harry’s perspective, the plot is driven by the conversations of a rich array of characters.

Similar to well-known Australian crime fiction authors Jane Harper, Gary Disher, Chris Hammer and Michael Robotham, Laurie Dicker’s novel delves more into the ‘why’ rather than the whodunnit.

Author Biography

A descendant of convicts transported to Australia, Laurie was born during the 1930s in a small country town without running water, sewerage, electricity or paved roads. Educated at an agricultural boarding school, he graduated Teachers College and completed National Service before commencing teaching as an 18 year old. He progressed to Regional Director of Education before establishing a private management consultancy, working mostly with the NSW Police, Crime Commission, Corrective Services and Juvenile Justice. Laurie has written books on geography, management and conflict resolution as well as a collection of bush yarns and an autobiography. Laurie now lives in southeast Queensland where he enjoys painting, creative writing, travel, good food, wine and company. He is a member of the Australian Society of Authors.

We are committed to protecting your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act and working with our suppliers to assist with warranty claims. Products sold by Mighty Ape will be covered by a Manufacturer's Warranty for at least a one-year period from the date of purchase.

Your warranty will cover any manufacturing defects which, if existing, will present themselves within this warranty period.

Your warranty will not cover normal wear and tear, faults caused by misuse, and accidents which cause damage or theft caused after delivery. Using the product in a way it is not designed for will void your warranty.

Please refer to our Help Centre for more information.