This mystery novel centers around Inspector Bonaparte, who investigates the disappearance of stockman Jack Anderson from a cattle station in the Australian Outback. As he delves into the case, Bonaparte faces a unique challenge: he's been cursed by an Aboriginal wizard. As his health declines, he must solve the mystery before the curse takes its toll. The narrative weaves elements of detective fiction with insights into Aboriginal culture and the harsh realities of life in the Australian Outback.

In "Death of a Lake", a young woman goes missing in the Australian Outback, causing a detective to suspect foul play when a local lake begins to dry up and reveal disturbing secrets. The detective has to navigate treacherous environmental conditions, local superstitions, and a cast of eccentric characters to solve the mystery. As the water levels continue to drop, the tension rises, culminating in a dramatic climax that reveals the truth about the missing woman and the secrets hidden beneath the lake's surface.

"The Sorrow of Belgium" is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War II. The narrative follows the life of a young boy in a Flemish town, as he navigates through the complexities of adolescence, family relationships, and the harsh realities of war. The novel provides an insightful exploration of Belgian history, culture, and the nation's struggle under the Nazi occupation, all through the eyes of the protagonist.

The novel is a sprawling tale of deception, magic, and family history, narrated by a 139-year-old Australian con artist. He recounts his life's adventures, from snake handling to aircraft manufacturing, while weaving in the stories of his descendants. The narrative is a blend of historical fiction and tall tales, exploring themes of national identity, truth, and the art of storytelling itself. Through the protagonist's unreliable narration, the book challenges the reader to discern fact from fiction, all while painting a vivid picture of Australian society and its transformation over the 20th century.

Inland is a complex and introspective novel that explores the inner workings of the human mind and the concept of reality. The story is narrated by a man who is reflecting on his life, his relationships, and his experiences, using the vast landscapes of his native Australia as a metaphor for his inner world. The narrative is non-linear and often fragmented, reflecting the man's scattered thoughts and memories. The novel is a deep exploration of the human psyche, the nature of memory, and the power of the imagination.

This novel is a rich tapestry of themes and characters, interweaving the lives of four diverse individuals in post-World War II Australia. Each character, an eccentric Holocaust survivor, a reclusive heiress, a visionary Aboriginal artist, and a passionate washerwoman, is marked by intense spiritual experiences and a sense of being an outsider. Their paths converge in a narrative that explores the depths of human suffering, the potential for redemption, and the complex interplay between the sacred and the profane. Through their interconnected stories, the book delves into the moral and existential dilemmas of the human condition, offering a profound meditation on faith, meaning, and the possibility of transcendence amidst the harsh realities of everyday life.

In "The Blue Lotus," a young reporter is sent on a mission to Shanghai during the Sino-Japanese War, where he uncovers a dangerous opium trafficking operation. Along the way, he befriends a Chinese boy who helps him navigate the cultural and political complexities of the region. The story combines elements of adventure, mystery, and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of historical events.

In "Beat Not The Bones" by Charlotte Jay, an Australian journalist named Lewis Hall travels to the remote Pacific island of Aldabran to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a fellow journalist. As he delves deeper into the island's secrets, Lewis uncovers a web of corruption, violence, and cultural clashes that threaten to consume him. With the help of a local woman named Dr. Claire Hayden, he must navigate the treacherous terrain of Aldabran society to uncover the truth and save his own life.

"The Little Hotel" is a novel that revolves around the lives of the guests and staff of a small Swiss hotel post-World War II. The narrative delves into the interactions, secrets, and complexities of its diverse characters, who range from exiles and refugees to tourists and the hotel's proprietors. Through a series of vignettes, the book paints a vivid picture of the human condition, exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the search for stability in a rapidly changing world. The hotel serves as a microcosm of society, where personal dramas and the echoes of global events intermingle, revealing the nuanced tapestry of post-war Europe.

The novel explores the complex and tragic relationship between the white owner of a cattle station in the Australian Outback and Coonardoo, an Aboriginal woman who grows up on the station. Despite their deep affection for each other, societal norms and racial prejudices of the early 20th century create an insurmountable barrier between them. The story delves into themes of love, race, and the harsh realities of life in the Australian wilderness, while also providing a poignant critique of the treatment of Aboriginal people and the destruction of their culture by white settlers.

This classic crime novel centers around a man named Peter the Lett, who is suspected of committing a series of murders in Paris. He is a foreigner, a loner, and has a mysterious past, which makes him the perfect suspect for the crimes. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the truth is far more complex. The narrative delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the nature of guilt and innocence, offering a psychological portrait of a man caught in a web of circumstances beyond his control.

"Blake and Mortimer" is a comic series centering on two British heroes, a military intelligence officer and a nuclear physicist. The pair often find themselves embroiled in various international intrigues, battling against super-powered villains, alien invaders, and ancient civilizations. The series is known for its detailed artwork and complex plots, often involving science fiction and paranormal themes.

"The Harp In The South" is a compelling novel that delves into the lives of the Darcy family, living in the slums of Sydney in the 1940s. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Roie, readers witness the struggles, dreams, and resilience of a family trying to make ends meet amidst poverty, violence, and societal prejudices. With vivid descriptions and memorable characters, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better life, ultimately painting a poignant portrait of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

"Johnno" is a coming-of-age novel set in Brisbane, Australia, during the 1940s and 1950s. The story follows the life of the protagonist, Dante, as he navigates his complex friendship with his childhood friend, Johnno. Through their adventures, Dante explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. As the narrative unfolds, the novel delves into the complexities of Australian society, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges and transformations of growing up.

"The Arrival" is a wordless graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his troubled homeland to seek a better life in an unknown country. The man's journey is filled with strange, surreal experiences as he navigates a new culture, language, and way of life, all while missing his family. The book explores themes of immigration, displacement, and hope in a beautifully illustrated, silent narrative.

"Margot and the Angels" is a poignant story about a woman who, after losing her husband and children in a car accident, is left to navigate life on her own. As she grapples with her grief, she finds solace in the company of three angels who appear to her. The angels help her make sense of her tragedy, guiding her towards acceptance and healing. The book explores themes of loss, grief, resilience, and the power of faith, offering a compelling exploration of the human capacity to endure and find hope amidst despair.

"Passionate Journey" is a silent graphic novel that tells the story of a man's life and experiences through a series of woodcuts. Without the use of words, the book conveys a powerful narrative that explores the human condition, society, and the range of emotions that one encounters throughout life. The protagonist's journey is depicted in a sequence of compelling images that reflect on themes such as love, struggle, joy, and the search for meaning. The novel's visual storytelling invites readers to interpret and imbue the images with their own understanding, making it a unique and personal experience for each individual who engages with it.

This novel is a gripping tale set during the American Civil War, focusing on the lives of soldiers and civilians caught in the tumult of conflict. It explores the harrowing experiences of the Confederate soldiers as they navigate the brutal realities of war, alongside the stories of their families who endure their own struggles on the home front. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the moral complexities of war, presenting a nuanced portrayal of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through vivid characterizations and rich historical detail, the book offers a compelling examination of one of the most divisive periods in American history.

"The Sea and Summer" by George Turner is a dystopian novel set in a future Australia where climate change and economic disparity have created a stark divide between the rich and the poor. The story follows the lives of two families, the Kents and the Coulters, as they struggle to survive in a decaying city plagued by extreme weather conditions and social unrest. As tensions rise and the gap between social classes widens, the characters must confront the harsh realities of their world and make difficult choices to ensure their survival.

"Red Lights" is a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling of an American couple's marriage against the backdrop of a road trip from New York to Maine. As they set out to pick up their children from camp, the husband's penchant for alcohol and the couple's underlying tensions escalate. After a series of bar stops and a fateful decision to pick up an escaped convict, the journey spirals into a nightmarish ordeal. The narrative explores themes of existential dread, personal responsibility, and the search for redemption, as the characters confront their inner demons and the consequences of their choices under the strain of extraordinary circumstances.

"The House Tibet" is a novel that explores the complex tapestry of family life, identity, and the enduring impact of history on personal lives. The story follows a woman who, after the death of her mother, inherits a house filled with mysterious artifacts and echoes of the past. As she delves into her mother's secretive history, she uncovers connections to Tibet and a family legacy shaped by love, loss, and the struggle for freedom. The narrative weaves together the present and the past, revealing how the political turmoil of Tibet has rippled through generations, affecting the lives of those far removed from its borders. The protagonist's journey is one of self-discovery and reconciliation, as she comes to terms with her heritage and the threads that bind her to the enigmatic House Tibet.

"Malpertuis" is a gothic novel that weaves together the surreal and the macabre, telling the story of a mysterious and ancient house in Belgium that is as much a character as the people inhabiting it. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young man who becomes entangled in the enigmatic and often disturbing events within the walls of Malpertuis. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the house is a labyrinthine trap for a pantheon of gods who have dwindled in power and are now imprisoned in mortal forms by the dying will of an old and cunning man. The novel blends mythology, horror, and philosophy, creating an unsettling and dreamlike atmosphere that questions the nature of reality and the gods' place in the modern world.

The novel is a coming-of-age story about a young boy named John Egan who lives in Ireland with his parents. John possesses an unusual gift for detecting lies, which he believes makes him a "human lie detector." As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, his family's financial struggles, and his own emotional turmoil, John's unique ability begins to cause more harm than good. The story explores themes of truth, deception, and the lengths one will go to preserve self-identity.

"The Fatal Shore" provides an expansive and detailed historical account of the colonization of Australia by the British Empire, focusing particularly on the transportation of convicts to the penal colonies established there in the 18th and 19th centuries. The book delves into the harsh realities and brutal conditions faced by the convicts, as well as the broader social, political, and economic ramifications of establishing a colony on the other side of the world. Through compelling narratives and meticulous research, it explores the transformation of Australia from a penal colony to a nation, examining the impact on both the indigenous populations and the settlers.

"The Great Fire" is a historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows a British war hero, Aldred Leith, who is sent to occupied Japan to research the effects of the war on the country's culture. During his stay, he falls in love with a young girl, Helen, who is the daughter of the Australian camp commander. Despite the age difference and societal expectations, the two form a deep bond. The book explores themes of love, war, cultural change, and personal transformation.