Readings Newsletter
Become a Readings Member to make your shopping experience even easier.
Sign in or sign up for free!
You’re not far away from qualifying for FREE standard shipping within Australia
You’ve qualified for FREE standard shipping within Australia
The cart is loading…
Jack Harris, the disgraced son of Australia's most powerful business tycoon, has just been exiled to Byron Bay as a junior journalist at his father's smallest regional newspaper, The Beacon. His arrival coincides with the disappearance of the newspaper's editor, Patrick O'Shaughnessy, while out on his morning surf. When Patrick's body is discovered in the ocean, with a severed leg, it appears certain that he's fallen victim to a shark attack.
But when rumours emerge that Patrick was about to publish an explosive article - its subject unknown - Jack begins to suspect his death is not what it seems.
Although police aren't buying his murder theory, Jack joins forces with Patrick's daughter and investigates anyway, taking a sometimes less than lawful dive into the newspaperman's past. Together they discover plenty of Byron locals with a motive to kill, including a bioholistic dentist with a secret, a naturist with an undisguised grudge, and even the mayor of Northern Rivers Shire. But has Jack bitten off more than he can chew?
Immensely entertaining, The Beacon is a murder mystery with a difference, bursting with humour, local colour, memorable characters and page-turning action.
$9.00 standard shipping within Australia
FREE standard shipping within Australia for orders over $100.00
Express & International shipping calculated at checkout
Jack Harris, the disgraced son of Australia's most powerful business tycoon, has just been exiled to Byron Bay as a junior journalist at his father's smallest regional newspaper, The Beacon. His arrival coincides with the disappearance of the newspaper's editor, Patrick O'Shaughnessy, while out on his morning surf. When Patrick's body is discovered in the ocean, with a severed leg, it appears certain that he's fallen victim to a shark attack.
But when rumours emerge that Patrick was about to publish an explosive article - its subject unknown - Jack begins to suspect his death is not what it seems.
Although police aren't buying his murder theory, Jack joins forces with Patrick's daughter and investigates anyway, taking a sometimes less than lawful dive into the newspaperman's past. Together they discover plenty of Byron locals with a motive to kill, including a bioholistic dentist with a secret, a naturist with an undisguised grudge, and even the mayor of Northern Rivers Shire. But has Jack bitten off more than he can chew?
Immensely entertaining, The Beacon is a murder mystery with a difference, bursting with humour, local colour, memorable characters and page-turning action.
Discover the latest Aussie crime drama with these gripping fiction and true crime books.
Each year the Australian Crime Writers Association recognises and celebrates the achievements and continuing strength of Australian authors. The Ned Kelly Awards for crime writing are among Australia’s oldest and most recognised awards. They are a highlight of the Australian publishing and literary calendar.
The judging panel commented that 2024 was the year of cosy crime, a sub-genre that has surged in popularity around the world. The judges also noted, despite being fiction, a number of books reflected real world issues, including providing voices for girls and women. This year’s shortlist explores everything from the dark side of social media and the internet, to Sydney’s swinging 60s; espionage in contemporary Australia and the ever popular rural noir.