Eden - Mark Brandi

From the bestselling author of Wimmera comes a compelling literary thriller that shows we all have secrets, but some are deadlier than others.

Big city. Deadly secrets.

Cities are tough when you''ve grown up as a country kid. They''re even tougher after nine years inside. Tom Blackburn is fresh out of jail and not sure where his future lies. He knows what he wants. But he''s pretty sure she doesn''t want him.

Tom''s left his old life and his old name behind. But his options aren''t great. He knows sleeping on the streets is the quickest way back to a cell. And then, his luck turns around. A chance encounter leads to a job and somewhere to stay. A place in the dead centre of Melbourne. Eden, his new boss calls it.

Honest, physical work. Bit of gardening, bit of gravedigging, bit of whatever he''s told to do. Fresh air, currawongs, a bed and some peace and quiet. It''s the perfect place to save some money and make some plans. A place to keep his head down and stay out of trouble.

But trouble finds him. Serious trouble. He''s missed the signs, again. Going back to jail might be the safest option. Unless he can figure some way out of the danger he''s in . . .

From much-loved Australian crime author Mark Brandi comes a gripping new story that answers old questions.

''Mark Brandi''s writing sings. Eden is a vivid portrait of a young life gone awry. Of choices and repercussions . . . and how hard it is to move beyond the past.'' MICHAEL BRISSENDEN

''Raw and compelling, with a twist you won''t see coming. Eden is Brandi at his very best.'' MARK SMITH