top of page
9781760525880.jpg

In the heart of Vanuatu’s Tanna island, Hu Lee, the leader of an aid agency, meets a tragic end, fatally stabbed amidst a tsunami evacuation drill. 


With no witnesses, Sergeant George Long, visiting for the wedding of Constable Jayline Oli, is thrust into the role of lead investigator. Ordered by his superiors in Vila, he delves into a perplexing case that draws the attention of the Vanuatu Government, police force, and Chinese Embassy. 

As George and partner Jayline Oli dig deeper, a web of debts owed to Lee surfaces, revealing a growing list of potential motives and suspects. Their path to the truth is fraught with obstacles. 

Hindered by uncooperative local law enforcement, an unexpected visit from a Chinese Embassy official, and the unsettling possibility of family involvement, George and Jayline must traverse Vanuatu’s rugged terrain – from the historic town of Lenakel to the summit of Mt Yasur, an active volcano. 

As the investigation unfolds, George’s mixed heritage adds another layer of complexity, further entangling him in a case that becomes increasingly personal. 


While George’s own life unravels and with stunning landscapes as a backdrop, the duo races against time to untangle a web of secrets and deception …

Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

About The Author

Gary Lonesborough.png

Matt Francis is an Australian based academic with a love of Vanuatu and the Pacific. He has spent the last two decades researching and writing about this part of the world. 


Matt Francis began his career working for an international aid agency and has undertaken development-based work across Asia and the Pacific.

Merch page.png

Contact

CURRENT - Torres Strait Islander flag -

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Mr Bernard Namok 

australia-4463672_1920.png
1134px-Intersex-inclusive_pride_flag.svg.png

The original Rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker and friends. This redesign of the Progress Pride Flag is by Valentino Vecchietti

  • Bluesky
  • Threads
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Twitter

Australian Book Lovers acknowledges First Nations peoples and recognises their continuous connection to Country, community and culture. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and honour the sharing of traditional stories passed down through generations.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this site may contain names, voices or images of people who have passed away.

We are committed to a safe and inclusive welcome to authors of all cultures and backgrounds, including people of LGBTIQ communities and their families.

We support creative humans and do not accept wholly AI generated stories or books on this website.

Our website has affiliate links with retailers such as Amazon which means we
may receive a commission for sales referred from the website, at no extra cost to the author.

©2026 Australian Book Lovers

bottom of page