My first novel, Wilful Murder – it’s not available for sale yet – the second draft has only just been finished. 

A young ambitious woman born of convict parents, with a difficult upbringing, wants to belong in the small town where she lives. Being falsely indicted for murdering her newborn baby, Ann returns from twelve months in prison to the same small town, River Don, where her controlling husband still lives. She faces the prejudice of the town and is hindered by the indifference and drunkenness of her husband. As she struggles to gain financial independence and belonging in the community, her guilt prevents her from asking for help from her brother, Charlie. Though when Ann finally takes her future into her own hands, her fortunes improve. The return of her long-lost brother Henry, from the Victorian goldfields, also sets in motion change that bring Ann’s family together. Despite social expectations of 1860s Tasmania, she teaches herself to read and write and demonstrates her capabilities working in the store. Ann persists despite the strongly felt advice from her mother that she should seek another husband. When Ann forgives herself, she is strong enough to confidently participate in town events and change her prospects.

This biographical fiction will appeal to fans of historical fiction, women, Tasmanian’s and those interested in the pioneering era of the 1860-70s.