In these hauntingly beautiful stories of abandonment and vengeance, extreme situations lead to disturbing conclusions. A missionary is sent to a place so distant he finds his God has no power there; a husband abandons his wife as they honeymoon in the South American jungle; a splash of water triggers an explosion of violence; and a boy's drug-induced transformation leads to cruelty enjoyed and suffered. Masterfully written, these are chilling tales from sun-drenched and brutal climes.
Queensland: Nahe des Zeltplatzes in einem Wildpark findet die Journalistin Abby Bardot ein ohnmächtiges junges Mädchen. Abby fällt sofort deren Ähnlichkeit mit mehreren jungen Frauen auf, die vor einigen Jahren im selben Wildpark tot aufgefunden wurden. Die Fälle wurden nie aufgeklärt, der benachbarte Ort Gundara hüllt sich in Schweigen. Dann verschwindet das gerettete Mädchen spurlos, und Abby macht sich gemeinsam mit dem Krimiautor Tom auf die Suche nach ihr. Doch als beide in Toms Haus ein verborgenes Zimmer entdecken, wird Abby mit den Dämonen ihrer eigenen Vergangenheit konfrontiert ...
Theodore Calvert abandoned his wife, Isabel, and their daughters, Anna and Therese, when they needed him most. His will, crafted with precision, threatens to disrupt their lives once again. Isabel's devout Christianity drove Theodore away, leading to the Church taking his place in raising the girls. After Isabel's death, the sisters found solace at the Blessed Sacrament Convent. While Anna rebels and seeks a life outside, Therese remains devoted to duty and worship. Their lives change with the arrival of Francis, a charming young gardener whose allure captivates the nuns. However, Anna is suspicious of his intentions, especially after witnessing the ominous killing of a magpie. As she investigates Francis's true motives, Anna realizes that uncovering her family's past is crucial. The tension escalates as she races against time to piece together the truth. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense, highlighting Anna's indifference to danger as she navigates the complexities of her world. With echoes of fear and resilience, she reflects on her family's legacy while confronting the shadows of her father's choices. The story unfolds against a backdrop of mystery and self-discovery, leaving Anna to grapple with her past and the uncertain future ahead.
