There are constraints when writing Australian-based crime fiction. With American crime fiction, conflict, more often than not, reduces to gunplay. They’re not as prevalent in Australia. And the penalties for illegal possession of a firearm are severe. Typically, up to 14 years for possession of an illegal weapon. (The difference in gun ownership laws between Australia and USA is not a debate point for this post. Maybe later.)
So, when violence erupts, it tends to be more fisticuffs, cricket bats and pointy things. Since my protagonists are well on the other side of youth, they try to avoid the fights. As much as possible.
But sometimes, it’s not possible.
I’ve taken my two favourite Australian PIs, Mac Durrige and Nick Harding, and set them on the same case. Unbeknownst to each other, they’re pulling different threads from the same criminal cloth. They make incidental contact by the midpoints of their respective books and are full-on partners by Act Three.
Each story stands on its own. Both make for a fuller mosaic.
Coming on July 18th.
To catch up with Mac’s stories, click here.
To catch up with Nick’s Stories, click here.
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