The Soldier's Curse: A Novel (Monsarrat Trilogy Book 1)

the edge of the known world, gentleman convict Hugh

Monsarrat hungers for freedom. Originally transported for

forging documents passing himself off as a lawyer, he is now

the trusted clerk of the settlement’s commandant.

His position has certain advantages, such as being able to

spend time in the Government House kitchen, being supplied

with outstanding cups of tea by housekeeper Hannah

Mulrooney, who, despite being illiterate, is his most intelligent

companion.

Not long after the commandant heads off in search of a

rumoured river, his beautiful wife, Honora, falls ill with a

sickness the doctor is unable to identify. When Honora dies, it

becomes clear she has been slowly poisoned.

Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney suspect the commandant’s

second-in-command, Captain Diamond, a cruel man who shares

history with Honora. Then Diamond has Mrs Mulrooney

arrested for the murder. Knowing his friend will hang if she is

tried, Monsarrat knows he must find the real killer. And so

begins The Monsarrat Series, a fast-paced, witty and gripping

series from Tom Keneally and his eldest daughter, Meg.