Laurence Breuls

Finally enlisted as a Marine, Sledge trains for combat at Camp Elliott. The 1st Marine Division lands at Cape Gloucester on the Japanese-held island of New Britain. As Leckie and the other Marines battle the Japanese, they quickly realize that the more ominous enemy is the smothering jungle itself. Having survived Gloucester and stationed on the godforsaken island of Pavuvu, Leckie begins displaying the physical and mental effects of combat and is sent to a naval hospital on nearby Banika for psychiatric observation.

Jacqueline Maddern collapses after a charity performance at the Colonist’s Club and Blake suspects she’s been poisoned. He suggests to Munro that the Club be locked down to prevent the murderer leaving. Munro obliges but includes Blake in the lock-down. Blake has to find the killer with little to help him but his wits and his knowledge of human nature.

When a reporter’s body is discovered on the 18th hole at the local golf course, Blake is called in to investigate whether an errant ball killed the man, or whether he was the victim of foul play. He’ll soon discover a web of intrigue, embezzlement and blackmail leading back to The Courier newspaper, and the new Editor, Edward Tyneman.