Publishing 30 June 2025

Just over two years to the day of my last blog about my new novel, I have at last dared to publish. I am not a full-time writer dependent on writing for a living. But often life, and one or other of my diverse interests, pops up to distract me from completing a writing project.

Despite the five and a half years of on and off action on my book, little has happened to change the underlying subject matter of the global and factual aspects of my story. China, and in particular, Hong Kong is to the forefront, where, despite assurances from Beijing to the contrary, the former British colony is now to all intents and purposes, an arm of the Mainland. Hong Kong schoolchildren will never learn of the Tienanmen Square massacre, or the takeover of Tibet in 1950 and the subsequent and ongoing atrocities committed against the Tibetan people. Closer to home, and since my book was completed, China continues with its naval build-up, and attempts to garner favour with struggling South Pacific countries who are lured by promises of assistance with security (Solomon Islands), and development (Cook Islands). Shows of force and naval superiority have been demonstrated by conducting live firing exercises in the Tasman Sea which can only be seen as a threat to the security of both Australia and New Zealand. My characters in The Benefactor’s Son were aware of this Cold War mentality, planning and acting to foment strong opposition within China. Did they pay the ultimate price?

Harry Trimble, the handsome son of his benefactor father, takes on more than he can handle when he attempts to uncover his late father’s overseas dealings. He is not only in mortal danger, but discovers some shocking secrets he was totally unprepared for . . .

The Benefactor’s Son will be available from 30 June 2025 – details to be announced on this site and other social media shortly.