This debut thriller from Akaroa-based academic Marie Connolly is an old-school whodunnit set in the Mackenzie Country, the kind of mystery our own queen of crime Ngaio Marsh used to write.
Wellington-based criminal psychologist Nellie Prayle is called in to assist the police on what will be her first homicide case after a murder occurs at the University of Canterbury's Mt John Observatory, Aotearoa's largest professional research observatory and one of the best locations to examine the southern skies.
"Scandals at the university were not uncommon. But murders, it had to be said, were unusual."
Prayle happens to be on a break from academia and is in Christchurch, staying in her late mother's home - and finding the pull of the South Island increasingly strong.
This story is from the May 04-10, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 04-10, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
