The discovery of a carved box with a cryptic message inside leads Jenny and Justin to discover more about the original owners of their North Otago home and helps reunite their restless spirits. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.

"Giovanni Verga is one of the masters of European literature, and his novel The House by the Medlar Tree is a great work. I am very happy to see it reprinted and I hope that many people will read it."--Iriving Howe

From passionate home cook to Australia's most popular food blogger, Lorraine Elliott has her cake and eats it too – and she's never been happier. Lorraine Elliott has long been a food enthusiast who believes cakes belong in an art gallery. Not so long ago she decided to ditch her day job as a highly paid media strategist to cook, eat and write – even though she's not quite Nigella. Now her fabulous food blog Not Quite Nigella is the go-to internet destination for hundreds of thousands of foodies from around the world. This is the story behind that journey. With her irresistible humour and optimism, Lorraine reveals the pitfalls, triumphs and challenges of becoming a full-time food blogger, and shares the best of her new-found wisdom: the secret to winning a man's heart through food, the key to baking perfect macarons, tips on hosting unforgettable dinner parties, and how to create a successful blog. More than a celebration of food, Not Quite Nigella is the inspiring and delightful story of how one woman set about turning a dream into a reality.

An English manor home, an unsolved mystery, too many suspects to count… It’s the perfect holiday for romance novelist Sara Medlar. Sara Medlar, her niece Kate and their friend Jack need a change of scenery so Sara arranges for them to visit an old friend in England. Upon arrival at Oxley Manor, a centuries-old estate converted to a luxury hotel, Kate and Jack quickly realize Sara is up to something. They learn that Sara has also invited a number of others to join them. When everyone assembles, Sara explains. Decades earlier, two people ran off together from Oxley and haven’t been heard from since—and Sara wants to solve the case. As the people who were there the night the two went missing, the guests find themselves cast in a live mystery-theater event. In reenacting the events of that night, Sara, Jack and Kate are once again at the heart of a mysterious case that only they are able to solve. But someone is willing to continue to kill to keep the truth about Oxley Manor buried, and none of the guests are safe. A Medlar Mystery Book 1: A Willing Murder Book 2: A Justified Murder Book 3: A Forgotten Murder Book 4: A Relative Murder Don't miss New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux's next exciting new release, MY HEART WILL FIND YOU!

New York Times bestselling romance author Jude Deveraux continues her breakout Medlar Mystery series with a twisted tale of guilt and revenge… The small town of Lachlan, Florida, was rocked last year when two bodies were uncovered in the roots of a fallen tree. Despite their lack of investigative experience, Sara Medlar; her niece, Kate; and Jack Wyatt found themselves at the center of the mystery, working together to reveal the truth behind a decades-old secret in the sleepy town. After a narrow escape, they vowed to never again involve themselves in something so dangerous—until Janet Beeson is murdered. When Janet’s body is discovered, everyone is shocked by the violence of the attack. The sweet little old woman has been shot, stabbed and poisoned, but no one can imagine who would want to harm one of the town’s kindest, most helpful residents. Sara, Kate and Jack are determined to leave this case to the professionals. But they are soon bombarded by townspeople eager to tell their stories and clear their names with the trio who solved the Morris murders. Even the sheriff is hoping they’ll lend their skills to a crime that seems to have no explanation and no motive. And once the town gets talking, they begin to see that there are more secrets buried in quiet Lachlan than anyone could have imagined…

"The Adventures of Roderick Random" by Tobias Smollett is a classic picaresque novel that chronicles the tumultuous and often humorous exploits of its titular character, Roderick Random. Born to a noble but impoverished Scottish family, Roderick's life is marked by a series of misfortunes, adventures, and encounters with a colorful array of characters. The narrative follows Roderick as he navigates the highs and lows of 18th-century life, from his early education and stint as a sailor to his various escapades across Europe. Along the way, Roderick's wit, charm, and resourcefulness help him survive numerous challenges, including battles, shipwrecks, and romantic entanglements. Smollett's novel is celebrated for its vivid characterizations, satirical humor, and keen observations of human nature. Through Roderick's adventures, the author offers a critical yet entertaining portrayal of society's vices and virtues, touching on themes of class, ambition, and resilience. "The Adventures of Roderick Random" remains a seminal work in the picaresque tradition, offering readers a rollicking and insightful journey through the trials and triumphs of its endearing hero.