Mark Altree, a senior exploration geologist with Yarraman Gold reports a physical assault while mapping the walls of a trench in a gold tenement near Blackbutt, Queensland. Adding to the attempt on his life is the mysterious disappearance of another geologist and the murder of the exploration manager. Baffled by the circumstances and lack of evidence the police suspect Altree of the murder. Astounded by their accusations Altree and two trusted colleagues investigate and discover a web of deceit and intrigue. The plot twists in ways reminiscent of Agatha Christie-style crimes until sensational evidence reveals the murderer.

About the Author

Alan was born in Adelaide, trained as a geologist and has worked for more than thirty years as an international gold and minerals explorer, academic researcher and geoarchaeologist. He has written more than fifty peer-reviewed articles for publication in academic journals. In 2000, he was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and was awarded the Centenary Medal for services to archaeology and the humanities. His other books include "No Time for Tears" and "Secrets at Hanging Rock." He has also written "Love in War". Under his pen name, Jane Bell he wrote "Who Killed the Girls?" Alan lives in the Adelaide hills, South Australia, and when he is not exploring for minerals he writes short stories and novels.

Other titles by Alan Watchman

Solstice at Flinders Cove
The discovery of a man’s body at an ocean lookout in the exclusive housing resort of Flinders Cove, near Port Lincoln perplexes his partner and residents. The police consider the death a suicide. Geologist Mark Altree, holidaying with partner Sonja Nielsen and staying with the caretaker of the resort, is not convinced. He probes for evidence into a death he increasingly regards as suspicious.

The mystery deepens when the body of Altree’s friend, Drew Addison is found at the base of the same cliff. Altree and the collaborating caretaker employ devious methods to untangle the threads of these com-plex murders involving jealousy, betrayal, homosexuality, and corruption.

Altree’s amateur detective adventure follows on from his previous success in solving an earlier murder mystery within an exploration company in Queensland in Yarraman Gold. Click here to purchase.