Collection: NEW BOOKS

Best Novel, 2022 Sir Julius Vogel Awards

Something is drawing Jena Benedict’s family to darkness. Her mother, father, brother and baby sister are killed in a barn fire, and grandmother Rose banishes Jena from the farm. Now, twenty years on, Rose is dying, and Jena returns home wanting answers about what really happened on the night of the fire and why she was sent away.

Will, Rose’s live-in caregiver, has similar questions. He hunts for the supernatural, and he knows something sinister lurks in the Benedict homestead. Together, Jena and Will unearth the mysteries around a skull, a pocket-watch, a tale of the Dark Man and a tiding of magpies. And in doing so, they set loose an evil entity determined to destroy Rose and her whole clan. Full of tension and psychological thrills, Butcherbird is a novel about uncovering truths and unshackling guilt.

Format: 138 mm x 210mm
Published: August 2, 2021
ISBN: 9781775506324
Language: English
RRP: $25NZD

Here are the best short stories from the Pikihuia Awards for Māori writers 2021 as judged by Emma Espiner, Carol Hirschfeld, Vincent Olsen-Reeder and Maiki Sherman. This competition, run by the Māori Literature Trust and Huia Publishers, is held every two years to promote Māori writers and their work.

The awards sought short fiction from first-time and emerging writers in te reo Māori and English. The competition attracts entries each year from writers of all ages and those who are starting out to seasoned authors. This collection of finalists’ fiction celebrates Māori writing, introduces new talent and gives an opportunity for Māori writers to shine.

The stories are:

• Kahukura: Te Tama nō te Māra Taro by Iraia Bailey
• The Future is Koe by Shelley Burne-Field
• Alexandra by Frances Duncan
• The Bus Driver by Miriama Gemmell
• Good Thing by Olivia Aroha Giles
• Mangrove Heights by Emma Hislop
• Ki Hea Noa Iho? by Jordanah-Lee Hohipa
• He Rūkahu Rānei by Panitahi Howe
• The Trouble with the Bubble by Nadine Anne Hura
• Two Letters by Nadine Anne Hura
• Food Porn for the Incapacitated by Merryn Jones
• Not Quite Home by Steph Julian
• Argentine Ants and My Search for Hawaiki by J Wiremu Kane
• Wairua by Atakohu Middleton
• The Children of Church Street by Airana Ngarewa
• Spotlight on the Marae by Airana Ngarewa
• Iti te Kupu, Nui te Kōrero by Zeb Tamihana Nicklin
• Te Māminga a Tamanuiterā rāua ko Takero i a Māui by Zeb Tamihana Nicklin
• Te Māra a Tangaroa by Zeb Tamihana Nicklin
• Pōhutukawa me tana Āporo by Zeb Tamihana Nicklin
• Te Atakura by Sean Ogden
• Marble Pills and Raspberry Vodka by Anthony Pita
• The Weather Man by Leeann Ramsay
• Let it be/Waiho by Chris Reed
• Ngā Hoa Hoariri by Bonice Ropiha
• The Label Machine is Broken by Ashlee Sturme
• Te Uaua o Te Kimi Hoa by Maia Thompson
• The Skinhead by Te Ariki Wi Neera 

Format: 138 mm x 210mm
Published: October 30, 2021
ISBN: 9781775506607
Language: Te Reo Māori and English
RRP: $25NZD

Here are the best short fiction stories, short non-fiction pieces and poetry from the Pikihuia Awards for Māori writers 2023 as judged by Emma Espiner, Carol Hirschfeld, Maiki Sherman, Mike Ross, Hēmi Kelly and Robert Sullivan. This competition, run by the Māori Literature Trust and Huia Publishers, is held every two years to promote Māori writers and their work. This year, the awards sought short non-fiction and poetry, along with short fiction, from writers in te reo Māori and English. The competition attracts entries each year from writers of all ages and those who are starting out to seasoned authors. This collection of finalists’ work celebrates Māori writing, introduces new talent and gives an opportunity for Māori writers to shine.

Format: 138 mm x 210mm
Published: October 31, 2023
ISBN: 9781775508212
Language: Te Reo Māori and English
RRP: $25NZD

Andy & The Little Rimu Tree invites young readers from about ages 3-7 into a world where friendship and nature intertwine in the most remarkable ways. Colouring pages are included at the end of the story to get your child's creativity going. It also has an uplifting message which you can teach your young reader about, using your imagination in a positive way.

Andy's eyes lit up like stars as he sat on his bed looking at the beautiful little rimu tree.

"I wish to go on my own adventure," said Andy and he closed his eyes. Sleep was near and, in his heart, he saw himself journeying off to a faraway land.

Published: April 15, 2024
ISBN: 9780473707712
Language: English

Meet the Author

Hydie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Auckland. Children's Literature and New Zealand Literature were her favourite classes. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary).

When not working or writing, Hydie loves to spend time with her family and friends and go for walks in nature. Hydie lives in Auckland with her husband and her dog Beau. She has one daughter and a stepson.

As a child, Hydie spent a lot of time in the King Country of New Zealand on her aunty and uncle's sheep and beef farm. The days were spent out horseback riding on the farm with her cousin and in the early evenings she would read all the children's books that her aunty had. This was the beginning of Hydie's love for children's literature.

A seasoned police detective and a dog with a nose for crime. One dead body. Twelve suspects.

Sydney, Australia, 1933: Wealthy impresario and amateur Egyptologist Roland Cuthbert Barry is murdered on his 60th birthday, and everyone attending the evening’s celebrations is a suspect.

Detective Senior Sergeant Harold Chesterfield of Sydney Central Police has been sent by Chief Inspector Ron Thompson to Barry Island on the Hawkesbury River and the rambling sandstone house of the wealthy Barry family. Thompson is a longtime friend of Roland Barry, who has confided in him about threatening notes he has received, suggesting he will be held to account for past actions.

Harold Chesterfield discovers a curious cast of characters at Barry Island: a long-suffering wife and an ambitious young mistress; a Russian ballet dancer who isn’t what he seems; Roland’s daughter and her lover, an Egyptian woman; the family doctor with a secret past; Roland’s two troubled sons; and the evening’s entertainment, a psychic medium, who, from the moment she steps foot on Barry Island, declares something terrible will happen.

With Harold is Ben, an English Pointer with a nose for crime; together, Harold and Ben will face their most challenging case.

Australia is in the grip of the Great Depression, and Harold is surrounded by opulence: tuxedos, sequinned dresses, and sumptuous food. But when a severe storm hits and the electricity and telephone are cut off, Harold and the guests find that Roland Barry’s vast wealth cannot protect him, and Harold must uncover secrets, discover motives and find the killer.

Who knows more than they’re telling? Who has everything to hide?

Published: June 29th 2023
ISBN: 9781738592326
Language: English

When sophisticated city lawyer Beth visits Springs for a much-needed break, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the charming and fun-loving Liam. As they explore the stunning wilderness together, Beth discovers there's more to Liam — and to life in Springs — than meets the eye.

When a high-stakes legal case unexpectedly extends Beth's stay in Springs, her holiday fling with Liam blossoms into something deeper. But as Beth's demanding career beckons her back to the city, they must confront the reality of their divergent paths.
Will Beth trade her high-powered legal career for a small-town life with Liam? Will she return to the city, leaving their love behind? Or will Liam find a way they can both make their dreams a reality?

Fans of small-town romance, opposites attract, and hidden identity tropes will be enchanted by this captivating tale of love and self-discovery in the mountain wilderness. With witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a dash of legal intrigue, "Wild Dreams" will keep you engrossed from the first cup of artisanal coffee to the final hike.

Keywords:
● Opposites attract
● Capable, ambitious FMC
● Golden retriever MMC
● Hidden identity
● Coffee as a love language
● Mystery
● Hiking
● Open-door
● Small-town
● NZ Author
● Indie Author
● Summer

Published: September 10th, 2024
ISBN: 9798335599191
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: 18+

Meet the Author

K. B. Brookes is a passionate writer and storyteller with a love for crafting empowering and engaging romance novels. With a wealth of travel experiences, K. B. brings a unique perspective and rich detail to her writing.

Inspired by her love for reading and a desire to create stories where women have positive, empowering experiences with intimacy, K. B. has found her niche in the romance genre. Although she has never been in a survival situation like some of the characters in novels, her extensive travels and love for hiking—including on some of the trails mentioned in her books—have helped her create vivid, immersive settings for her stories.

When not writing, K. B. can often be found exploring the great outdoors, seeking new hiking trails and adventures to fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling shines through in her work, which aims to transport readers to exciting new worlds while celebrating the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

In the unforgiving wilderness of the Arctic, two contestants must fight to survive — and discover the warmth of love in the process.
Ava Phillips, a shy accountant with a knack for plants, enters the cutthroat world of "Survive: Duos," a reality show that will push her limits in more ways than one. Noah Hartman, a seasoned wilderness guide and search and rescue volunteer, chooses Ava as his partner, setting the stage for an adventure neither could have predicted.

As Ava and Noah battle the elements and their own fears, an unexpected bond blossoms between them. But when a dangerous rival threatens their safety and their budding romance, they must dig deep to find the strength to survive - and to fight for the love they never saw coming.

Fans of slow-burn, opposites attract, mountain man romances will be captivated by this gripping
tale of survival and romance in the Arctic wild. With heart-stopping peril, sizzling chemistry, and a
touch of humor, Surviving With Noah will keep you turning the pages long into the night.

Keywords:
● One-bed
● Forced Proximity
● Protective Hero
● Shy heroine
● Acquaintances to friends to lovers
● Open-door
● Small-town
● Slow burn
● Reality TV show
● NZ Author
● Indie Author
● Winter

Published: May 14th, 2014
ISBN: 9798325550959
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: 18+

Meet the Author

K. B. Brookes is a passionate writer and storyteller with a love for crafting empowering and engaging romance novels. With a wealth of travel experiences, K. B. brings a unique perspective and rich detail to her writing.

Inspired by her love for reading and a desire to create stories where women have positive, empowering experiences with intimacy, K. B. has found her niche in the romance genre. Although she has never been in a survival situation like some of the characters in novels, her extensive travels and love for hiking—including on some of the trails mentioned in her books—have helped her create vivid, immersive settings for her stories.

When not writing, K. B. can often be found exploring the great outdoors, seeking new hiking trails and adventures to fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling shines through in her work, which aims to transport readers to exciting new worlds while celebrating the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

Jayden hasn't been having a good year. He's probably not going to keep his job long. His two oldest friends are getting way too judgy as they go about cleaning up their act and becoming "mature". To make things worse they keep expecting him to do the same. As if they're so perfect? But what's the point, why bother? Jayden knows what sort of person he is, and aiming to "improve" himself is just a waste of everybody's time.

Then those friends decide to introduce him to someone new; Katie. Katie seems to get it. Katie sees how pointless people can be. Now dinner is eaten and the four of them are going to the movies together. Will this be a chance for Jayden to turn over a new leaf and begin something new? Or is it all true what they say about him, what he thinks about himself? Is he really that awful?

But what happens among the dark seats of the cinema will start a chain reaction for Jayden and everyone around him. Still dripping from the rain outside, grotesque things will force all who encounter them to uncover their true selves, if they want any chance to survive.

Rotten is the latest novel by New Zealand author Aaron Dick. This nauseating horror story follows Jayden as he is confronted with the up close and personal faces of both death and deep regret. Not to mention he must face the unnatural things that just keep coming, keep crawling, keep stumbling closer every moment; while he scrambles to finally find somewhere he feels safe.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473539160
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Violent Death

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Quake-powered time travel...

Tarawera, 1886. Napier, 1931. The formation of Rangitoto Island. The Waimangu Geyser.

Deadly eruptions and earthquakes dot New Zealand's history. When an ancient artefact opens a portal, Anira, Tiger, and the Earthcore team are scattered into dangerous events of the past.

Their abilities and knowledge of history give them the power to survive—but can they change the past, or save lives they know were lost?

Meanwhile, Manaia realises stepping through time might lead to her lost husband, and sets out into the past to seek her young son’s father.

All their powers will be called on to fulfil what the guardians ask. If they can find the the right place and time, they might just become part of a legend.

Series: Earthcore, #6

Format: Pocketbook
Published: September 29, 2024
ISBN: ‎ 979-8335332828
Language: English

You’ve got magic, but the spring water that bestows it is locked away.

In someone’s backyard. At an expensive spa. Or miles out of town and you don’t have a car. There are ways to fix that…

Nancy Armstrong reckons those Earthcore folks are just do-gooders whose supernatural springs got handed to them on a silver platter. She’ll do whatever it takes to top up her magic, even if it gets her little sister Colette into trouble.

Dazza Leonard wants to join the Earthcore, but Nancy still wields a terrible leverage over him. And now there are others who fall into her tangled web: a shady businessman and his reluctant son, a pair of prankster twins, a construction worker and an unhinged activist.

Nancy doesn’t care who gets dragged into her schemes, as long as their powers are useful. But some of the springs are strangely toxic, and the dangers aren’t what anybody imagined.

Series: Earthcore, #5

Format: Pocketbook
Published: August 8, 2024
ISBN: ‎ 979-8335332828
Language: English

The Earthcore team's newfound fame means they're asked to help calm an earthquake cluster shaking the Hauraki Gulf yet again. No geological cause can be found—indicating a source related to the Taniwha of legend.

Anira and her team travel to Waiheke Island, where clues point to the old, closed-up WWII fortification tunnels that honeycomb the island's remote eastern headland. As the quakes continue, the team investigates a mystery from the 1940s.

To solve it, they’ll have to head underground, where a young member fumbles with dangerous emerging power and the rest of the team find their magic almost useless.

Split up and trapped beneath the surface, Earthcore races to resolve a wartime injustice, but the Taniwha are angry—and the tide is rising.

Series: Earthcore, #4

Format: Pocketbook
Published: March 13, 2024
ISBN: ‎ 979-8884694545
Language: English

They saved a town with the help of the creatures that command the geysers.
They saved a city from volcanic eruption.
Surely they've earned a break?
...Tell that to the Titanosaur.

Now the faultline network is active, threatening all of central New Zealand with aftershocks that might be bigger than the initial event. Amateur geologist Anira Fraser is in Picton, facing her final high school athletics competition. Along with her friend Tiger McRae, she realises their presence is disturbing the area's guardian spirits.

Soon other Earthcore members arrive in town and discover an old enemy stirring up fresh trouble, while the locals hint at the legend of a mysterious taniwha war that could worsen the series of quakes.

It's up to Anira and the Earthcore team to find the cause of the war and end it - otherwise they themselves could be responsible for a cataclysmic natural disaster.

Series: Earthcore, #3

Format: Pocketbook
Published: June 15th, 2019
ISBN: ‎ 979-8883952318
Language: English