Freak [fri:k], der; -s, -s {amerik.} (Jmd., der sich nicht in das bürgerliche Leben einfügt; jmd., der sich sehr für etwas begeistert) Als Evelyn urplötzlich der Boden unter den Füßen weggerissen wird, landet sie in der WG ihres Cousins. Niemals hätte sie damit gerechnet, dass das der Beginn einer chaotischen, lehrenden Reise sein wird und sich ihr Leben um 180° wendet. *** Evelyn hat ihr Herz einmal verschenkt und wurde enttäuscht. Ein zweites Mal wird ihr das garantiert nicht passieren. Doch da hat sie die Rechnung ohne Jake Anderson gemacht, ein ganz besonderer Freak, der sich still und heimlich in ihr Herz schleicht. Man kann im Leben eben nicht alles im Griff haben, besonders nicht sein Herz. Und vielleicht ist das auch ganz gut so. - Cover Design by SPIRITEDAMAY

Wie ist es wohl, wenn man bei jeder Kleinigkeit über reagiert?

WATTYS WINNER 2020 Two interconnected murders, 64 years apart. One woman's search for truth and identity. Readers' comments: 'a masterpiece', 'impeccably written', 'amazing', 'superbly crafted page-turner', 'hauntingly beautiful', 'tremendous plot and character development', 'one of a kind', 'fantastic story telling', 'loved this book', 'a wonderful read", 'absolutely beautiful', 'brought tears to my eyes' and many more Wattys judging panel: 'This is VERY good. We were HOOKED from the beginning, and the writing and plot hold up throughout. This is a very unique, polished, well-written and well-researched piece.' Plot Set partly in rural England, partly on the sun-kissed coast of southerm Italy, The Painted Altar is a murder mystery mixed with romantic and historical elements (World War Two). Given away at two days old, Mary Rice has spent her life in the shadows. When discovering the suspicious circumstances surrounding her biological mother's death, she embarks on a journey which will shine a light not only on the truth but also on her own identity. Brief extract Suddenly, the door had inched open, half a wrinkled face visible behind the tautened chain. "Hello. Who is it?" The words I was going to say had of course been well-rehearsed, repeated over and over in my mind like a mantra, but now that the moment had arrived I found myself struggling to remember them. "Mrs Harvey... I think that you might... well, that you might be..." The door closed, then slowly opened once more, the chain this time unlatched. And there she was before me - half a metre away, within arm's reach. Thin lips gradually crooking upwards at each corner like the slow beatific kindling of a summer's dawn. "Oh yes love, I know who you are." Length: 70,000 words About the author: Originally from England but for the last 16 years I've been living in Italy. I hope therefore that the Italian aspects of the novel will have a certain gloss of authenticity.