Invaders

Set in northern Australia's Victoria River region, this dramatic tale interweaves three eraas.In 1839 British explorer John Lort Stokes makes an unexpected discovery when sinking water wells near the river.In 1942 Nackeroo corporal, Douglas Ashmore is guarding the region against perceived Japanese invasion when a radio broadcast reveals his location. 'Ash' and Aboriginal guide Gabriel hunt for a suspected enemy collaborator.In 1987 petroleum geologist Bradley Dixon puzzles over the loan of Stokes' journal from company boss Reginald Able. At the rig Brad encounters Aboriginal activist Gabriel Fitzmaurice, who suspects Able of corporate sleight-of-hand.After a drilling accident Brad meets and is attracted to feisty nurse and committed environmentalist, Karen Frost, gradually becoming aware of deep secrets joining Ash, now a bush loner, to Karen's past. In a tension-filled atmosphere of crashing global financial markets and oppressive humidity heralding the north Australian Wet, the links between Stokes' diary entries, the rig program and the Victoria River wartime emergency are laid bare, setting an ultimate test for Brad and Karen's relationship.A ripping yarn of interlinked endeavour, intrigue, high drama and repentance spanning three epochs in remote and beguiling northern Australia. - Barry FitzGerald, Resources Columnist