By R.L. STEVENSON and W.E. HENLEY

“Deacon Brodie, or The Double Life” is a compelling historical drama co-written by Robert Louis Stevensonand William Ernest Henley, included in the Swanston Edition, Volume XV, which collects their collaborative dramatic works. This play dramatizes the real-life story of William Brodie, a respected Edinburgh cabinetmaker and city councillor by day, and a cunning burglar by night—whose double life ultimately led to his downfall and execution in 1788.

Set in 18th-century Edinburgh, the play explores themes of duality, deception, morality, and social hypocrisy, echoing many of the psychological and philosophical concerns that would later appear in Stevenson’s more famous work, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Brodie is portrayed as a man torn between his public persona and private vices, embodying the tension between outward respectability and inner corruption.

The drama unfolds with a rich cast of characters, including Brodie’s criminal associates, his family, and the lawmen who pursue him. The dialogue, shaped by Henley’s theatrical sensibilities and Stevenson’s narrative flair, is sharp and evocative, blending suspense with moments of dark humor and emotional intensity. The structure of the play builds steadily toward Brodie’s exposure and tragic end, offering a powerful commentary on the dangers of living a life divided by conflicting identities.

The Swanston Edition presents this work with scholarly attention to detail, including editorial notes and historical context that illuminate the real events behind the drama and the creative collaboration between Stevenson and Henley. As part of their broader dramatic output, Deacon Brodie stands out for its psychological depth and historical resonance, making it a significant contribution to late Victorian theatre and a fascinating study in character and consequence..

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 176p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson:. Edited by Colin Heston

The Master of Ballantrae is a dark historical novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, set during the Jacobite rising of 1745. It tells the story of two brothers—noble and dutiful Henry Durie and his charming but treacherous elder brother James, the Master of Ballantrae—whose rivalry leads to betrayal, vengeance, and tragedy. Narrated by the loyal steward Ephraim Mackellar, the novel explores themes of family loyalty, pride, and the destructive power of ambition, set against a backdrop that spans Scotland, America, and India. With its psychological depth and moral complexity, the book stands as one of Stevenson’s most powerful works.

Read-Me.Org. Inc. Australia, New York, Philadelphia. 2025. 171p.

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Boy Minette Walters

"The Echo" by Boy Minette Walter is a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of past actions. The story follows a group of individuals bound together by a shared secret that resurfaces years later, threatening to shatter their lives once again. As the tension mounts and hidden truths come to light, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey of betrayal, redemption, and the haunting power of the past. With expertly crafted prose and a masterful command of suspense, Boy Minette Walter delivers a riveting tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page."

Jove Books, 1998, 338 pages

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By Jane Harper

Five women reluctantly pick up their backpacks and start walking along the muddy track. Only four come out the other side.

The hike through the rugged Giralang Ranges is meant to take the office colleagues out of their air-conditioned comfort zone and teach resilience and team building. At least that is what the corporate retreat website advertises.

Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk has a particularly keen interest in the whereabouts of the missing bushwalker. Alice Russell is the whistleblower in his latest case - and Alice knew secrets. About the company she worked for and the people she worked with.

Far from the hike encouraging teamwork, the women tell Falk a tale of suspicion, violence and disintegrating trust. And as he delves into the disappearance, it seems some dangers may run far deeper than anyone knew.

Pan Macmillan Australia, Sep 26, 2017, 377 pages

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By Mark Brandt

In the heart of the Australian outback lies the small town of Wimmera, where everyone knows everyone and secrets run deep. In Mark Brandi's gripping novel "WIMMERA," the tranquility of this close-knit community is shattered by a devastating event that exposes a dark truth hidden for years.

As childhood friends Ben and Fab struggle to come to terms with the haunting secret they share, the tight bonds holding Wimmera together begin to unravel. Brandi's masterful storytelling unravels the layers of mystery and trauma, drawing readers into a world where loyalty and betrayal go hand in hand.

"WIMMERA" is a compelling tale of friendship, survival, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they love. With its vivid prose and atmospheric setting, this novel delves into the complexities of human nature and the chilling consequences of buried secrets resurfacing in a town where silence speaks louder than words.

Australia. Hatchette. 2017. 269p.