Sue McCauley Releases TROPIC OF GUILE

Multi-awarded fiction writer and journalist Sue McCauley self-publishes a brand new novel about one family's battle of wits and wills, titled "Tropic of Guile." McCauley's latest fiction sits on the premise that, "There is nothing more precious than one's own children. There is nothing as dangerous as one's own spouse. There is nowhere as deceptive as a tropical island with the appearance of paradise..."

When tourism ceased, property prices fell, and the legal system in Fiji was in chaos, Alex Mason hastily buys property, at bargain-bin rates. He then widely proclaims his intention of building a state-of-the-art tourist aquarium, which the country's self-appointed coup government, beleaguered by international disapproval and a rapidly collapsing economy, felt was a much-needed feather in their cap.

Alex's wife, Vicky Mason, has long been waiting for her marriage to "come right." It took her some time to realise that Alex's increasing contempt and cruelty is designed to drive her away. Under Fijian law, "desertion" would give him grounds for divorce and custody of the children. If she leaves without her beloved son and daughter, she may never see them again. Alex has removed the children's passports. She cannot, will not, leave.

A battle of wits and wills ensues. Vicki soon comes to understand how powerless her position is. Who can she turn to? She cannot turn to her island neighbors, nor to the Fijian police at the nearest mainland town, for Alex is the man with the multi-million dollar project that will provide work for the locals and kudos for the Fijian authorities. Everyone wants to be his friend.

Just like McCauley's other novels - the award-winning "Other Halves" (1982), "Bad Music" (1990), and "A Fancy Man" (1996) - "Tropic of Guile" is another seamless blend of "realism and compassion, with strong sympathy for the underdog" that vividly portrays relationships between two characters that are worlds apart. This new novel is a literary masterpiece that will turn readers into avid McCauley fans, if they are not yet already.

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About the Author
Sue McCauley is one of New Zealand's best-known writers. Her works include four novels ("Other Halves," "Then Again," "Bad Music" and "A Fancy Man") a volume of collected short stories ("It Could be You­") and a true-life story ("Escape from Bosnia - Aza's Story"). All of her books have been very well received by both critics and readers. "Other Halves" won two major literary awards and was made into a film of the same name, from McCauley's own screenplay adaptation. She also writes for TV, stage and radio and publishes reviews and essays in New Zealand periodicals. Her books have been sold throughout the world, and her radio plays have been widely broadcast.

Tropic of Guile * by Sue McCauley
Publication Date: August 17, 2013
Trade Paperback; AU$29.99; 290 pages; 978-1-4836-8318-8
Trade Hardback; AU$49.99; 290 pages; 978-1-4836-8319-5
e-book; AU$3.99; 978-1-4836-8320-1

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at 1-800-455-039. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (02) 8088 6078 or call 1-800-455-039.

Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at 1-800-455-039 or on the web at http://www.Xlibris.com.au.