COMP CLOSED: WIN ‘Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter’ by Lizzie Pook

An exquisite historical novel set in a mesmerising yet unforgiving land, where both profit and peril lie deep beneath the ocean's surface…

This week, we’re excited to offer up three copies of author Lizzie Pook’s new novel, Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter. A gloriously rich and wonderfully assured debut, it tells the story of a daughter, a family, a place and a hidden history; rendered with astonishing clarity. In short, it’s a novel that marks Lizzie Pook as a name to watch!

Western Australia, 1886

As the pearling ships return to Bannin Bay after a long diving season, twenty-year-old Eliza Brightwell nervously awaits the arrival of her father's boat. But when his lugger finally limps in, it brings with it a tale of tragedy – Charles Brightwell, master pearler, has gone missing at sea.

Immediately, whispers from the townsfolk point to mutiny or murder, but headstrong Eliza knows her father; she is sure he is still alive. As the Bay swelters under the heat of the approaching wet season, it falls to Eliza to seek out the truth behind her eccentric father's disappearance.

But as she delves beneath the glamorous veneer of south sea pearling, she discovers that the sun-baked streets she thought she knew so well are teeming with corruption, prejudice and blackmail.

How far is she willing to go to solve the mystery and save the ones she loves? And what family secrets will come to haunt her along the way? Because the truth may cost more than pearls – and she must decide if she's willing to pay the price…

To win a copy of this debut novel, simply tell us (in 25 words or fewer) what your favourite precious stone is, and why. Our three favourite entries will win this book!

Entries close midday Monday 7 February 2022, Sydney/Melbourne time.

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR YOUR ENTRIES! WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL AND ANNOUNCED IN OUR NEWSLETTER.