Thank You
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for choosing to spend your time reading my work. I put one of these little notes at the end of all my books because I know that you could have spent your money and time on something else, but you chose this book.
I am honored and hope you enjoyed it.
Please swing by one of your favorite online retailers and leave an honest review. Those reviews help authors because they let other readers know if the book is something they might enjoy. Plus, reviews help readers decide on what to read next. It's a win-win.
So thank you once more for reading me. I appreciate it and look forward to entertaining you again.
Ernest
Author's Note
I thought I'd do things a little differently this time and work backward from the end of the story.
The legend about Baiame is a real Aboriginal myth. It's one of many creation stories Australian natives celebrate. The stone on Yengo Mountain is purported to be there, but since people are not permitted beyond a certain point due to the sacred nature of the summit, it is unclear whether it exists or not.
Aborigines are an incredible people with a diverse history and a many fascinating belief systems. While I did try to represent their culture correctly and with strong accuracy, there were things I had to add to suit the stories needs. For example, on one spot, a blowgun is used. This is not necessarily a traditional weapon, even though they were used in the past. Blowguns, in fact, are outlawed in Australia for hunting purposes.
The golden boomerang was a concoction of my imagination. When I saw the rock art at Milbrodale, I couldn't help but wonder what the significance of the two boomerangs might be. Seemed to make sense that the creator gave one as a gift to the people of Australia.
All of the rock art I mentioned in this story exists. It's all real, and although I did tweak some of the meanings a little to fit the story, every place in this novel can be visited. Keep in mind that most of these locations have a spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people, so if you do go, be respectful.
Aboriginal tribes do have a fairly common belief that big rock formations are spirits or ancestors. Just one more reason to not go traipsing around like a crazed tourist if you go on a walkabout.
The snake I mentioned earlier in the book — the Mulga — is extremely venomous. They don't frequently bite humans unless someone provokes them (usually drunk people).
The piece about Foster's not being consumed in Australia is also true. Their beers of choice are Victoria Bitter or Toohey's, with a few others mixed in. So if you go down under and are looking for a pint, don't ask for the export.
The museum at the beginning of the story is a figment of my imagination. Though Sydney does have wonderful museums, this one does not exist. I used it purely for the purpose of this tale.
R.H. Mathews was a real person. He was a fascinating man and had a keen interest in anthropology revolving around the Aborigine people. He befriended many tribesmen during his later years and is now considered one of the foremost experts of his time on Aboriginal history and culture. While his secret coded note was my creation, it is entirely possible that Mathews discovered something of historical significance related to ancient Aboriginal beliefs.
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Other Sean Wyatt Thrillers by Ernest Dempsey
(In order)
The Secret of the Stones
The Cleric's Vault
The Last Chamber
The Grecian Manifesto
The Norse Directive
Game of Shadows
The Jerusalem Creed
The Samurai Cipher
The Cairo Vendetta
War of Thieves Box Set
(An Adriana Villa Adventure)
Dedication
For my brother, Erik. Thanks for always making me laugh and inspiring me to work harder every day. See you under the shady tree, weirdo.
Acknowledgements
None of my stories would be possible without the great input I get from incredible readers all over the globe. My advance reader group is such an incredibly unselfish and supportive team. I couldn't do any of this without them.
My editors, Anne Storer and Jason Whited, must also be thanked for their amazing work and guidance in crafting these stories. They make everything so much better for the reader.
Last but not least, I need to give a big thank you to Elena at L1 Graphics for the incredible cover art she always delivers, along with beautiful social media artwork.