Sinister Intent

'Both Splintered Heart and Sinister Intent had me mesmerised. The first book was quite confronting in the beginning and was so brilliantly written and described that I could feel every emotion that Lisa felt and endured. Her rescue was such a relief and the subsequent events added to the excitement and total enjoyment. Sadness, tension, beautiful relationships, joy and triumph made both books amongst the best I have ever had the pleasure to read. Thank you for your skill and ingenuity and making these books come to life.' Anne Murdoch

'Sinister Intent - the sequel to Splintered Heart - is both sad and beautiful. Lisa O'Connor's journey of healing and empowerment is heart-wrenching and poignant. The book is almost poetic in nature, drawing the reader in. The descriptions of the outback and the Dreamtime stories entwined in this thrilling story make it hard to put the book down. The reader can get so easily lost in the imagery of the Australian outback and the depth of emotion conveyed. The sequel is much longer than the first book, and the road to justice is enthralling. I did not want it to end. This book exceeded my expectations. It emanates a quiet power, a slow drawing in for the reader and a powerful connection that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. Powerful.' MARK PIVEN-LARGE.

'Like Splintered Heart, the first book in this series, from the moment I started to read Sinister Intent, I could not put it down. The young girl's journey and her courageous healing from sexual abuse and trauma - to the beautiful sweeping plains in the outback station life of western New South Wales created great imagery, and I was keen to see if this was again captured in the sequel. I was not disappointed. The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories are just as wonderful, and the characters Binna and Ningali are larger than life. I was particularly keen to read how justice would prevail and if her abusers would evade capture and punishment. This alone pulls the reader from page to page. It is gripping with its unexpected twists and turns. An engrossing story.' WILL SUTTON

'I was fortunate enough to be given an advanced release copy of the book Sinister Intent, sequel to the #1 best seller Splintered Heart, to read before its actual release date on the 1st September. I loved Linda's debut novel Splintered Heart, and of course, looked forward to the sequel. When I finally put the sequel down, I thought it was a privilege to read it first and to be able to comment. The journey through both these books felt like a real-life experience, particularly the sequel. Sinister Intent is a story of trauma, along with the sheer harshness of surviving emotional abuse and sexual trauma, interwoven with growth, trust and love. There is a very special connection between the earth and the Aboriginal culture with the main character, Lisa O'Connor. Through her eyes, we are captivated by the Dreamtime stories. The descriptions of these stories gave me a feeling of immense wonder and a yearning to get in my car and drive to the outback. Once there, I could look at the stars and feel that red dust, and the smells and visuals of the wildlife. There are many twists and turns in the sequel as justice is delivered, and it really is packed full of suspense, romance and tragedy. I couldn't put it down.' LYNNE COLLETTE