The Genesis Factor

Book excerpt: Praise for the Emily Tempest series: "Beguiling first mystery . . . wonderful."-The New York Times Book Review "Startling turns of phrase, vivid Outback setting, and rich rendering of cultural differences. . . . All in all, the novel is a corker, engaging from page 1 and on through to an ending that pulls out all the stops."-The Boston Globe "A delightful, engaging book."-The Philadelphia Inquirer "Perfect for mystery fans who are craving new horizons."-Library Journal "A hymn to the wit, courage, stark beauty and the power of dreaming of a unique people. One cannot help but be enriched by it."-Anne Perry Emily Tempest is appointed an aboriginal community police officer for the Moonlight Downs station. Investigating the possible murder of an elderly geologist, she encounters Danny, an emotionally fragile Stonehouse mob teenager who is traumatized by the image of "poison flowing green." The terrain of Australia, a Japanese rock garden painter, a rash of unexplained illnesses, and the implausibility of two elderly friends killing each other present Emily with a unique puzzle. Adrian Hyland won Australia's 2007 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Novel for Moonlight Downs, published in Australia as Diamond Dove, which was also a Book Sense Notable book. He spent many years in the Northern Territory living and working among the indigenous people. He now teaches at La Trobe University and lives in Melbourne. From the Hardcover edition.