7 minute read
INTERVIEW
Author
STAMPS HIS MARK
A shocking terrorist bombing plot at Auckland International Airport is the starting point for the latest book from former top cop and popular author, Ian Austin. It’s his fourth and, as he tells ANGELA KEMP, his best so far.
Ian Austin
While most of us have endured the Covid-19 lockdowns through gritted teeth, Ian Austin has used them to good effect, writing another gripping crime novel featuring ex-cop Dan Calder.
Since featuring three years ago in sister magazine SOUTH on publication of his last book, Frozen Summer, UK-born Ian has been busy designing and building a new house while working on not one, but two new books.
“I started my new book, Bonded and another during the first lockdown. Bonded was the one which took over as time went on and I finished it during this latest lockdown,” Ian says. “It has its roots entwined within a real-life story, almost too amazing to be true.
“I wanted to find a subject which, from the outside, you’d struggle to think had a dark side. When I found out a little about the Plate 77 Penny Red stamps, the whole subject opened up such brilliant possibilities I couldn’t resist.
“Fiction and non-fiction are literally bound together and it’s that combination which means to me that Bonded is the best thing I’ve written.”
For the non-philatelists among you, Plate 77 Penny Red stamps are considered some of the rarest and most sought after stamps in the world. Millions of Penny Reds dating from 1841 were printed but the Plate 77s printed in 1863 contained a fault in the printing and were scrapped.
It’s thought one sheet of 240 stamps was circulated before the fault was noticed. Only 10 are known to exist today and five years ago one sold to a British collector for the equivalent of $1million.
Bonded follows ex-cop and careerdamaged Dan Calder, who readers have come to know through Ian’s previous novels, The Agency (2012), The Second Grave (2015) and Frozen Summer (2019).
Calder is thrown in at the deep end to help police make sense of a terrorist bombing plot at Auckland Airport. After being dumped from the investigation, an aggrieved Calder is hell bent on solving the audacious crime.
“I’ve worked so hard through the previous three books to create a character with personality, a moral code and a voice that demands attention,” says Ian.
Drawing on his own experiences as a former police officer (trained as a tactical firearms officer), detective, covert specialist and private investigator both in the UK and New Zealand, Ian’s natural storytelling ability transports his readers to the thrilling and unpredictable world he once was a part of.
Subsequently, crime fiction fans can expect unrivalled authenticity in Bonded’s powerfully evocative plot and protagonists.
With Calder’s investigations taking him to the USA, it could be Ian’s opportunity to break into the lucrative American market, perhaps becoming the next Lee Child.
Bonded is available now and Ian is working diligently on its follow up.
“The other book I started at the time I began Bonded is well under way now,” he confirms. “It’s Dan Calder again but a new story set in 2002. Readers of the previous Calder books will love the concept.”
CHRISTMAS Essentials
SCENTURIE HAS CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP! GIFT A NIGHT OUT WITH AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY THE PERFECT LITTLE GIFT
Surprise someone with a night, a few nights, or a full year of entertainment with a gift voucher from Auckland Theatre Company! Perfect for corporate gifts or for a friend. Available in $50, $100, $250 or choose your own amount to gift the lucky recipient. Our 2022 season offers an exciting line-up of theatre complete with stellar casts, large productions, classic favourites and new writing.
atc.co.nz, 0800 ATC TIX
Three mouth-watering new fragrances from Linden Leaves bring all the joy of summer cocktails, fetes and festive baking to your home. Enjoy Basil Lime, Candy Apple and Caramel Spice all day long with the Limited Edition home fragrance range. Shop the new summer range now at lindenleaves.com and leading retailers nationwide – gifts available from $14.99. Made with love in New Zealand.
Delight the special people in your life this Christmas with a beautiful gift from our very own local skincare company Scenturie. Choose from the premium range of award-winning Natural Skincare Products, Soaps, Essential Oil Candles, and Gift Sets, all locally made in Howick. Complimentary gift-wrapping on gift sets. Special Christmas offer exclusive to EastLife readers: 10% OFF SCENTURIE PRODUCTS. Use code: EASTLIFE at checkout in their online store. Shop online: www.scenturie.co.nz
Email: tania@scenturie.co.nz. OWAIROA TO HOWICK – THE IDEAL GIFT FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN HOWICK’S HISTORY
In celebration of Howick’s 175th Anniversary, Times Media has published a compilation of stories from Howick Historian Alan La Roche, MBE, documenting the history of our region. Available from Times Media, 10 Central Tce, Howick.
Also available from Poppies Books Howick, Paper Plus Howick and the Howick Historical Village.
OWAIROA < HOWICK
A compilation of stories documenting the history of Howick and districts from Howick Historian Alan La Roche, mbe, celebrating the region’s 175th anniversary
TREAT THE MUSIC-LOVERS IN YOUR LIFE
Give a fabulous night out with Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Gift Vouchers. You choose the amount; they choose the concert. From classical greats in the Town Hall to special events with Tami Neilson, The Princess Bride movie with live orchestra and kids favourite Room on the Broom – there’s something for everyone. Make this Christmas special with the APO!
apo.co.nz
Dressing hair for the good times Hoorah, hairdressing salons are open again and the move couldn’t have come at a better time. SUPERCHARGE YOUR DAILY WELLBEING ROUTINE
There’s no time like summertime to embrace natural beauty from within and for some that means looking to Horley’s Sculpt Premium Pure Marine Collagen for a daily dose of wellbeing!
Apart from booking long overdue cuts and colours after months of lockdown, those attending big events this festive season, or over the summer, will want a hairdresser to ensure their hair looks stunning for the Christmas work function, a wedding, first date or another special occasion.
However, for something really special, plan first. Here are a few tips for working with a stylist to achieve your desired look:
• Be realistic. Show your hairdresser examples of styles you like and listen to her/his advice. If the look won’t work, your stylist will suggest alternatives.
• Book a trial. It’s a good idea to try your style a week or two before the event. This will help avoid any unpleasant surprises on the big day and give you time to adjust your style preference.
• Don’t wash your hair on the day of your
event. Your hair will hold the style better if it’s not squeaky clean.
• Dress appropriately. Dress comfortably for your salon appointment but make sure you can remove your top easily so it won’t ruin your hair when you change later for the event. Wear a buttoned shirt.
Finally, with the present demand for hairdressing services greater than usual you’ll need to be quick making appointments especially if you want to guarantee a spot with your preferred stylist. End of year appointments are filling fast so, don’t leave it too late. Sprinkle it on smoothies, dust it over a salad or scatter it on your morning cereal! Made from 100% pure fish collagen, with vitamin C and zinc to support healthy skin, hair and nails, it also includes magnesium to help reduce tiredness.
Pescatarian-friendly, this wellbeing booster is free from dairy, soy and gluten, just mix two tablespoons (12g) into 200ml water or favourite drink/smoothie or sprinkle on, breakfast cereal or salad.
Sculpt Premium Pure Marine Collagen (RRP $26.99; 100g/24 months) – four flavours, Vanilla Radiance (84.2% collagen with vanilla bean extract); Forest Berry Glow (85% collagen with NZ blackcurrants), Chocolate Indulgence (84% collagen with organic cocoa powder) or simply Natural (99% pure collagen) – available from supermarkets, health food stores and www. horleys.com
