Local author John David Sayles has unveiled his latest crime fiction novel, The Shorncliffe Art Master Murders, a sequel to his debut, The Cabbage Tree Creek Caper.
Set once again in the 4017 area, the new story features a mysterious death during the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, bringing back main characters Johnny Blakemore and Cherie O’Bryan.
John said local events, the Easter Art Show, the Bluewater Festival, and the iconic yacht race inspired this latest tale.
“When a member of the Sandcliffe Art Group is found drowned under the Shorncliffe Pier at the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, local actors, Johnny and Cherie are convinced that death may be imitating art,” he said.
“When a second body turns up on a nearby beach, the police are quick to dismiss rumours a serial killer may be on the loose. As the body count mounts, it becomes a race against time as Johnny and Cherie are desperate to uncover the killer’s identity before they become victims themselves.”
A Love Letter to the 4017: Truth, Landmarks, and Local Art
John, who has been active in local theatre for more than 20 years and a presenter on 99.7 Bridge FM for nine years, said his strong connection to the area shaped his writing.
“I love this community,” he said. “All my experiences here have had an influence in my writing novels set in the area.
“When I write, I like to feel that I am taking the reader on a journey. Because I write about this area, I hope locals will follow me around every road and corner, fully recognising every landmark that is mentioned.
“I have tried very hard to make sure my writing depicts the area truthfully. Not that there has ever been a serial killer at large to my knowledge!”
The cover of The Shorncliffe Art Master Murders again features artwork by local artist Liz Peters, who also created the cover for John’s first novel.
“Rather than the traditional view of Shorncliffe Pier, we decided to have a view from the pier to the shore, with the headland featuring, also,” John said.
“I am always in awe of the artwork by local artists. I remember an art group having a t-shirt of Vincent van Gogh with Sandgate shore in the background, maybe that was also an inspiration for this novel.”
John’s novels are available for purchase online and at local outlets including Imagem in Brighton and Something About Audrey in Sandgate.
Read more stories from the Sandgate Guide print magazine here:
