Welcome to Etteleah Books - Cairns Australia

At Etteleah Books, we are passionate about showcasing the works of local authors in Cairns, Australia. Browse our collection of unique and captivating books that will transport you to different worlds.

Our BOOKS by local author Max Barrington & Friends

Titles available through Amazon.com.au

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Books by Max Barrington

The First Ten Years in Australia

This story follows ten years of a boy’s life, who, at the age of ten, in the year 1959, was brought to Australia from England by his parents, who participated in the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme, which was created in 1945 by the ‘Chifley Government’ and its first Minister for Immigration, Arthur Calwell. The scheme was intended to substantially increase Australia's population and supply workers for the country's booming industries. This story, tells of a family’s uncertain migration to a new life in a country they had only read about in brochures issued by the Australian Government. It tells of the many hardships and good times, the family experienced in the transition period of that time. It tells of the family's ten moves to different New South Wales towns within the first ten years. It will take you back to how things were in Australia, in the 1960’s

It is such an adventure, that, you may not be able to put this book down.

Woolgar River Park

"Woolgar River Park" is a fictional novel centred on Gus and Lynette, who inherit a vast Australian property. The inheritance leads them into a series of events involving a fraudulent property sale orchestrated by Sonia Herin, a mysterious woman connected to the previous owner. The novel explores the mystery surrounding the property's previous owners' deaths, uncovering secrets and a potential murder connected to the inheritance. The story involves uncovering a complex web of deceit and ultimately reveals the truth behind Lachlan Teague's death and the various individuals involved in the deception. The narrative culminates in a resolution involving multiple characters and reveals a shocking truth.

Task

My name is, Jack Holden. I am a building and construction project manager. Now!… How’s this for a yarn? It happened to me a while ago, when I was waiting for my next job to start. Sit back and have a listen……….

At the time, I had no projects lined up for at least seven months. In other words, I was effectively unemployed, with very little money in the bank to fall back on, so I was, quite literally, broke. Thankfully, I did own my home and car, which meant my monthly expenses were relatively low. One afternoon, while chatting with someone at the local RSL, they mentioned a platform called “AirTask” as a good option for casual, on-demand work that lets you set your own terms of employment.
Join me on this trip to HELL................

Rétrograde Justice

Rétrograde Justice: A novel by Max Barrington

When justice goes soft, one man turns hard.

In Rétrograde Justice, Max Barrington delivers a razor-edged thriller that asks how far a man will go when the law won’t go far enough.

Harry Croft, freshly retired and grieving the sudden, senseless death of his wife at the hands of reckless youths, finds no solace in a justice system that favours leniency over consequence. Driven by fury and haunted by loss, Harry takes justice into his own hands—first with the young offenders, then with a far more sinister figure from his past, now hiding in plain sight as a priest.

As investigators circle and suspicion mounts, Harry enlists the help of a shadowy old acquaintance, Nick Oboden, to stage his own death and vanish into a new life abroad. But the past isn’t finished with him. Nor is Harry finished with the past.

Explosive, morally complex, and deeply human, Rétrograde Justice is a journey into the heart of vengeance—and what it takes to come out the other side.

Perfect for fans of Lee Child and John le Carré, Max Barrington's latest is a masterclass in tension, character, and cold-blooded resolve.

Dying to Find Gold

Dying to Find Gold – A Gripping Australian Thriller

In the unforgiving wilderness of Far Northern Queensland, where the rainforest swallows men whole and the rivers run gold, Mick West and his best mate, Sam Young, chase the dream of striking it rich. Part-time prospectors, they know the dangers of this remote and untamed land, where every step could be their last. But when Sam vanishes without a trace during one of their expeditions, the dream turns into a nightmare.

With no body, no witnesses, and only Mick’s word to go on, the police see an open-and-shut case. The media brands him a cold-blooded killer. A jury seals his fate. Sentenced to life in prison for a murder he swears he didn’t commit, Mick West watches his world collapse.

Then—another prospector goes missing.

And another.

As bodies pile up in the same wild stretch of land where Sam disappeared, whispers of something darker than greed begin to surface. Mick seizes his only chance: an appeal that could prove his innocence. But proving it means uncovering a secret buried deep in the wilderness—a secret some would kill to keep hidden.

Who—or what—is hunting men in the goldfields?

And will Mick survive long enough to find out?

Dying to Find Gold is a pulse-pounding mystery thriller where justice is as elusive as the precious metal buried beneath the earth. Some men search for gold… others die trying.

The New March

The New March is a novel by Max Barrington that follows Mitchell and his father, Fergus, as they navigate a series of violent events and family secrets. The narrative unfolds across multiple timelines, exploring Mitchell's troubled past, Fergus's experiences in Vietnam and subsequent legal battles, and their complex relationship. A significant portion of the story centres around the inheritance of a vast property called Stezland, leading to encounters with various characters and uncovering hidden histories. The plot culminates in a tragic shooting spree in Cooktown and its aftermath, raising questions of justice and revenge. Ultimately, the novel explores themes of family, legacy, and the consequences of violence.

Bad Company

"Bad Company" is a fictional crime novel centred around the murder of Mark Crampton, a market analyst hired to conduct a feasibility study for Juliet Consolidated Enterprises (JCE), a large development firm. The investigation into Crampton's death led to the wrongful conviction of two property owners, Stan Strauss and David Watson, based on circumstantial evidence. The novel also explores the intertwined lives of JCE's board of directors, each with their own secrets and past transgressions, and the subsequent discovery that Crampton's murder was orchestrated to facilitate JCE's acquisition of Watsonville Station. A parallel storyline follows the lives of several characters connected to the case, revealing further criminal activities and ultimately uncovering the truth behind Crampton's demise.

This book is a real 'page-turner'

The Writer & The Written

Two old school friends meet up at a tourist destination; Henry is a former draughtsman who resides in the area and is now a commercial writer, and the other, Roger, is the owner of a computing software manufacturer, Micra Element, who is visiting the area aboard his super yacht.
Henry and his wife, Lynn, are invited aboard Roger's yacht for dinner and later a cruise from Cairns to Brisbane, where Roger decides to employ Henry to write a review of a new App that his company has recently created.
The 'App' is an 'artificial intelligence' writing aid that assists with spelling and grammar and also includes a new feature of narration that is capable of employing the voice of the user as an artificial Intelligent narration voice.
Henry discovers that the App he is using for the review appraisal is a copy of Roger's personal App that has been set up for narration by Roger, using Roger's voice. Henry goes on to discover that it seems the App may have interfaced with Roger's brain during the narration set up and now contains much more than just Roger's vocal sounds and expressions.
The App appears to contain Roger's life memories, and some of them, it seems, are from Roger's darker history.
Henry, with the assistance of some software programming guru friends, finds a way to engage with the App to enable the production of text files of Roger's, not so squeaky clean life.

What's Mine is Your's

Embark on a Journey of Discovery and Redemption

In the heart of North Queensland, young Michael Hodge's life is forever altered when his father, a passionate prospector, mysteriously vanishes. The authorities suspect a tragic accident in the hidden depths of an abandoned mine, but no trace is ever found. This unsolved mystery propels Michael on a life journey filled with intrigue and ambition.

From the dusty fields of Ravenswood to the esteemed halls of the Australian Defence Force Academy, Michael's path is shaped by determination and duty. As he transitions from a promising civil engineer to a covert operative with the Australian Federal Police, Michael faces challenges that test his courage and resilience. The narrative pulls you into a world where every decision ripples through the fabric of his existence, blending the thrill of special operations with the profound weight of personal loss.

 

 

The Darkie's Gold

 

This narrative follows Wesley and Adina, a surgeon and a police detective, who leave their careers in the US to renovate a historic saloon in San Francisco, only to discover a hidden map.

Their son, Caleb, a Marine veteran, takes the map and travels to Australia, believing it leads to a bushranger's gold. With the help of his friend and fellow Marine, Joanna, they locate a significant amount of gold but struggle with how to handle their find due to its potentially government ownership. Their efforts to sell the gold and repatriate the funds lead them to purchase a large rural property in Australia called Kimbarry, with the help of real estate agent Alex Gregory and his partner Carol. The family, including Wesley and Adina who move to Australia, faces challenges including an illegal meth lab on their property, 

 

 

 

 

Revelation at Narern

'Revelation at Narern' a page-turning thriller set in the heart of rural Australia that will leave you breathless. This is not just another mystery; it's a powerful exploration of family secrets, a relentless quest for justice, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Barrington's masterful storytelling weaves a tale so intricate and compelling, you'll be hooked from the first page to the very last.

“Max Barrington's Revelations at Narern is more than just a mystery; it is a story that will challenge, move, and entertain you. It's a testament to his skill as a storyteller and a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping tale with characters that leap off the page. Don't miss your chance to experience this exceptional Australian thriller.”........hold tight, Max

The Intrusion

The Intrusion is a fictional narrative detailing a home invasion in Far North Queensland where the homeowner, Campbell Robertson, is arrested for attempted murder after defending his family. The story explores the complexities of self-defence law, highlighting a lenient justice system and rising crime rates, particularly among juvenile offenders. It contrasts the town's past idyllic state with its current social unrest and profiles Sergeant Bradley Coote, a disillusioned officer striving to combat juvenile delinquency. The narrative also follows the Robertson family's ordeal and the community's response to the perceived injustice, culminating in Campbell's trial and controversial conviction. Ultimately, the story examines the failures of the justice system and the efforts of individuals to find solutions.

The Premonition

The Premonition is a gripping work of fiction that follows the journey of Harry Cousins, a retired Australian police officer seeking a fresh start. Looking for a change of pace after years in law enforcement, Harry invests in a small charter boat business, despite having limited experience with sailing. His cautious approach to both business and the open water soon leads to financial difficulties, leaving him questioning whether he has made the right decision.

Just as the weight of his struggles begins to take its toll, a chance encounter changes everything. He crosses paths with Jantjie, a mysterious and charismatic South African man with a wealth of maritime knowledge and a bold vision. Their conversation sparks an ambitious plan—one that will take them on a daring and life-altering sailing voyage. As Harry steps further into uncharted waters, both literally and figuratively, he begins to realize that his instincts, honed from years on the force, may be more valuable at sea than he ever imagined............hold tight!

King to Spare

Max Barrington delivers a gripping tale of power, intrigue, and betrayal in King To Spare. Set against the backdrop of a royal succession crisis, the novel masterfully blends political drama with a riveting mystery. Mathew’s journey from an unknown heir to a key player in a dangerous conspiracy is both compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers engaged at every turn. Barrington’s sharp storytelling and rich character development make this a standout read, offering a thrilling exploration of loyalty, ambition, and the cost of power. King To Spare is a must-read for fans of royal intrigue and high-stakes drama.

The Telephone

"The Telephone" is a fictional spy story set primarily in rural Queensland, Australia, spanning several decades. The narrative follows Matilda (Maddy) and her husband Bernard as they uncover secrets surrounding their property, including connections to Nazi war criminals and hidden diamonds. The story focuses on Matilda's life from 1954 to 2025, including marriage and a tragic death which changes her life. Alois Pfeiffer, a German Jeweller and former spy, aids them in the process. After Bernard's death, Matilda grapples with loss, but later finds a renewed purpose as she investigates the truth behind her husband's death. Later in her life, she is aided by her sister, Kathleen, in uncovering more secrets related to the house, in a quest for long-hidden diamonds.

Going Backwards

A Gripping Tale of Survival, Betrayal, and Redemption

After losing his parents, Marcus Diarmuid embarks on a journey from England to Australia, seeking a fresh start. But fate has other plans. A deadly altercation at Brisbane’s Terrace Hotel forces him on the run, fleeing to the outback town of Quilpie—only to be arrested and convicted of manslaughter.

Thrown into the brutal Boggo Road Gaol, Marcus must fight to survive, forging unlikely alliances with hardened inmates. When he’s finally paroled after eight years, freedom proves fleeting—he’s arrested again, accused of a murder he didn’t commit.

With his life hanging in the balance, Marcus must navigate a treacherous legal battle to clear his name. Will he escape the shadows of his past, or is he doomed to a fate beyond his control?

Max Barrington’s GOING BACKWARDS is a thrilling journey through injustice, resilience, and the quest for redemption.

Books by Michael Holding

James Roxby - Focus 

Senior Sergeant James Roxby in the small town of Durrell, detailing an initial violent encounter that suggests a dangerous past catching up to him. Further sections reveal Roxby's background, from his family's arrival in Australia and his military service, including time in the SASR, to his transition into the Victoria Police and his involvement in a clandestine unit led by Commander Damien Burgess. The narrative follows Roxby and his partner Piet Retief as they investigate illicit activities, including a significant drug and tobacco operation linked to a Federal Member of Parliament, showcasing their methods and the perilous nature of their work. Ultimately, the excerpts culminate in Roxby's return to Durrell, where he faces new threats connected to his past, setting the stage for further conflict and resolution.

James Roxby - Living in the Ease 

"James Roxby-Living in the eaze," focuses on two distinct yet intertwined narratives within the realm of Australian law enforcement and covert operations. One thread follows Scott and Elizabeth Watson, a seemingly ordinary couple who become entangled in a financial scheme called Maverick, ultimately leading to their tragic disappearance and later discovery. The other centres on James Roxby, an ex-SAS soldier who is recruited into a highly specialised and clandestine unit called FOCUS, tasked with operating outside conventional legal boundaries to address individuals and activities that elude standard police procedures. The latter half of the text depicts Roxby's involvement in investigating the Maverick operation and its connection to the Watsons, culminating in a final, decisive action taken against one of the key figures in the scheme.

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About us

Etteleah Books is a Cairns-based book publishing company dedicated to showcasing the talent of local authors. We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect communities. Our team is passionate about supporting writers on their creative journey and helping readers discover new literary treasures.