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The Ink Stain

Book 4, The Monsarrat Series
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( 215 ratings, 26 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Ink Stain, set against the backdrop of early 19th-century Australia, our protagonist, Hugh Monsarrat, a former convict turned trusted clerk, finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes political scandal. As he navigates the intrigue and danger surrounding a damaging government document, Monsarrat must rely on his wit and allies to uncover the truth and ensure justice prevails. The novel explores themes of loyalty, power, and the fight for independence in a fledgling colony.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by tales set in the rich tapestry of 19th-century Australia, particularly involving journalism, politics, and a fight for justice. The authors masterfully weave historical intrigue with a gripping narrative, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and those fascinated by the moral challenges faced in times of social change.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Ink Stain by Meg Keneally and Tom Keneally takes readers on a gripping journey as Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney are dispatched to Sydney to investigate corruption that threatens the very core of the colony's fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, potentially implicating the governor's office.

Henry Hallward, the determined editor of the Sydney Chronicle, is no stranger to imprisonment for criminal libel, often editing the newspaper from his cell. While awaiting yet another trial, Hallward claims to have a story that could ruin several influential figures. However, before he finishes, he is murdered, prompting Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney to delve into the investigation.

Upon meeting Colonel Duchamp, the governor’s right-hand man, it becomes apparent that Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney are alone in solving this murky murder. Many have motives to see Hallward dead, among them Gerald Mobbs, editor of the Chronicle’s rival newspaper; Henrietta, Duchamp’s sister, who hides her cunning with a ladylike facade; and Albert Bancroft, a shadowy figure whose property dealings put him in an ideal position to execute the crime.

As Monsarrat and Mrs Mulrooney sift through suspects and untangle hidden agendas, they must navigate treacherous loyalties, conscious that Duchamp could abruptly dismiss them, leaving Hallward’s murder unresolved and jeopardising the colony's press independence. The stakes rise further when a young boy is kidnapped, revealing that freedom of speech may not be the sole casualty.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Ink Stain by Meg Keneally and Tom Keneally is generally well-received, praised for its vivid historical setting and engaging narrative. Reviewers mention the rich character development and appreciation for the detailed depiction of early Australian history. The storytelling is noted for its ability to blend historical facts with intriguing plotlines, holding the reader's interest throughout.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143790303

Publisher: Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 March 2019

Country: Australia

Imprint: Vintage (Australia)

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 155.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 430g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Tom Keneally (Author) Tom Keneally won the Booker Prize in 1982 with Schindler's Ark, later made into the Steven Spielberg Academy Award-winning film Schindler's List. His non-fiction includes the memoir Searching for Schindler and Three Famines, an LA Times Book of the Year, and the histories The Commonwealth of Thieves, The Great Shame and American Scoundrel. His fiction includes Shame and the Captives, The Daughters of Mars, The Widow and Her Hero, An Angel in Australia and Bettany's Book. His novels The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Gossip from the Forest, and Confederates were all shortlisted for the Booker Prize, while Bring Larks and Heroes and Three Cheers for the Paraclete won the Miles Franklin Award. In 2022, his novel Corporal Hitler's Pistol was awarded the ARA Historical Novel Prize. Meg Keneally (Author) Meg Keneally started her working life as a junior public affairs officer at the Australian Consulate-General in New York, before moving to Dublin to work as a sub-editor and freelance features writer. On returning to Australia, she joined the Daily Telegraph as a general news reporter, covering everything from courts to crime to animals' birthday parties at the zoo. She then joined Radio 2UE as a talkback radio producer. In 1997 Meg co-founded a financial service public relations company, which she sold after having her first child. For more than ten years, Margaret has worked in corporate affairs for listed financial services companies, and doubles as a part-time SCUBA diving instructor. She lives in Sydney with her husband Craig and children Rory and Alex.

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