NINE LIVES

BIRDS OF PASSAGE

Alice Pickering and Ellen Walsh didn't want their husbands to die, but they did want to survive them for the cruise. It would be such fun, just the two of them on a boat, decently widowed at last. But the sea holds hidden perils for women of a certain age...

THE ELECTED MEMBER

Norman is the clever one of a close-knit Jewish family in the East End of London. A brilliant barrister, the apple of his parents' eyes - until at forty-one he becomes a drug addict. For Norman, his committal to a mental hospital represents the ultimate act of betrayal. For Norman's father, his son's deterioration is a bitter reminder of his own guilt and failure. Only Bella, the unmarried sister, can reach across the abyss of pain to bring father and son the elusive peace which they both desperately crave.

THE SERGEANT'S TALE

In 1947 in the British Mandate of Palestine, Avram is a terrorist campaigning to end the occupation whilst his daughter Hannah campaigns peacefully for a Jewish state. David and Will are two reluctant British sergeants who befriend Hannah. Avram cannot be shaken from the cause as his path crosses those of Hannah, David and Will.

THE WAITING GAME

At The Holyhocks old people's home, the inhabitants are 'waiting for the scythe'. But while they are waiting..Lady Celia, runs a lucrative blackmailing business on the quiete, Mr. Cross seizes each day with a tantalizing 'who will I outlive next?', and Mrs. Green seems to be hiding a mysterious past. Then two newcomers arrive to disturb the life of the home, and suddenly The Hollyhocks is awash with hidden desires, fear and trepidation.

YESTERDAY IN THE BACK LANE

Deeply moving novel of a life stunted by conscience. As a young girl, Bronwen murders a man in self defence but hides her deed for over 50 years.