Dead Goes the Neighbourhood

A baffling murder mystery consumes the town of Muriel which is situated ‘next door’ to infamous Brumby Flat, South Australia where wild rumours fly as high as the travelling circus trapeze and romantic betrayal threatens to overwhelm the residents of both towns.

Senior Detective Phillip Duncan reluctantly returns to town, called in to investigate the murders of two seemingly unrelated individuals in the region he knows all too well. Some old characters return, and some surprising new romances blossom while others fade out for good.

When a travelling circus rolls into town, expect a climatic showdown with plenty of sequins, sparkles and spandex in the mix. Raquel Willaston is lured back into performing on the high trapeze. But very quickly, she realises that everyone working under this big top has their own secret agenda to hide.

Will this prove to be Detective Duncan’s last case, as another dangerous serial killer closes in, intent to cover up their bloody trail?

Portia was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria, to Estonian parents who migrated to Australia after World War II. She has worked in the retail, telecommunications and real estate sectors. Always wanting to be a writer, over the years, she has edited and written articles and reviews for various university student newspapers and independent publications.

She currently lives with her son in the picturesque Gilbert Valley region, South Australia, nestled between the wine-growing regions of the Barossa and Clare Valleys.

In her spare time, Portia is busy working away on her next book projects, which will include the sequel to her debut novel The Big Dead Dry.