This novella, from Australian author Alan Baxter and published by the Red Penny Papers, takes the reader to one of Australia’s seediest locales for a visceral and discombulating journey through the disintegration of one man’s personal and working life. I loved the descriptions of Kings Cross, which rang true for me and I enjoyed the skilful way in which Baxter wove in supernatural elements into this urban fantasy.
I did feel, however, that the point of view from which the story was told did not allow us enough insight into the sub-urban world created so compellingly here. It’s hard to say more without giving away the plot, but I think I would like to see Baxter expand this story idea into a full-blown novel told from the point of view of one of the homeless people in this world. I think Baxter could take us much deeper into this world and really blow us away.
Read this novella and perhaps you too might want to lobby Baxter for more. His take on supernatural noir is compelling and could be something rather fabulous. Go and buy it from Amazon or Smashwords now.