Book Launch: THE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB

I've recently become aware of a brand new debut New Zealand psychological thriller, which is having its official book launch at the Women's Bookshop in Ponsonby tonight NZT.

Carole Beu and her team at the Women's Bookshop regularly put on terrific events (I've attended some in the past with the likes of Tess Gerritsen and Val McDermid) and are great supporters of good books and great writing. I'd highly recommend anyone near Auckland heads along tonight for the launch of THE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB.

Jen Shieff's debut novel sounds very promising. A former government analyst, Turangi-based Shieff has delved into some real-life New Zealand history with her historical psychological thriller, that sounds like it might mix a few genres and appeal to a range of readers.

Here's the official blurb:

A psychological thriller that will shock you to the core. Headstrong and independent, Rita Saunders is a successful hairdresser by day and a busy brothel madam by night. The only thing missing from her life is the love of a good woman. Istvan Ziegler is a Hungarian immigrant who has come to New Zealand to work on the brand new harbour bridge project. He is full of hope and dreams of a better life. Sixteen-year-old Judith Curran has come to Auckland for an abortion. With no money or family support, she finds herself at the mercy of strangers and simply has to hope they have her best interests at heart. Becoming bound into a desperate situation involving a group of orphan girls, Rita, Judith and Istvan find fortitude they never knew they possessed. But do they have enough of it to expose the menacing orphanage director and the slice of the heartless and seedy 1950s' underworld he inhabits? The Gentlemen's Club is an honest and gritty debut novel that will linger with you long after you have finished reading it.

I understand the book launch tonight is open to anyone, and kicks off from 6pm.