COOKIE JAR

Short stories by Megan Hills

A wheelchair-bound artist is preyed on by a stalker; a young taxi driver breaks the law daily for mysterious reasons; a glass artist’s marriage is at breaking point; a journalist invests in a business destroying the relationships of everyone he loves; an artist discovers she is trapped in an impossible contract which could ruin her career. These are only a few of Cookie stories to devour.

Make yourself a cuppa and settle into this collection of short stories taking you through challenges of life, love and art in Australia—ending with a big, delicious bite of New York City.

“Cookie Jar is true to its name. Each story has something to chew on but still makes for delicious consumption. As an artist, I particularly enjoyed the stories based in the art world. Megan really understands the struggles of artists and the demands of the industry.” – Nina Battley

“Cookie Jar’s contemporary short stories make the perfect holiday read – or in amongst life’s daily demands. Megan’s celebration of Australian culture is a highly enjoyable one. I also like how the last story takes you through New York’s pacy streets with a nail-biting plot. Highly recommend.” – Kate Gilbert

STOCKISTS IN NEWCASTLE (NSW, AUSTRALIA)

MiiO Store
3 Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill NSW 2297

Betty Loves Books
The Station, Shop 1a/110 Scott St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Readers Retreat
2/9 George Rd, Salamander Bay NSW 2317

PAVLOVA RISING

A novel by Megan Hills

It was a sure thing. Flying from Sydney to London on the wings of a fine art student junket (scholarship). But Anna’s carefully devised escape plan is torn to shreds. The shredder? Englishman Dr Perry, Anna’s new art thesis supervisor. Perry is an expert on art theft. And he is fixated on four suspected fake Aboriginal paintings. To solve the mystery, Perry drags Anna out of her discomfort zone to one completely foreign: her own country.

Are the paintings fake? Is art gallery director Noah Webster involved? Why is Pavlova Australia’s national dessert when it’s actually from somewhere else?

Enjoy this art mystery that will have you salivating from the start.

“Loved Pavlova Rising! Fun, well-written and a great immersion into the Australian art world” – Alex Wegner

“I really enjoyed Pavlova Rising. Funny, meaningful and focused on important issues. All at the same time.” – Eleanor Shakiba

STOCKISTS IN NEWCASTLE (NSW, AUSTRALIA)

MiiO Store
3 Elizabeth St, Tighes Hill NSW 2297

Betty Loves Books
The Station, Shop 1a/110 Scott St, Newcastle NSW 2300

Readers Retreat
2/9 George Rd, Salamander Bay NSW 2317

  • ON PAVLOVA RISING: "A fresh honest voice telling an Australian story in a thought-provoking and visual way. Curl up on your couch with your favourite blanket, a tumbler of deep velvety red (large!) and a decadent stash of dark chocolate so you can be engrossed in a compelling story of art, galleries, mystery and human connection. There is a peaceful luminosity that emerges from Megan’s writing like the glow from a flickering bush campfire. The precise contrasting brush strokes of an artist are evident as she weaves between light and dark moments, a journey from playful moments to the deeply thoughtful. I can’t wait to be captivated by Megan’s next novel!"

    Amanda McCulloch
  • “Cookie Jar’s contemporary short stories make the perfect holiday read - or in amongst life’s daily demands. Megan's celebration of Australian culture is a highly enjoyable one. I also like how the last story takes you through New York’s pacy streets with a nail-biting plot. Highly recommend.”

    Kate Gilbert
  • ON PAVLOVA RISING: "A funny and beautiful story that reminded me of all the things I love- art, food, good people, not taking yourself too seriously (or, alternately, taking yourself way too seriously and wearing it like a neon sign) and, of course, dogs who seem to know exactly what is going on. The main character's voice is believable, as is her quest. I loved the patchwork quilt of support characters, they were written with crazy-good detail and an eye for quirky. The story is great, it's a fun read and I can't wait for more."

    Christine Winderlich
  • ON PAVLOVA RISING: "Megan Hills' writing is incredibly witty and intelligent. It's an easy and also hugely informative read, i.e. about Aboriginal art and Western culture's dissonance in understanding it and it's context. I'm laughing and learning so much!"

    Margot Broug
  • ON PAVLOVA RISING: Wow, a journey into the world of art. Better still a mystery journey. Loved being back in the art world, a place I frequented during my school/uni days. Pavlova Rising had me suckered in from the first page and the pace of this fun and quirky adventure kept me there. It’s rare we have the opportunity to glimpse the lives of our indigenous landlords, here in Pavlova Rising the author takes us there as she drags the reluctant heroine Anna way out of her comfort zone. A must read. Can’t wait to see what Megan Hills has in store for us in her next dalliance into the world of storytelling.

    Alison Barnes
  • ON PAVLOVA RISING: "yeah!!! this book is so funny, smart and intriguing. megan's writing style is so intoxicating and engaging. i love the vibe and magic of the world she creates— art, intrigue and curiosity. highly recommended!."

    Jeff Leisawitz
  • ON PAVLOVA RISING: There's so much to love about this book, from the colorful characters of the art world and academia, to the thoughtful approach to contemporary Indigenous art and artists. I was hooked, and couldn't put this book down, I had to know how the mystery ended! I also loved all the Aussie details and dialogue, it made me homesick for the country! Looking forward to the next publication.

    Erica Sontheimer
  • Sassy characters, witty dialogue, and a touch of romance, Pavlova Rising is at once a familiar yet exotic foray into the world of Australian art. Anna Lissam is writing her art history thesis on Vernon Jones, until she meets new Professor, Englishman Thomas Perry. Perry encourages Anna to investigate the possible forged artwork of renowned aboriginal artist Dorothy Brown. What follows is an entertaining adventure around Sydney, and a surprising trip to the heart of Australia that breaks open the mystery.
    Highly recommended!
    Kim Rigby
  • “Megan Hills’ new mystery novel, Pavlova Rising, is an entertaining romp through the Sydney art world. Heaps of chuckles? Yep! Vividly entertaining characters? Check. Wit and intelligence? You betcha. Grab yourself a copy. Also makes the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates masterful storytelling.”

    Jacqueline Cook
  • "It's been a long time since I've read a 'laugh out loud' book and Pavlova Rising did not disappoint. Hilarious throughout, beautifully flawed, loveable chartacters mixed with the calming wisdom of others and the interactions between the two have been cleverly written for ultimate entertainment. And within these interactions, the reader is immersed in the world of art, academia and Australian Indigenous culture in a considered and thoughtful way. Through Pavlova Rising, we travel to the Australian outback and an Indigenous community, a rare journey for many including myself - I am grateful for the experience."

    Carly Chorley
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