The Chess Board

The Chess Board is a mystery set on the Darling Downs in 2008; weaving strands of Australian, Russian and European history into an intriguing question of... coincidence or conspiracy. It explores social convention by contrasting the humour of unique characters with the gravity of crime, guilt and redemption. Cambridge academic, Dr Spencer Avery, arrives in Toowoomba both to flee a strained romance in England and to bring his expertise to 'the colonies'. His arrogant preconception is challenged by the wit and idiosyncrasies of rural Queensland. But, behind the new experiences, danger lurks. He is being followed.Is this strange Australian adventure unfolding just by chance? What secrets could Russian grandmother, Olga Davidenko, be hiding which would attract international criminals to pursue her? A tangled web holds the secret to an exciting adventure set in the peaceful landscape of country Queensland.The Chess Board is a mature intellectual relationship involving two very dissimilar guilt-ridden major characters, Spencer and Olga. Their friendship is doomed undoubtedly, but uplifting nevertheless.Olga is a retired Russian army officer, seeking redemption with the son she had abandoned decades before. International criminals are hunting her knowledge but illness is preventing her remembering.Toowoomba 'street people' and Aboriginal Elders are keys to the police resolving the threatening scenario; while the academic Spencer becomes a reluctant hero, a catalyst to resolving a potential catastrophe. But has it all been set-up? Is he a passenger in an intrigue far beyond his comprehension - a pawn being moved by grand masters?

Author: Jim E. Reay

Publisher: Jim Reay

Publication Date: Feb 28, 2017

Number of Pages: 320 pages

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

ISBN-10: 0994377800

ISBN-13: 9780994377807