The Soldier’s Curse, by Meg & Tom Keneally

Set in Colonial-era Port Macquarie, this mystery story pulls no punches on the brutality of convict life. The scholarship is admirable, if somewhat overdone, exposition and historical detail tend to overwhelm characters and plot in the early chapters. Gradually they fight their way through to create an increasingly interesting tale of crime and redemption. Tall and intelligent, Hugh Monsarrat is resentful that his station in life restricts him from rising to his abilities in a London law firm. Ambition outstrips common sense and he finds himself transported to the other side of the world. In Parramatta a rush of blood to a place other than the head sees him throw away his ticket of leave and wind up in the northern penal settlement for second offenders. Serving as a clerk for the moderate governor, Monsarrat makes friends and enemies among the soldiery. When the governor’s wife comes down with a mystery illness he must use all his skills to get to the bottom of it to keep his friends safe and foil his enemies.