Final book in the series of 8 books What secrets do the growing shadows hide? Patrick McWaid can’t understand why his friend Jefferson would leave the Lady Elisabeth to work on another ship. Sure, the Victoria is a much fancier paddle steamer, but Jeff’s new boss, First Officer York, is a tyrant and a bully. And when Jeff and the Victoria steam away from Goolwa, they leave a strange but valuable cargo behind—two crates full of ostriches! The McWaids have no choice but to take on the extra load, and when they catch up to the Victoria at Emu Flat, Patrick has a run-in with the disagreeable Officer York. Once the Lady E arrives in Echuca, though, Patrick hears rumors that an officer from the Victoria has died. It could be York, but is Patrick somehow to blame? And now Jefferson has disappeared! Where could he be? No one on the Victoria is talking. What’s the big secret?
Robert Elmer is the author of more than fifty books, including contemporary novels for the adult Christian audience, nonfiction devotionals like Piercing Heaven and Fount of Heaven (Lexham Press), and seven series for younger readers. Among kids, he is best known for his historicals such as the Young Underground, Adventures Down Under, Life Behind the Wall, and Promise of Zion books. When he's not at the keyboard, he enjoys beachcombing and travel with his wife, and spending time with their three kids and families.