Dark Shadow: An Erik Portland story

by Geoff Spedding

Dark Shadow is the fifth novel in the Erik Portland series written by Geoff Spedding. It is based upon two mythical rumours which have prevailed in the High Country and other parts of Victoria, Australia for many years. The episode of the doctor's locum happened in the author's own experience and he has expanded upon it for this story. A third issue covered in the book may not by a myth or a rumour, but a distinct possibility. The author suggests those who want to know about it should read the story so they may form their own views. Most of the characters in Dark Shadow have appeared in the other books and a few new ones have appeared. At least one of these will continue in further Erik Portland novels. The Australian Defence Force and federal Police are involved in this story and the author hastens to add that none of the more abrasive characters bear any relationship or semblance to anyone of whom he is aware might be in those organisations. The story is centred upon the residents af the small former gold-mining town of Ulf and the big town in the river valley below the village. The main character is the Pastor of a congregation of Reformed Protestants and many of the other characters are members of the congregation. There is a weekly newspaper called 'The News' which plays a role in all the novels and members of the staff are central characters in all the stories. The Victoria Police Force plays an important role in the plot and young people from the area share the adventures with their friend and pastor, Erik Portland. Dark Shadow opens with a violent death and there is a looming threat hovering over the mountains and valleys of the Victorian high Country as answers to mysteries are sought by those involved.

225 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2018

About the author

Geoff Spedding is a New Zealand-born writer who lives in Rome, Italy. His captivation by the great valley of Umbria had led to this novel which is a tribute to this part of Italy. He has lived in New Zealand, canada and Australia as well as Italy. He is the author of "Seeking Residenza", a portrait of the difficulties he encountered with Italian bureaucracy; "Some Special People", a collection of about 600 biographies of people interred in the Cimitero Acattolico (Protestant Cemetery) in Rome; "Ulf", a mystery novel set in the Victorian hillcountry in Australia and is currently occupied in writing "Ash", a sequel to "Ulf". In what he describes as his 'previous life', he has, among other things, been a teacher, broadcaster, journalist, actor, labourer, house builder, truck driver, photographer, timber worker, clergyman, police chaplain and is currently busily employed at being retired.