Histria Books proudly announces the release of The Watchnight by Australian author and journalist Michael Burge, an electrifying new novel that brings to light a forgotten chapter of colonial history with gripping suspense and unforgettable characters. Published under the Histria Fiction imprint devoted to original, groundbreaking storytelling, The Watchnight promises to captivate readers of historical fiction, crime, and literary noir.
Set in 1852 New South Wales during the turbulent Frontier Wars, The Watchnight reimagines the untold story of Methodist settlers who colonized Australia’s iconic Jenolan Caves. At its heart is Charles Muncey, an aspiring lay preacher charged with cataloguing the sins of his congregation during a week-long revival. As tensions rise among pardoned convicts, Irish émigrés, and devout hosts—all harboring their own secrets—the arrival of a charismatic American preacher sparks a chain of events that explodes into violence, passion, and death. Forced deep into the Fish River Caves to “hunt the devil,” Muncey must rely on his fragile moral compass to unmask a killer hiding among the faithful.
Rich in atmosphere and drawn from Burge’s own experience as a Jenolan Caves tour guide, The Watchnight masterfully blends history, suspense, and cultural insight. With echoes of gothic mystery and rural noir, the novel confronts the clash of faith, fear, and forbidden desire in a raw frontier landscape.
Michael Burge is a journalist and novelist based in Deepwater, New South Wales. His debut novel Tank Water was released to critical acclaim by Midnight Sun Publishing. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, Fairfax Media, and the Journal of Australian Studies. Burge is also a board member of BAD Sydney, New South Wales’ leading crime-writing festival. His diverse heritage—English, Scottish, Irish, and Māori—deeply informs his storytelling, while his years exploring the labyrinth of Jenolan Caves provided the inspiration for this darkly compelling work of fiction.
With The Watchnight, Histria Books reaffirms its commitment to publishing powerful voices and boundary-pushing stories. This bold reimagining of Australia’s colonial past will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction that is as provocative as it is thought-provoking.
