Awards

• Short-listed for ABIA, Book of the Year for Older Children 2010 (Australia)
• Short-listed for NSW Premier's Literary Awards, Patricia Wrightson Prize 2010 (Australia)
• Short-listed for NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, Patricia Wrightson Prize 2010 (Australia)
• Shortlisted for ABIA Australian Book of the Year for Older Children (8 to 14 Years) 2010.
• Shortlisted for NSW Premier's Literary Award Patricia Wrightson Prize 2010.
• Winner of Esther Glen Award 2010 (New Zealand)
• Winner of Esther Glen Award 2010.
• Winner of The Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing 2008.

Overview

Gerald’s life is in danger. Someone has stolen the world’s most valuable diamond and a constable lies unconscious in the British Museum, two sedative darts protruding from his backside. Not something Gerald Wilkins knows or cares anything about. Not until he finds himself on a private luxury jet heading for London to attend the funeral of a great aunt he has never met. Not until he inherits her estate, worth twenty billion pounds. Not until he opens a bundle of envelopes from his dead great aunt.  Was she murdered? Who stole the diamond? And what is the mysterious casket that everyone seems to be looking for?  With the help of the Valentine twins, the rat-fearing Sam and the gymnastic champ Ruby, Gerald’s got a mystery to solve. A mystery that will take them into secret passageways, a musty bookshop, an ancient crypt, a ruined tower and a colossal cavern where the secret of a priceless treasure lies protected by deadly booby traps.  The Billionaire’s Curse is an irresistible adventure story with an array of curious characters, ancient folklore and a whodunnit. Young and not-so-young adults, get ready to stay up late.

Full Product Details

9781921922756

Table of Contents

Reviews

'I would suggest this book to anyone who likes a good mystery and is willing to risk a disrupted sleep pattern. An enthralling read.' -- Gonzo, aged 16 'It's a suspenseful, thrilling adventure with great twists at every turn.' -- Meg, aged 10 'The Billionaire's Curse was such an awesome book. I adored it! It was very interesting. It was like half action and half mystery. My favourite part was at the end when they are at the place where the casket is. I read it in exactly two and a half days. I can't wait until the second one comes out!' -- Declan, aged 10 'I thought it was very good...it was like a crime novel and Indiana Jones put together.' -- Mitchell, aged 9 'Newsome has created a ripping whodunit-style yarn for young adults.' Sunday Age 'Filled with secret passageways and deadly booby traps, you'll be on the edge of your seat!' K-Zone 'Weird dreams, kidnapping, attacks by bandits, hectic chases and eerie explorations in archaeological sites...slapstick humour, verbal wit and a pervasive spirit of youthful exuberance.' Magpies 'A rollicking good yarn.' Weekend Herald 'An irresistibly fun-tastic tale that's virtually guaranteed to keep youngsters reading, chuckling and desperately waiting for the next book in the series.' Independent Weekly

Author Information

Richard Newsome lives in Brisbane with his family. He won the inaugural Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing and the Esther Glen Award for The Billionaire’s Curse, the first book in the Billionaire series. 

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