Steven Hamilton

Australia's economic policy response to the pandemic was as effective as any other country's – and dramatically better than most. Was this inevitable? Was it luck? Was it the product of great institutions? Or a few talented individuals? Conversely, Australia's public health response was far more mixed – and disastrous in parts. While we bounded out of the blocks at the start, grave failings on vaccines and testing meant we stumbled, escaping the pandemic many months later than other countries and plunging us into unnecessary lockdowns. Lives were lost and livelihoods were harmed as a result. In Australia's Pandemic Exceptionalism, internationally acclaimed economists Steven Hamilton and Richard Holden assess Australia's public health and economic responses to the pandemic. By analysing Australia's many successes – and shocking failures – they offer crucial lessons for future crises.

The county of Worcestershire in the West Midlands is characterised by its beautiful cathedral city of Worcester, attractive market towns and villages and its industrial heritage, particularly in the north-east of the county. The Malvern Hills, Clent Hills and the Cotswolds stand out from the rural and man-made landscape, including the traditional orchards in the Vale of Evesham, particularly around Pershore, and the county is also shaped by the River Severn and River Avon. Photographer Steven Hamilton has captured Worcestershire’s essence in this collection of stunning images, displaying the county at its best. For those who are proud to live in the county, as well as those visiting, this book is a must. Look through these photographs and you will quickly see why this corner of England has such enduring appeal.

Lainie Simpson carried some serious baggage. Her ex-husband's betrayal had left her cold, bitter, and isolated. Formerly a successful attorney, she holed up in her home writing fantasy novels until.... Lainie is pulled back into the legal world to help defend Paul Stafford, a high school principal accused of sexual misconduct with students. Despite his pleas of innocence, Lainie knows better. She has seen what men are capable of. She struggles to provide a competent defense despite her hatred of the man and what he had done. Little by little, Paul's life crumbles under the weight of an aggressive legal system. The best that Lainie can summon is ambivalence. Until finally, he stands on the edge of a dark abyss, ready to jump. It is only then that Lainie begins to suspect he is innocent. Now she struggles not only to prove his case, but also to try and keep him from slipping over the edge. She finds she cannot help him until she regains her own humanity.

Things are not always as they seem... Maggie Renfro is one of the few Americans at the dawn of the 22nd century who is fortunate enough to work for a living. Most people survive on stipends paid by a federal government that is wholly owned by a complex network of corporations. She lives what seems a charmed life as a public affairs director for a United States Senator. Her life is turned upside down when her best friend is murdered. Was it a random act by a serial killer or was there a more sinister reason? In this dystopian world of convoluted relationships, power, and authority, she finds herself doubting everything and everyone. And then, to make matters worse, she begins to hear someone... or something. Through her neural connection to the network, a voice provides unsolicited information and advice. As her life becomes more complicated and dangerous, she is forced to confront not only the issue of trust, but also a more fundamental question-what does it mean to say that something is alive? As those in power begin to betray her, this disembodied spirit may be the only person... or thing... that she can trust.

Detective Carol Tullis lost it all. A serial killer took her daughter. Fueled by grief and guilt, she hurtled into an abyss filled with alcohol and demons. She watched her life-marriage, career, and relationships- disintegrate. It took ten years, but Carol clawed her way out of that personal hell, or so she thought. Once again sober, she returned to the Seattle Police Department as a homicide detective. But nothing ever works as expected. Burned bridges do not rebuild themselves. Missed years are not refunded. Relationships are not automatically restored. Some are beyond repair. And at forty-two, the years were catching up with her, both physically and emotionally. A new serial killer strikes. Carol is forced to relive the anguish and pain as she and the other detectives work feverishly to catch the monster before he strikes again. The case, though, takes her full circle. In all its darkness and depravity, it offers a chance of redemption. The only things standing in her way are the killer, co-workers, family relationships, and, of course, herself.