On the shelf

Books

Noir mystery from Bold Venture Press and Wildside Press — under the bluff in Bundaberg, on the road to Kawanga, and on the case with Howard Millar in the Queen City.

Noir mystery novel · Bold Venture Press · 2024

The Big Bluff

“What dark secrets lay buried in her subconscious mind?”

American hypnotherapist Vernon Prescott finishes a lecture tour of Australia in the quaint Queensland town of Bundaberg. He awakens alone, under the big bluff, on the morning after his last speaking engagement, recovering from a night of too many vodka gimlets. When young Mindy Winthrop seeks him out after attending the previous night’s lecture, she appeals for treatment of repressed memories surrounding a four-year-old cold-case murder.

The unusual couple is thrust into an intimate alliance after being intimidated by members of a cult with roots dating back hundreds of years — who will stop at nothing to prevent Mindy’s memories of the murder from surfacing. Part mystery and romance, and all suspense, The Big Bluff keeps the action coming all the way through to a stunning climax featuring two twist endings.

Collection · Bold Venture Press · 2020

Finding Phyllis and Other Howard Millar Capers

Private eye Howard Millar has seen his share of life’s darker side. After serving a 20-year tenure as a first-grade detective with the 9th Precinct, he exchanged his badge for a bond with the abused, abandoned, misused and missing in the “Queen City” of the Midwest, Cincinnati. Armed with wit and wisdom, timing and tenacity, he devotes his time to righting wrongs and helping the helpless, occasionally calling on a former colleague, and several grateful clients.

In “Finding Phyllis,” he endeavors to find a widow’s missing daughter — who happens to be his girlfriend. A bank teller has “something more” on her mind in “Don’t Bank On It.” Millar becomes judge, jury and executioner in the case of a murdered teenager. The basement of a hospital garage becomes a stranger’s refuge. Millar resorts to a supernatural solution for an insoluble case. A crazed killer holds an unusual weapon against Millar’s throat in “No Evidence.” Then Millar is hired to protect a young archaeologist targeted by a church with something big to hide.

Also includes The Burning Man, The Woman in the Elevator, In the Blood, Cotton Candy Killer, and Losing Laura.

Cover of Kawanga / Swan Song and Other Mystery Stories

Wildside Mystery Double #12 · Borgo / Wildside Press

Kawanga, and Swan Song and Other Mystery Stories

Kawanga — Kawanga, an obscure outback town in Australia, becomes the focus of a quest for a missing ancient document. His Majesty’s servant, Lord Conley, must retrieve the stolen paper before it falls into the wrong hands. Joining him are ex-martial artist Donald Brant, French femme fatale Camille, British DS Bonnington, and a motley crew of money-hungry henchmen. This fast-paced thriller is a nonstop adventure filled with intrigue, romance, action, and heart-pounding suspense. For everyone involved, all roads lead to… Kawanga!

Swan Song — Chip, a screenwriter, just wants to cure his writer’s block with an impromptu drive to a small town outside of L.A. But his vehicle is smashed within minutes of his arrival, and then he’s beaten in his room atop the strange town’s only diner. This poignant and moving noir novella will stun you with, not one, but two satisfying twist endings worthy of Mickey Spillane — and it is only the first of eight stories in the collection.

Other mystery stories range from dark, hardboiled fare like “Moonlight and Roses” and “Washroom Talk,” to crime tales such as “Black Sunrise” and “Stalking Susan Storm,” to poignant slice-of-life pieces like “Number Eight” and “Coffee Shop,” and even a fantasy story. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Also available

Anthologies & megapacks

More places Halliday’s fiction is currently sold — magazines, doubles, and multi-author packs.

Wildside Press · 2018

Black Cat Thrillogy #10

Three great tales: The Burning Man, In the Blood, and Finding Phyllis.

— The Detective Megapack Includes Black Sunrise — Buy on Amazon
— The Noir Mystery Megapack Includes Bedhead Fred’s Redhead’s Dead, Room 801, and Rainy Tuesday — Buy on Amazon
2026 Pulp Adventures #49 The Man From Nowhere — Buy at Bold Venture
2024 Pulp Adventures #45 Halo in Gold — Buy at Bold Venture

From page to screen

Several titles already exist as award-winning scripts.

To option, purchase, or discuss adaptation rights — or a commission — email jack@jackhalliday.com.

Discuss rights View screenplays