The Brownout Murders

They blamed alcohol. They blamed men. But they blamed women most of all.

The year is 1942, the place Melbourne. A brownout is in effect to dim the night-time lights of the city, and thousands of American GIs are based in Royal Park. As the latter make plans to defend the Pacific, the women of Australia have stepped up to support the war effort at home. Beatrice is doing her part. She's enlisted as an air raid warden, preparing the city ahead of a possible Japanese attack. Her sister June is an operator at the telephone exchange, while her other sister, Lizzie, works as a shopgirl by day and parties with the Americans by night.

But the times are about to change again, and the three sisters will have to navigate the consequences of a new threat as a series of grisly murders are committed in the eerie half-light of the brownout. Inspired by true events, The Brownout Murders tells a story of fear, fortitude, and social change - and how the independence of all women is too often set against the violence of a single man.

'The Brownout Murders is a rich, satisfying read. It's moving, funny, and tense. The text is taut, and the illustrations are stunning.'
-Robert Gott, author of The Holiday Murders

'The black-and-white illustrations have a smooth quality, featuring styles and details representing 1940s wartime Australia. This true crime tale will obviously suit readers who are looking for books about little-known serial killers ... and those looking for books on life or feminism during wartime.'
-Suzanne Temple, Booklist

'A historical true crime story that skillfully connects a little-known 1940s serial murder case to still-relevant questions about society's exploitation of violence against women ... Graham's loose, retro-style black-and-white art ... captures the claustrophobic mood as terror sets in ... Crime and history buffs alike will be drawn into this layered real-life mystery.'
-Publishers Weekly