The Australian will publish a progressive novella penned by some of Australia’s best authors for the second year running. 

It’s a summer read of a different kind, where 18 authors collaborate on a singular mystery to create a chaotic story drawn out over a number of weeks.

Literary Editor Caroline Overington told Joe Hildebrand there’s mystery shrouding even the first chapter, as a truck driver picks up a tightly-wrapped crate from a reclusive station owner.

Caroline Overington: “I straight away thought ‘what’s going to be in that crate?’

“People are going to read that first chapter and wonder what is in that crate.”

Joe Hildebrand: “Well, I straight away thought how do you even find a crate in a COVID shortage of wood!?”

Press PLAY below to hear how (and when!) you can get your hands on the first chapter of Lonely Gully 

Image: Getty