RHYLLA'S SECRET - Elizabeth Rimmington

Rhylla and Robbie MacBurnie have it all: a loving relationship, successful careers, three children, a beautiful home with a live-in housekeeper, and a gardener.

Those with everything have further to fall.

In a moment of fury, Robbie stares at his brother Greg, lying in a widening halo of blood. In her bedroom, Robbie's youngest daughter Kirsty lies unconscious and in disarray.

To protect his family, Robbie, disguised as his brother Greg, hops a train to Mount Isa. The police want to arrest Greg while a Sydney razor gang seeks to silence him forever.

With Robbie away, Rhylla is left to deal with everything alone, fabricating stories to prevent anyone from learning why her husband suddenly disappeared. Her heartache takes second place as she helps her daughter deal with the rape and its consequences. The attitude of society in the first half of the twentieth century does not make it easy for mother or daughter.

When Robbie doesn't return, Rhylla fears the worst, continuing to keep the secret of the reason why he disappeared as she carries on with her life and raising her family.

Fourteen years later, Rhylla's granddaughter Skye-Marie is determined to learn the answers to the mysteries woven like a hessian thread through the silver fabric of her life. Her curiosity threatens to unravel Rhylla's secrets.

Rhylla is under pressure to reveal the secrets which have haunted her over the passing years. Should she disclose to her family the horror of their heritage or keep stum to protect them in a house of secrets?