Book excerpt: It’s 1838 and London is gripped by orchid fever. Charles Darwin’s diary turns up Higgins’s bookshop, closely followed by two ex-bodysnatchers and a peculiar fellow with small teeth. Why do they want the diary? Could it have something to do with the terrifying painting of an orchid it contains? And what about the withered orchid that Emily took home to Mrs Trevelyan’s Academy for Young Ladies? Before he knows it Julius is spinning through time and parallel realms in a race to rid London of the soulcatcher and a future too horrible to imagine. Julius and the Soulcatcher is a fabulous time-travel adventure full of richly imagined characters and intricately crafted time twists, an exciting sequel to the much-loved Julius and the Watchmaker. Tim Hehir is an author of short stories and plays. His short story ‘God Bless Us One and All’ was published by Structo magazine (UK) and his play Pride and Prejudice in 10 Minutes Flat has been performed in various countries and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has written two Watchmaker Novels: Julius and the Watchmaker and Julius and the Soulcatcher. Hehir is based in Melbourne. ‘A steampunk thriller uses Victorian science as a framework for cinematic monster goofiness in 1838 London...The book closes with drama enough for a sequel; action-happy readers will be hoping for it.’ Kirkus ‘The atmosphere of 19th century London is captured credibly in this strange tale, with colourful and captivating characterisations of heroes and villains alike...[a] chilling, labyrinthine sequel.’ Magpies