The Secret of Panther Valley

By Brenton Cullen

Cover and internal illustration by Lorena Carrington

ISBN 9781764002127, RRP $19.99

Published by Eagle Books, an imprint of Christmas Press, May 2027

About the book:

While staying at his grandmother’s farm with his cousin Coby, mystery-loving 13-year-old Seamus learns the local legend of a panther stalking the region but his search for the truth turns to disaster when he finds himself alone, lost in a secret valley and hunted by a ruthless pair of men posing as documentary film-makers. He will need all his resolve, wits and courage to get out of the desperate situation he’s in, but in the process he uncovers a secret hidden for decades, and discovers a most unexpected and enigmatic ally.

With engaging characters, a deftly-woven mystery and a vividly-evoked setting, this is a novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

About the author:

Brenton Cullen writes stories from the heart for children and young adults. He is a bookseller, interviewer, children’s literature advocate, reviewer and 2023 May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Fellowship Recipient and 2024 Winner of the Just Write for Kids Pitch It! Competition (Middle-Grade Category). Brenton lives between the bush and the beach with his partner, a quartet of fish named The Supremes, five terrariums, eight house plants and an ever-growing picture book collection.

His first middle-grade novel, The Prime Minister Problem, came out with Riveted Press in 2026, as did his first picture book, Meena’s Moving Day, illustrated by Jennifer Horn (Wombat Books).