Thief of Lives — Lucy Sussex

Why are certain subjects so difficult to talk about? What is justice? Why do writers think that other people’s lives are fair game? And what do we really know about the first chemist?A story about history, women, science (and also the demonic); a crime story, based upon a true crime; a realist satire of the supposedly sex-savvy; and a story exploring lies, and the space between the real and the unreal. Welcome to the worlds of Lucy Sussex, and to her many varied modes.Pay attention to this woman! Turn these pages! Here be monsters and mysteries and marvels. – Karen Joy Fowler.Table of Contents- Introduction by Karen Joy Fowler- Alchemy- Fountain of Justice- The Story of O- Thief of LivesAWARDSAlchemy nominated, Best Short Story Ditmar 2012REVIEWSThe four stories showcased here could not be more different, one from another, but collectively they constitute an excellent introduction to the talents of the incomparable Lucy Sussex. I can’t imagine the person who would read these and not want to read more. - Karen Joy FowlerI loved her beautiful story about modern and ancient Babylon, “Alchemy” - Gwyneth JonesABOUT THE TWELVE PLANETS SERIESTwelfth Planet Press is an independent publishing house challenging the status quo with books that interrogate, commentate, inspire.The Twelve Planets are twelve boutique collections by some of Australia’s finest short story writers. Varied across genre and style, each collection offers four short stories and a unique glimpse into worlds fashioned by some of our favourite storytellers. Each author has taken the brief of 4 stories and up to 40 000 words in their own direction. Some are quartet suites of linked stories. Others are tasters of the range and style of the writer. Each release is a standalone and brings something unexpected.The Twelve PlanetsBook 1: Nightsiders by Sue IsleBook 2: Love and Romanpunk by Tansy Rayner RobertsBook 3: Thief of Lives by Lucy SussexBook 4: Bad Power by Deborah BiancottiBook 5: Showtime by Narrelle M HarrisBook 6: Through Splintered Walls by Kaaron WarrenBook 7: Cracklescape by Margo LanaganBook 8: Asymmetry by Thoraiya DyerBook 9: Caution: Contains Small Parts by Kirstyn McDermottBook 10: Secret Lives of Books by Rosaleen LoveBook 11: The Female Factory by Angela Slatter and Lisa HannetBook 12: Cherry Crow Children by Deborah Kalin