Not Bad People, the debut novel by Dubai-based radio journalist Brandy Scott centres around an impulsive act and a terrible accident.
The summary says: "It's New Year's Eve, in a small town in the rich wine country outside Sydney. Thirty-something Aimee, Melinda, and Lou are best friends reveling in the end-of-year celebrations.
And what better way to look ahead to the coming year than to let off Chinese lanterns filled with resolutions: for meaning, for freedom, for money? The fact that it's illegal to use these lanterns is far in the back of their minds.
After the glowing paper bags float away and are lost to sight in the night sky, there's a bright flare in the distance. It could be a sign of luck - or the start of a complete nightmare that will upend the women's friendships, families, and careers.
Aimee is convinced their little ceremony caused a major accident. The next day, the newspapers report a small plane crashed, and two victims - one a young boy - were pulled from the wreckage. Were they responsible? Aimee thinks they are, Melinda won't accept it, and Lou has problems of her own.
It's a toxic recipe for guilt trips, shame, obsession, blackmail and power games. They're not bad people. But desperate times call for desperate measures." Not Bad People is out in January 2019.