Bearoness Belinda suggests that she and Octavius retire. He can become a Consulting Detective Emeritus. He's torn. Old habits and interests die hard. They compromise on a test. A one year sabbatical tour with the Twins, away from UUI, the Hexagon and above all, criminals. The Octavians are left in charge. First stop - A trip to Australia joined by Chief Inspector Bruce Wallaroo and Private Detective Matilda Roo. But a funny thing happens on their way around Oz. They're involved in two murders, contract rigging, money laundering, petty violence, monsoons, an accident and several near misses. Was Bruce right when he asked, “You’re not really going to retire, are you? Leopards can’t change their spots and bears can’t shed their fur.” We’ll see!

When you drive down Gold St. in Deming, are you driving over mysterious tunnels built in the city's past? The rumors of their existence have persisted for decades. Did the army build a 10-mile tunnel right through the middle of town? Did 19th century businessmen use tunnels to secretly patronize the town's brothels? Or, did the local Chinese use tunnels to avoid contact with abusive townsfolk? The curious and talented members of the Deming Writing Group set out to explore these legends and try to sort out the truth. Thirteen writers accepted the challenge and were randomly assigned different literary genres (mystery, horror, screenplay, literary, etc.) to create each one's take on the tunnels. So, do these mystifying tunnels under Deming really exist? Decide for yourself after reading Down Under Deming.

Scuba diving in the waters of Australia's Great Barrier Reef is magical, especially to a twelve-year-old girl. Living on a dive boat, she experiences all the beauties of the reef. Every day is filled with thrilling adventures - and sometimes more danger than she ever expected.