When former editor-in-chief of The Age and fourth-generation Tasmanian Steve Harris began looking into his own family history, he uncovered a veritable goldmine of stories, replete with convicts, bushrangers and early settlers. That research would become the basis for his gripping new book, Solomon’s Noose: The True Story of Her Majesty’s Executioner of Hobart Town.

Focusing on a young convict who becomes a hangman in colonial Tasmania to improve his chances of finding a better life, Solomon’s Noose is an illuminating look at the difficult birth of a nation through its darkest, most dangerous period.

It’s out now, and thanks to Melbourne Books we have three copies to give away. This competition is now closed.