This political history of the sex industry in Australia since World War II cogently presents all sides of a complex and changing debate. It looks at how prostitution and pornography are regulated, and how debates about them are produced. Sullivan examines statutes, parliamentary debate and legal discourse, moving beyond standard descriptions of the case for and against increased regulation. Looking at the broader societal context, she traces changing attitudes to what is normal and abnormal sexual conduct, using examples from newspapers, novels, films and demographic statistics. The book presents a number of cases that highlight questions of censorship and of literature vs pornography. It also critiques debates about prostitution and pornography that have been central to feminism. Broad in scope, the book extends from prohibition to the present period of legalised prostitution and pornography.

Picking up the threads of the Quilted Mystery series, Ripping Abigail delves into the seamy side of Southern California gang culture. Bright, creative, 13-year-old Quilted Secrets member Abigail Pustovoytenko rebels against her homeschooling and enrolls herself in a high school where the local gangs are under pressure from mysterious forces and engaging in ever more violent acts. As Abigail draws unwanted attention by speaking up for the victims of the escalating gang activity, retired librarian-turned private investigator Rachel Lyons has her hands full trying to keep the principled teenager safe while seeking to uncover the forces behind this eruption of gang violence.