PORT Macquarie author Mike Berry has launched his first book on a global scale and success looks more than likely.
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Under the alias Judo Barr, 'Death from Down Under' is Berry's first published novel and was snapped up by American publishing company SBPRA.
"I had no luck in Australia but once I sent the proof to the US the company called me straight back and said they wanted it," he said.
"They told me it was the most original crime book they've read for quite a real which came as a big shock to me."
Berry has lived in Port Macquarie for 30 years and was a well known local musician before an accident put an end to his entertainment career.
He performed live at clubs and pubs in the region and has always had a natural knack for writing.
Instead of writing music and songs, he turned to jotting down ideas for books instead and before long he had an idea.
"Every day you hear of a young fellow getting into trouble and most of the time they got caught," he said.
"I began to think 'what if you had a really bad kid and he got away?' and that is my basis for Death from Down Under."
The story focuses on a boy named Kyle Madden who had a malevolent, evil and violent personality.
Living a life of crime and violence on the streets, Madden grew up with murderers, corrupt ex-police officers, military and potential terrorists earning himself the nickname Killer Boy.
The book delivers a chilling and very violent outlook on the life of crime and will certainly send chills down your spine. Berry is also planning on releasing another publication, titled 'Ten Short stories to read at lunchtime while you're not having a cigarette.'
"It has quite a long title but will be full of different genres of reading," he said.
"For now I'm focused on what Death from Down Under will go like as it's quite violent and really only for adults, but I definitely have plans for more books."