Cedric Hampson's first written novel, Catseye, was launched on 23rd June at the Public Library, Brisbane.

It is an entertainment dealing with the effect a jewel theft on the Gold Coast has on a number of lives, including of course that of the hero, a struggling idealist lawyer.

One of the jewels stolen is a cats eye the usual description of a chrysoberyl exhibiting chatoyancy

The novel is set on the Gold Coast which is the sixth largest city in Australia centered on Surfers' Paradise. The major industry is tourism but the lovely ocean and hinterland still hold their own against a host of man-made attractions.

The novel conveys the contradictions of the Coast: the faith in development, the sleaziness, the ideals of some and the crookedness of others. Many readers have remarked on Hampson's visual writing; they say the descriptions of place and character are excellent. The story line is strong: it's a real page turner.