COMP CLOSED | Book Giveaway | Goliath and the Gang

The latest dramatic novel from New Zealand family doctor, novelist and filmmaker David Whittet

The Gang stole his mother’s life. Aaron won’t let them destroy his future.

Aaron was just five years old when they took his mother away. Raised by his aunt, he’s bullied by his uncle and terrorised by his three detestable cousins. All dreams of making something of his life, of becoming an entrepreneur like his late father, are lost in the misery of his childhood.

The sudden appearance of a mysterious Māori diviner sparks hope in Aaron’s heart. Can this wise woman help him find his mother? And when he falls hopelessly in love with the woman’s haughty foster daughter, is he destined for heartbreak?

Everything changes once more when an anonymous patron sponsors Aaron to attend business school. He’s an exemplary student and, on graduation, a rising star in the business community. Until a deadly rival from his past threatens to destroy his career, and Aaron is again plunged into a brutal war with the Godzone Gorillas—the Gang that kidnapped his mother.

Goliath and the Gang, the second book in the Gang Girl series, is equally full of drama and intrigue. Set on New Zealand’s spectacular West Coast, David Whittet’s captivating story of love, rivalry and redemption promises another unforgettable experience. Aaron’s tumultuous journey is no mere rags-to-riches tale—it’s a rollercoaster of emotion that will grip readers from the very first page.

Indie Reader described Gang Girl, the first novel in the series, as ‘a memorable tale filled with drama, conflict and intrigue … deftly painted characters, multilayered, and unique … an extraordinary read.’

‘Gang Girl is a story of a young woman determined to overcome her traumatic childhood and carve out her own destiny away from gang life. It’s a visceral read, but also one that is thought-provoking.’ NZ Booklovers

About the author:

David Whittet is a family doctor, an independent filmmaker and author.

Medicine is a constant source of inspiration for David’s writing. Like writing, general practice is about being interested in people’s stories. The inspiration for his debut novel Gang Girl, the story of a young woman’s struggle to escape from the Gang, came to him during a fifteen-year stint working as a rural GP in a New Zealand community.

Storytelling has been in David’s DNA since childhood. A dramatisation of Oliver Twist on television had a profound effect on him as a child. In its day, Dickens’ novel brought reform to the poor law, which convinced David of the written word’s potential to change the world.

He decided then that he wanted to be a writer. Subsequently, A J Cronin’s novels inspired David to become a doctor, especially The Citadel, which pre-empted the National Health Service’s foundation in the UK and beyond.

David is the author of Gang Girl, The Road to Madhapur and now, Goliath and the Gang.

The colourful cast of characters David has met throughout his career–colleagues and patients alike–breathe life into his writing.

To read an exclusive article David wrote for GrownUps, click here

Terms and conditions

1. 1. You must be a GrownUps member and receive our newsletter to be eligible to win.
   2. Competition closes on the 10th October 2023, winners will be notified via email by 12th October 2023.
   3. It is your responsibility to ensure you correctly enter a New Zealand postal address where the prize can be couriered. GrownUps will not take responsibility for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
   4. Winners are drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
   5. GrownUps employees and family are not eligible to enter.
   6. By entering the giveaway, you approve for GrownUps to use your name on social media as winner of the competition.
   7. One entry per household.
   8. Prize is non transferrable.
   9. You must reside in New Zealand – the prize will only be posted within New Zealand.
   10. You must be over 50 years of age to enter, check your details are correct in your membership dashboard.