New book: Local Author reveals strange, unusual Toowoomba tales

The book will reveal the identity of the Russian woman who turned up at Picnic Point wearing a red bikini in the 70s.

Toowoomba author Don Talbot working on his next book – Volume 8 of Toowoomba Strange and Unusual Tales – in his home office. Picture: Kevin Farmer

He’s known for writing about witches and ghosts in Toowoomba and now local man Don Talbot is set to add another book to his growing collection.

The former journalist published his first book almost two decades ago in 2003 and has since released more than 40 books.

Toowoomba author Don Talbot shows the cover art of his new book. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Committed to telling a great story, the local author has gone to great lengths while researching and has even met with witches and warlocks.

But now Mr Talbot is working on a new project and is set to release volume 8 of his popular series Toowoomba Strange and Unusual Tales.

“At this stage I believe this will be the last book of that series but there are so many stories to tell so really who knows,” Mr Talbot said.

“I truly believe that everyone has a story that deserves to be told and I really enjoy writing these stories.”

Containing more than 60 stories, the upcoming nonfiction novel about people and events features a heartfelt and real-life tale about how a sweet dog named Angel changed a local woman’s life.

The book will also reveal what Santa Claus gets up to in Toowoomba, how to spot a witch in the local supermarket and the identity of a Russian woman who turned up at Picnic Point wearing a red bikini in the 70s.

Mr Talbot said his love for writing began when he was just 12-years-old and submitted articles to a magazine.

And while the retired journalist said his spelling has improved, his passion for storytelling and conducting research remains.

Volume 8 of Toowoomba Strange and Unusual Tales is expected to be published just before Christmas and will be one to local author Don Talbot’s growing collection of 40 plus novels. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Volume 8 of Toowoomba Strange and Unusual Tales is expected to be released just in time for Christmas.

The book will be available to purchase from various local outlets including The Range post office, the Information Centre on James St and Cobb and Co Museum among others.