The Auckland launch of The Physician’s Gun attracted 65 booklovers and supporters to the Mt Eden Village Hall on Thursday evening. Author John Evan Harris said he was thrilled with the enthusiastic reception for his book – a story set against the backdrop of the infamous Maungatapu Murders of 1866.

Time Out attended to sell copies of the book. “I’d like to say we sold hundreds,” said John, “but it was possibly more like 30. And I’d like to say The Physician’s Gun is SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOVIE, but I haven’t been approached for the film rights just yet.”

PICTURED: Fellow author Mike Ansari (left) and a bearded visitor from Hawkes Bay pose with the author in front of a blowup of Nelson township in the 1860s.