Dive into the pulse-pounding world of Conspiracy 365, where every second counts and danger lurks around every corner! This gripping young adult series by Australian author Gabrielle Lord follows teenager Callum Ormond as he races against time to uncover a deadly family secret. Blending heart-stopping action, intricate mysteries, and coming-of-age struggles, Conspiracy 365 keeps readers on edge across its thrilling 17-book journey.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced adventures like the TV show 24, this series hooks you with its unique structure: each book covers one month in Callum’s year-long fight for survival. Ready to join Cal on his relentless quest? Let’s explore the Conspiracy 365 saga!
How Conspiracy 365 Began
Gabrielle Lord, often hailed as Australia’s first lady of crime, crafted Conspiracy 365 as her bold venture into young adult fiction. Known for her adult crime novels like Fortress, Lord drew inspiration from her love of suspense and meticulous research with detectives and forensic experts. Launched in 2010, the series was designed as a high-stakes thriller, with its innovative monthly book releases mirroring Callum’s 365-day countdown to solve the Ormond Singularity mystery.
Lord’s goal was to captivate reluctant readers, especially teens, with short, action-packed books filled with cliffhangers. Her background in crime writing and passion for authentic details brought a gritty realism to Callum’s fugitive life, making Conspiracy 365 a standout in the young adult genre.
The Heart of Conspiracy 365
The series kicks off with January, where 15-year-old Callum Ormond is warned by a crazed stranger that his father’s death was no accident—and now, Cal’s life is on the line. Hunted by criminals and police, he must unravel the Ormond Singularity, a cryptic secret tied to his father’s mysterious drawings. February sees Cal dodging betrayal and danger, while August ramps up the stakes with a chilling burial scene that leaves readers gasping. By December, Cal’s journey culminates in a race to Ireland, tying up the series’ sprawling mystery.
Conspiracy 365 thrives on themes of resilience, trust, and self-discovery. Callum’s transformation from an ordinary teen to a cunning fugitive mirrors classic coming-of-age tales, but with a darker edge. The Australian setting, from urban hideouts to desolate deserts, grounds the story in vivid detail, while the relentless pacing and monthly structure keep the tension high. Lord’s knack for cliffhangers ensures each book leaves you desperate for the next, making it a binge-worthy read for mystery and thriller fans.
Beyond action, the series explores loyalty through Cal’s bond with friends like Boges and Winter Frey, who risk everything to help him. The moral grayness—Cal breaking laws to survive—adds depth, inviting readers to question justice and truth in a world where no one can be trusted.
Why Conspiracy 365 Resonates
Conspiracy 365 has carved a niche in young adult literature, particularly for reluctant readers. Its fast-paced, accessible style and cliffhanger-driven plot have earned praise from fans and critics alike, with the series winning the Australian Book Industry Award for Older Children in 2011. Teens connect with Callum’s underdog spirit, while the series’ blend of mystery and action appeals to a broad audience, including adults who enjoy crime thrillers.
Its legacy lies in its ability to hook readers with suspense while subtly weaving in themes of perseverance and identity. Though less globally known than juggernauts like Harry Potter, Conspiracy 365 remains a beloved gem for those who discover its adrenaline-fueled narrative, inspiring a dedicated fanbase and even a TV adaptation.
- Publication Years: 2010–2012
- Number of Books: 17 (12 monthly books, plus Revenge, Malice, and others)
- Award: Australian Book Industry Award for Older Children (2011)
Grab January and plunge into Conspiracy 365’s thrilling world of secrets and survival! Will you join Callum Ormond in outsmarting his enemies before the clock runs out?