Well written, keeps you hooked into the storyline without becoming too complex and over loaded with multiple off shoots of mini storyline. I found it suspenseful and heartfelt when reading about the death of Ema, Jamie Duggan's wife. The author did a fantastic job of writing in Duggan's scotch accent it felt great while reading it and brought him to life. I wanted to research historical facts that were mentioned in the story such as the nuclear war debate in NZ. The French testing in the Pacific Mururoa Atoll. A really brilliant story that scanned eras bringing the past into the future. Goldmines in the 1800's to nuclear testing in the late 1990's to the 21 st century of single motherhood. Set in Charleston, a gold-mining ghost town 30km south of Westport, Twelve-year-old Tony has lived all around New Zealand, traveling with his nomadic Mum, and desperately wants somewhere to belong. When they arrive in Charleston, he is almost afraid to hope this might finally be the place, but is desperate not to be disappointed yet again. With a unique bush and coastal environment to explore, an interesting group of people to come to know - and a gathering mystery that starts from his very first night, when he finds out to his delight that he is to sleep alone in the bush in an old caravan...all the ingredients for a satisfying and exciting read are brought together, with some surprising outcomes. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, which got quite suspenseful toward the end. I would recommend it for Years 6-8. ( )