We loved this debut by new Australian author Nelika McDonald. Nelika has written a story of a small Australian town filled with average characters some lovely, some not so. One of which is Sarah Vale, a fourteen year old girl who goes missing. No one seems to care because of the family she comes from and the secrets that have built up over generations. There are a few people the local police sergeant and her only friend Tommy - who both take it upon themselves to find her. The story is full of suspense and I really couldnt put it down. The characterisation has been really well done and will challenge what you think and feel. We think Nelika has done a brilliant job and look forward to many more from her! She takes you a ride right to the end and we thoroughly recommend to add to your reading list!

The story is about a small idyllic country town named Banville. Where many tourists come and spend their holidays. But behind the sunny tourist brochures, and into the lives of the Banville residents, is life really that idyllic? When young Sarah Vale goes missing the towns dirty washing comes out for all to see.

This was a fabulous teen read, very poignant. The story had so many facets and underlying messages about the decisions we all make everyday and how they will affect our lives and the lives of others. The two main characters both live in single parent families due to entirely different circumstances. The story covers social issues that many teens have to face such as alcoholism, child becoming the carer,physical and mental abuse in the home and unplanned pregnancies.

Nice little "country versus city" quips and an unexpected twist near the end (love a good twist).Loved the cover photograph. Every time I put the book down that cover just kept drawing me back!

I will be recommending this book to my daughters high school.

We loved this debut by new Australian author Nelika McDonald. Nelika has written a story of a small Australian town filled with average characters some lovely, some not so. One of which is Sarah Vale, a fourteen year old girl who goes missing. No one seems to care because of the family she comes from and the secrets that have built up over generations. There are a few people the local police sergeant and her only friend Tommy - who both take it upon themselves to find her. The story is full of suspense and I really couldnt put it down. The characterisation has been really well done and will challenge what you think and feel. We think Nelika has done a brilliant job and look forward to many more from her! She takes you a ride right to the end and we thoroughly recommend to add to your reading list!