When her mother dies from a snakebite, Comity''''s life in the Australian outback changes forever. As her father retreats into his work, Comity turns to Fred, the Aboriginal yard boy, who becomes her only friend. But then a new assistant arrives who delights in playing cruel games. As Fred becomes his target, events spiral dangerously out of control.

Geraldine McCaughrean has written over 160 books, including the much lauded sequel to Peter Pan, Peter Pan in Scarlet. She has won almost every single award possible, including the Whitbread Children's Book Award (three times), Smarties, Carnegie and Blue Peter Awards.