Grace Disher, one of three teachers chaperoning a Catholic school camping trip, faces a moral dilemma when three boys venture into perilous surf. As a trained lifesaver, she recalls the first rule of rescue: don’t create another casualty – and refrains from intervening. But her decision haunts her.
When the boys drown and the authorities are called, Grace finds herself at the centre of a media storm. Hounded by the press, scapegoated by a colleague, and vilified by grieving parents, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of blame and scrutiny. Her private life is exposed, and her every move is under a microscope.
As strange events unfold – her backpack straps are cut, she’s followed and attacked, a Channel 7 helicopter arrives before the police – Grace realises she’s in more danger than she thought.
One of the boys who dies is the nephew of the school principal, and although he’s grieving, he tries to support Grace through the ordeal. The Catholic Directorate is not happy though, learning that Grace is in a gay relationship with Louise, also at the school, and she is asked to take time off. She is expected to abide by the teachings of the Catholic Church, but the two other teachers can stay.
From the very first page, Smith grips readers with a tense, immersive narrative. Fast-paced and full of twists, it brilliantly explores how a person’s darkest moments can reveal the true nature of those around them. With a relentless social media frenzy, a stalker, and a compelling psychological edge, this is a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Reviewed by Sue Stanbridge
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Smith is the author of adult fiction novel Three Boys Gone and four young adult novels, including his critically acclaimed Winter Trilogy. The Road to Winter was shortlisted for multiple awards and is taught in schools around Australia. The sequel, Wilder Country won the 2018 Australian Indie Book Award for YA.
An award-winning writer of short fiction, Mark’s work has appeared in Best Australian Stories, The Big Issue, The Victorian Writer, Island and The Australian.
Mark is also an in-demand speaker at schools and an experienced facilitator at festivals and book launches.
0 Comments