“War! . . . the lucky ones were those who died early. The others came home to a life in the mines . . .” (161). A teenage girl with promise is murdered in a rural Australian mining town, where life choices are limited to but a few. Written in verse, the story unfolds in multiple voices. The cast of characters includes miners, veterans, caretakers, and peers of the deceased. They constitute witnesses, suspects, and mourners, each trapped in their own way, all victims of circumstance. 2008 CBCA Older Reader’s Award Notable Book. bef

Originally published by Allen & Unwin Australia, in 2007.

A page-turning read about father-son relationships and the many ways of being a man. Eddie doesn't want to be in school; he wants to work in the mines. But his dad won't go down in the coal pits, and he won't let his sons go either. Nothing much happens in the town of Burruga, except for fights at the pub. Then one Friday night a girl is found dead by the river, and every man in town comes under suspicion. Eddie is drawn into secrets and a bitter struggle for revenge.

A teen's first love, sexual awakening, murder, cowardice, vengeance, and forgiveness . . . these are the powerful ingredients for Steven Herrick's gutsiest book yet. Herrick deftly reveals a cast of vivid characters in this USBBY Outstanding International Book, a chilling story of malice, power, and the courage to forgive.