Powerfully engaging from the very first page. The characters are instantly brought to life and from the onset you feel the emotional pain of Joyce with her thoughts of ‘hope in the morning, desperation in the afternoon’ and ‘mind crumbles to dust’ injects the reader with the impression of depression. The arrival of Ruby, who is the help and is the first to arrive at the house to discover the children alone, the kitchen covered in blood and Joyce missing. Due to racial prejudices, ruby is instantly subjected to suspicion, despite the distinct circumstantial evidence clearly pointing that as impossible. Fortunately, mick is the leading detective that has recently relocated and his character is relatable as the genuine hero, the honourable and indiscriminate persona that from his actions from the onset, makes you feel that the truth will be uncovered from a complex and insightful character study.