‘A superbly told tale of folklore-infused fantasy, full of rising dread, set in a sharply observed Australian outback town.’ Garth Nix

Strange what chooses to flourish here. Which plants. Which stories.

Bettina Scott lives a tidy, quiet life in Runagate, tending to her delicate mother and their well-kept garden after her father and brothers disappear – until a note arrives that sends Bettina into the scrublands beyond, searching for answers about what really happened to this town, and to her family.

For this is a land where superstitions hunt and folk tales dream – and power is there for the taking, for those willing to look.

‘Jennings’ prose dazzles, and her magic feels real enough that you might even prick your finger on it.' Kelly Link

‘Half mystery, half fairy tale, all exquisitely rendered and full of teeth.’ Holly Black

‘In spellbinding, lyrical prose Jennings lulls readers into this rich, dreamlike world. Lovers of contemporary fairy tales and magical realism will find this a masterful work.’ Publishers Weekly