Skip, Phil and Oliver are brothers from oldest to youngest but it is Phil that captures the big moments in this story. When their parents go to Auckland for treatment to their father for cancer the boys are farmed out literally with Phil going to work for Chopper Harris a grim farmer who is not used to having his methods questioned.

Phil is given all the crap jobs to do but he is looking after his fathers heading dog Blue, and that makes life bearable for him. Chopper refuses to let them get involved with mustering because he communicates with his dogs differently to what Blue is used to.

While out tracking down a wild ram a serious accident happens that is to test the resolve of all characters in the novel and it involves a limestone sink hole called a Tomo pronounced tor-mor.

Written in large font and short chapters this novel will have you captivated from beginning to end. Phil and his brothers are great role models as is Māori girl Emara who really knows her own mind.

One of the best of the year. Mary-Anne Scott understands kids.

— Bob’s Book Blog

Award winning NZ author Mary-anne Scott has based this story on a family tale kept alive with many retellings. Not only is it firmly grounded in a sheep station at the foot of Mount Whakapūnake on the East Coast of the North Island NZ, research has ensured authenticity and local Māori legend to be lightly woven through the narrative.

Phil is a likeable character and will resonate with readers as he encounters new experiences and people, and then the biggest challenge of his life. Tension builds steadily, building to a crescendo of danger, gripping me to the very end, wanting to know what will happen next. Totally believable action made me wince and fear for more than one life.

One of Mary-anne Scott’s best yet. Perfect for class sets in schools.

— WhatBookNext.com