When the Deep Dark Bush Swallows You Whole

Set in New Zealand, Ryan Bradley returns to the town where he grew up to work as a wool presser during the summer vacation. Ryan is studying Law at university and finds it difficult to readjust to life in a town where he is now considered an outsider. He also is haunted by memories of Sanna Sovernen who disappeared a year ago. Then Sanna's sister, Emilia, turns up in the town wanting answers to questions about her sister's disappearance.

Sanna is not the only woman to have disappeared in the bush surrounding the town. Emilia is not convinced that every effort was put into discovering what happened to her sister. She wants Ryan to help her in the investigation.

When the Deep Dark Bush Swallows You Whole by Geoff Parkes is set in December 1981 and January 1983. In these time periods we learn of life in the town before and after Sanna disappeared and meet the locals who are in contention for being the main suspects. The New Zealand bush also features in the story and the reader will also learn much about the sheep industry as the crime is eventually solved.