The first novel by the bestselling author of the Woody Creek series

We ride the crests and troughs of the Burtons’ 30-year history with open mouths and saucer eyes … Dettman is an adept storyteller The Age

Ann Burton was born on a river bank the night her father tried to burn their house down.

Six years later her sister Liza disappears while they are staying at their uncle’s property. What Ann sees that day robs her of her memory and her speech.

Ann escapes her anguished childhood, finding love and a new life away from Mallawindy.

But there is no escape from the Burton family and its dark secrets.

Ann must return to Mallawindy and confront the past if she is ever to be free.

PRAISE FOR MALLAWINDY

A highly competent and confident debut novel Sunday Telegraph

A compelling story … it holds promise of further enthralling fiction from its author Canberra Times

A rich and engrossing read; a tale of page-turning suspense and mystery … Mallawindy will grab you hook, line and sinker Queensland Times

Fans of Rosalie Ham’s The Dressmaker will love Joy Dettman.