Lorraine Henry

Masterton isn’t a big town. The community’s tight, if not always harmonious. So when a child goes missing, it’s a big deal for everyone. And when a second kid disappears, the whole town holds their own children that little bit tighter.

Lorraine doesn’t have kids, but she has a nephew. She’s holding him a bit tighter, too, because she works for the police, and she knows they don’t have any idea.

Lo’s not a cop, she’s a records clerk. She sits out back among the piles of paper, making connections, remembering things. Working things out that the actual cops don’t want to hear about.

Until the new investigator, Hayes, arrives from Wellington, and realises Lo’s the only person there with answers to any of his questions. Which is just as well – because the clock is running out for the town's children.

2021, Michael Gifkins Prize, Winner

2023, Ned Kelly Awards, Short-listed

2023, Ngaio Marsh Award, Short-listed