A fascinating novel about small - town communities, which is also a love story and a whodunit. Ken McUrran runs a service station in a small town. He's an ordinary kiwi bloke who wants an ordinary kiwi life. Trouble is, a young Austrian hitch - hiker disappears. Ken's niece, Gith, has seen which car gave the young woman back - packer a ride. Trouble is, because of a serious car accident, Gith can't talk properly. Ken is the only person who can understand her, let alone believe her. He sets out to prove to the police - and the world - that she is right. Trouble is, the town is big on gossip and Gith and Ken have a secret of their own. An unorthodox love story and a page - turning whodunit, written with heart and intelligence, Gith puts our values and our prejudices under the microscope.