If only a poison pen letter problem was all that the hardy residents of Craggan Dhu had to contend with. Forced to weather Covid, as well as the menacing presence of someone who wishes them harm, proves a challenge for this resilient Southland town. As the pandemic fades, the locals want to move on with their lives. In order to do so, it becomes necessary to find out once and for all the identity of the person who has been posting nasty, anonymous letters.
Newly-widowed Clarrie Fitzgerald, a recent arrival back in New Zealand after living in Ireland for many years, is hoping to find the peace of mind she is desperate for after narrowly escaping a stalker episode. After she forms a book club, she quickly strikes up a friendship with Kon Maizer, another new arrival to the town.
Kon is not sure what to do after he uncovers vital information that could lead to the solution of a cold case that has long puzzled the locals. This could also prove to be the solution to Harris Goodall’s problem with ghosts. Meanwhile, for local Helena McGregor, despite betrayal and heartbreak, romance still beckons.

Extract:

‘Ariki knew that Harris would try to laugh it off, but she couldn’t do that.
He’d already suggested they do what Lia and Finn did and simply burn it.
Ariki started crying and Harris held her tight to try and stop her shaking. He might’ve known she’d take it hard. She believed so bad in curses and blessings. No, she didn’t want to burn it. She would show Billie who’d know what to do about it. The kids mustn’t see it. Mustn’t know. Must be protected.
‘Sure, sure, honey. It’s ok. Whoever did this is a coward punching above their weight. They’re of no account. Don’t take it so hard, honey.’
But Ariki could neither ignore nor dismiss the letter; note, message; whatever the hell it was. Such a despicable thing coming into their lives to mar the beauty and strength they had built into this place; their whare, their whenua. Their home. Their land. Kaika. Whakakaika. She would take it to Billie right away. Together they’d work something out.’