PETER HAWES was born in Westport, the setting of this novel. For many years he worked in television as a researcher, journalist, writer, presenter and director. He has written a number of children’s books. His first novel for adults was published in Spanish, and this was followed by Tasman’s Lay (1995), Leapfrog with Unicorns (1996), Playing Waterloo (1998), Inca Girls Aren’t Easy (1999) and The Dream of Nikau Jam (2000).