Ten-year-old Nick Tressider is all keyed up. At last his mum and dad think he’s old enough to go possum-hunting at night with Rotorua Bill, a long-time mate of the family. Bill is a bit burpy, hairy and farty, and his jokes get him in trouble a lot with Nick’s mum, sister Olivia and Aunt Kathy, but he tells the most fantastic stories and is a lot of fun to be around. Bill takes Nick tramping deep into the bush, where they lay out possum bait. Later on in a clearing Bill helps Nick to shoot his first rabbit, and then they sit watching the sun set and telling stories. It’s the best evening of Nick’s life. But when it’s fully dark and they’re on their way back in to the bush to collect the possums, something unthinkable happens – Bill falls down a bank and is badly injured by a rusty old gin trap. Will Nick be able find his way out of the dark bush in time to get help for his friend?
About the Author
Deborah completed the NZ Institute of Business Studies Creative Writing Course in 1996. Since then she has attended writing workshops with Stephanie Till, Bill Manhire and Diane Hebley. She has won several writing competitions and a short story will appear in the Massey University Anthology to be published by Steele Roberts. In 2001 Deborah gained a place in the NZSA Mentoring Scheme and was teamed up with Tessa Duder. Deborah is a young writer with a tremendous commitment and determination. She lives in Taradale with her husband and small children. On a Good Day, her debut novel, was published by Penguin in 2004.
