I decided to persevere, wondering where this narrative would take me. The backdrop of the story, discussed later in the book, is about early settlers, who having imported their sheep, also decide to import deer. However, they found the deer multiplied quite quickly and started eating their way through the pastures reserved for the sheep. 

Some bright spark had an idea of importing wild cats to cull the deer. The settlers decided to adopt this idea and plans were set in motion to import eight breeding pairs of puma from South America. 

Unfortunately, the pumas decided that the sheep were an easier target than the deer. So began the cull of the puma. After the cull only one female puma remained. There was a bounty on her head, but she had killed all the hunters who had tried for the trophy, eager to claim the reward. 

Enter Floyd and Iris Renshaw, searching for a long time and not finding paid employment, they were attracted by the thought of earning the bounty.This is where the adventure begins - and what an adventure it is. Dealing with death, bereavement, new aquaintences, double-crossing, survival, freezing temperatures and deciept, all enacted in the scenery of the High Country of the Snowy Mountains in the mid-nineteenth century.

But... be prepared for the ending... it's not what you think.

After the initial introduction to his writing style, I found I soon became more accepting of it and, due to the intriguing storyline, I soon became engrossed in the book. 

I was dismayed to find Americanisms, on two occasions. The author used the word 'orient'. 'Orient' is the name given, in general, to the Far East and this word can only be used as a noun or adjective, as in 'The Orient Express'. Instead, the word 'orientate', which means 'finding your direction', should have been used, the verb from the noun 'orientation'.I hope I have the privilege of the author reading this review and, if he does, I would like to think he will take this as constructive criticism. 

Overall, I would recommend this book as good worthwhile reading and excellent story with a surprising twist at the end. 

Reviewed by Ken.

The Author

Robbie Arnott is the author of Limberlost, The Rain Heron and Flames. He's twice won The Age Book of the Year, and was also awarded the Voss Literary Prize. He's been named a Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist, and was twice shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Award, as well as the Dylan Thomas Prize.