Book excerpt: An enchanting tale of larger-than-life characters and a magnificent, sprawling, historical epic that tips its hat to magical realism, this unique and delightful literary novel brings to life a family saga in the most elegant and restrained fashion. A murder mystery and comedy of manners that is never what it seems, it weaves together a Dickensian sense of mystery with a township at social war with itself. This playful and imaginative narrative announces the arrival of a dynamic new Australian writing talent.