Tracks of the Missing

By: Carl Merrison, Hakea Hustler

Narrated by: Mark Coles Smith

Deklan ‘Dek’ Archer and his mates arrive at school to a tense atmosphere. ‘Old Mate’, Mr Henry, who has lived in town for a long time, has been found murdered. He had been selling grog on the black market for years. To add to these worries, the Year 12s, who were on camp, are now missing. The police think there is a link between the missing students and the murder.

Dek and his friends are torn. Dek and Willum, his best mate, have an important football match that evening – professional recruiters are in town. Neither wants to let their coach down but they feel they must search for their friends.

Deklan’s grandfather, a renowned tracker with certain otherworld gifts turns up, and expects him to go bush. This choice will change Dek’s life and family forever.

A journey that moves deep in to an ancient landscape uncovers secrets, and the past, which is never far away, continues to call them.

©2022 Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler (P)2024 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'The dual authors expertly build tension while layering powerful messages about intergenerational trauma, racism, Indigenous culture and spirituality.' (The Age)

'A compelling young adult mystery...that places regional First Nations teen issues front and centre.' (The Northern Rivers Times)