This book starts off with a hiss and a roar and keeps you hooked throughout. The main protagonist, Jake lives with his father in a remote part of the Wairarapa, where he can surf and watch the whales, that come into the bay from time to time and unfortunately strand adn die. The serenity and stability of Jake's life begins to go awry when his of his dad begins a relationship with a new partner, who moves in with her daughter Stephanie. Stephanie is coming to terms with the loss of her own father and is recovering from the accident that took his life and left Stephanie traumatized and maimed. At the same time a local photographer and a crazed gun happy addict starts stalking (for the perfect photo to sell to the media) their next door neighbour, Milton Summer, an international rock celebrity- this further up heaves Jake's peaceful life erupting into violence and deceit. An when a whale and her calf get into trouble on the treacherous coast, the history of Whale Pot Bay seems doomed to repeat itself unless Jake, Milton and Stephanie can survive the deadly tide. I felt this was one of Des Hunt's best books, it took me 2 days to read as I could not put it down. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyed, got very suspenseful near the end. Would recommend to years 6, 7 and 8. ( )