History and mystery are closely woven together in this gripping and atmospheric story of Taney, a young girl with the dangerous gift of second sight. Visions of what will happen in the future have always come unbidden to Taney. Its a skill that is feared by all those around her except for Billy, a young man with a great burden of his own who believes in Taney and likes her for her speical skil. But Taney's predictive knowledge becomes increasingly alarming. Is it to be trusted? and who should she share it with? Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick brings the past life of Dublin vividly to life in a story packed full of excellent detail.
Ever since Taney was four she's known she could see things before they happened. She also knows that she must keep her gift a secret - at all costs. Teased and isolated by the local children for being strange, as Taney grows older, she has more and more questions. Why is her father so terrified of her gift? What happened to her mother? Then she meets the mysterious Billy, an outsider just as she is. Charming and attentive, Billy is the first person with whom Taney can simply be herself; with whom she can share her strange burden, and begin, instead, to feel proud of her ability. But then the visions come - lone girls attacked as they walk home at night. And as Billy begins to withdraw further into himself, Taney must ask herself who to trust - her only friend, or the visions that torment her dreams...
Born in Dublin (where she still lives) in 1962, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. She frequently gives talks, workshops and conducts residencies for all age groups throughout Ireland. In addition, she has worked at the Irish College in Paris and was writer-in-residence at Hollins University, Virginia USA. Apart from travelling, her interests include photography, history...and chocolate. Her books have been published throughout the world in various co-editions.
