A prequel to The City The year is 1967. Malcolm Pomerantz is twelve, geeky and socially awkward, while his seriously bright sister, Amalia, is spirited and beautiful. Each is the other’s best friend, united by a boundless interest in the world beyond their dysfunctional parents’ unhappy home. But even the troubled Pomerantz household will seem to be a haven compared to the house next door, after an enigmatic and very secretive new neighbor takes up residence in the darkest hours of the night.

Jonah Kirk's childhood has been punctuated with extraordinary moments. For him, nothing is more important than his family, friends, and the electrifying power of music. But now Johan has a terrifying secret. And his life is about to change forever. For one bright morning, a single earth-shattering event will show Jonah that, in his city, the darkest side of humanity sometimes triumphs. But it will also teach him that courage and honour are found in the most unexpected places, and the way forward lies deep inside the heart. If he can just survive to find it...