Edward's father has disappeared in a boating accident near Uffenham a year ago, but as his body was never found, Edward refuses to accept he is dead. Again on holiday in Uffenham with his brother, Matt, at their Uncle's house, Edward sees a man who looks something like his father, a man who gives him an undecipherable one word message, and this is the beginning of a supernatural adventure wherein he learns about rebirth and regeneration and comes to accept the inevitable. The legend the story is based on, the Norse myth of the death of Baldur from a mistletoe dart, is brought to life in a modern context, and it is long before Edward realises that the things happening around him are dream-like. The strong characterisation and the intense battle between good and evil make for a powerful, well-written novel, and it will take a youngster with some sophistication to work out all the nuances behind the fantasy. There is a great deal about the two boys feelings about their father, the older boy Matt being more critical of him than the hero worshiping Edward. A well-deserved winner of the Fidler Award.