I borrowed this book to read on holiday and having read it decided that I wanted a copy for myself. I found the writing superb - pacey and fast moving carrying the story line forward while carrying mystery and enigma. The tension between the dual existences of the town and the gypsies, the folk lore element and the inexplicable is counterbalanced by the petty hypocrisy, the sordid and the hopelessness of the remnants of a once thriving Fife mining community. The description of places and the atmosphere of the area is first class, from the vomit on the shop step to the peace of the cemetary. The central mystery of the boy's parentage is carried to the end. This is a great read.