Penelope Todd: Watermark

Watermark is both a psychological thriller and an adventure story. Zillah, the 18-year-old heroine, receives a mysterious invitation that she cannot resist. She and her best friend are suppose to be spending the summer holidays working as nannies in Marlborough. Instead, Zillah accepts the offer from strangers to visit them on their isolated property on the West Coast.

Zillah discovers that the enigmatic teenage brother and sister who sent her the letter have unusual beliefs. Disturbing events take place and it seems that even the elements have become Zillah's enemies.

Watermark is a great suspense novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is sure to appeal to teenage girls and is a finalist in the Young Adult Fiction section of the New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Publisher: Longacre Press

Price: $16.99

Age: 14-plus

Recommended: by Dorothy Vinicombe