A political thriller, set within New Zealand's Alpaca Breeders' Organisation, might not be the most obvious premise for a novel.
But it is the setting for Duncan Sarkies' latest work, Star Gazers.
The story follows a cast of alpaca breeders, each entangled in their own struggles.
Willemijn, the local vet, is determined to expose corruption in the latest breeders' election.
Caroline, a newcomer to the industry, is desperate to prove herself to top breeder Shona Tisdall, who profits from selling a mysterious vitamin to fellow breeders.
Meanwhile, the bumbling Alpaca News team fights to keep their publication afloat while ensuring the breeders stay informed.
But when alpacas begin dying under strange circumstances - each animal gazing at the stars before suddenly collapsing - the stakes rise, and a battle for the truth unfolds.
Star Gazers is the latest addition to Duncan Sarkies' works. It is his third novel, following the acclaimed debut Two Little Boys, which found success in the UK and became a film.
Photo: Supplied by publicist
