It used to be fun at the lake – now it's terrifying. two brothers, Simon and Jem, are itching to start their summer holiday with their granddad – a whole month at the lake. they have been coming there for years, and know every part of the bays, the bush, the water and the neighbouring farms. It 'belongs' to them, and they can't wait to reclaim their kingdom. But Simon also has scores to settle with Jem, even though their mother has warned them that she's running out of patience with their fighting. the friendly lake has changed, though. there are barbed-wire fences, the farm has become a holding yard for old houses guarded by a fierce dog, and there's a caretaker whose wife and kids look terrified. What's going on behind the new fences? Why can't Simon stop himself from being mean to his brother? And just how far will he go to face up to his fear and find out what's really happening?