![Stars in their eyes](https://cdn.magzter.com/1472106876/1714445923/articles/QjHS9Y3ic1714463331143/STARS-IN-THEIR-EYES.jpg)
'Some might have thought it unhealthy for a new widow to begin work in a funeral home." So begins this enticing debut novel from Australian Ruby Todd, set beneath the dark skies of Jericho, a small town in New South Wales.
The new widow is Sylvia Knight, still questioning the death of her husband Christopher after a hit-and-run driver killed him and left Sylvia critically injured two years earlier. We are drawn into her grieving, introspective mind, one that is intent on uncovering clues that the local police have seemingly passed by in their search for the missing driver.
This story is from the May 04-10, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
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This story is from the May 04-10, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Ewes know it](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/-hEIPnZu21719916123303/EWES-KNOW-IT.jpg)
Ewes know it
'It has been my life's work,\" I announced grandly and quite possibly pompously the other day to Greg, no other audience being available, \"to advocate for the advancement of sheep.\" He pointed out that this was patently untrue. If it was true, he said annoyingly, although quite possibly reasonably, I'd have started my life's work a bit earlier, given that I had taken up this selfless work only seven years ago, the length of time we have been at Lush Places.
![A moral panic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/DtpZYTk5R1719915986534/A-MORAL-PANIC.jpg)
A moral panic
America's top doctor wants smoking-style warning labels for social media platforms.
![Give and take](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/nDnf2HtPH1719915864246/GIVE-AND-TAKE.jpg)
Give and take
We're likely to reciprocate if someone's nice to us unexpectedly.
![Culture club](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/I7xXPlCeX1719915513405/CULTURE-CLUB.jpg)
Culture club
Whether you make yoghurt at home with your own starter or buy a commercial brand, the health benefits remain roughly the same.
![Now for the news](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/JdsvfRGI-1719915342669/NOW-FOR-THE-NEWS.jpg)
Now for the news
How will Stuff's take on broadcast news match up to its polished predecessor?
![Time to rewind](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/7E_XSMUMn1719915178146/TIME-TO-REWIND.jpg)
Time to rewind
A leaner NZ International Film Festival programme still offers promising local debuts and some art cinema classics.
![Come dancing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/DI5ZgJ6B-1719914977468/COME-DANCING.jpg)
Come dancing
Albums from Anna Coddington and Peggy Gou are smart and sassy. Bonny Light Horseman leans on heartache.
![Calling on the muse](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/QuXqJroNy1719914762274/CALLING-ON-THE-MUSE.jpg)
Calling on the muse
Kiwi journalist Garth Cartwright recalls his audience with the late Françoise Hardy in Paris.
![Artist of high standing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/_R34EwYxP1719914444319/ARTIST-OF-HIGH-STANDING.jpg)
Artist of high standing
Waiheke Island sculptor Anton Forde talks about creating the largest contemporary pou installation of his career.
!['You were salvation'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/0oWNU7jfL1719914205198/YOU-WERE-SALVATION.jpg)
'You were salvation'
A repurposed supply vessel provides a lifeline to migrants who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in a desperate bid for a new life.