14–year–old Leo has been living with her aunt and uncle since the sudden death of her musician parents and is driven to run away by the disturbing behaviour of her uncle. But she is not just wanting to escape her life: she wants to discover the secret behind the feud between her father and his Chinese family.

Leo’s journey is peopled with a cast of fabulous characters: 12–year–old Finlay, who can never get anything right and is always in trouble; Mary the manic depressive, who provides a hideaway for Leo; Rab, the grumpy corner shop owner and Marina the no–nonsense doughnut lady, both of whom give Finlay work – and plenty of unsolicited advice!