Staying Alive

Gilbert Hastings is asked to investigate the theft of a goldmine in the inland region of Nelson Province. His partner Christina Cole is asked to supervise an out-of-control sixteen-year-old on a vocational guidance trip for senior high school students. Amber's mother, Jade Halliday, is in prison but is released to help Gilbert when an explosion in the Tui Glen cave traps ten students, Christina and Kere Hawker, the Department of Conservation guide.
With no hope of immediate rescue, the students must find ways of staying alive. Gilbert represents Digger Graves who is facing false accusations of sexual assault on a minor and in return, Digger helps Gilbert search for an as yet undiscovered entrance to the Tui Glen Caves. On the surface, Jade's daughter Amber is mistaken for the Minister of Mining's grandaughter, and is held hostage to ensure the coal mine at Moa Creek remains sealed in order to cover-up criminal negligence.
Staying alive is a game of cat and mouse for Amber as she escapes and is hunted by people who want to kill her. Staying alive is a daily struggle for Brenna and those trapped with her. Nerves begin to fray and one young man becomes violent, threatening to kill the whole party. Gilbert has to find the bomber, rescue those trapped underground and save Amber before she is killed.