Savage writes a fast-paced but descriptive novel. Because many of the characters are frequently alone, she uses dialogue less and interior monologue, narration, and description more.

The result is a strong sense of the complexity of Alexa's and Tod's personalities, and an artist's vivid vision of New Zealand's weather, landscape, wildlife, and vegetation. Shifting points of view allow for growing suspense as Savage moves back and forth from Alexa to Tod and occasionally to Jim, Marty, Billy, and Clive.

A Rumour of Otters offers a good introduction to New Zealand English, which is flavored with Maori names for places, vegetation, and wildlife as well as British terms for schooling and domestic life. Although an American, Savage employs these terms idiomatically and allows context generally to define them. In addition, she captures well the sense of isolation that permeates rural New Zealand life.

Savage is particularly skillful...