Dean Linton is stuck in a dead-end situation with a psychotic mother managing an isolated Western Australian roadhouse and tavern. He dreams of being in a better place, a city where people have real lives, but those dreams turn to a nightmare when a rampant virus reaches Western Australian shores and the health system overloads. He's a tough kid, and that's just as well because the end of the world is nigh, and he's going to need all his skills to survive. 'This Used To Be My Playground' is written at a cracking pace, but there's time enough for Dean to figure out what's really important... If you're a fan of John Marsden, Neville Shute or John Wyndham... then you're certain to love Sarah Simmons.