These stories rarely blame people. The threat is nature, an indifferent but enticing bush. Graeme Thorne, the Beaumont children, Jaidyn Leskie, the stolen children. Only Azaria Chamberlain's disappearance directly echoes 19th century themes. There is plenty of material for bleak reflection, but it is hard to discern anything uniquely Australian about most of these lost children.
Overseas comparisons come readily to mind.
It would have been interesting to compare journalistic accounts of some of the true stories with the 19th century equivalents so carefully analysed in the first half. The role of the media in the Chamberlain and Leskie cases is mentioned, but the discussion is not as detailed, and is ultimately inconclusive. The collection of material is impressive and Pierce makes some whimsical connections. The tone is unemotional but not cold. There is only occasional over-interpretation.