Wow! I’d have loved this when I was 8,9, or 10 (it was published when I was 7 or 8) but I’m virtually certain this is the first time I’ve read it. I found it thanks to GR friend Kathryn. Either my school and public library didn’t have it back then or I skipped it because of the boy character(s) and that would have been a shame because the two boys and a girl have equally good roles, and they’re all wonderful. It’s a good “boy” AND a “girl” book.

The story is charming and fun, suspenseful, heartwarming, full of adventure and family and friendship. It’s well written and it’s a riveting and well-crafted story. The characters are well developed too, and I had strong feelings about most of them. The mystery is very good, and I was actually surprised by the end, pleasantly surprised. The chapter titles are useful and a tad bit red herring like at times, but I enjoyed that. The illustrations are top notch a lovely to view, and they really enhance the story. The whole book is so evocative and there is some interesting historical information in it as well. There was room open for a sequel and I wish there had been one.

I’d have torn through this book, then and now, if I could have taken the time. It could easily be read in one day.

I admit all the lobstering talk was a bit much for me and I’d recommend it to vegan/vegetarian (and kosher keeping?) children only along with some explanations. But why it almost got only 4 stars from me is I had a hard time understanding the decisions and motivations of a few characters a few times. I think I might be the one wanting here though, so I’ll ask the only other person I know who’s read it to tell me her take.

It wasn’t until I read the author bio at the end of the book that I realized the author was a woman and not a man. it hardly matters but I found that interesting.

There is only one copy of this book in the entire LINK+ system my library uses (many public, university, and private libraries in California and Nevada) and this copy belongs to San Jose State University. Given what a gem it is it really should be more available, and I fervently hope this copy stays in circulation. I feel lucky that I was able to borrow it.

David Blake, aged 12, is working his own lobster traps (with help -- when he condescends to accept it -- from his younger sister Sally) to earn college money, but changes his focus to pay the taxes on his family's Blake Island. The children believe that their family's "treasure", hidden from British soldiers during a Revolutionary War era raid, is still hidden on one of the islands in the bay - perhaps to be discovered by the spoiled son of a rich father who is aggressively buying up local property from the descendants of the original settlers.

Then a new complication enters David's life. Someone is illegally lifting lobsters and the local fishermen accuse him. Before his name is cleared, there is a great deal of adventure, some heroism, a rescue at sea, and two narrow escapes from drowning. ( )