Castaways of the Flying Dutchman
Fans of theRedwallseries eager to sink their teeth into the  latest adventure from Brian Jacques will be surprised to find that the cover ofCastaways of the Flying Dutchmanbelies the contents of this fine mystery  novel. A handsome young lad, sporting a billowing, ripped shirt, gazes off into  the distance, while behind him a ship founders on an eerily tempestuous sea.  It's true, the first (brief) section of the book does tell the tale of a  stowaway orphan on the legendary, ill-fated ship, theFlying Dutchman.  And that's as swashbuckling a story as they come. But as soon as the boy and his  newly adopted dog are tossed into the sea during a ferocious storm, the book  takes a sharp turn. Ben  and his dog, Ned, given eternal life by a sympathetic  angel, now set out to "bring confidence and sympathy, help others to change  their fate." Two centuries later, they arrive in the village of Chapelvale,  which is filled with quirky, affectionate citizens, who immediately welcome the  mysterious but kindhearted and brave boy and his dog. The impending destruction  of their village by the blustering, bloated Obadiah Smithers, an industrial  speculator, propels Ben and his new friends into a thrilling search for a  solution, involving ancient Byzantine gold chalices, mysterious coded messages,  and some fierce tête-à-têtes with hired bullies. Illustrator  Ian Schoenherr's intriguing line drawings at the beginning of each chapter hint  at the upcoming clues to the mystery.Redwallfans be warned: you'll find  no warrior mice here. But readers will find a satisfying story that never leaves  a doubt as to the ability of good to triumph over evil. (Ages 9 to 12)-- Emilie Coulter--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.