This is the sixth in a series of adventures for readers aged 8-12, written by local author and sailor, Julia Jones. I confess that I haven't read the other titles - yet - but was recommended this one because it features a female boatbuilder - I've been interviewing a few women boatbuilders recently and, even though I'm a rower rather than a sailor, it's proved gripping!

Stories which are reminiscent of Arthur Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons' series, these modern day yet nostalgic adventures are all set in London and East Anglia (in this story we're at Bawdsey Manor), and are rather good fun! 

The subjects covered are wide ranging and will appeal to older readers too. Featuring Russian oligarchs, there's certainly a topical theme. There's spies, suspicion and the threat of assassination. There are health problems for the central character and family secrets to uncover, and there's lots of sailing too. 

It's a well paced, multi-layered story with great characters and an uplifting message of hope, integrity and solidarity. I'll be reading more in the series!