A gripping historical thriller, complete with hidden treasure, a dramatic climax at sea, and much derring-do: perfect for all those who loved the Pirates of the Caribbean.

It's 1874, Jago Stonecipher has to live with his unscrupulous uncle, Archibald Callow, a fair ground charlatan, a crude performer of illusions.

One night, he overhears a whispered conversation about depriving someone of their inheritance, involving a man called Ambruster.

Then, when the very man Ambruster assaults Jago, and accuses him of stealing, he decides to help defeat him.

But the cunning plots and the trials of deceit are much more complicated than anyone could have anticipated, and Jago becomes hopelessly embroiled in it all.

What with criminal magistrates, left-for dead brothers, and a beautiful (but amazingly naive) heroine, in the end Jago has no choice but to take ship from Southampton for Rio.

Trouble follows him out at sea, and he is left having to defend himself and his friend against unscrupulous and grasping villains.

But we have seen that a boy from steerage can always outwit higher class opponents, and this story is no exception!