The starting point of the story is the legend of the Flying Dutchman, a ship said to be cursed to sail the oceans of the world for all eternity, its crew condemned to an eternal living death, because of a few choice blasphemies uttered by their captain. The angel who imposes the curse on the crew, exempts two of their number--a boy who, fleeing for his life, stowed away on board; and a big black dog. Instead of battling against the seas without hope, forever, the boy and the dog are given the freedom to roam the world, the ability to understand any language (and the boy, to be understood in them too), and a command to help people in need to rise above their problems.

Their first mission: to help and comfort a lonely shepherd in Patagonia (the southern tip of South America). Their second mission, in an English village at the turn of the 20th century, takes up most of the book. Together with their English friends, young and old, young Neb and his dog Den (a.k.a. Ben and Ned) must help solve a mystery, and find a buried treasure, to help a sad old lady and a group of children save their historic town from hoodlums and developers.

It's a charming story, and it looks like it could be the beginning of another successful series...

Robbie Fischer
Arizona USA

Recommended Age: 12+

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