Blurb (from Goodreads):
Julian, Dick and Anne
arrive in Kirrin Cottage to stay with George (real name Georgina) for
the holidays. They plan to spend time exploring Kirrin Island but their
happiness is spoilt when Aunt Fanny falls ill and has to leave with
Uncle Quentin to be treated in a far-off hospital. They are cared for by
Aunt Fanny's temporary cook, Mrs Stick, who is accompanied by her
husband and their ghastly son Edgar. The Sticks and the four children
come to hate each other. Mrs Stick repeatedly tries to poison George's
dog Timmy, prompting George to hatch a secret plan to run away to Kirrin
Island. When Julian catches her leaving, she decides to allow the other
children to go with her.
The children find evidence of other
people visiting the island and suspect smugglers. The discovery of a
young girl's toys and clothes point to something sinister going on.
Finally got back with my reading. Or at least I'd like to think of it that way. In any case, I ended up finishing this for about three days, which I'm glad since I thought it'll take me a week to do that. It's a good thing it didn't happen that way. I guess you could say I wasn't sure on what to read next after the second book. But yeah, maybe it's a good thing that I proceeded in reading this third book in the series.
One thing I can say about this story -- Julian was quite a bossy fellow. George was ever the obstinate, so I wasn't surprised on that. Dick remained the sort-of jester of the group while Ann, this time, somehow acted like a mother figure. At least I think of it that way. Julian really stood out to me, both in a good and a bad way because of the way he handled things with the Sticks and the issues they encountered upon their return to the island. Perhaps at most point, he did act as the group's leader and the one who would control George. The latter, though, doesn't succeed all the time since George was stubborn to a fault.
Right from the start, I could see that the Sticks were up to no good and there was no surprise that they were involved in something big. But seriously, kidnapping? I'd rather not complain. They really took advantage of their experience in the ruined castle to scare the enemies off, and in a weird way, I must say. I kind of like to know how they spent the remaining week in the island after the ending, though. But I guess I could just do that in my imagination.
My second book I finished this month and I'm glad that I even got to read two books. Let's see what book will I write a comment on next. Till next time!
