S·O·S at Night
S·O·S at Night
They cycled home slowly. It had been a busy morning and the hot sun was now beating down on them as they rode. Nathan balanced one of his books on his handlebars as he rode, calling out facts about lighthouses.
“The first known lighthouse was the Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt. It was built in the 3rd century BC, was over 100 metres high, and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world…”
“The tallest lighthouse is in Saudi Arabia. It’s 133 meters tall. That’s about the height of a 36-storey building…”
“There are still 27 staffed lighthouses in British Columbia…”
With Nathan’s lighthouse facts to pass the time, they soon found themselves back at Pirate Cove. Aunt Jennie was watering the flower boxes in front of the house when they rode in.”
Ryan and Kendra are back in Maple Harbour and must discover the secret behind Opera Island in S.O.S. at Night, the third installment of the popular “Maple Harbour Adventures” series.
While out sailing in the fog, Ryan and Kendra, along with their cousins Claire and Nathan, stumble upon an abandoned lighthouse on Opera Island. As Opera Island is known as one of the most important bird nesting sites on the British Columbia coast, the children are stunned when they notice that the island is for sale.
Never ones to stray away from danger, the cousins decide to investigate. What they find is a series of clues that leads them to rumours of a mysterious treasure that is linked to a sunken ship. As they go in search of the treasure, Ryan, Kendra, Claire, Nathan, and their dog Meg must work together in order to save Opera Island from a numbered company and its mysterious directors.
Michael Wilson’s S.O.S at Night is a great addition to his “Maple Harbour Adventures” series. A very cozy mystery with plenty of action, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy a fast-paced read. Interspersed throughout the book are beautiful black and white illustrations that also give added life to the story.
Teresa Iaizzo is a Librarian with the Toronto Public Library.