The Smugglers — Iain Lawrence

"Steer clear of that ship," warns the mysterious gentleman who shares the coach to Dover with John Spencer and his father. "Death she'll bring you," says the gentleman. "It's the way of a ship that was christened with blood."

This is an ominous introduction to the schooner John is about to be entrusted with for a voyage north of London. But he's too charmed by the pretty Dragon to heed the advice. The ship looks clever and quick, and John, at the eager age of sixteen, can hardly wait to sail her. She was a smugglers' vessel once, but that was in the past. Now she's the Spencers' Dragon, and she will proudly carry wool for honest trade.

But soon John is forced to consider the gentleman's warning. Could a ship that's seen a smuggling run truly be spoiled for anything else? And what does John really know about his bonny crew? This rousing nautical adventure is full of danger and surprise.