The Captured

After three months grounded for their last river mishap, Billie O'Malley and her nine friends finally convince Mayor Rumble to lift their curfew. Free again, they ride out from Breezieville to rediscover the secret cliff path down to the cove, and the mysterious island and pirate ship beyond the waterfall.

But they are being watched. A scout reports back to Captain Roark, whose black ship waits silently offshore. Roark has been searching for someone, and he believes she is among the children.

When the group crosses to the cove, a mechanical crocodile drives Billie into deep water, where a blue dragon scoops her up and vanishes. Moments later a cheerful talking bird named Cackleberry arrives in a small skiff, offering to take the rest of the children to find their lost friend. Against Linnie's better judgement, they climb aboard.

They are delivered straight into the hands of Roark's crew and locked in the ship's brig. Yet they are not harmed. A surprisingly grand meal, fairy guides, magical creatures, and small kindnesses hint that something else is going on. Through it all, Roark's eyes keep returning to Linnie, the silver-blonde, blue-eyed girl the village doctor took in years ago, who doesn't remember who she truly is.

When the villagers mount a rescue, the truth comes out. Roark is Linnie's father, and the elaborate capture was a desperate attempt to bring his daughter home without frightening her or the village that raised her.

The story closes with reconciliation. Roark asks to dock his ship near the village so Linnie can stay close to both her father and the family who loves her. The children gain new friends, including a flotilla of dolphins and a small companion called Pinkles.

The Captured is the second book in Maria O'Hara's children's adventure series, following The River. It's a warm story about friendship, courage, family, and the surprising shapes that rescue can take.