Eleven year old Taya Bayliss is t happy that her family has moved from the city to Bascombe's Bay, a tiny fishing village. She has only been in her new home for a few hours when she finds herself mixed up in a fifty year old mystery. She meets Mae Evans, an elderly lady, who because of a long ago love seems to hold the key to the treasure. But is there really a treasure or is it all just imagination? Two local boys certainly think there is a hidden fortune and spend their time stalking Mae in an effort to get her to lead them to it. They soon turn their attentions to Taya as well making life more difficult for her. Taya is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and to help Mae out of her difficulties but the clues don't seem to add up. Is the painting of the lighthouse a clue or just a keepsake? Finally on a night when Taya breaks her parents' rules and puts herself and Mae in danger, she is able to make the connections and solve the mystery.
About the author: E. J. (Erica) Gore is known for her imaginative story telling and intriguing mysteries for young readers. As a teacher of over thirty years experience, Ms Gore observed the struggle many children have making the transition from picture books to novels. 'They find it difficult to move from having pictures providing the cues and connections to the text to having to create the pictures in their minds in order to connect to the text. They become frustrated as they deal with the many pages of text of the traditional novel and often lose interest in reading. We cannot afford to have children losing interest in reading. It is such a vital skill.' E. J. Gore's stories are short, adventure/ mysteries that get the story told quickly but do not talk down to the young readers allowing them to read a complete novel in a relatively short time. Erica lives in Brisbane, Australia.