Frans, a young schoolteacher, entertains his students with elaborate stories of his supposed adventures as Frans the Red. In reality, his life is very dull.

But one night, a strange message is left at his front door and suddenly he finds himself in the middle of a mysterious mission. Gradually his co-conspirators are revealed to him: his landlady, a magician, a coachman, a herb gardener and a kid named Biker Boy. Their plan is to rescue the young son of the deceased Count Grisenstein, Geert-Jan, who is being held captive by his wicked uncle. If Geert-Jan can be prevented from finding the lost Grisenstein treasure before he turns 18, then his Uncle Gradus will be able to claim the inheritance for himself. Frans is out of his depth. Thank goodness his students decide to help him in his quest.

This involved tale has many twists and turns that sometimes leave the reader a little puzzled. The narration has an old-fashioned quality, reminiscent of Gothic European fairytales.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 12+