In this exciting, swash-buckling tale of two centuries, we meet two different families, both with much of the same problem, but in different ways. In 20th century Edinburgh, twins, Lucy and Will, are horrified when their father goes missing. In the 18th century, their twin forebears, William and Louisa, discover that their father is threatened with prison because of unpaid debts. The 20th century twins soon find out that their dad has major debts too, and there are unsavoury characters after him. The very different ways that the two centuries handle people in debt is clearly deliniated, and the 18th century is wonderfully historically portrayed. Edinburgh in the 1700s was a very different place, and William and Louise are confronted with French emigres and tough, highly unpleasant people. The theme for our purposes, though, is that families love each other in spite of major problems, and that even dads who have been foolish and feckless can be loved and forgiven. Having lived in Edinburgh for several years and loved it forever, I found the highly descriptive scenes in both centuries absolutely riveting, and Lingard has her history spot on. This is a hugely enjoyable book, and you certainly don't have to know Edinburgh to get the most from it. A real page-turner, it will appeal to children who enjoy a good mystery as well as some historical settings.