Reene is glad when the adults go away for the day, leaving her alone at the beach. Well, almost alone. She still has to put up with Ian, who's a bit of a pain and very wierd. If she can avoid him she'll be fine.

Busy enjoying her freedom, she doesn't straight away notice the storm building. By the time she does, she's back in the house. Ian hasn't noticed it either, busy watching ants on the move. When the rain starts he runs to join Reene. When the storm hits, they are together. Together they escape the house before it is destroyed by the wind and take shelter in a cave which Ian has found. And when the storm dies, it is together that they embark on a new adventure. A ship has been washed ashore in the bay and Reene wants to expplore. Reluctantly, Ian follows. Both have forgotten that a cyclone has an eye - the calm in the middle of the storm, before it resumes. While they are on board the wreck, the storm renews its attack and they are stuck on the boat, which has come adrift. As wild seas and violent winds try to tear the boat apart, the two become aware of something else - they are not alone on the boat. There is something else there on board with them - stalking them in the dark.

Wreck combines two of Allan Baillie's favourite elements - the ocean and the finding of personal strength. Both Ian and Reene must tap this strength if they are to survive.

Baillie's novels are always filled with action and unexpected outcomes. Wreck is no exception.

Wreck, by Allan Baillie
Puffin, 1997

Other Gripping Kids' Stories

Adrift, by Allan Baillie
Shipborn, by Pamela Freeman
The Barrumbi Kids, by Leonie Norrington