I found this book on my family's vacation at Pawley's Island in South Carolina. I chose it because I like mysteries and this one also contained some of the early history of SC and the area we were visiting. The book was filled with suspense and excitement. I had trouble with old Gabe speaking gullah so I was glad for a glossary at the end of the book.

I read a few chapters every night before I went to bed. At times I couldn't put it down, especially when we were about to find out why the couple, Hugh and Roxie, were after old Gabe!

One of my favorite parts in the story was when Phil and Jerry
were hiding in the shed where the shrimp boats come in to dock. The couple was on to them and might have taken them captive if they were caught helping Gabe.

I liked the kids' plot with the "conjure man" to get clothes from the couple so he could make voo-doo dolls. It was interesting how superstition was part of Gabe's beliefs. I was really nervous when the kids were taken captive and put on Botany Bay Island. I thought it was resourceful of them to spell HELP out of sea shells.