Empty Sleeve

It's no secret that Peter's parents have always favored his sickly twin brother Paul. When Peter leaves home to begin his apprenticeship to a locksmith, both he and his family are relieved. But Peter doesn't really plan on learning the locksmith's trade: as soon as he has the money he's going to run away to sea. Driven by this secret ambition, Peter becomes a pawn in the murderous scheme contrived by the sinister Lord Marriner. Just when his ruin seems inevitable, Peter is rescuedby none other than his hated brother Paul. Their shared adventure teaches each of them about the other. At times there is a sensein a building up of the supernatural elements of the storythat the author may have tried to convey some larger truths, but this is not fulfilled. Instead, ghosts, prophecies and other eerie happenings impart a pleasantly creepy flavor to this portrait of a teenager's growing awareness of the complex workings of the adult world. Ages 8-12. (September)