When ten year old Sean and his young sister Josie are collected from school by their father, Sean is worried. They weren't supposed to see dad until the weekend, but he is somewhat reassured when dad says they are just going for a hamburger and that mum knows all about it. Hours and many excuses later, it becomes clear that the children are being kidnapped and taken first to France and then to Spain, where dad's new girlfriend Isabella's family lives. Sean is horrified and very torn. He desperately wants to escape and go home, but can't leave Josie. The children are virtually imprisoned, especially after they are moved up into the hills, far from any towns, and guarded by a mute but kindly Spaniard. Their final rescue, due to a set of coincidences, seems unlikely, but even though Sean and Josie are delighted to see mum and to be going home, Sean also realises that his erratic father does love them. His return to home and school is difficult, and he has big adjustments to make. His friend Tinker is supportive and all comes right finally. Very good on the children's emotional problems and the dire situation their impulsive father has put them in.