A classic adventure story of gadgets, eccentrics, and unexpected travel . . . This thrilling first novel will remind readers of the adventure stories of Roald Dahl and Ian Fleming, with their amazing inventions, mysterious adults, and courageous kids. Rowan Popplewell's life stinks. He can think of ten reasons why without even trying. And having to spend the summer in tiny Owatannauk, Maine, with two strange aunts and his silent sister, Nina, isn't even the biggest one. But just when he thinks he's in for a month of shell collecting and watching the grass grow, Rowan notices weird things going on in Owatannauk, particularly at the abandoned hotel at the edge of town. Xanthe and Xavier, twins who befriend Rowan, invite him to explore the place. Aunt Agatha warns him not to go near it. Rowan isn't sure what he wants to do. Then the weirdest and worst thing of all happens—Nina disappears. Now Rowan, who has made it through every level of every video game he's ever played, finds himself playing a game with rules he doesn't know against the toughest opponent of all—time.