The Ritual

'The Ritual' is an adventure novel aimed at older children and younger teenagers, but which can be enjoyed by all the family. The story focuses on the experiences of three youngsters (David, Shona and Mark) who live in a West of Scotland coastal community. The eldest of the three (David) has set up a 'kayaking trading company'as a means of making some money during the school holidays. This involves David delivering groceries and supplies to his customers by sea kayak each morning. Through this business, he meets a mysterious stranger known only to the three friends - a stranger who plays a crucial part in the unfolding story. There are various threads to the plot which involve the sometimes complex and humorous relationships between the three friends. The story emphasises the importance of trust and friendship.