This is one of Noel Streatfeild's earlier books, written during the Blitz years of World War II. It features six children, aged 9-14, who live in council houses in a short lane. There's a fourth house in the lane which is unoccupied, and which they use as a den... until one day a stranger arrives and takes refuge there. The children, well-versed in war safety, think he's probably a German spy, but because one of them has been rather indiscreet they don't feel able to report him to the authorities. Instead they try to hide him, and then when he escapes there's an exciting chase as they trail him as far as the coast.

It's a book for children, really intended to capture the interest of children in the 1940s, so inevitably it's a bit dated. Much is politically correct and there's one casual use of a word considered very offensive nowadays. Yet the children's characters seem quite modern: they are good friends, but squabble from time to time.

It's a fascinating piece of social history from children's perspectives. Despite being a dangerous time to live, the children are free to go where they please and do what they like. Their parents don't know they spend much of their time in the unoccupied house, and when they take off in search of the man, a quick phone call seems to be sufficient to reassure their parents.

The book isn't currently in print but can sometimes be found second-hand. Recommended for children of about eight and over who are interested in the war years, or who like an exciting adventure. Also for anyone who likes Noel Streatfeild's work, although unusually there are no musical or dancing prodigies. ( )

Very odd. I was reading this with a split mind. Half of me remembered the book very well - I thought it was wonderful, a great story. I remembered all the descriptions of the children, and frequently was able to identify important bits as they came up (I knew the man's neck would be important later on, for instance). I couldn't remember the details of how it went, and each bit surprised me as it came up (the gypsies!), but overall it was deeply familiar. And that 11-year-old self of mine absolutely loved the book. Me-now...not so much. It wasn't bad - actually, the writing is excellent and so is the characterization. Which is the problem - the children act like utter idiots. Even the relatively sensible Sally thinks it's reasonable to go after the man themselves...or at least, she's willing to go along rather than breaking with the pack and telling Mr. Oak and Mr. Elm what's up. And all of them feel that it's more important to protect Mr. Smith - or at least, as important - as it is to keep the man from getting away. I had deep sympathy with Mr. Oak, this time around ("I'll have the six of you shot when I catch you!"). Overall - both of me agree that this is an important book in my life, though I don't think I need to own it. I'm glad to have it available in my local library, though. ( )