It is still summer and Hudson Boone travels to his grandmother's town for the holidays. His grandfather has just recently disappeared. The house he comes into is anything but normal — a nautical theme, strange voices, and forbidden rooms. When a whirlwind transports him into the past and by a pirate's ship, he joins the crew of pirates, under Net, a young pirate. While there are many dangers that await them, Hudsen is particularly targeted by mermaids who hold a very long grudge against his ancestry. Marilla, their leader is determined to crush Hudson. But can he survive her attack, even if helped by Meri, a young mermaid?

This is an engaging, playful tale that will appeal to readers looking for tales of unusual adventure. The protagonist is a young man who is thrust into a mission — not by his own choice, but by a mysterious design — to redeem his family from an ancient curse. The story is filled with adventure and moments that are packed with action. The sense of the unknown creates the mystery that enriches the narrative. Themes of honor, loyalty, family, and a mysterious quest are intelligently developed in this pulsating tale. The first-person narrative voice is impeccably rendered and Hudson's point of view is sharply portrayed. The story presents well-designed humor and characters that are ingeniously accomplished. It will be interesting to follow Hudson as he struggles to unravel his family history while figuring out his identity. The challenges are manifold, but Hudson's Piratey Summer by Mason Bell doesn't lack the charm of lovable characters, the humor that keeps readers turning the pages, and the adventure that makes a story hilarious and captivating.