Flight of the doves Book

Finn's mother remarried after the death of his father. Then she passed away, leaving him with his step-father Uncle Toby.

Finn realises that Toby's abuse is escalating, so he decides to run away, taking his little sister Derval with him. Sneaking on board a ferry crossing the Irish Sea, the pair set off to find their granny. She lives somewhere in the west of Ireland. Finn's not too sure of the exact location but, from his vague childhood recollections of a long-ago visit to granny, it involves a train ride and a bus ride and, providing he can elude the customs officers and ticket collectors, he's sure it won't be too difficult a trip.

However, almost as soon as they flee, Toby is informed of an inheritance from a long-lost American relative - and he wants them back to ensure he has a legitimate claim on it. The police forces of two countries are notified - and are now on the alert. But one Irish detective is suspicious about Uncle Toby's motives and his description of Finn's cruel, rebellious nature. Everywhere he goes, ordinary people seem willing to protect Finn and Derval and hide them from pursuit. It's clear the children are likeable, not nasty.

Will Michael the detective pick them up and take them back to their step-father? Or will he tell them granny's address and send them on their way?

Highly reminiscent of I Am David, but I found this story much more satisfying.