The novels Masefield wrote can be difficult to find. In used bookstores, it appears that Jim Davis is most commonly seen. The storyline of Jim Davis revolves around a young man living in Devon, England in 1812, when it was smuggler infested country. One night, out late in a storm, Jim runs into a band of night riders. The next day he is detained by Marah, the leader of the band, and discovers so many secrets about the smugglers' dealings that he is kidnapped to be a member of their crew. An exciting adventure, and a good read-aloud book for older children.

More difficult to find are Masefield's two delightful novels, Dead Ned, and its sequel, Live and Kicking Ned. These stories revolve around the fate of a young doctor in training who has the misfortune to be hanged about midway through the first book. His friends manage to surreptitiously revive him, and send him off to hide as a doctor on a slavers ship. Life for Ned is not so easy, as one can imagine life as a dead man could be. However, by the end of the second book, we learn that justice does prevail after all. These two books are must-reads for anyone who loves a fun, comic, romantic adventure. Pick these up from the local library. You won't regret it!

Masefield's earliest novels are, in our opinion, his best. We are currently looking for a copy of his 1910 novel Lost Endeavor. If you know of a copy, in any condition, that is currently unwanted, let us know!