The Stolen Lake by Joan Aiken was first published in 1981 and it’s the fourth book in her ‘Wolves’ series.

This one begins with Dido Twite on board H.M.S. Thrush, a British man-o’-war which has a new Captain. Reading the logbook Captain Hughes discovers that Dido is on her way back to England, sailing from Nantucket after having been instrumental in uncovering a Hanoverian plot against His Majesty King James III. Captain Hughes can hardly believe it and he’s less than happy about Dido being onboard, he orders her to stay in her own quarters. Dido’s unimpressed.

Just before casting off Captain Hughes receives instructions to sail to Roman America – New Cumbria where the queen apparently needs help from her oldest ally – England. Someone has stolen her lake. On reaching their destination it’s obvious that that isn’t the only thing that has been stolen, most of the girls have disappeared too!

This book is part of Aiken’s ‘Wolves’ series’ and comes after Nightbirds in Nantucket, but it can be read as a standalone book. It’s an enjoyable read, described as a mixture of history, legend, fantasy, humour and adventure.