"The House on the Shore" is full of suspense, exciting, often melodramatic. Boys of the hero's age (sixteen) or somewhat younger should delight in the adventurous deeds of Jim O'Malley…. The plot is good, with unexpected twists and reversals, and sure-fire elements such as stolen treasure, a tree hideaway, a secret chimney-room, vengeful villagers and a grim sea race. The atmosphere of the Irish sea-coast village and its people dominates and gives depth to this sturdy tale, quite in the "Kidnapped" tradition.