Be prepared for spoilers, but definitely go out and by this. it is the seventh book in the Charlie Bone series, and it enchanting to the end. I think that you should definitely read the whole series first though, because the plot is intertwined. Here is a plot of the story in full...When Charlie's curiosity gets the better of him, he finds out that the enchanter Count Harken is back to take a his revenge on the Red King's heirs, starting with Charlie's family! Charlie's ancestor has been kidnapped and imprisoned in the dark, forbidding land of Badlock, and it's up to Charlie to save him. Traveling through a painting to the terrifying countryside, Charlie and his best friend's dog, Runner Bean, take up the quest. But when Runner Bean gets trapped, Charlie needs the help of his friends. Can they get past an army of trolls, rescue Runner Bean and Charlie's ancestor, and get out before it's too late? Can Charlie outwit Count Harken and his sinister troops, or will the prisoners be doomed to being held captive in Badlock forever? Otus Yewbeam, an ancestor of Charlie Bone and husband of the Red King's daughter Amoret, is trapped by Count Harken in Badlock. Charlie meets him when he is completely, involuntarily sucked into a painting of Badlock. When he manages to escape, he finds he must return due to the fact that Benjamin's Dog, Runner Bean, has become trapped in the painting. Billy returns home with Charlie in order to try and communicate with Runner Bean, who is still in the painting. When they go to visit Mrs. Kettle, they are attacked by Eric, who is controlling a giant statue of Harken's military leader, Oddthumb. Late one night Billy decides to go and see the painting where it is kept in Charlie's cellar. Runner Bean is ejected from the painting and Billy is sucked in. He meets Count Harken and his family, becoming close friends with the Count's granddaughter, Matilda. Charlie decides he must go back into the painting, where Billy is being held. When he returns to the cellar, he finds that the painting is gone and no one seems to know where it is.This book is very good, and I highly recommend it, though it should be really for eight years olds upwards, as it contains very mild horror and violence. Other than that, a great read!