Billy Bones, a lodger at the Admiral Benbow Inn owned by Jim Hawkins' parents, is visited by a beggar, Blind Pew, who gives Billy a "black spot", which is a warning of imminent death amongst pirates. Shortly after Blind Pew leaves, Billy dies of a stroke. Jim finds a map in the dead pirate's sea chest, which he takes to Squire Trelawney and the local doctor, who recognise it as a treasure map. The squire buys a ship, the Hispaniola, and together with the doctor, Jim and a crew set sail to the island shown on the map, not realising that several of the crew are pirates led by the ship's cook, Long John Silver. Jim experiences several adventures involving the pirates until eventually the pirates are defeated, the treasure is found and Jim and his friends arrive home safely, with Jim swearing never again to go treasure hunting. The novel is suitable for readers from about twelve years old through adulthood.