Castaways of the Flying Dutchman is told in three distinct sections, each with a different setting, and each setting signals the reader to expect a particular kind of story.

The story begins as a sea adventure and ghost story as promised by the cover illustration and front matter. This introduction is followed by a castaway survivor tale set on Tierra del Fuego with a Robinson Crusoetype shepherd who is also a scavenger along the sea, scratching out a living with his sheep. The largest section of the story turns to old-fashioned sleuthing set in an English country village in the tradition of Enid Blyton and other English children's mysteries.

Although the transitions between sections are not seamless, with this switch of setting Jacques provides Ben and Ned with different learning experience so that they may gain in the wit and wisdom required to carry on their eternal mission...