Summer of Suspense

Mystery stories are always popular among the children in my book club so I was delighted to have the opportunity to review Summer of Suspense, by CR Hedgcock.  

Summer of Suspense is the first in a series of six Baker Family Adventures. These feature the Baker family who are a family with four children, who live on a farm. It wasn't completely clear from Summer of Suspense but I think that they live in the US although their cousin, Millie, who also appears in the book, comes from England.

Mr Baker has to go to England to help his wealthy brother, Clive, with a new invention while Millie visits the Baker family and plans to take part in a horse riding competition along with two of her cousins. Millie turns out to be spoiled and selfish. My initial thought was that she would be the antagonist of the story although I changed my mind as I read. Millie makes life difficult for her cousins and in particular, allows the horses loose and hides her own horse. When this happens again, Millie is blamed and no one believes that her horse has actually disappeared but when Millie herself disappears, then her cousin, Abby, the family is alarmed. 

The story then becomes  fast paced with car chases, hiding, ransom demands and criminals before reaching a happy conclusion. 

The book is written from a Christian perspective. The Baker family pray and remember Scripture at difficult times. Millie becomes a more pleasant person at the end of the book. It isn't clear, to me, whether this is just to fit in, or whether she is seeking to know the Lord. I would have liked to see Millie's character more developed and perhaps, to know more from her point of view. This may happen in later books.

The author was home educated and this is one of those rare books which includes characters who learn at home. However, this isn't a major feature of the plot and the book will also be enjoyed by children who go to school.

This story will appeal to 8 to 12 year olds, particularly those who like adventure and horses. It isn't for the very sensitive as it is quite dramatic in places and does include criminals and kidnapping. I am looking forward to sharing it with the book club.

Summer of Suspense can be obtained from Amazon or from Grace and Truth books.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy of Summer of Suspense. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

If you enjoyed this post you may like to follow Delivering Grace by Google Friend Connect, G+,Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or e-mail.