Mountain Cabin Mystery

My eleven-year-old son devoured this book. He says, "Mountain Cabin Mystery was such a great book that I don't really know what my favorite part was, but if I had to say I'd say that my favorite part was when Scott and Al made the terrorists think they were under fire. Great book."

My older two boys who are 8 and 10 years old LOVED these books. I have one boy who doesn't like to read, but it was easy getting him to read everyday with this series of books! They would come tell me everything that happened in the part they read that day. I'm so glad I found an adventure that they like to read and isn't harsh on their little minds.

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (5/06) "Mountain Cabin Mystery" is an adventure about Scott, Al and Benji; three young friends who are taking a required wilderness class with the hopes of being accepted on a summer backpacking trip in the Colorado Rockies. After much work and being turned down twice already, the twelve year old boys are selected to be a part of the Wilderness Wanderers group specifically labeled as Timber Wolves. This story by Max Elliot Anderson is packed with excitement and danger, just what a reluctant reader might take to! The boys do many things right, but they also neglect some of the important rules learned about backpacking in dangerous territory. Brian is one of trail leaders who is also a youth pastor at his church in Denver. The young man promises to share the research he is doing for his Master's Degree on what he has learned about environmental issues versus Christian issues in dealing with the environment, as this becomes a topic of discussion and concern for Scott. In my opinion, this was a minor subplot, but some may find it a relevant topic. Anderson deals with some very real and frightening issues in "Mountain Cabin Mystery." The boys mistakenly find themselves on a restricted military zone where the U.S. Army is conducting mountain training exercises on a search and capture mission. The simulated drills are cancelled when the boys stumble upon terrorists with maps and satellite pictures ready to wipe out important targets around the city of Denver. The boys learn that sleeper cells exist in nearby locations, just waiting for the signal to do as much damage as possible to innocent victims. The boys ingeniously use a harmless laser pointer and a flash camera to lure the terrorists from hiding, making the terrorists think they are being stalked with a high powered weapon with a laser sight. The boys foil the terrorists' escape by flattening the tires of the escape vehicle. Scott, Al and Benji are eventually awarded by authorities for saving many lives and for doing the right thing in the face of danger. The underlying message of those searching for the young campers brings to mind God's words, "My lamb was lost and I'd do anything to find you," says Benji's father. This book seemed quite intense, dealing with dangers we unfortunately face on a daily basis. Anderson dedicated this book to the memory of 9/11, and I found this to be a moving gesture. The story will definitely keep you riveted while frantically turning pages to learn the outcome! Although fiction, I recommend "Mountain Cabin Mystery" to any beginner interested in backpacking in the wilderness. It is filled with good information about safety in the wilderness, what to do in case of emergencies, and what can happen if specific directions are not followed. This would make a great read for a youngster getting ready for camp. I recommend reading this book to all who've enjoyed Anderson's other books, for this is one of his

Part of the Baker Trittin Press "Tweener Press Adventure Series" for young readers, Mountain Cabin Mystery finds that Scott and his friends on a wilderness camping trip when curiosity and a Kodak moment causes them to leave the trail. That's when the find themselves surrounded by a dense fog, facing a menacing bear, finding a remote cabin that seems to offer shelter --- proves to be a trapped encounter with terrorists! A very nicely crafted, attentention riveting adventure tale, Mountain Cabin Mystery is especially recommended reading for children ages 10 to 14.

Max Elliot Anderson, writer of Adventures for readers ages 8 to 13, has penned another winner with "Mountain Cabin Mystery." Within hours of its arrival in my mail, I had put aside my other chores to sit down and read the fourth book of Max's Mystery Series. At one time, Anderson was a reluctant reader. He has successfully exceeded in his goal to turn other reluctant readers into eager ones. Although his stories are aimed at pre and early teens, this Grandmother has thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of Max Elliott Anderson's books. Scott and his best friends, Al and Ben, have been dreaming of a wilderness camping adventure. They each completed and passed the wilderness training classes and are eagerly awaiting the response to their application to the Colorado Wilderness Camping Adventure. Delighted to finally receive their acceptance notice, they prepare, unaware that they will experience more on the trip than expected. I don't want to give away Anderson's action-packed, riveting plot, but I promise, you will not be able to put down the book until the final page. Max Elliott Anderson's books are so interesting I hope the publisher will consider printing boxed sets as gifts for young readers. Anderson's previous titles - Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, and North Woods Poachers - are equally entertaining and action oriented. Max tells me he has four more books ready for release this year. Max Elliot Anderson's books are destined to become classics along with such greats as Tom Sawyer, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. Anderson is a talented writer; his books should be available in every local and middle school library. I am privileged to be on this author's list of reviewers and look forward eagerly to his next adventure.Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge, Ruth Fever and Jena's Choice