Canyon Danger by Susan K Marlow

Jem Coulter’s pa, the sheriff of Goldtown, is away on a trip to deliver a prisoner to Sacramento, and he has left Jem in charge of the ranch—along with Aunt Rose, that is.

No sooner is the sheriff gone then trouble starts—a dead calf, a mysterious stranger, and then Pa’s horse, Copper, and his prize rifle are stolen. And Pa’s deputies seem unconcerned.

Jem and his cousin Nathan find Copper’s tracks end at a dark canyon up in the hills. Jem remembers an old Indian legend Strike-it-rich Sam is fond of retelling about people disappearing and no one ever seeing them again. What is the real story of the canyon of danger? Have thieves found the perfect hideout?

Readers ages 8 to 12 will be entertained by the adventurous spirit and historical lure in this fast-moving series that teaches about life in the post–Gold Rush days of 1860s California. Quick-paced plots and unforgettable characters make these books fun for the whole family.

My review:
  This is the third book in a series, and although it mentions events from the other books, I wouldn't think the books would have to be read in order.

  The book is set in the 1860's and is basically a Western for kids ages 8-12. I found the book interesting and entertaining, and I am far beyond that age group. The intended audience should enjoy the story and the engaging characters in it.

 Canyon Gold is definitely a Christian book, and the author isn't afraid to espouse Christian and moral ideas throughout the book. Although everything doesn't go the way he intends, the main character, Jem, always tries to do the right thing throughout the book and takes his responsibility of being the man in the family while his father is away.

  This is kind of book that I wish had been around when I was in that age group. I definitely recommend it to families looking for wholesome and Christian books for their kids.

About the author:

Susan K. Marlow has an imagination that never stops! Whether she’s writing books, teaching writing workshops, or sharing what she’s learned as a homeschooling mom, she’s always on the lookout for a new story. The author of the Circle C Adventures and the Circle C Beginnings, Susan enjoys relaxing on her fourteen-acre homestead in the great state of Washington.

Check out her other books: http://www.susankmarlow.com/ 

Canyon Danger is available from Kregel Publishing.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.