Danger in Zion National Park: A Mystery Adventure (National Park Mystery Series)

Reviews

1. 

   SLA – August 9, 2024

   Fun and inspiring!
   This book is part of a series (National Park Mystery series) and is book #4. If you haven’t read the previous books, I highly recommend starting at the beginning, since this is a continuing scavenger/treasure hunt and there are clues that are discovered in previous books. The series revolves around 3 friends, Jake, Amber, and Wes, as they and their parents travel from national park to national park on their vacation. Jake’s deceased grandfather left Jake clues leading to other clues located in various national parks. At first this seems like a fun scavenger hunt, but then things take a darker turn as the friends learn that a mysterious organization is also after the hidden clues/items.I’m an older adult, and I’ve read all of the previous books and have enjoyed every one of them. After reading each story, I find myself inspired to visit the national park highlighted so I can experience the places described in the book. This story involves Zion National Park, a place I haven’t visited, and it really makes me want to go there. We’re actually making plans for a trip next year, and after reading this book, I’m hoping to add Zion to our itinerary!One of the things I liked best about this book is the sheer excitement and adventure that takes place in the story. The author is really descriptive about the things that Jake and his friends see and experience. In some cases, it felt like I was there, and I was the one hiking the trails. I actually felt my heart race and I was sweating over some of the things the kids experienced, to the point where I wondered if I would have the guts to climb some of the trails. I don’t want to give any of the plot away, but let’s just say that the story is very realistic!There are also some chapters that involve the kids experiencing bullying and discrimination, but these are handled in a very sensitive manner and discussed ways for the kids to manage their emotions and learn to de-escalate things in such situations. I really liked how the author was willing to include such topics.I was so fascinated with the story that I read this book from beginning to end in one sitting, and now I can’t wait for the next one! There’s a lot of good information in each of these books, so along with reading a really exciting story, you also learn a lot about the national parks. I definitely recommend this book, especially if you have children that love mystery and adventure books.

2. 

   Naters – August 9, 2024

   Interesting, clean, educational
   My daughter fell in love with the National Park Mystery Series. We were looking for a good, educational book or series that was appropriate for 9-13, without a hidden agenda where I needed to be concerned about what my children were reading. This book has piqued an interest in national parks and adventure within those places. We are planning trips already to see in real life where the stories take place. We cannot wait for books 5-10 to come out!!Plus, we emailed the author, and he emailed back!!! HUGE WIN!!!

3. 

   Rachel – August 9, 2024

   Great read!
   Loved this book. I bought it for my granddaughter but had to read it first. I deliberately read this book before Book #3 and was not lost at all. There was enough background information in this book to made sure that the reader enjoyed the story but without giving away too much (for when they went back to read book #3). While you do not need to read all the books in the series, I still suggest you do – you’ll love them all. Can not wait for the next book in the series!!