Mountain Cabin Mystery (Tweener Press Adventure Series)

Max Elliot Anderson
Baker Trittin Press (2004)
ISBN 0972925635
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 best.

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