Kregel Blog Tour for Goldtown Adventures by Susan 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.

Jem Coulter thinks his family is just on a sightseeing trip to the big city of Sacramento. Then armed bandits hold up the stagecoach for the secret stash they’re carrying: gold for the Union Army fighting the distant Civil War! Suddenly war isn’t so far away; it’s right there on the road to Sacramento, with Jem’s father, the sheriff of Goldtown, fighting against the rebel army’s Knights of the Golden Circle. When the family finally reaches the city, they think they’re safe at last. Setting out to see the sights, Jem, his sister Ellie, and their cousin Nathan make a new friend. But is Henry the pal they think he is? With a father who is a die-hard Confederate, could Henry be in cahoots with the thieves? River of Peril gives readers ages 8 to 12 the fast-moving, exciting adventure they’ve come to expect in this series, as well as a glimpse into the history of post–Gold Rush and Civil War life in 1860s California, with stagecoaches, steamboats, stowaways—and lots of gold!

MY THOUGHTS-I received books three and four for my review. I am going to tell you what I thought about them in my browsing but I will also allow M to let you know what she liked or didn't like about these stories. They are a little more on her reading level I think:)

The series is about twelve year old Jem Coulter. He lives with his family in Goldtown, CA circa 1860's. There is no mother to speak of but his father, sister, cousin and aunt are all throughout these books. The first book I read opens with a bang, literally:) Jem flies into the house running for the rifle hanging over the fireplace. See with his pa gone for a little bit, guess who is left in charge as man of the house? Yep, twelve year old Jem. I like how he jumps right in and acts as an adult. Sure he may not have all the maturity of an adult but back then the children were often more grown up. So when Jem rides out with a loaded gun to shoot himself a wolf, it was very normal. And kind of him to keep the news from his sister that her calf was killed. But once he is out waiting for the wolf, that is when it gets interesting. Because he shoots something that isn't a wolf and could be quite disastrous. Don't want to spoil it for you so you will just have to read the book to find out what happens:)

The fourth book is just as good as the third one. These are great books for children and tweens. I enjoyed it but definitely for younger kids. Great lessons taught throughout and characters that will make your children laugh and totally connect with them. Excellent Susan!!

M.'s VIEW OF GOLDTOWN ADVENTURES-
Canyon of Danger is about Jem Coulter his father goes away for a few weeks, and leaves him in charge of the ranch, a wolf kills one of their cows and he accidentally shoots somebody in the shoulder! he brings him back to the ranch and his aunt Ruth bandages him up, they have him sleep in the barn then his horse and his dads rifle goes missing, Goldtown Deputy's are no help they have their hands full with the disorder and rowdiness in town he will do anything to get them back! The thing I don't like is that he skips Church to track clues down one time and his Aunt tells him his father will take care of him when he gets back.



**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**