As double cousins Max Rawson and Carly Johnson head to Grandma and Grandpa's farm for their annual trip with their siblings, Dorie, Chad, and Molly, they believe this summer will be as uneventful as the others. A natural tendency toward curiosity is heightened when on this particular trip, Grandpa shares an unsolved mystery linked to a watch. While still reeling from the excitement of having an authentic mystery to solve, a new hired hand arrives on the farm. Slim is kind enough, but that doesn't keep Max from suspecting he's got secrets. As the cousins spend their days picking berries, fighting poison ivy, riding horses and helping with farm chores, they also work to solve what is now two mysteries. As the summer winds down and the fair marks the official ending, the cousins receive more than just answers to their mysteries. A heartwarming ending leaves the reader satisfied, and this reviewer hoping to see more from Bradley.
Double Cousins is an irresistible and entertaining book for the pre-teen. Written with Christian values and small town tradition, the reader is transformed to a quieter place where there was time to do everything-from work, to play, to solving mysteries. Bradley writes from her own experience and it shows as her work is colorful and descriptive, overwhelming in the best of ways with a charm missing in most adolescent novels. As a parent you will be delighted to pass Double Cousins on to your children, but don't be surprised if you find yourself engaged in the storyline as well!
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 119 pages
Publisher: WinePress Publishing (June 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1579219993
ISBN-13: 978-1579219994
A copy of Double Cousins was provided by WinePress for review.
