Time: A Jason Caldwell Mystery

by Roger Reid

Discovering Alabama producer Roger Reid, author of acclaimed young adult novels Longleaf and Space , continues the saga of teenage sleuth Jason Caldwell in his new mystery adventure, Time . Set at the Steven C. Minkin Paleozoic Footprint Site in north Alabama―the richest source of vertebrate trackways of its age in the world― Time is a fast-moving story that incorporates factual information about geology and paleontology into its intriguing tale of suspicion and pursuit. This witty and educational book will captivate middle-school readers of all ages. In Time , Jason is reunited with his friend Leah from Longleaf , with whom he again solves a mystery and survives danger. Leah is as smart and plucky a tomboy as ever, but Jason can’t help noticing this time that she’s also an attractive girl. Are they friends or boy-girl friends? They aren’t sure, but readers will recognize a teen romance even if the principals don’t. The engaging story combines intelligence, courage, and insight with scientific facts and exciting adventure.

152 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Caldwell, previously seen in two of Reid's other books, returns to Alabama in this novel. This time, he's persuaded to travel to a fossil dig by his friend, Leah. Jack is hesitant to return to Alabama, since the state has been nothing but bad luck for him in the past, but he finally relents. Besides, he gets to see Leah again. Once in Alabama, Jack and Leah explore the dig site, meet a number of experienced and dedicated scientists, and also come into contact with an old nemesis. Overall, this is a quick, entertaining read, one that includes a lot of factual information about fossils, and the way digs operate. Even though this could be considered part of a Jack Caldwell series, Reid offers enough background for a reader like me to pick up on everything, without having to turn to earlier books to fill in the gaps.

[Books Ahoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time is a great book for adventure and mystery lovers. This book contains alot of adventure with a splash of mystery. I love how Roger Reid doesn't fill the first few chapters alot of fill space and just gets down to the nitty-gritty :). I was disappointed in the fact that Jason and Leah's relationship didn't blossom into something more. I am a big fan of mystery books so I loved the mystery aspect of this book. Time is really more of a continuation of Longleaf since Leah and Carl Morris are reintroduced whereas Space had a whole new plot along with new characters. Lastly, I like how pieces of educational information are thrown in the book on the sly ;D (don't tell the kids!). This is a pretty ok read, especially if you are looking to learn alittle something also.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Roger Reid's books because of the Alabama influence and the infusion of educational content about the setting of the story. I have read all of the books in the series and have enjoyed them. This one was more predictable than the others. I enjoyed the dialogue but wish there would have been more of a mystery to the story.

[Nathalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay, not great. Although the description of the setting was vivid, the characters lacked depth, and the storyline was shallow. My struggling reading students will appreciate the simple dialogue and short chapters. My boys seem to enjoy this author's writing; whereas, my girls do not. I'm glad this series is over.