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Hidden Mickey 5: Chasing New Frontiers
Award-Winning, (2011 Silver Quill Award, League of Utah Writer's Annual Awards for Novel Manuscriptl), adult-level action-adventure mystery/love story about Walt Disney and Disneyland. (Age appropriate for 12 and up.) After Blain Walters, a twenty-three year old charismatic Disneyland Cast Member, meets Missy Johansen, a beautiful, adventuresome Swiss visitor to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, together the young couple stumble upon a very old wallet while exploring a secret location at Disneyland…a wallet whose owner, they discover, was connected to a brazen robbery at Disneyland many decades before—a robbery that had yet to be solved. In addition to a large sum of money, the unique and mysterious pendant of Walt Disney’s was also taken, a pendant that had just recently been recovered from a previous theft and subsequent paid ransom.The owner of the lost wallet, Nathan Duncan, an unscrupulous landscaper at Disneyland, unexpectedly died while being pursued by Disneyland Security after he is suspected in the disappearance of the money and the seemingly predestined pendant. Duncan’s sudden death literally buried any chance of finding the stolen money or the priceless and legendary red-diamond pendant.Forty-four years after Duncan’s demise, Blain and Missy discover that the found wallet literally holds the key to a trail of lost clues. Each deciphered clue, in turn, leads Blain and Missy on a quest to find interwoven pieces of a nearly half-century old puzzle, a puzzle that may reveal where the lost Disney cache is hidden.Adding to the intrigue, Blain is unaware that Missy is in reality—and incognito—the rising international pop star from Switzerland, Malaysia Hosner, who has just kicked off her first U.S Concert Tour in Southern California. In addition to tracking down decades-old clues, Blain and Malaysia find themselves seeking to follow their hearts as they find a real connection with each other while delving deeper and deeper into this long-forgotten mystery.How long can Malaysia keep her identity a secret? Where do the cryptic clues lead? Who else is seeking the long-lost Disney fortune? What kind of relationship, if any, can be forged through the adventure Blain and Malaysia share? And, what magic does the Magic Kingdom indeed have in store for the two passionate explorers?Pursuing legendary treasure, discovering secret locations in Disneyland, and finding romance along the way, Chasing New Frontiers generates literary fireworks! Adventure, mystery, and intrigue await the reader in this new Hidden Mickey Mystery!Enjoy this “E- Ticket” Adventure!
- GenresMystery
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2011
4 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
David W. Smith
5 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Having worked at Disneyland in the late 1970s, Dave experienced first-hand the inner workings of the park and the many wonderful inspirations that were cultivated within the mind of Walt Disney. Dave always felt a special connection to Disneyland, growing up just a couple miles south of the park in Garden Grove and seeing it evolve and grow to what we now recognize as the destination resort it has become. Dave believes everyone who has ever had a dream can relate to Walt Disneys own dreams of doing the impossible. While most of us never fulfill our dreams to the extent Walt did, we all can imagine just how he must have felt walking down Main Street, USA of Disneyland, taking in all that he had done. However, while most of us would have felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing Walt as we know him today, he, most likely, would have been thinking of something new or doing something betterinstead of being satisfied his success.
As a former High School Teacher and Tennis Coach, Dave's personal team win-loss record of over 1000 team wins against less than 25 losses is one of the most successful U.S coaching records. He has taught over 3000 players including over 100 state, national or world-ranked players. David Smith's 30-plus years of teaching includes a wide variety of successful venues.
Dave Smith is the author of two top-selling tennis instructional books, Tennis Mastery and Coaching Mastery and is the Senior Editor of the worlds top-rated tennis website, and a featured writer - publishing over 150 articles including feature pieces for USPTA's ADDvantage Magazine, Belgium's "Tennis & Coach" magazine and other articles written for the worldwide recognized website for tennis instruction. Dave has been a featured speaker at USPTA, National Honor Society and many other tennis conferences, clubs and workshops. Dunlop Racquet Sports Recognizes Dave as MASTER Professional, and he was previously recognized as one of only 40 Premier Tennis Professionals by Prince Sports, Inc. and Wilson Racquet Sports.
The HIDDEN MICKEY novel series was Dave's first venture into writing novels.
Dave has also parlayed his expertise in the art of Magic, using his magician skills to educate pros and entertain audiences around the country with expert close-up and slight of hand magic. In addition, David is a bass and guitar player who has played in several bands when he lived in Southern California.
David has been married to Dr. Kerri N. Smith for over 20 years, currently a practicing Pediatrician in St. George, Utah. They have two children, Kyla (featured in several of Dave's articles on training junior players), and Keaton.
"
Having worked at Disneyland in the late 1970s, Dave experienced first-hand the inner workings of the park and the many wonderful inspirations that were cultivated within the mind of Walt Disney. Dave always felt a special connection to Disneyland, growing up just a couple miles south of the park in Garden Grove and seeing it evolve and grow to what we now recognize as the destination resort it has become. Dave believes everyone who has ever had a dream can relate to Walt Disneys own dreams of doing the impossible. While most of us never fulfill our dreams to the extent Walt did, we all can imagine just how he must have felt walking down Main Street, USA of Disneyland, taking in all that he had done. However, while most of us would have felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing Walt as we know him today, he, most likely, would have been thinking of something new or doing something betterinstead of being satisfied his success.
As a former High School Teacher and Tennis Coach, Dave's personal team win-loss record of over 1000 team wins against less than 25 losses is one of the most successful U.S coaching records. He has taught over 3000 players including over 100 state, national or world-ranked players. David Smith's 30-plus years of teaching includes a wide variety of successful venues.
Dave Smith is the author of two top-selling tennis instructional books, Tennis Mastery and Coaching Mastery and is the Senior Editor of the worlds top-rated tennis website, and a featured writer - publishing over 150 articles including feature pieces for USPTA's ADDvantage Magazine, Belgium's "Tennis & Coach" magazine and other articles written for the worldwide recognized website for tennis instruction. Dave has been a featured speaker at USPTA, National Honor Society and many other tennis conferences, clubs and workshops. Dunlop Racquet Sports Recognizes Dave as MASTER Professional, and he was previously recognized as one of only 40 Premier Tennis Professionals by Prince Sports, Inc. and Wilson Racquet Sports.
The HIDDEN MICKEY novel series was Dave's first venture into writing novels.
Dave has also parlayed his expertise in the art of Magic, using his magician skills to educate pros and entertain audiences around the country with expert close-up and slight of hand magic. In addition, David is a bass and guitar player who has played in several bands when he lived in Southern California.
David has been married to Dr. Kerri N. Smith for over 20 years, currently a practicing Pediatrician in St. George, Utah. They have two children, Kyla (featured in several of Dave's articles on training junior players), and Keaton.
"
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 1, 2015
Well, this is nothing like the others. I got to page 200 and gave up, just couldn't get through it.
April 17, 2022
I did really enjoy this book. However, I don’t know that I would have finished it if I wasn’t a lover of Disneyland. The main hunt to solve the mystery doesn’t really begin until about page 300. There is a lot of set up and detail which will only be appreciated by a patient and Disney-loving reader. I felt there was a major plot hole from the series, but don’t worry, it does get resolved.
September 9, 2012
Hidden Mickey 5 by David Walter Smith
4 STARS
Hidden Mickey 5 Chasing New Frontiers
I read Hidden Mickey about a month ago and I remember writing the review, but don't know where I put it. Can't see that I posted it anywhere or in my files.
I liked all the details about Disneyland that were included in this treasure hunt mystery book. It was a clean read. It made me want to go back to Disneyland but who doesn't.
Hidden Mickey tells two stories in one is a flashback to around the time Walt Disney died. and what the characters did and what they robbed.
The story is about a Cast member Blain Walters that is working thier during the summer. He is a School teacher and worked at Disneyland to pay for school.
Blain used to come to Disneyland a lot because his father also worked thier and one day as he was sitting on Tom Sawyer island he decided he too would work the canoe rides.
One day as he was paddling the canoe he caught the eye of a girl Missy Johansen. Missy dragged her sister onto the canoe ride so she could see Blain up close. Blain and Missy flirted and he invited the two of them to hear his band play at a local club.
Missy Johansen is Swiss and she has changed her appearance and name so she could visit Disneyland like everyone else. Missy is here in the states touring she is a big popstar. She just wants to be like others her age.
After going to the club to hear Blain's band he asked her out to take her back to Disneyland and he would show her what she missed. While on thier date they find a old walet and want to return it. The more they look into who might have owned it they discover that he died and was a prime suspect in a robbery at Disneyland. The money was never found. Never shown up and they also have half a map in the walet with clues where he hid it if he got caught so his partner could find it.
So Missy and Blain follow the clues as they are doing it, they catch the partners eye and they want the money they stole.
Sometimes the story dragged a little but it was interesting. I would like to read the other books in the series.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review by Netgalley.
5/01/2011 PUB Synergy Books Publishing Imprint Bookmasters
4 STARS
Hidden Mickey 5 Chasing New Frontiers
I read Hidden Mickey about a month ago and I remember writing the review, but don't know where I put it. Can't see that I posted it anywhere or in my files.
I liked all the details about Disneyland that were included in this treasure hunt mystery book. It was a clean read. It made me want to go back to Disneyland but who doesn't.
Hidden Mickey tells two stories in one is a flashback to around the time Walt Disney died. and what the characters did and what they robbed.
The story is about a Cast member Blain Walters that is working thier during the summer. He is a School teacher and worked at Disneyland to pay for school.
Blain used to come to Disneyland a lot because his father also worked thier and one day as he was sitting on Tom Sawyer island he decided he too would work the canoe rides.
One day as he was paddling the canoe he caught the eye of a girl Missy Johansen. Missy dragged her sister onto the canoe ride so she could see Blain up close. Blain and Missy flirted and he invited the two of them to hear his band play at a local club.
Missy Johansen is Swiss and she has changed her appearance and name so she could visit Disneyland like everyone else. Missy is here in the states touring she is a big popstar. She just wants to be like others her age.
After going to the club to hear Blain's band he asked her out to take her back to Disneyland and he would show her what she missed. While on thier date they find a old walet and want to return it. The more they look into who might have owned it they discover that he died and was a prime suspect in a robbery at Disneyland. The money was never found. Never shown up and they also have half a map in the walet with clues where he hid it if he got caught so his partner could find it.
So Missy and Blain follow the clues as they are doing it, they catch the partners eye and they want the money they stole.
Sometimes the story dragged a little but it was interesting. I would like to read the other books in the series.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review by Netgalley.
5/01/2011 PUB Synergy Books Publishing Imprint Bookmasters
March 12, 2012
I was very excited to read this book, mainly due to the fact that I felt that when David Smith left his writing partner, that the quality of her writing was missing him. Unfortunately, I was wrong that he was the missing element.
While I enjoyed the story line, the characters were forced (mainly because I believe that Smith was so determined to make Blain take after him. The stories about what happened to Blain actually happened to Smith while he was at Disney Land and most of the encounters were forced and predictable...even more predictable was the book Smith writes that includes the EXACT SAME STORIES told in HM5...In the Shadow of the Matterhorn was awful.)
Some elements of the book REALLY bothered me.
1. If Blain thought about Missy's "figure" or "curves" one more time, I was going to throw the book.
2. Why would any author in his right mind pick a name for a main character of Malaysia? Every time it was in print, I was annoyed that he picked a long and stupid name.
3. Writing a character that is based on you is incredibly shallow, so is trying to make him cool so you can feel better about yourself.
4. NO SINGLE PERSON uses as many nicknames or shortenings for other people's names. JUST CALL THEM BY THEIR NAME. Blain-o? Seriously?
5. Strating off the book, the author tries to impress the reader by using incredibly complicated vocab. Just say it like it is! He drops that around the 60th page, what gives? Ran out of smart?
6. There is nothing interesting or satisfying about 2 60 year old women trying to kill you. Seriously.
With all that being said, I did like the story. But, really, the writing style is so weak. And get an editor...like one that is good. There were enough errors in this book that I felt like I was reading an essay from one of my students.
While I enjoyed the story line, the characters were forced (mainly because I believe that Smith was so determined to make Blain take after him. The stories about what happened to Blain actually happened to Smith while he was at Disney Land and most of the encounters were forced and predictable...even more predictable was the book Smith writes that includes the EXACT SAME STORIES told in HM5...In the Shadow of the Matterhorn was awful.)
Some elements of the book REALLY bothered me.
1. If Blain thought about Missy's "figure" or "curves" one more time, I was going to throw the book.
2. Why would any author in his right mind pick a name for a main character of Malaysia? Every time it was in print, I was annoyed that he picked a long and stupid name.
3. Writing a character that is based on you is incredibly shallow, so is trying to make him cool so you can feel better about yourself.
4. NO SINGLE PERSON uses as many nicknames or shortenings for other people's names. JUST CALL THEM BY THEIR NAME. Blain-o? Seriously?
5. Strating off the book, the author tries to impress the reader by using incredibly complicated vocab. Just say it like it is! He drops that around the 60th page, what gives? Ran out of smart?
6. There is nothing interesting or satisfying about 2 60 year old women trying to kill you. Seriously.
With all that being said, I did like the story. But, really, the writing style is so weak. And get an editor...like one that is good. There were enough errors in this book that I felt like I was reading an essay from one of my students.
July 10, 2014
Picked up for free for the kindle!
But the problem with these books, Is sometimes it starts painfully slow!!!
I am sure once I get into it I will enjoy it. But right now it is hard for me to pick it up!!!
I am a third into the book, and it is dragging. Part of me says just leave it! The other part says it has to get better! But starting to have huge doubts!
But the problem with these books, Is sometimes it starts painfully slow!!!
I am sure once I get into it I will enjoy it. But right now it is hard for me to pick it up!!!
I am a third into the book, and it is dragging. Part of me says just leave it! The other part says it has to get better! But starting to have huge doubts!
June 19, 2013
It started very slow for me. A few interesting parts but didn't really get going until literally half way through the book. Still some dragging on in parts during the second half but I liked the second half. Just not as good as the other books.
February 19, 2012
what a fun read. the romantic aspect of the story was in particular, a pleasant surprise. i believe Walt would get a real kick out of this, and the series.
August 24, 2012
This book was pretty good. Not totally what I was expecting, but still pretty good, that is if you love Disney. Happy Reading :)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews