The Sunken Train Car

Adventure Saints #1

by Jeremy Biesecker

Nearly getting killed by a mysterious train car careening down a mountain into Lake Wiloko is not something Travis Mortley can take lightly. But what may have been a freak accident could also be something much more sinister. Travis and his friends are determined to solve the mystery but they’re divided on what God wants them to do. Some want to go up the mountain to investigate, but doing so could be suicide.

213 pages, Paperback

Published June 28, 2023

About the author

Jeremy Biesecker is a Christian Illusionist, which is a ministry he has been involved with since 1997- www.illusionswithjeremy.com. After writing newsletters for his ministry for a number of years, he eventually began writing books as well.

Reviews

[Kelly Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, this story had me hooked. The near-fatal encounter with the mysterious train car on Lake Wiloko sets the tone for an edge-of-your-seat mystery that never lets up. Travis Motley and his friends are relatable, courageous, and torn between faith and fear, which gives the story real emotional depth. The balance of suspense, danger, and spiritual reflection is masterfully done.

I loved how the author wove faith into the narrative without slowing down the action. Every chapter left me wanting to know what was really happening on that mountain. It’s rare to find a book that combines mystery, adventure, and a message about trusting God so seamlessly.

If you enjoy Christian mysteries with heart, courage, and high-stakes twists, this one’s a must-read. I couldn’t stop thinking about it long after the last page!

[Shanna Voormeulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery of the Sunken Train Car by Jeremy Biesecker is an exciting mystery about a boy named Travis.

After he is injured by a train car that suddenly rolls down a mountain and crashes into a lake, no one believes his story. He decides to prove the truth by finding the train car at the bottom of the lake.

The story is interesting because it keeps the reader wondering what really happened. The mystery and danger make the book exciting to read. The characters also show courage and loyalty as they help each other solve the mystery.

Overall, this book is a fun and suspenseful story about friendship, bravery, and discovering the truth. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy mystery and adventure.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the opening scene. The image of a train car hurtling down a mountain into the lake is still stuck in my mind, it felt like something out of a movie. Travis’s internal struggle was one of my favorite parts. You can feel how torn he is between fear, curiosity, and faith. The group dynamic is messy in a very real way, especially when half of them want to charge up the mountain and the others feel that doing so is reckless. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from showing doubt and disagreement. It made the mystery feel even more intense.

[Everett Callen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sunken Train Car is a gripping and suspenseful mystery that kept me hooked from the first page. When a deadly train car crashes into Lake Wiloko, Travis Mortley and his friends find themselves facing not just danger but a deeper, more sinister mystery that tests their courage, faith, and convictions.

The tension between adventure and spiritual uncertainty gives the story a unique depth. The characters’ internal conflicts are as compelling as the external threat, making this an engaging read for fans of thrillers with heart and purpose.

[Sarah Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping and faith driven mystery, this story pulls readers into Travis Mortley’s struggle to uncover the truth behind a terrifying mountain accident. What seems like a tragic mishap may hide something darker and as Travis and his friends wrestle between courage and faith, they must decide whether following God’s will means risking their lives to uncover the secrets of Lake Wiloko.

[Lies Elotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been good at planning logistics for other people, but this book made me realize I wasn't putting the same effort into planning my own future. The lessons about purpose and intentional living were particularly impactful. It's a thoughtful read that encourages meaningful action rather than temporary motivation.

[Mount Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to become so invested in this story, but the mystery quickly drew me in. Every chapter added another piece to the puzzle while keeping me curious about what would happen next. The friendships felt authentic, and I appreciated the positive messages woven throughout the adventure. It's a well-paced and satisfying read.

[Smith Edrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery was well-paced and kept me guessing throughout the book. I liked how new clues were introduced gradually, giving readers the chance to form their own theories. The characters felt distinct, and their different viewpoints made the story more engaging. A solid read that combines adventure, suspense, and strong character development.

[Christoper Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sunken Train Car was exactly the kind of mystery I enjoy recommending to young readers. The story moves at a steady pace, and the mystery is intriguing without becoming overly complicated. I especially appreciated the strong friendships and the way the characters learned from the challenges they faced. It’s an engaging adventure with plenty of suspense and positive themes.

[Michael Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out to me most was how the story handled risk and decision-making. The mystery kept me interested, but I also appreciated that the characters didn't rush blindly into every situation. Their choices felt realistic, and the teamwork among the group added depth to the adventure. Overall, it was a suspenseful and enjoyable read.

[James Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself quickly invested in both the mystery and the characters. The story does a great job balancing suspense with emotional moments, making the characters feel relatable and genuine. I particularly enjoyed seeing how they supported one another through uncertainty. It’s an entertaining adventure with plenty of heart.

[Charles Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery was well-paced and kept me guessing throughout the book. I liked how new clues were introduced gradually, giving readers the chance to form their own theories. The characters felt distinct, and their different viewpoints made the story more engaging. A solid read that combines adventure, suspense, and strong character development.

[Simon Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of building suspense while keeping the story easy to follow. The mystery surrounding the train car creates immediate interest, and the characters keep that interest alive through their determination to uncover the truth. I enjoyed the balance of action, teamwork, and personal growth.

[Noemi Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I met the writer at WOL when my kids were small that was 22 years ago. I never thought he would write such an exciting book where it was hard to put it down (or put my phone down)

[Kelly Alberts]

Faith, fear, and the fight for truth.
I was blown away by how this book combined fast paced suspense with deep meaning. The writing is cinematic, and the moral questions stay with you. Five stars for storytelling that stirs both the heart and the imagination!

[Kendrick Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The faith element was woven naturally into the story and complemented the adventure rather than distracting from it. I appreciated seeing characters wrestle with difficult choices while seeking wisdom and guidance. It's an entertaining mystery with a positive message.

[Jennifer Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a strong combination of mystery, adventure, and character growth. The story kept me curious, and I appreciated the way the characters learned through their experiences. It’s an entertaining read that also provides meaningful takeaways.

[Lies Elotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery immediately captured my attention and continued to build throughout the story. I enjoyed how the characters approached challenges differently, creating realistic tension within the group. The pacing and character development worked very well together.

[Eric Gorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out to me was how the story balanced adventure with thoughtful decision-making. The mystery was compelling, but the characters' choices and growth added another level of interest. It’s a well-paced read with plenty to enjoy.

[Kelly Tank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sunken Train Car was a fun and engaging mystery that kept me turning pages. The characters were easy to connect with, and the story provided just the right amount of suspense. I especially enjoyed watching the group work together to uncover the truth.

[Thomas Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed trying to figure out what was really happening as the mystery unfolded. The suspense remained consistent, and the characters felt believable in the way they approached the challenges they faced. A very enjoyable and engaging read.

[Joy Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting played a major role in drawing me into the story. Combined with the mystery and sense of adventure, it created an experience that was easy to become immersed in. The characters were relatable, and the pacing kept me interested throughout.

[Thomas Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unusual premise immediately sparked my curiosity, and the story delivered from beginning to end. I liked that the mystery remained the central focus while still giving the characters room to grow. Their friendships and willingness to support one another made the adventure even more enjoyable.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sunken Train Car kept me entertained from the first chapter. The mystery develops at a comfortable pace, and I found myself wanting to know what the group would discover next. The characters were relatable, and the positive themes made the story feel both exciting and meaningful.

[Jude Alvares · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who enjoys solving problems, I appreciated how the mystery encouraged readers to think through the clues rather than simply waiting for answers. The story was well-paced, and the character interactions added another layer of interest. Overall, it was an engaging and rewarding read.

[David Beackham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The suspense kept me interested, while the characters made the story feel warm and relatable. I especially appreciated that the adventure wasn't only about solving a mystery but also about learning to trust one another through difficult situations.

[Kylie Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the positive messages throughout this book. The mystery and adventure kept things exciting, but the lessons about friendship, courage, and making thoughtful choices gave the story lasting value. It's the kind of book I would confidently recommend to families.

[Andrea Pirlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story handled serious moments with care while still maintaining an adventurous spirit. The mystery kept me engaged, but the emotional growth of the characters is what stayed with me after I finished. It’s a thoughtful read that balances excitement with meaningful themes.

[Sam Logy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how easy this book was to follow without sacrificing the mystery. Every chapter kept the story moving, and I never felt like the suspense slowed down. The friendships felt genuine, making it easy to care about what happened to the characters.

[Luk Skus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does an excellent job creating curiosity from the very beginning. The mystery develops naturally, and the characters remain interesting throughout the story. I appreciated the balance between action, suspense, and meaningful conversations among the group.