Captured In Colombia

Parker Twins #3

by Jeanette Windle

The Colombian capital of Bogota, with its colonial streets, subterranean salt cathedral, fabulous gold museum, and the richest coffee in the world promises excitement and adventure for 13-year-old twins Justin and Jenny Parker. But they find more excitement than they bargain for when guerrillas threaten Uncle Pete's company Triton Oil. When their uncle is kidnapped by the guerrillas, friendship with a street girl offers a clue to his whereabouts. Until they find themselves betrayed in the hands of the same guerrillas. As Justin and Jenny race both the guerrillas and the imminent explosion of a nearby volcano, the twins learn the true meaning of friendship--and forgiveness.

Genres: Adventure, Young Adult

153 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2002

About the author

As the child of missionary parents, award-winning author and journalist Jeanette Windle grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. Her detailed research and writing is so realistic that it has prompted government agencies to question her to determine if she has received classified information. Curently based in Lancaster, PA, Jeanette has lived in six countries and traveled in more than twenty. She has more than a dozen books in print, including the political/suspense best seller "CrossFire" and the Parker Twins juvenile mystery series.

Reviews

[Angie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting historical/cultural/geographical details here. The style felt rather stilted--maybe because it was written for kids, but I've read a lot of kids' books that don't have that issue. The adventure was exciting, but I really questioned some of the decisions that were made, and not only by the kids... Also, I never really felt like I got to know the main characters, and there were times when their attitude shifts really confused me. For example, Jenny has been skeptical about a certain person all along, while Justin has been very willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. When the big betrayal happens, Justin is understandably angry and hurt, and Jenny then proceeds to lecture him on how the person didn't really mean any harm and he needs to forgive. Granted, yes, he needed to forgive, but the discussion came off more like "how dare you be angry?" than "yes, you've been hurt, but God tells us to forgive anyway", and Jenny was suddenly full of excuses for what the person had done when she'd extended far less grace for earlier issues. The whole thing just really rubbed me the wrong way.

Contents--mentions of terrorism, kidnapping, guns, and death threats; mentions of blood and wounds (not graphic); people are tied up and left to die in a catastrophe; a boy is caught in a flood and nearly drowns

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the lesson about not giving undeserved trust and being quick to forgive

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read!

[Lynn's · Rating 4 out of 5]

Setting: Columbia
Time Period: Modern Day

Just when Justin and Jenny think their adventure in South America is over, their uncle is called to Columbia to check on another branch of Trinton Oil; and so their third, heart pounding adventure begins!

From the start of the twins arrival in Columbia, things heated up. Ushered from the airport to the US Embassy because of safety issues, the twins learn that two men from a gang were caught destroying a pipe line and were arrested. Because their Uncle Pete is high up in the company and came to see about the problems, he is targeted and kidnapped. Justin and Jenny, with the help of a girl who they don’t know is friend or enemy, must try and see if they can rescue Uncle Pete.

And did I mention there’s a volcano ready to blow? Yes! Adding to the people problems, mother nature was making her voice known as well. What I liked the most about this book was that it was suspenseful for more than one reason. Drug lords capturing Uncle Pete? Yes! But the volcano really added a great danger to the story as well. Most importantly though, Justin and Jenny must learn to forgive others, love their enemies and trust God like never before.

Conclusion: I really liked how each book of the series builds on the previous one and becomes more intense. Justin and Jenny both grow in their faith and as mystery solvers. This book was more from Justin’s point of view, so it would be great for boys. The characters are around 13-14 years old, so this would be a great read for tweens! So far, this is by far the most intense book in the series!