Trouble on the Tracks

by Nancy Oswald

Once again Ruby and Maude tangle with the notorious, Jake Hawker after he escapes from jail. Pa rekindles his relationship with Miss Sternum who has been arrested and accused of having a double identity. A cat endears itself to Ruby and Maude, and all three of them play a role in the capture of Hawker and his band of robbers after a train ride never to be forgotten.

204 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2014

About the author

Nancy Oswald loves the west and writing about it. She’s a native Coloradan with a focus on Colorado-set historical fiction for young readers. She has also published non-fiction articles, a biography, and a humorous baseball, sibling rivalry story. Oswald’s books have won the Willa Literary Award, Spur Award, Evvy Award, CAL Award, and have had numerous finalist recognitions. Nancy enjoys gardening and helping on the family ranch where she lives with her husband, cows, dogs, cats, and one nearly human donkey who makes mischief at home and on the pages of the Ruby and Maude Adventures set in Cripple Creek, 1896. Her first picture book was released October 1, 2019.

Reviews

[Darlene Dufrene-estay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good and very interesting book. I enjoyed it very much, and read it in 1 day ! I give it a 5 rating and is great for young kids and adults alike .... Thank you Goodreads and Thank you Nancy Oswald for sending it to me so quickly !

[Teddy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble on the Tracks by Nancy Oswald has all the ingredients—intrepid young person, faithful animal companions (Maude, a donkey), villain(s), a mystery to be solved, adults who don’t have a clue, plus a tight, well-executed plot, bits of interesting historical fact, and an occasional unfamiliar word to challenge the young reader to reach for a reference. This Ruby and Maude Adventure, set in 1896 Colorado, is a companion to award winning Rescue in Poverty Gulch. Young readers, both female and male, 8 and older, are the target audience. I wonder what it says about me that I enjoyed it so much, as well. Well done, Nancy Oswald. What will Ruby get into next? I’ll be eager to read.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this book to one of my nieces and was told that she really enjoyed it and enough so to where she asked her to mother to read it, who also enjoyed it. After being told that I have to give it a 5 rating because like "Darlene Dufrene-estay" said "it's is great for young kids and adults alike ...." This was a great Goodreads win that I was able to share some some people that are special to me - Thanks Nancy Oswald!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a first read. It's a charming middle grade historical fiction book. It has a strong heroine and lots of fun animal characters. It does a good job of incorporating some history - prospecting, lynch mobs, Pinkertons, etc. The characters have well developed personalities. The book does a good job of capturing the innocence of youth along with the desire to help. Fans of Vet Volunteers, Encyclopedia Brown, and To Kill a Mockingbird will enjoy this book.

[Judy Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby is a spunky young lady taking on what comes her way in the Gold Rush Days of the Old West. Ruby's faithful companions, her donkey Maude and new tag-a-long pet, a kitty named Trouble, watch her back and help catch the bad guys. An exciting romp from page one. A fun read for kids, parents and grandparents.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Trouble on the Tracks. It is for children ages 8 and up but I enjoyed Ruby and Maude's adventure. I've always liked historical fiction. I think the humor in the story will appeal to readers. I plan to pass this book along to my granddaughter.

Thank you, Nancy for sending me the book so quickly. This is a book I won on the giveaways.

[Mompop · Rating 2 out of 5]

is Jake (aka Snidley Whiplash?) reminds me of the Perils of Pauline.