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Samantha Wolf Mysteries #4
The Heiress of Covington Ranch
Middle school presents a new kind of challenge for Sam and Ally, but also a chance to make a unique friend. When one of their teachers needs help, the three of them come together to lend her support.
Nestled in the woods that surround their homes is Covington Ranch. An abandoned estate once used to raise famous horses, a family tragedy has left it forgotten and neglected. But someone has come back.
What does their teacher, a rich stockbroker, and a stolen ruby called The Eye of Orion all have in common? Sam and Ally vow to find out, and in doing so, start a chain reaction. It could either have dire consequences for those involved, or bring a broken family back together again.
Nestled in the woods that surround their homes is Covington Ranch. An abandoned estate once used to raise famous horses, a family tragedy has left it forgotten and neglected. But someone has come back.
What does their teacher, a rich stockbroker, and a stolen ruby called The Eye of Orion all have in common? Sam and Ally vow to find out, and in doing so, start a chain reaction. It could either have dire consequences for those involved, or bring a broken family back together again.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2015
131 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Tara Ellis
64 books250 followersWith over 50 published books across ten genres, author Tara Ellis is best known for her heart-pounding post-apocalyptic and thriller series. A heavy dose of mystery often underscores her character-driven plots, heralding back to what fueled her desire to tell stories from an early age.
A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.
Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.
*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books
*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers
*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Coming this year, in 2025:
*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April
*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!
*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer
*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.
Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.
*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books
*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers
*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
Coming this year, in 2025:
*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April
*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!
*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer
*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year
Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 4, 2019
Another exciting adventure for our intrepid young sleuths, school friends Sam and Ally. Their first day in middle school saw Sam with only one class the same as Ally but gradually they settled in. They liked their physical education teacher, Miss Covington and it wasn’t long before Sam linked her teacher with the dilapidated ranch near her home. Did she sense a mystery at hand?
With their new friend Cassy, Sam and Ally decided to check out Covington Ranch and headed there on their bikes after school. The sound of angry words from a tall man and directed at Miss Covington set Sam and Ally’s alarm bells ringing. And so it was on. Sam was determined to find the answers and solve a mystery that had been ongoing – after all, with her caring nature, Sam wanted to see her friends happy.
The Heiress of Covington Ranch is the 4th in the Samantha Wolf series by Tara Ellis and once again it was a lot of fun with twelve year old Sam and Ally attracting danger whatever they did. I’m enjoying this series a lot – it reminds me of the books I read when I was young – Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Secret Seven and Famous Five! (Not showing my age much 😉) Recommended.
With their new friend Cassy, Sam and Ally decided to check out Covington Ranch and headed there on their bikes after school. The sound of angry words from a tall man and directed at Miss Covington set Sam and Ally’s alarm bells ringing. And so it was on. Sam was determined to find the answers and solve a mystery that had been ongoing – after all, with her caring nature, Sam wanted to see her friends happy.
The Heiress of Covington Ranch is the 4th in the Samantha Wolf series by Tara Ellis and once again it was a lot of fun with twelve year old Sam and Ally attracting danger whatever they did. I’m enjoying this series a lot – it reminds me of the books I read when I was young – Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Secret Seven and Famous Five! (Not showing my age much 😉) Recommended.
May 31, 2022
There's change afoot as Sam & Ally move up to Middle school (I had to look up what age range that covers as it's slightly different here in the UK) which means they are now apart for most of the day in different classes & even a different lunch time on the first day. Cassy, the girl Sam is supposed to share a locker with seems rather unfriendly at first, & when Sam spots one of their new teachers, Ms Covington, crying in her car after school she resolves to help her if she can. The friends are soon drawn into a mystery which involves a missing ruby & proof of the real heir of Covington Ranch.
Although I'm not the target audience for this series, I really enjoyed reading this one. It's got great pace & a tightly written plot, even if some twists are slightly too convenient. Sam & Ally are still at that great age where they are generally confident about themselves & not too hung up about what they look like. The emphasis is on family, friendship, doing the right thing, & having fun, & here it works. Enjoyable, lighthearted read for anyone who would have loved to solve mysteries as a youngster.
Although I'm not the target audience for this series, I really enjoyed reading this one. It's got great pace & a tightly written plot, even if some twists are slightly too convenient. Sam & Ally are still at that great age where they are generally confident about themselves & not too hung up about what they look like. The emphasis is on family, friendship, doing the right thing, & having fun, & here it works. Enjoyable, lighthearted read for anyone who would have loved to solve mysteries as a youngster.
April 19, 2020
A most excellent story that covers multiple themes
Ok, this is now the fourth book in the Samantha Wolf series that I’ve read, one after the other. It’s starting to irritate me because it’s interfering with all my regular adult-level books that are waiting to be read. Tara Ellis is a gifted writer and the Heiress of Covington Ranch is a superb story.
It covers lots of themes, including bullying, poverty, adoption, friendship, bad-relatives, integrity, and true grit. It also introduces a new character named Cassy, and a fantastic setting, the Covington Ranch. The story moves fast, from the puzzling setup to the stunning conclusion. And even though I have tons of books from other authors to get to, I’m already looking forward to the next Samantha Wolf book.
Ok, this is now the fourth book in the Samantha Wolf series that I’ve read, one after the other. It’s starting to irritate me because it’s interfering with all my regular adult-level books that are waiting to be read. Tara Ellis is a gifted writer and the Heiress of Covington Ranch is a superb story.
It covers lots of themes, including bullying, poverty, adoption, friendship, bad-relatives, integrity, and true grit. It also introduces a new character named Cassy, and a fantastic setting, the Covington Ranch. The story moves fast, from the puzzling setup to the stunning conclusion. And even though I have tons of books from other authors to get to, I’m already looking forward to the next Samantha Wolf book.
December 21, 2015
It's here! Book #4 in The Samantha Wolf Mysteries.
I'm excited about this one. I think you're going to like it! It's a little different than the previous stories, allowing the reader to get to know Sam and Ally on a more personal level. Don't worry, though. There are still all the same, fun elements you have come to expect from a Samantha Wolf adventure!
Be on the lookout for book #5. It's not that far behind!
I'm excited about this one. I think you're going to like it! It's a little different than the previous stories, allowing the reader to get to know Sam and Ally on a more personal level. Don't worry, though. There are still all the same, fun elements you have come to expect from a Samantha Wolf adventure!
Be on the lookout for book #5. It's not that far behind!
March 22, 2016
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Heiress of Covington Ranch, Book 4 is a children’s adventure from the Samantha Wolf Mysteries by Tara Ellis. Samantha “Sam” Wolf becomes curious when she notices an article that her teacher, Lisa Covington, has about The Eye of Jupiter. Her research reveals that a ruby owned by the teacher’s family has disappeared. Locating it will solve a problem Lisa has with her intimidating Uncle Peter.
Sam and her friend, Ally, assist with chores around the abandoned Covington Ranch while looking for clues to find the gem. The girls also try to help their penurious classmate, Cassy, with her ailing grandmother and stumble upon clues, which only makes the mystery more puzzling. Lurking in the shadow is Peter Covington, who is willing to do anything to keep The Eye of Jupiter for himself.
Twelve-year-old Samantha Wolf is a modern day Nancy Drew who finds a mystery to solve anywhere she goes. The Heiress of Covington Ranch, Book 4 is a lovely adventure from the Samantha Wolf Mysteries that preteen girls will enjoy. It is the second book from the series I have read and I like Tara Ellis’ writing style. She develops her characters very well in the interesting, nature loving themes she creates.
Sam does not look for trouble, but it somehow seems to appear wherever she goes. She is fearless, outspoken, and has a suspicious mind. Sam and Ally are inseparable friends, although they have different family lifestyles. Tara Ellis places emphasis on strong family values, making the story even more meaningful and entertaining.
The Heiress of Covington Ranch, Book 4 is a children’s adventure from the Samantha Wolf Mysteries by Tara Ellis. Samantha “Sam” Wolf becomes curious when she notices an article that her teacher, Lisa Covington, has about The Eye of Jupiter. Her research reveals that a ruby owned by the teacher’s family has disappeared. Locating it will solve a problem Lisa has with her intimidating Uncle Peter.
Sam and her friend, Ally, assist with chores around the abandoned Covington Ranch while looking for clues to find the gem. The girls also try to help their penurious classmate, Cassy, with her ailing grandmother and stumble upon clues, which only makes the mystery more puzzling. Lurking in the shadow is Peter Covington, who is willing to do anything to keep The Eye of Jupiter for himself.
Twelve-year-old Samantha Wolf is a modern day Nancy Drew who finds a mystery to solve anywhere she goes. The Heiress of Covington Ranch, Book 4 is a lovely adventure from the Samantha Wolf Mysteries that preteen girls will enjoy. It is the second book from the series I have read and I like Tara Ellis’ writing style. She develops her characters very well in the interesting, nature loving themes she creates.
Sam does not look for trouble, but it somehow seems to appear wherever she goes. She is fearless, outspoken, and has a suspicious mind. Sam and Ally are inseparable friends, although they have different family lifestyles. Tara Ellis places emphasis on strong family values, making the story even more meaningful and entertaining.
August 1, 2018
A Best Friend Mystery
Another great mystery with best friends Sam and Ally. In Junior high school now they befriend Cassy who !lives with her Gram but she has Alzheimer's and it is to much for a 12 yr old to deal with. Sam's Mom had Cassy move in with them so she becomes one of the gang. Sam can't leave a good mystery alone and soon they are helping the new teacher restore her farm. Before you can count to two they are finding missing items and people. Oh yeah....can't tell you anymore, you will have to read the book!!
Another great mystery with best friends Sam and Ally. In Junior high school now they befriend Cassy who !lives with her Gram but she has Alzheimer's and it is to much for a 12 yr old to deal with. Sam's Mom had Cassy move in with them so she becomes one of the gang. Sam can't leave a good mystery alone and soon they are helping the new teacher restore her farm. Before you can count to two they are finding missing items and people. Oh yeah....can't tell you anymore, you will have to read the book!!
July 31, 2018
Ellis gives Nancy D. and the Hardys a run for the money.
In the tradition of children's mysteries, the author gives the kids a puzzle to solve that is dangerous, but not life threatening.
And they jump in with both feet, eyes wide open!
Looking forward to more mysteries with Sam, Ally and Cassy.
In the tradition of children's mysteries, the author gives the kids a puzzle to solve that is dangerous, but not life threatening.
And they jump in with both feet, eyes wide open!
Looking forward to more mysteries with Sam, Ally and Cassy.
March 22, 2019
This was a really amazing addition to the Samantha Wolf Mystery series. As always the characters are very well rounded and completely believable. The family dynamics in the series sounds almost comical sometimes, especially when it comes to Ally and John. However, this story takes on a new meaning by the end that really tugged at the heart strings. While I picked up on one of the mysteries that was solved, the second completely took me by surprise. That is something not easily done. This is a series and an author that I 100% recommend.
October 3, 2019
There is no negative about Tara Ellis books! I love it and I believe she did great job on it! 😊💜💛💙💚 I would give her more than five 🌟! ☺
April 8, 2022
Another great story in the Samantha Wolf series, this Story is defiantly the best in the series.
In this story Sam and Ally are starting middle school and that's where the story starts off, the pair are on the school bus on the way to their new school after a summer filled with adventures. Both of the girls are nervous about their first day especially Sam who thinks she wont make any friends.
Before the first day is over Sam gets into trouble with Miss Covington her PE teacher and has two run ins with her locker buddy Cassy, she also ends up missing her bus home so while she is waiting for her mum to come and pick her up she takes a walk around the school and ends up in the teachers parking lot where she see's Miss Covington crying. On the way home she tells her mum what she saw and her mum makes her promise to keep it to herself.
Throughout the book Sam ad Ally attend classes ad tr to keep out of trouble and they both make friends with Cassy who seems to be having more trouble adjusting to middle school than Sam so Sam and Ally help her out.
Sam also decides she wants to help out Miss Covington so during one of their lessons Sam finishes her worksheet and takes it to her teacher who is looking at something on her computer which a waiting Sam can't help but to look at, she sees that Miss Covington is reading about a heist but Sam gets caught before she can get a proper look and her teacher isn't happy at Sam but Sam goes ahead and asks if she can be her student aid.
Later in the story Sam and Ally research about the heist that Miss Covington was looking at and discover that The Eye or Orion was stolen and is worth a lot of money but it's a cold case. While researching the girls find out that there teacher is related to a business man and that they own the Ranch not far from their homes.
Instead of asking Sam's mum about their teacher the girls decide to go and check out the Ranch and while they are their they see Miss Covington's car and they discuss the possibility of their teacher being in on the heist. The next day at school Miss Covington asks Sam and Ally if they were at her place and Sam just tells her that it was because they wanted to hike on the property, Miss Covington gives them permission and asks them if they wanted to help out with some yard work which they agree to do.
At a sleepover Cassy tells Sam and Ally that her Gram's used to tell her stories of the Covington's and she shares what she found out about their teacher.
One day while helping at the ranch the girls witness a run in with their teacher and a mystery man who turns out to be Miss Covington's uncle and she decides to tell the girls her story, she explains that she was adopted and this affected her getting her inheritance and that her boyfriend at the time had stolen a family heirloom The Eye of Orion and her uncle also blamed her believing she was in on his plan
When the girls hear this it starts off the mystery and adventure, Sam tells her friends that they need to help their teacher solve the case of the missing family heirloom and this as usual gets the girls into trouble but they do manage to solve the case as well as another mystery.
These short stories are brilliant and they do not essentially need to be read as a series as they don't follow on from each other even though they do make mentions of previous adventures. There a great read and you should definitely read them.
In this story Sam and Ally are starting middle school and that's where the story starts off, the pair are on the school bus on the way to their new school after a summer filled with adventures. Both of the girls are nervous about their first day especially Sam who thinks she wont make any friends.
Before the first day is over Sam gets into trouble with Miss Covington her PE teacher and has two run ins with her locker buddy Cassy, she also ends up missing her bus home so while she is waiting for her mum to come and pick her up she takes a walk around the school and ends up in the teachers parking lot where she see's Miss Covington crying. On the way home she tells her mum what she saw and her mum makes her promise to keep it to herself.
Throughout the book Sam ad Ally attend classes ad tr to keep out of trouble and they both make friends with Cassy who seems to be having more trouble adjusting to middle school than Sam so Sam and Ally help her out.
Sam also decides she wants to help out Miss Covington so during one of their lessons Sam finishes her worksheet and takes it to her teacher who is looking at something on her computer which a waiting Sam can't help but to look at, she sees that Miss Covington is reading about a heist but Sam gets caught before she can get a proper look and her teacher isn't happy at Sam but Sam goes ahead and asks if she can be her student aid.
Later in the story Sam and Ally research about the heist that Miss Covington was looking at and discover that The Eye or Orion was stolen and is worth a lot of money but it's a cold case. While researching the girls find out that there teacher is related to a business man and that they own the Ranch not far from their homes.
Instead of asking Sam's mum about their teacher the girls decide to go and check out the Ranch and while they are their they see Miss Covington's car and they discuss the possibility of their teacher being in on the heist. The next day at school Miss Covington asks Sam and Ally if they were at her place and Sam just tells her that it was because they wanted to hike on the property, Miss Covington gives them permission and asks them if they wanted to help out with some yard work which they agree to do.
At a sleepover Cassy tells Sam and Ally that her Gram's used to tell her stories of the Covington's and she shares what she found out about their teacher.
One day while helping at the ranch the girls witness a run in with their teacher and a mystery man who turns out to be Miss Covington's uncle and she decides to tell the girls her story, she explains that she was adopted and this affected her getting her inheritance and that her boyfriend at the time had stolen a family heirloom The Eye of Orion and her uncle also blamed her believing she was in on his plan
When the girls hear this it starts off the mystery and adventure, Sam tells her friends that they need to help their teacher solve the case of the missing family heirloom and this as usual gets the girls into trouble but they do manage to solve the case as well as another mystery.
These short stories are brilliant and they do not essentially need to be read as a series as they don't follow on from each other even though they do make mentions of previous adventures. There a great read and you should definitely read them.
February 9, 2018
Modern Nancy Drew
A good mystery that kept me going. I was reading it to see if it may be something my daughters would enjoy. The only downside I found was that it was written in the present tense which made it a less comfortable read than your typical past tense novel writing.
A good mystery that kept me going. I was reading it to see if it may be something my daughters would enjoy. The only downside I found was that it was written in the present tense which made it a less comfortable read than your typical past tense novel writing.
January 13, 2016
Source: I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited.
Cost: Free
Title: The Heiress of Covington Ranch
Series: The Samantha Wolf Mysteries #4
Author: Tara Ellis
Overall Rating: 3.8 stars
Summer is over, but Sam and Ally's adventures are not. Middle school itself is an adventure, and with their newest friend by their side, they're ready to tackle it. However, when their teacher needs help, the three must band together to get the bottom of the mystery of Covington Ranch.
This was a good addition to the series, it wasn't as actiony as the previous books in the series, but it presented a lot of character development which is always good. I like that there is now three of them rather than just Sam and Ally, and I liked that Sam actually spoke to her mother in parts of this book rather than dash off doing stuff that is probably unsafe for a 12/13 year old to be doing.
Cost: Free
Title: The Heiress of Covington Ranch
Series: The Samantha Wolf Mysteries #4
Author: Tara Ellis
Overall Rating: 3.8 stars
Summer is over, but Sam and Ally's adventures are not. Middle school itself is an adventure, and with their newest friend by their side, they're ready to tackle it. However, when their teacher needs help, the three must band together to get the bottom of the mystery of Covington Ranch.
This was a good addition to the series, it wasn't as actiony as the previous books in the series, but it presented a lot of character development which is always good. I like that there is now three of them rather than just Sam and Ally, and I liked that Sam actually spoke to her mother in parts of this book rather than dash off doing stuff that is probably unsafe for a 12/13 year old to be doing.
September 11, 2016
Cute Middle School Mystery
I haven't read a YA mystery in a while and this is a cute read. I really enjoyed the friendships that were made and the strong character of Sam and Ally. They are great positive role models for middle school kids when it comes to looking at the inside of a person and standing up to bullying.
I think the author employs some great literary elements such as foreshadowing that my students can identify while reading. I do think that some points some of the mystery felt canned and could have used some more revision. For example, two grown men follow the girls to hear some middle school girls's idea on how to solve the ten year mystery. It felt overblown like a Disney movie. I also think the story would have worked much better in first person as told directly from Sam.
I will definitely recommend this book to my reluctant readers who enjoy a mystery. I think it's an easy-to-follow story with some great suspense throughout.
I haven't read a YA mystery in a while and this is a cute read. I really enjoyed the friendships that were made and the strong character of Sam and Ally. They are great positive role models for middle school kids when it comes to looking at the inside of a person and standing up to bullying.
I think the author employs some great literary elements such as foreshadowing that my students can identify while reading. I do think that some points some of the mystery felt canned and could have used some more revision. For example, two grown men follow the girls to hear some middle school girls's idea on how to solve the ten year mystery. It felt overblown like a Disney movie. I also think the story would have worked much better in first person as told directly from Sam.
I will definitely recommend this book to my reluctant readers who enjoy a mystery. I think it's an easy-to-follow story with some great suspense throughout.
January 3, 2020
A mysterious read!
What do their teacher, a rich stockbroker, and a stolen ruby called The Eye of Orion all have in common?
Another great story taking the characters on another mysterious adventure but this time close to home. Loved seeing the girls in their element - helping friends and solving mysteries.
Full of mystery, adventure, suspense, suspicion, friendships, camp, sleuthing, action and secrets.
Perfect for readers of mystery reads.
What do their teacher, a rich stockbroker, and a stolen ruby called The Eye of Orion all have in common?
Another great story taking the characters on another mysterious adventure but this time close to home. Loved seeing the girls in their element - helping friends and solving mysteries.
Full of mystery, adventure, suspense, suspicion, friendships, camp, sleuthing, action and secrets.
Perfect for readers of mystery reads.
June 1, 2016
This was a sweet, easy and exciting mystery story. It reminds me a lot of a Nancy Drew series. There were many heart felt moments and excitement. I will be Checking out the other books in the series to get to know Samantha and Ally even more.
August 14, 2018
Good middle school book.
Sam is smart but my favorite character is Cassy. She is easy to relate to. Her grandmother illness is all too real. The author did a good job describing the illness.
Sam is smart but my favorite character is Cassy. She is easy to relate to. Her grandmother illness is all too real. The author did a good job describing the illness.
January 1, 2019
Enjoyable. This is the first of the Samantha Wolf Mysteries I read. It can certainly be read as a stand alone but there is some chat about previous adventures that might be spoilers if you go back and read #1-3. Could see using this series as a substitute/followup club in the spirit of Nancy Drew.
August 24, 2020
this is a good book
i like they this book was based on a priceless gem and family conectiones it was a cute myster read i relly enjoin boos by this author recomend this book if u lie mystery for 11-13
i like they this book was based on a priceless gem and family conectiones it was a cute myster read i relly enjoin boos by this author recomend this book if u lie mystery for 11-13
September 22, 2023
This is the 4th in the series, It reminds me of Nancy Drew mysteries. The main characters are Sam and Ally. The girls are 12 years old and going to a new school. Sam wasn't very happy at first since she knew no one but it turns out that they make a new friend, Cassy and their teacher, Lisa Covington. The Covington ranch is a short ride away from their home and since no one has lived there in years they are very interested in her. The girls start out trying to help Lisa fix up the old place but then they get interested in the mystery that surround the ranch. Can the girls figure out this mystery and before it's too late ?
March 12, 2022
The first day of Middle School doesn’t go quite as smoothly as Sam hoped, and it all ended when she found her teacher crying. But why? Curiosity compels Sam as she and her friend, Ally, dig deeper. Evidently, there was a mystery concerning a jewel heist and an old, family home.
The narrative is simple and quite engaging. This was a rather interesting mystery, even though it wasn’t too focused on it. The historical facets get a little too involved and complex, and it does take a while to get to the real truth of it.
Overall, an okay read.
The narrative is simple and quite engaging. This was a rather interesting mystery, even though it wasn’t too focused on it. The historical facets get a little too involved and complex, and it does take a while to get to the real truth of it.
Overall, an okay read.
August 11, 2023
It’s another new series and author!
This was an awesome story!
Ally and Sam are best friends starting high school together.
They solve mysteries working together.
This one centers around their friend Cassy who is a new friend at high school this year.
The three girls are also helping a new teacher with lawn work on her family’s old ranch to clean it up so she can sell it.
They end up in a mystery that helps everyone involved.
The book is a good story and will keep your interest until the end. Well written and worth the time to read it!
This was an awesome story!
Ally and Sam are best friends starting high school together.
They solve mysteries working together.
This one centers around their friend Cassy who is a new friend at high school this year.
The three girls are also helping a new teacher with lawn work on her family’s old ranch to clean it up so she can sell it.
They end up in a mystery that helps everyone involved.
The book is a good story and will keep your interest until the end. Well written and worth the time to read it!
June 29, 2018
My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.
September 9, 2022
Sam is a smart, respectful young woman who has a knack for seeing the mystery in life--and solving it.
A new teacher living at an old, dilapidated ranch. A magnificent Arabian horse. An even more valuable (but missing!) family heirloom.
And a girl who fights for her friends.
I absolutely recommend this book.
A new teacher living at an old, dilapidated ranch. A magnificent Arabian horse. An even more valuable (but missing!) family heirloom.
And a girl who fights for her friends.
I absolutely recommend this book.
June 27, 2016
Characters have matured, story is good, but needs and editor
I read the first book in this series, and had several concerns. I picked up this sequel to see if things had improved since book 1. My concern about the kids disobeying and getting a pat reprimand (but no real punishment) when they could have been killed because of their disobedience is not in this book. Here the girls actually are obeying their parents and abiding by their wishes. This is shown to be a good thing with a positive outcome. I really appreciated that change and that our heroines are maturing.
Yes, there still is the unrealistic solving of the mystery by kids (and, honestly, I wish kids solving these mysteries were older. It made much more sense with 17, 18, 19 year old like the Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew & Company), but the themes and lessons of this book were very appreciated. Including the picture painted of a good family life. That's all too often not shown in books these days.
A huge drawback for me, though, that Tara has GOT to fix is her writing. The tenses and shifts in person just don't work and are very distracting/irritating. It completely messes up the flow of the narrative. I'm not saying I could do better, and honestly, I haven't analyzed exactly what she's doing to throw things off, but those same issues present in book 1 are in book 4. A good editor could smooth things out for her. Given the maturing of our girls, this is a series I would be willing to go back and read more of to see the maturing and lessons continue to improve with each installment ... IF the writing was good. Its just really hard to get passed, and it definitely is not something I want my children to read and pick up bad writing habits from.
3.5 stars
I read the first book in this series, and had several concerns. I picked up this sequel to see if things had improved since book 1. My concern about the kids disobeying and getting a pat reprimand (but no real punishment) when they could have been killed because of their disobedience is not in this book. Here the girls actually are obeying their parents and abiding by their wishes. This is shown to be a good thing with a positive outcome. I really appreciated that change and that our heroines are maturing.
Yes, there still is the unrealistic solving of the mystery by kids (and, honestly, I wish kids solving these mysteries were older. It made much more sense with 17, 18, 19 year old like the Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew & Company), but the themes and lessons of this book were very appreciated. Including the picture painted of a good family life. That's all too often not shown in books these days.
A huge drawback for me, though, that Tara has GOT to fix is her writing. The tenses and shifts in person just don't work and are very distracting/irritating. It completely messes up the flow of the narrative. I'm not saying I could do better, and honestly, I haven't analyzed exactly what she's doing to throw things off, but those same issues present in book 1 are in book 4. A good editor could smooth things out for her. Given the maturing of our girls, this is a series I would be willing to go back and read more of to see the maturing and lessons continue to improve with each installment ... IF the writing was good. Its just really hard to get passed, and it definitely is not something I want my children to read and pick up bad writing habits from.
3.5 stars
November 5, 2016
The storyline and plot were intriguing but I found the author's writing style aggravating. That's why reading this took me three months! Not being schooled in writing, I can't put my finger on the problem but I won't willingly invest in any more works by this author. Good read for juveniles/middle-schoolers, in my estimation.
August 23, 2016
Samantha and Ally have another fun adventure while helping others. They make a new friend Cassie. Great book for middle grades.
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