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Steve #0.5
The Missing Skull
A trip to a remote lake in northern Ontario with his grandfather doesn't thrill Steve, especially since his twin brother, DJ, was taken to Central America. Matters start to look up when his grandfather tells Steve about the mysterious death of the artist Tom Thomson and sets him the task of finding Thomson's missing skull. Steve loves mysteries, but when odd things begin happening and strange people start threatening him, Steve wonders whether this is part of his grandfather's plan. Is this still a simple puzzle, or is something far more sinister going on?
In this thrilling prequel to Lost Cause and Broken Arrow , the history- and mystery-loving Steve ends up in remote northern Ontario.
In this thrilling prequel to Lost Cause and Broken Arrow , the history- and mystery-loving Steve ends up in remote northern Ontario.
- GenresMystery
168 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2016
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
John Wilson
876 books52 followersJohn Wilson, an ex-geologist and frustrated historian, is the award-winning author of fifty novels and non-fiction books for adults and teens. His passion for history informs everything he writes, from the recreated journal of an officer on Sir John Franklin’s doomed Arctic expedition to young soldiers experiencing the horrors of the First and Second World Wars and a memoir of his own history. John researches and writes in Lantzville on Vancouver Island. There are many more details in his memoir, Lands of Lost Content, https://www.amazon.com/Lands-Lost-Con...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 10, 2017
This was definitely an interesting story. I would have rated it 3.5 stars if I could.
I thought the beginning was very engaging, and the "mystery" was exciting as well. Plotwise, however, I thought that the rising action and climax passed by too fast - of course, this could simply be because the book is pretty short.
I'm actually not sure I would classify this as a mystery, but I did enjoy reading this book, especially the story that Grandfather told.
I feel as though this book would be perfect for younger readers and middle grade students, or simply for someone looking for a very quick read.
I thought the beginning was very engaging, and the "mystery" was exciting as well. Plotwise, however, I thought that the rising action and climax passed by too fast - of course, this could simply be because the book is pretty short.
I'm actually not sure I would classify this as a mystery, but I did enjoy reading this book, especially the story that Grandfather told.
I feel as though this book would be perfect for younger readers and middle grade students, or simply for someone looking for a very quick read.
September 19, 2018
John Wilson’s “The Missing Skull” is an exciting prequel in the Seven series that opens with twelve-year-old Steve McLean’s trip with his grandfather to a cabin in Algonquin Park and tasking him with finding the missing skull of Canadian artist and naturalist Tom Thomson. But like all mysteries the adventure goes awry when Steve barrels ahead, skipping some of his grandfather’s clues only to question whether his quest is more than a game.
A thrilling roller-coaster ride for tweens, the action and suspense escalate as Steve confronts the kidnapping of his grandfather, being held at gunpoint and dealing with an overturned canoe. Short in length and fast-paced the short plot deals with a younger mystery-loving Steve prior to his adventures in “Lost Cause” and “Broken Arrow”.
Skilfully John Wilson incites interest with convincing characters like Steve McLean who’s a confused, scared and lonely kid as the mystery unfolds only to show fortitude, resourcefulness and reckless bravery when he thinks his grandfather’s life is in danger.
Well-developed and fascinating, I liked “The Missing Skull” and intend to read John Wilson’s other books in the series.
A thrilling roller-coaster ride for tweens, the action and suspense escalate as Steve confronts the kidnapping of his grandfather, being held at gunpoint and dealing with an overturned canoe. Short in length and fast-paced the short plot deals with a younger mystery-loving Steve prior to his adventures in “Lost Cause” and “Broken Arrow”.
Skilfully John Wilson incites interest with convincing characters like Steve McLean who’s a confused, scared and lonely kid as the mystery unfolds only to show fortitude, resourcefulness and reckless bravery when he thinks his grandfather’s life is in danger.
Well-developed and fascinating, I liked “The Missing Skull” and intend to read John Wilson’s other books in the series.
June 30, 2020
Book 2 of The Seven Prequel series.
In this book, Steven is taken by his grandfather, David McLean, to a remote lake in Northern Ontario, Canada. While there, David has set out clues for Steven to solve regarding the death of artist Tom Thomson. Steven begins solving the clues, which leads him on a wild adventure.
This is a quick, fun mystery read. I’m quite enjoying the two books of this series so far, written by two different authors. Tomorrow I’ll start book 3, from a third author!
In this book, Steven is taken by his grandfather, David McLean, to a remote lake in Northern Ontario, Canada. While there, David has set out clues for Steven to solve regarding the death of artist Tom Thomson. Steven begins solving the clues, which leads him on a wild adventure.
This is a quick, fun mystery read. I’m quite enjoying the two books of this series so far, written by two different authors. Tomorrow I’ll start book 3, from a third author!
October 8, 2024
It was a fluke that I stumbled upon this book, and I’m glad I did. This was a very short story about a boy and his grandfather that go up to Algonquin Park where the grandson tried to solve a mystery. It was really cute. And I loved that it mentioned so many local cities including one right next door to me.
January 20, 2023
I came to this book not because I'm a big fan of literature for teens, but to consider how Wilson handled the Thomson mystery.
Frankly, I was disappointed from the first description. Facts about the case, such as the condition of Thomson's corpse, are glaringly wrong. There is so little about the Thomson case actually addressed in the book, however, that the errors are somewhat tangential.
Additionally, as the parent of an 'almost-teenager', I found the language and thought processes of the teenage narrator pretty unconvincing. The book read like an adult half-heartedly trying to present as a teenager. For instance, do you know a 13/14-year old who calls the grandfather 'Grandfather'?
Frankly, I was disappointed from the first description. Facts about the case, such as the condition of Thomson's corpse, are glaringly wrong. There is so little about the Thomson case actually addressed in the book, however, that the errors are somewhat tangential.
Additionally, as the parent of an 'almost-teenager', I found the language and thought processes of the teenage narrator pretty unconvincing. The book read like an adult half-heartedly trying to present as a teenager. For instance, do you know a 13/14-year old who calls the grandfather 'Grandfather'?
January 25, 2017
This is the most Canadian thing I've ever read. In fact, I feel slightly more Canadian just for having read it.
With the mystery surrounding Tom Thomson as a backdrop, Steve goes to Algonquin Park to solve a "mystery" set up by his grandfather; tantalizing hints that there is a real, deeper mystery involving his grandfather appear to set the stage for the other novels in the series (or maybe just the other two starring Steve). Fun, easy read.
With the mystery surrounding Tom Thomson as a backdrop, Steve goes to Algonquin Park to solve a "mystery" set up by his grandfather; tantalizing hints that there is a real, deeper mystery involving his grandfather appear to set the stage for the other novels in the series (or maybe just the other two starring Steve). Fun, easy read.
January 18, 2018
It was really interesting because there were sooooo many spelling mistakes, which I think made it more interesting.
February 16, 2017
In this prequel of the 7 series, Grampa and Steve set out for a fishing trip on Canoe lake and Steve must try and solve the mystery of Tom Thompson's missing skull. There is enough creepiness and danger to make it appealing to tweens and the novel is short and snappy enough to appeal to reluctant readers. There are some great examples of deductive reasoning and the mystery ends with just enough of an open ending to leave the reader wondering.
December 14, 2016
I received a copy of this book from librarything.com's earlyreviewers group in exchange for an honest review.
I began reading this book without any knowledge of the original series or the prequels. It did well as a stand alone- there were no missing pieces. It is a young adult novel and the main character is 12 years old. Due to it's short length and straight forward first person perspective I would say this is an easy read for someone who is resistant to books.
It fits neatly in the mystery genre. I can't decide if it was "okay" or "blah". I failed to read many classic mysteries as a kid (Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew) so I feel like I lack the necessary perspective to effectively evaluate this novel. I would say the mystery aspect was weak and it's climax was mounted and passed too quickly. I can only guess what a 9-14 year old would think of this story though.
There is still something drawing about the main theme of these books - grandpa takes each grandson on an adventure tailored just for him (although Grandpa probably takes it just a tad too far. Woops).
I began reading this book without any knowledge of the original series or the prequels. It did well as a stand alone- there were no missing pieces. It is a young adult novel and the main character is 12 years old. Due to it's short length and straight forward first person perspective I would say this is an easy read for someone who is resistant to books.
It fits neatly in the mystery genre. I can't decide if it was "okay" or "blah". I failed to read many classic mysteries as a kid (Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew) so I feel like I lack the necessary perspective to effectively evaluate this novel. I would say the mystery aspect was weak and it's climax was mounted and passed too quickly. I can only guess what a 9-14 year old would think of this story though.
There is still something drawing about the main theme of these books - grandpa takes each grandson on an adventure tailored just for him (although Grandpa probably takes it just a tad too far. Woops).
November 13, 2016
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. It was a bit slow and did pick of speed, but the ending was flat. The characters ages were a bit younger than I was expected. It has a nice cover and feel to it, but it lacked the depth needed for a really good mystery feel it was going for. I would have much rather it been prolonged a bit more clues, a single mystery, older main character, more details, and more adventure. I say this book needs a bit more develop for it to make my top 20.
This was received as a free advanced readers copy {ARC} for review from Orca Publishers through third party Library Thing. https://www.librarything.com/home
This was received as a free advanced readers copy {ARC} for review from Orca Publishers through third party Library Thing. https://www.librarything.com/home
April 17, 2017
Who does that to a kid? He could've died.
May 3, 2017
Probably 3.5
This is part of the seven prequel series. It's a short, action packed novel set mostly in Ontario on Cano lake in Algonquin park. The story delves into the mysterious death of the famous Canadian painter, Tom Thompson. It's bigger on plot than on characters, but should prove to keep young readers of adventure based tales entertained.
This is part of the seven prequel series. It's a short, action packed novel set mostly in Ontario on Cano lake in Algonquin park. The story delves into the mysterious death of the famous Canadian painter, Tom Thompson. It's bigger on plot than on characters, but should prove to keep young readers of adventure based tales entertained.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews