Haunted Waters

The Red Rock Mysteries #1

by Jerry B. Jenkins, Chris Fabry

A crazy, wild ride from a deserted mining town makes it clear that someone’s after Bryce and Ashley Timberline.

Will they survive long enough to find out who it is?

Watch out! The Timberline twins are on the loose. Bryce and Ashley are ATV-riding tweens from Colorado who unearth action-packed mystery and adventure wherever they go. From clearing the name of a local miscreant to thwarting a gold-stealing heist, the twins’ growing faith and the strong example of their parents guide them through even the most life-threatening situations. With the trademark page-turner style used by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry in the Left The Kids series, these fast-paced books will keep even reluctant readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will definitely be hooked! Perfect for ages 8-12.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Middle Grade, Adventure, Contemporary

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Jerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent story, but the annoyingly choppy formatting and constant perspective switching ruined it for me. The ending is a shocker, but I don't want to trudge through another volume of this mess to find out where the story goes.

[Joanna Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio version of these is really great! Exciting stories about kids who make good decisions (for the most part 😉).

[Westminster Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Red Rock Mystery series was very exciting. We meet the twins, Ashley and Bryce Timberland. They are being bullied at school. Their stepfather, Sam, takes them and their brother, Dylan, away for the weekend. A field trip puts them to close to a gold nugget robbery. A great deal of action is found in this book.

Quotes I liked from this book: “Why do they want that picture so much?” Ashley said to Bryce. “Must have something to do with the gold," Bryce said. “Think he’ll leave us alone if we give him the memory stick?”

Find Haunted Waters at the Westminster Public Library.

[Jill Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryce and Ashley Timberline are thirteen-year-old twins. They haven’t lived in Colorado long, and they’re still getting to know their new stepfather, Sam. When Sam takes them on a vacation to see the biggest gold nugget, it seems like a chance to get to know him better. But when the gold nugget is stolen and someone starts following them around, their nice vacation weekend turns into a deadly chase.

This was a fun read. The story was told from Bryce and Ashley’s points of view. The chapters are short, no longer than three pages, so it feels like you’re reading the book faster than you really are. The book had a huge cliffhanger that sort of came from out of nowhere that will make you want to go find the next book in the series. I read this to my kids and they both liked it a lot and demanded book two the moment I closed the book at the end. If you haven’t read these, girl them a try.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mystery about a missing gold nugget. The story switches between different characters both the twins and one bad guy. A bit messy story where the author tries to input a good message in the story but this was not really succesful. Exiting story the whole mystery part but it left many open questions and the bad guy was not even really important, it could have been anybody.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm particularly fond of this series because I would read them aloud with my sister. I think I connected to the books because the siblings in it shared a bond like the one I shared with my sister. Their relationship was so real! We would spend half as much time laughing as we did reading!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, the first in the series, I was anxious to move onto the next. The main characters, Ashley and Bryce, who are siblings, have a remarkable relationship, one to die for.

I do have to say that this is not like the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series where you can just pick any randon book and be able to follow it. In this series, it is necassary that you follow the story line, so to obtain all the lessons. Therefore, it is essential to go in order of the series. Enough said, you have some reading to do. :-)

[Brittany]

This is a great kids book. I read this with my son for his book club and we both loved it. It is the beginning of a very exciting series, which we have read a few of the books from. Even my teenage daughter got into the series.

I enjoyed how the storytelling switched back and forth between the two siblings. It had some very suspenseful sections without being too scary. Just the right balance and a great mystery.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW WHAT A CLIFF HANGER!!! I love this series!! :)

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a juvenile mystery series which is extremely suspenseful. See how the twins fall into this dangerous situation--between school bullies and a newest stepfather with a big secret.

[Bcs (Sarah. B) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted Waters by Jerry B Jenkins

Rating: Four stars

Language/Profanity: Mention of cursing; 'Holy gold mine'.

Faith: People becoming Christians and realizing that just because you go to church you are automatically a Christian; praying; talk of how Jesus said 'turn the other cheek'; saying how just because God corrects us for our sin doesn't mean He is angry (He is sad though).

Romance/Sex: Sister has a boyfriend.

Violence ect.: Car goes into the river.

Other: People dying in a plane crash.

Part of a Series: Yes. Book one in a completed series called Red Rock.

Synopsis:
Watch out! The Timberline twins are on the loose. Bryce and Ashley are ATV-riding tweens from Colorado who unearth action-packed mystery and adventure wherever they go. From clearing the name of a local miscreant to thwarting a gold-stealing heist, the twins' growing faith and the strong example of their parents guide them through even the most life-threatening situations. With the trademark page-turner style used by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry in the Left Behind: The Kids series, these fast-paced books will keep even reluctant readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will definitely get hooked by the unbelievable cliff-hanger at the end of book one, Haunted Waters. Perfect for ages 8-12.

Thoughts:
Twins are so cool! I love when there are twins in a book! I also loved how Ashley and Brice are
siblings who, though they argue, love each other. I don't like it when there is full blown hate/dislike/contempt directed at the siblings. It reminded me of how me and my sister are: we love each other, but sometimes we nitpick. I also really liked how Ashley especially talked with God. How she wrote in her diary. How being a Christian was their life, not just something they called themselves. It was natural to them to pray and just live their lives as Believers.
The first time I read this, their step-dad (not creepy, not evil, not any of the bad step-parent stereotypes) was just...meh. Just a character who was needed to keep the story going. BUT. After having read the series before this time that I read this he's cooler (because of his secret past.) He also is as Brice put it:
"Yeah, I mean, you’re better than most Christians I know, the way you treat people. And you don’t curse —at least in front of Ashley and me. . . .”
Dylan is so cute!
I definitely like the older covers better.

Bible Verse:
Matthew 23:37 KJV
[37] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

[Alexandra Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I expected. I actually got this out of this library for my daughter, but it looked a little too mature for her, so I decided to read it first before passing it along. While I'll be waiting to let her read it (it's a bit scary and does have moments of violence), I think this would be great for a 9-12 year old. The story centers around twins who unknowingly become entangled in a crime. This is the adventure that ensues. Some topics parents may want to be aware of: off-screen deaths of 2 parents and a child (these happen in the backstory, not the actual narrative), violence in the form of the villain running a car off the road into a lake, bullying, and stalking by the villain.

The novel got very suspenseful and the short chapters made it hard to put down. Jesus and Christianity were woven into the plot in an extremely non-cheesy way, which was so nice to see. I'd highly recommend this to late elementary and early middle schoolers.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good read for anyone who can read. These twins, their little brother, and step-dad have quite an adventure. The author did well with making me feel fear and emotions through his writing. There's bullying, but the twins take care of it themselves (without getting violent). There is A lot of mentioning being a Christian and they prayer several times when things are getting dangers. It was a great adventure story with action and bad guys. The worst part for me is the cliffhanger ending! Recommended

[L8blmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I awarded five stars to a book written for children; that's how pleasantly surprised I was by this first in a series of adventures featuring 13-year-old fraternal twins. My nephew gave me some of his childhood books to trade in for new reading material, and I decided to read some of them. I was familiar with this author and have read many of his books in the past, so I was pretty sure I was in for a treat. I believe I have books 2 through 6, and I fully intend to read them all.

[Emani Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great reminder to tweens and teens that God is the one thing we can depend on. Jenkins combines adventure, suspense, and faith to drive home that message. The characters are strong and very distinct. I found myself rooting for Byrce and Ashley throughout the whole daring adventure. We need more Christian series like this.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley and Bryce Timberline are twins. They go to Gold Town and look at a piece of gold. After that, they find out somebody is hunting them. Who is hunting them and why?
This book is great! I loved it.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when they figured out who was trying to get the picture, and both of them went to jail so that they were safe . My least favorite part was when the green car forced the other car into the reservoir.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crazy, wild ride from a deserted mining town makes it clear that someone’s after Bryce and Ashley Timberline.

Great story for kids of all ages. I know my kids will like this story. I sure did. Continual action with interesting characters. Bullying is tackled and lessons learned. Very good.

[Becca Wierwille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery (which felt in many ways more like a thriller, but I'm not complaining!) about two teens and their quest for truth—and to keep their family safe—was exciting, fun, and kept me turning pages. And the last page ensured that I'll want to read the next book as well!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of the series. Good intro of characters and recurring themes. Fun first mystery.

[Carlene Renner]

great

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first mystery books I got hooked onto

[Alminus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is good book

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

im having trouble wording my summary can someone help

[CC]

01.03.2022 // Notes to self:
CheyAnn recommended this to me personally as one of her favorites of 2021. https://www.goodreads.com/user_challe...#

[Autumn Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest this is probably one of my FAVORITE series of all time. I loved it so much it had Christian mystery adventure all in one series. Best series:)

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Loved this mystery for young kids. The start of a series I will want to get many more of.

[Elina K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
It is full of mystery and excitement, I'm hoping to get the next book soon.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure, excitement and danger seemed to follow Ashley and Bryce Timberline wherever they go. First, their dad died in a mysterious accident. Then they moved to Colorado with their mom and baby brother so they could start their lives over. It was in Colorado that their mom met and fell in love with Sam (Bryce and Ashley call him The Cowboy), who has a daughter age 16. Ashley and her twin are 13. Their baby brother is only four.

Being in a blended family was tough for a teen. So one weekend, Sam suggested a cabin in the mountains adventure with just the four of them--the twins, Dylan and Sam--while their mom stayed home to finish a book she was writing. They had skiing, sledding and tubing to look forward to, satellite hook-up in the cabin and their own pinball machine. To top that off, they were going to view a large gold nugget on display nearby and a replica of a mine shaft where gold was found. That's when all the adventures began.

Haunted Waters is told in the first person with chapters alternating between Bryce's point of view and Ashley's point of view. Their adventure includes thieves, suspicious people who follow them, break-ins, and eventually high speed chases and a life threatening accident. But in the conclusion, the reader is left in suspense when the twins discover a secret about their step-dad.

This book is perfect for middle grade readers. Ashley and Bryce face relevant situations that other pre-teens and teens would understand, such as bullies at school, and enjoy great laughs at the witty exchange between the twins.

I especially liked how the book's high interest level but lower reading level makes it appealing to a wide age range. This is a book and series I would want my own children to read. The adventures are fun, the language and attitudes of the characters are clean, while the young people and adults are not perfect or unrealistically "too good to be true." Since Ashley, Bryce and their mom are Christians, they live their faith out through their daily lives rather than preach about it. They may falter from time to time, but they learn and grow through their experiences.

I am reading and reviewing this book for the Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. summer reading program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number of pages: 202, but it ends on a cliffhanger so you’re probably going to want to read the next book, "Stolen Secrets," immediately!

Genre: Mystery/children’s fiction

Series: Red Rock Mystery #1 (must be read in order)

Age recommendation: 10-12 (the main characters are 13)

Summary: After the death of their father, their mom remarried and now Bryce and Ashley (and younger brother Dylan) have a stepdad Sam and stepsister Leigh. To have some “family bonding time,” Sam takes Bryce, Ashley and Dylan on a trip to Goldtown to see a vug and a large gold nugget. Little do they know what trouble this trip will cause them.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this story more when I first heard it in grade five, but I still liked it now. It’s a very interesting story, but it’s also a bit intense There are bullies and fighting with them; there are prowlers with guns. Sam, Bryce, Ashley and Dylan get into a car chase with the bad guys who run them off the road into a lake and they barely survive. Then at the end Sam says he’s sorry for killing their dad, but that’s literally the last thing in the book and no one knows what he means. That stuff just isn’t very Philippians 4:8 material.
There’s quite a bit of Christian content in the book. I can relate to the part when Ashley’s friend says she’s a Christian and Ashley doesn’t know how to tell her that being a Christian is more than sitting in a church a few times a year. It’s hard to witness to people, because you don’t want to offend them and lose all opportunity to witness again, but you really want them to know the truth!
As I previously mentioned, the book ends on an awful cliffhanger, but I guess that just means I have to read Stolen Secrets immediately.
The plot is interesting and I loved this series when I first heard it. Now, having read/listened to the audio dramas* numerous times, there is some content that I don’t like and probably isn’t the best to stick in your head. Overall though, I still think it’s a good book and would recommend it.

My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.

*Note: there are audio dramas (slightly different dialogue/altered plot) of the first five books in the series which you can buy, or listen to for free from Keys for Kids Ministries radio broadcast. They have a new episode every week and rotate through the first five books (each book is four episodes long, so it could take a while to wait for the correct episode).

Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...