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National Park Mystery #2
Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park
Riddles - Lost Landmarks - Hidden Clues - Real Locations
The scavenger hunt continues in book two of the bestselling National Park Mystery Series.
After camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, Jake and his friends travel to the Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. Exploring the heart of the dunes, they stumble upon something both unexpected and dangerous. Through more twists and turns, Jake’s friendships and integrity are tested by choices that will demand smarts and courage.
The National Park Mystery Series
Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the most wild and rugged wilderness of the national parks.
The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.
Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. An elusive shadow group is close on their heels.
Illustrated by the author, this page-turning adventure is designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant of young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure will find it hard to put down. (Word of readers frequently note that this is a “Please read just one more chapter” experience).
If your family loves the enchanted lands of our national parks, this series will take you to hidden places and into breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy movies like National Treasure and Uncharted, or mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys and Gary Paulsen’s survival story, Hatchet, you’ll love this second installment of the National Park Mystery Series. Start this epic adventure on your Kindle app, or begin the journey with a paperback copy.
The scavenger hunt continues in book two of the bestselling National Park Mystery Series.
After camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, Jake and his friends travel to the Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado. Exploring the heart of the dunes, they stumble upon something both unexpected and dangerous. Through more twists and turns, Jake’s friendships and integrity are tested by choices that will demand smarts and courage.
The National Park Mystery Series
Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the most wild and rugged wilderness of the national parks.
The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.
Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. An elusive shadow group is close on their heels.
Illustrated by the author, this page-turning adventure is designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant of young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure will find it hard to put down. (Word of readers frequently note that this is a “Please read just one more chapter” experience).
If your family loves the enchanted lands of our national parks, this series will take you to hidden places and into breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy movies like National Treasure and Uncharted, or mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys and Gary Paulsen’s survival story, Hatchet, you’ll love this second installment of the National Park Mystery Series. Start this epic adventure on your Kindle app, or begin the journey with a paperback copy.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
324 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Johnson
33 books114 followersAaron Johnson is the author of middle-grade mystery-adventure novels and non-fiction books in the field of online education.
Middle-Grade Fiction
Aaron Johnson is the author and illustrator of the middle-grade mystery-adventure books in the National Park Mystery Series. As a backcountry guide, he has lived numerous months out of his backpack exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and the wilderness areas of Colorado. He is a former high school and middle school teacher and the founder of the online hiking guide, Dayhikes Near Denver. With over one-million visitors per year, it has become the most popular hiking resource for the Denver Metro Area and Front Range of Colorado. Aaron lives with his wife and two daughters in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Explore more at https://nationalparkmysteryseries.com
Online Teaching and Learning
Aaron Johnson is Associate Dean of Educational Technology at Denver Seminary, a graduate school in Littleton, Colorado. As a veteran online educator, Mr. Johnson's goal is to support teachers transitioning to the online classroom and those who want to improve their teaching skills.
His books have become go-to resources for colleges, universities, and K-12 school districts. Their to-the-point style and practical ideas make them easy to read and immediately applicable. Readers describe the series as "useful," "helpful," "applicable," "reassuring," and "accessible."
His background includes work as a teacher, instructional designer, and faculty developer. During the initial days of COVID, Mr. Johnson was a sought-after aid to institutions that needed help transitioning their faculty to online delivery.
You can learn more at https://excellentonlineteaching.com
Middle-Grade Fiction
Aaron Johnson is the author and illustrator of the middle-grade mystery-adventure books in the National Park Mystery Series. As a backcountry guide, he has lived numerous months out of his backpack exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and the wilderness areas of Colorado. He is a former high school and middle school teacher and the founder of the online hiking guide, Dayhikes Near Denver. With over one-million visitors per year, it has become the most popular hiking resource for the Denver Metro Area and Front Range of Colorado. Aaron lives with his wife and two daughters in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Explore more at https://nationalparkmysteryseries.com
Online Teaching and Learning
Aaron Johnson is Associate Dean of Educational Technology at Denver Seminary, a graduate school in Littleton, Colorado. As a veteran online educator, Mr. Johnson's goal is to support teachers transitioning to the online classroom and those who want to improve their teaching skills.
His books have become go-to resources for colleges, universities, and K-12 school districts. Their to-the-point style and practical ideas make them easy to read and immediately applicable. Readers describe the series as "useful," "helpful," "applicable," "reassuring," and "accessible."
His background includes work as a teacher, instructional designer, and faculty developer. During the initial days of COVID, Mr. Johnson was a sought-after aid to institutions that needed help transitioning their faculty to online delivery.
You can learn more at https://excellentonlineteaching.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 3, 2025
My family LOVED this follow up to the Rocky Mountain Mystery in book 1. It's accurate, and engaging. Fun note-- we found the hamburger joint mentioned in the book! K's Dairy Delight in Buena Vista was a perfect addition to our trip to Great Sand Dunes, and we'd have never known to stop there if not for this book. We can't wait to read book 3!
March 23, 2025
Short, Exciting Novel
Starting out right after the first in the series stopped, this book in the series wasted no time in getting straight to the adventure. Not that the first one wasted any time, but there was some necessary story building, this book didn't need that of course. That some actual history is part of the story is what really interests me and will keep me coming back.
Starting out right after the first in the series stopped, this book in the series wasted no time in getting straight to the adventure. Not that the first one wasted any time, but there was some necessary story building, this book didn't need that of course. That some actual history is part of the story is what really interests me and will keep me coming back.
October 10, 2022
Another great adventure story
Building off the mystery from Book 1, Discovery in Great Sands Dunes National Park will have you on the edge of your seat. I liked learning about the lesser known parts of the park. I greatly enjoyed the riddles. Can't wait to see what is in store for Jack, Amber, and Wes at the Grand Canyon
Building off the mystery from Book 1, Discovery in Great Sands Dunes National Park will have you on the edge of your seat. I liked learning about the lesser known parts of the park. I greatly enjoyed the riddles. Can't wait to see what is in store for Jack, Amber, and Wes at the Grand Canyon
January 27, 2023
Even better than the first mystery novel with historical value. Great storyline. Fascinating history.
January 2, 2024
This was just as good as the first book with the same amount of adventure. I am in love with this series!
February 3, 2025
What a fun series! And the writing is pretty good, too! My kids can't wait until they get their hands on the next one!
May 14, 2025
A very good, clean children’s book, Plenty of adventure and intrigue, along with some history of the national park.
September 19, 2025
I'd probably like these better if I were 12, but they are well edited, so no complaints. I am enjoying them.
April 19, 2024
Come for the art work; stay for the fun story.
April 28, 2025
What a phenomenal book series to read with my daughter. She absolutely loves this series, and we both have learned so much about The National Parks. We look forward to reading every night.
June 3, 2025
This was a great second book in this series. Jake, Wes and Amber continue in their quest to follow Jake's Grandpa's scavenger hunt as their families travel to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. While exploring the dunes, they come across a group that appears to be looting artifacts from the park. They soon find themselves (once again) trying to continue their quest while also outsmarting the bad guys!
Jake discovers things about this great-great grandfather and the mysterious silver spearhead that makes him even more determined to conquer the mystery behind his Grandpa's hunt. He also has to make some decisions along the way that at first seem to be leading him farther from his quest. But, in his Grandpa's words, "Sometimes, when you're doing the right thing, it's a magnet for good stuff to happen."
The book is a quick read and provides history, scientific facts and tips for exploring Nature that are great for the intended audience. Even though I am well beyond that age, I enjoyed learning about the Park and the history of the area. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a Nancy Drew type mystery and look forward to continuing the adventures of Jake and his friends.
Jake discovers things about this great-great grandfather and the mysterious silver spearhead that makes him even more determined to conquer the mystery behind his Grandpa's hunt. He also has to make some decisions along the way that at first seem to be leading him farther from his quest. But, in his Grandpa's words, "Sometimes, when you're doing the right thing, it's a magnet for good stuff to happen."
The book is a quick read and provides history, scientific facts and tips for exploring Nature that are great for the intended audience. Even though I am well beyond that age, I enjoyed learning about the Park and the history of the area. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a Nancy Drew type mystery and look forward to continuing the adventures of Jake and his friends.
March 24, 2023
These books are amazing! I love reading them, and I cannot wait to share them with my grands!
The author is a new one for me, but I fully intend to buy every book he writes in this series about our national parks. I love the feeling of love I can sense between 'Jax' and his recently deceased grandfather. It is so obvious how the two felt about each h other, and in the prep work Grandpa put into this final gift to his grandson. The national parks are a wonderful setting for the mysterious goings on that the young teens find themselves caught up in. as they explore historical places in the parks.
I am thrilled to find books of this quality in this genre. No cursing, no meanness, but a sense of honesty and decency shows itself early on in the character of the three teens as they work together and learn to trust each other's hunches. Each one brings strengths to the friendship that is developing among them. Thank you, sir, for this book series. Your books are a treasure to share with our families, and they are truly goodreads!
The author is a new one for me, but I fully intend to buy every book he writes in this series about our national parks. I love the feeling of love I can sense between 'Jax' and his recently deceased grandfather. It is so obvious how the two felt about each h other, and in the prep work Grandpa put into this final gift to his grandson. The national parks are a wonderful setting for the mysterious goings on that the young teens find themselves caught up in. as they explore historical places in the parks.
I am thrilled to find books of this quality in this genre. No cursing, no meanness, but a sense of honesty and decency shows itself early on in the character of the three teens as they work together and learn to trust each other's hunches. Each one brings strengths to the friendship that is developing among them. Thank you, sir, for this book series. Your books are a treasure to share with our families, and they are truly goodreads!
February 21, 2024
After the excitement in Rocky Mountain National Park, the kids are moving to the Great Sand Dunes to continue following the clues left by Jake's grandfather. After discovering a group of people stealing artifacts from the Sand Dunes, Jake, Amber, and Wes have to quickly thwart the thieves and solve the puzzles before they leave for their next destination! Can they do it?
Again, this was fantastic! I could not put this down. This addition to the series was fast-paced and more exciting than the last. More wildlife filters in and slows their progress, but it is amazing, nonetheless. I had no idea you could "sandboard" instead of "snowboard" at the Sand Dunes National Park. I love that you are learning about each person's strengths and how they use them to help the puzzle. I can't wait until the next installment!
- Review by Rebecca K., Prince William Public Libraries Staff
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
Again, this was fantastic! I could not put this down. This addition to the series was fast-paced and more exciting than the last. More wildlife filters in and slows their progress, but it is amazing, nonetheless. I had no idea you could "sandboard" instead of "snowboard" at the Sand Dunes National Park. I love that you are learning about each person's strengths and how they use them to help the puzzle. I can't wait until the next installment!
- Review by Rebecca K., Prince William Public Libraries Staff
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
August 7, 2023
The mystery that began in Book 1 of the National Park Mystery series continues in Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park, as Jake, Wes, and Amber search for clues to solve the longstanding puzzle. Each national park they visit becomes a piece of the larger mystery. The story is engaging and follows two timelines, one set in the present day and the other in the 1880s. The author, Aaron Johnson, does an excellent job of creating authentic characters, whether good guys or villains.
Including wilderness safety topics adds to the story's appeal for readers who love the outdoors. I love the maps and sketches laced throughout the book. Plus, at the end of the book, the author provides additional insights about the locations and characters, which adds to the book's overall impact. Like most action, adventure, and mystery books, parts of the story may be farfetched. But I still found the story entertaining and intriguing, and I look forward to the next one in the series.
Including wilderness safety topics adds to the story's appeal for readers who love the outdoors. I love the maps and sketches laced throughout the book. Plus, at the end of the book, the author provides additional insights about the locations and characters, which adds to the book's overall impact. Like most action, adventure, and mystery books, parts of the story may be farfetched. But I still found the story entertaining and intriguing, and I look forward to the next one in the series.
December 11, 2024
Aaron Johnson continues the scavenger hunt for jake, Wes, and Amber in The Great Sand Dunes National Park. The kids are amazed at the amount of sand here. Uncle Ben had rented sand boards for the kids so they could try to sand board. As they came to the top of Hard Dune, they saw water in the bottom of a dune and went to take a closer look. There was actually water there along with pieces of pottery and bones that looked old. They decided to let the Rangers take care of it and headed back to their camp. At the top of the dune, they took one more look only to find three young people taking the artifacts.
This book pulls at the imagination of students and hopefully will pull them into reading.
This book pulls at the imagination of students and hopefully will pull them into reading.
March 6, 2025
I purchased all five books that have been published so far directly from the author’s website. I love the National Park settings and the mysteries that include real locations and the history of the parks and area. These are wonderful wholesome (anyone who says otherwise has clearly not read the books) stories that also offer up many real life lessons and challenges that children face today. The kids are not perfect and face many personal challenges that they have to work through just like in real life. But it teaches kids how to be kind and how to help one another all while giving an entertaining and exciting story. The back story set in the 1800’s is alto intriguing and entertaining. I highly recommend this series for any age reader. I can’t wait for books 6-10!
March 6, 2023
Another great book in this series for elementary kids! These books are educational, interesting, and always a bonus for a series that you can get invested in. My 8 year old little boy loves them as a nighttime read aloud book. I don't know if he'd be able to read them on his own as there are a lot of details that he might get lost in as he's still growing in his reading comprehension ability. Highly recommend though if you have a national park lover in your family who also loves a good mystery.
August 2, 2024
I loved the second book in this series! The author paints a great picture of the Great Sand Dunes. Although I’m enjoying the kids’ adventure, I also enjoyed that this one had a side adventure to it that tied into their scavenger hunt.
So far, this series has life lessons that are great for children and adults. One big theme in this book was about doing the right thing, and that if you do the right thing, good things will come back around to you. Sort of like good karma.
I’m also very much enjoying the jump back in time and how the past ties in with the future. I can’t wait to read book 3!
So far, this series has life lessons that are great for children and adults. One big theme in this book was about doing the right thing, and that if you do the right thing, good things will come back around to you. Sort of like good karma.
I’m also very much enjoying the jump back in time and how the past ties in with the future. I can’t wait to read book 3!
May 15, 2025
2nd installment of National Parks mysteries. I liked the first one a little better. But this one is good enough to get an "I liked it" rating. The three families continue their vacation in Great Sand Dunes. I have never been there, and enjoyed learning about it and the surrounding region. I would love to find one of the interdunal ponds! The kids helped the rangers capture some folks who were looting artifacts, and they found some more clues to the mystery. I'm on board for the next tale in Grand Canyon.
January 29, 2023
I learned a lot about the Great Sand Dunes National Park! I also felt like the characters emotions were expressed more in Book 2 compared to Book 1 and I enjoyed that.
I felt like it had such great reminders of being there for family and friends! Also, like in 1st book of series it goes over respecting our National Parks. I love that my children are learning so much in these mystery series! Such great reads for children and adults!
I felt like it had such great reminders of being there for family and friends! Also, like in 1st book of series it goes over respecting our National Parks. I love that my children are learning so much in these mystery series! Such great reads for children and adults!
June 25, 2023
I read this one aloud with my older children (pre-teen aged) and really enjoyed it. There’s a good mix of exploration of our National Parks, adventure, mystery, and suspense. The main characters are 13, and while most of the dialog is good and appropriate, there are a few uses of “stupid” or similar crude phrases.
We are hooked on the series now, as the story connects through each book. Unfortunately the author is planning a 10 book series and only 3 are out right now (mid-2023).
We are hooked on the series now, as the story connects through each book. Unfortunately the author is planning a 10 book series and only 3 are out right now (mid-2023).
January 21, 2024
If you like National Parks, this series is wonderful. If you’ve been to the park in the book, you’ll recognize the locations the kids visit. If you haven’t been to this park yet, you will feel like you are there.
The writing is great for kids, but as an adult I enjoyed every bit of it. This is the type of story I loved reading in grade school, and I still love now.
Don’t start with this book though, this series needs to be read in order from the beginning.
The writing is great for kids, but as an adult I enjoyed every bit of it. This is the type of story I loved reading in grade school, and I still love now.
Don’t start with this book though, this series needs to be read in order from the beginning.
October 15, 2024
Jake, Wes, & Amber have located the clues at Rocky Mountain National Park & found out that there are others who want what they are looking for, now the need to find and decipher the clues, stay ahead of the bad guys and yet enjoy the park will fill this book about Great Sand Dunes National Park. Along the way Jake and friends will meet new friends and discover new secrets. Again enjoy yourself and then let the kids read the book…
December 5, 2024
We bought these books for my grandson. He did a book report and diorama based on this book. He is now interested in going here and surfing the dunes like the kids in the book. This is a great series, especially for National Park goers. We all went to Rocky Mountain National Park 2 summers ago and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this summer. I can’t wait to read the new ones as they come out.
July 22, 2025
Another fun middle grade novel. The friends/cousins leave the Rockies to continue you their scavenger hunt in the great dunes national park. The adventures they get to are fun to read but some of the story seems unbelievable. I appreciate their friendship and growth. Whether I would allow my kids to wander the wilderness in the same way I am not sure. But the author alludes to this at the end of the book that this is not what they would do. Just another fun adventure, clean and wholesome.
January 2, 2023
A gifted fifth-grade student told me that this series is amazing and that I had to read the two books out so far. I borrowed them for Winter Break and finished each in a day. The student was right. I was completely captivated by the first book and thoroughly enjoyed the second one. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series being released soon.
December 26, 2023
Another exciting book in the series!!! This one was just as good and as exciting as the previous one, and I can't wait to get the 3rd from the library!! As always, I love the characters, the plot, story, how they discover the clues, how they fit... I could go on and on!! And I love reading the two different times, and how they mix together to create the clues and answers!!
February 25, 2024
I read this aloud to my 9, 7 and 5 year old. They could follow the plot well and got into the story and adventure. We especially like this book because we live near the Great Sand Dunes, and we loved hearing of familiar places! Even though there was a lot we knew about the park and area, there were definitely new things we learned about too. Enjoying this series already!
May 11, 2025
Loaned to me by my granddaughter. I gave her the first three books in the series. As a former 6th grade teacher I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Good mystery. I need to go get book 1 and read that to get caught up. I love our National Parks but have never been to the Great Sand Dunes. Now I must go!!!
September 10, 2025
This was a continuation from book 1. Fun as it adds in a new story line for the new park with 1880s. New characters get to mingle with the main characters. Not as much mystery in the main story until closer to the end of the book where so many twists come together. Towards the end we couldn't put it down and just had to finish the story to find out what happened. Looking forward to book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews