Mystery In Rocky Mountain National Park

National Park Mystery #1

by Aaron Johnson

Secret Codes - Lost Landmarks - Hidden Clues - Real Locations 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 heart of Colorado’s wild and rugged Rocky Mountain National Park.

Through twists and turns, the mystery unfolds while Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship. While camping in Rocky Mountain National Park, 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” book). 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 first installment of the National Park Mystery Series .

Start this epic adventure on your Kindle app, or begin the journey with a paperback copy.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Fiction, Young Adult, Chapter Books

190 pages, Hardcover

Published May 22, 2022

About the author

Aaron 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

Reviews

[Shawn Trueman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book. It is educational on several levels - geography, history, outdoorsmanship....
I live near RMNP and look forward to my next trip there to visit the "fort."
A final key element of this book are the several subtle, yet essential, moral lessons: importance of seeking help, taking responsibility for actions, being selfless, doing the right thing, and caring for natural resources, among others.
Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Alexandra Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read (most of) this book to my class of 3rd graders during our Camp Kindness themed summer school. My students were engaged by the mystery of the clues Jake’s deceased grandfather left for him to follow. I loved that the chapters often left us on cliffhangers, making us all excited to read more the next day. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to finish the book with the kids before summer school ended. I did read the rest of it to myself. The descriptions of Rocky Mountain National Park had me reminiscing on my family trip there 4 years ago. The description of Jake, Amber, and Wes’ adventure made me want to go back. Some of the chapters take place in 1880, making the reader question how the park’s past and Jake’s present collide. I didn’t realize until I read the author’s note, some of the characters from the 1880s chapters are real historical figures. If you and your children like adventure, mystery, and the great outdoors, I highly encourage you to read this book. I look forward to reading more of the series.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake, Wes, Amber and their families are taking a two month summer vacation to explore ten of the United States's national parks. To kickoff the trip, Jake's deceased grandpa has left him a scrapbook with a mystery for him to solve. Will Jake keep the mystery to himself or let Wes and Amber in on the secrets? Can Jake solve the clues without their help? Book 1 in what's expected to be a ten book series, the story does end with a cliffhanger.
If you like exploring the great outdoors, scavenger hunts, and coded messages, you'll enjoy this self-published series that's meant for tweens and family read-alouds.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book! It has just enough excitement and depth, and the scavenger hunt has two historical things that the characters need to find. l really want to read the rest of the series.

[Brinley Taliesin · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, I'm one of many adults who happens to enjoy a good "young readers" book/series. I loved Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, the Hatchet series, Terry Pratchett's brilliantly funny Johnny series, the list goes on and on. Many reviews say that kids enjoyed this book, and I can understand why, as long as they don't question the plot too deeply.

It's a well-written book, but rather contrived and simplistic. The dialogue, between the kids and they and their parents, is rather bland and unrealistic. There is very little character development or history of the kids' backgrounds or their relationships to their parents. We get some about Jake and his Grandad, but that's all.

I really wanted to enjoy this book (and hopefully the rest of the series), but it left me unimpressed. Nothing is resolved or adequately explained in this first book, and there is no satisfaction at the end. There are supposed to be 10 books in the series, of which there are currently 4 completed. I have little desire or even curiosity to continue beyond the first one, as it seems to me to be dragging the whole "treasure hunt" plot beyond reason into the realm of implausibility.

We're expected to believe that Jake's grandad and his friends never found the journal, though they had decades to search and figure out the clues themselves, yet Jake and his friends solve it less than 5 days. So many things "just happen": Jake just happens to discover the small envelope hidden under a photo; park rangers just happen to appear right when the kids need to get into a locked cabin; clues just happen to remain undisturbed for decades, when only the slightest change would throw the whole thing off. Apparently, Grandad and his friends don't even know what's at the end of the hunt, or what the "treasure" is, yet Grandad was able to plan the entire 2 month long Parks tour itinerary without ever finding the hidden journal in this first park or solving these first clues.

Whoever did hide the journal decades ago seems to have known that anyone following the clues would themselves be followed and would need traps set to aid their escape. Apparently the "villains" had nothing better to do (again, for decades) than to sit and wait for some kids to come along on their bikes. If our "villains" knew what the kids were doing (how?), they must have known who they were and where they were staying, or could have easily found them and taken what the kids had found.

This is all so contrived and so much is left unresolved or unexplained as to leave me rather frustrated, with little desire to keep spending money to find out what happens. Plot holes are somewhat expected in movies, with limited time, but not in a book.

Even the genealogy seems incorrect. Near the beginning, Jake's dad says the boy in the old photo (Jacob) was his (Jake's dad's) great-grandfather, which would make that boy's dad (Abe from 1880) Jake's great-great-great grandfather. Yet at the end Jake's grandad writes that he got a letter from his grandfather, Abraham Evans. So, we have Jake's grandad, grandad's father Jacob (the boy in the photo) would be Jake's great-grand, and Abe himself would be Jake's great-great-grand. Jacob would have been Jake's dad's grandfather, not great-grand. Then Jake himself calls Jacob his great-great-grandad, and two pages later says that the journal belonged to his great-great-grand (Abe, correctly), seemingly forgetting what he had said earlier. Sloppily written.


Again, most kids would enjoy the book, but as for me, I'll stop here.

[Susan Barno · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are two time lines running in this book, present day and 1880. I would have appreciated there being a link between the timelines set out in the first part of the book to help tie together the story lines in some way. As it's presented, you simply have two stories running in-between the book covers. I though the book was decently written but very tedious with lots and lots of random facts about camping, animals, safety while hiking, building trust and being trustworthy. One theme of the book is teaching the 3 adventurers about being responsible. However I thought much of the parent's actions were very irresponsible. I didn't think it particularly responsible to let 3 kids (+/- 13 year olds) go off every day for hours on their own unsupervised in a national park. Reading about the kids actions which led to multiple sticky situations they got into only proved the point. Even in town w/ the adults, the kids were left to roam free, unsupervised for hours on end. Really? Even great kids can stumble into misfortune and let's face it... the world is not the safe place it might have been when Grandpa had his adventures 60+ years prior. For me the final straw was having the story unresolved. I never like being told that a story is continued in the next book... let alone 9 more books to find the solution.

[Leilani Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Fun dual-timeline, intriguing mystery. Lots of national parks facts and wilderness safety woven in pretty naturally. Preteen conflict resolved admirably. Looking forward to reading more in this series!

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the Right Kind of Adventure for the Intended Age

I really like how the mystery and adventure were slowly unveiled to both the children and the reader while introducing slightly more danger. The way the danger was taken care of by the finding of the item was quite clever, though perhaps a little too mysteriously to me. I am looking forward to continuing this series!

[Steph B · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8-year old son and I loved reading this book together each night before bed! We loved the mystery and adventure, the many puzzles and clues, and the beautiful descriptions of Rocky Mountain National Park. As a parent (and teacher), I appreciated the historical information, the hiking safety tips, and all of the vocabulary! We have already ordered the next two books in the series!

[Austin]

Thought this is a great premise and neat to read and appreciate the outdoors.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's ok. Got this as a gift for kids but then decided to read it myself to judge the appropriate age level.

The kids in the story are preteens 12/13 yo. The storyline is intriguing but could use more (and probably professional) editing. The author published this himself it looks like.

I think K thru middle school kids will probably enjoy the treasure hunt aspect, but it seems a bit much to drag it out over the course of 10 books. Don't bother trying to compare this to other well known kids books like HP or Hatchet, this just isn't on the same level. The story was ok, but not enough to make me want to continue the series.

While reading this you definitely get the sense that the author loves RMNP. However, it seems he spent most of his time focusing on the details about the park (history, map, landmarks etc) and forgot about other aspects of the actual storyline. Most, if not all, of the characters are one dimensional. The dialogue feels pretty forced in several places throughout. And while I can suspend disbelief about the existence of the treasure hunt, the reasoning behind it just seems so weird. Why does it have to cover 10 different national parks? And how is it that these kids solved the clues in 5 days, but Jake's grandpa and friends couldn't even figure out the first one?

Then there's the "bad guys". Why on earth would they need or want to steal the kids' bikes? Surely it would be easier to just pose as Park cops or something and intimidate the kids into handing stuff over since they could say it is part of the NP history? This part of the story made no sense and is one area where professional editing probably would've helped.

But the part that annoyed me the most was how the parents went about allowing the kids to go on excursions by themselves. These kids have never gone on hikes by themselves without an adult, so naturally the parents just tell them to make an itinerary on which they provide no input and essentially just advise the kids not to die. Um, what, you say? That's literally what happens.

The first excursion the kids plan involves a 6 MILE HIKE THROUGH SNOW, which they plan to complete by 1pm and the adults never bother to think twice about any of this. They just get the kids some snowshoes and say "try not to die" and here's a satellite emergency help button in case you come close to death. They have to show the kids how to use snowshoes so obviously the kids aren't used to walking in snow. And even if a parent was going to trust the kids to go off by themselves someplace new surrounded by strangers (?!) why would they ever agree to a 6 mile hike through snow? And you'd also think the adults would make them an example itinerary to show them how to plan, rather than waiting until halfway through the story after they get upset that the kids don't build any cushion into their time estimates. But obviously that doesn't happen either, or else I wouldn't be complaining about it. This aspect of the plot was insane and defies all belief, and frankly was just obnoxious to have to read about these decisions (by adolts!) that made no sense.

I'll still probably give this as a gift because I think kids will enjoy it as long as they don't think too much about the plot holes. But as I stated earlier I'm personally done reading this series.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not the target audience, but my son loves these books and I wanted to read something important to him. It's great for young readers and a fun adventure. Through my adult lens, I don't love that it's basically a prologue more than anything else. The author seems to have taken a note from a problem with streaming TV series that are essentially a 10-episode movie without self-contained stories or resolution. That's sort of an issue here, as the book ends, leading us into the second book without much of a climax or denouement. It's an entire book of setup.

There's nothing wrong with any of it, but the series would be more interesting if each book has a specific mystery to it while continuing the larger serialization of the series. I'm concerned the author will genuinely keep plodding along with cliffhangers, with each book being a true novel in name only and instead simply 10% of a complete story.

But there I go being a grumpy adult. If your child likes national parks and some light adventure and intrigue, you could do worse.

[Kristin Latta Family · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read books 2 and 3 before reading the 1st. While I thought this was good, I find the next books to be more exciting, keeping us at the edge of our seats and wanting for more. This first one is slower-paced as it is establishing the basis for the "scavenger hunt" set up by a grandfather for his grandson. The clues are hidden in national parks starting with the ones in Colorado and then other ones heading towards the West. My boys ages 7, 9, and 11 feel the grandfather is out of his mind for putting his grandson in such a dangerous mission, haha, but I guess that's where the excitement is. It's like the movie National Treasure, but for kids. We plan on going to as many national parks as we could, so this series is a perfect fit for our family.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the National Parks and truly enjoyed reading this book. You felt like you were there going on an adventure with the characters in this book. The scavenger hunt and clues, will draw the reader in and leave you wanting to find more. I also enjoyed the way the author included themes of family and friends and how the connections to each other play a part of who we are. I know that my 5th grade students and my nephew will enjoy hearing this book as a read aloud or devouring the book on their own. I look forward to reading more in the series.

[Natalie Hering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this advanced copy to read aloud to my 9 year old girl and 7 year old boy during our recent vacation to CO. It was an excellent and thrilling read! The main characters have great personalities that pair nicely with my own kids’, and the team work and adventures the trio undergo kept all three of us on the edge of our seats! Can’t wait for book 2!

[Anita Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family loves hiking the National Parks so I was excited to find this children’s series ! The book was a good read with interesting characters and fast paced action ! The beautiful scenery of RMNP is weaved into the mystery. Well written. Highly recommended! Can’t wait to read to my grandkids!

[Katie Gawron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children’s book. I love the big mystery happening, love the theme of falling in love with nature and our National Parks. Only downside is that the mystery isn’t solved by the end of book one and I don’t think all 10 are written yet!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Exciting, mysterious, adventurous... My 7yo and I read it together, and he was captivated. Can't wait to continue on in the series!

[Katie - Mud Pies with Sprinkles · Rating 5 out of 5]

First line
"Sir, I've got the boy locked up in the rack shed."

Jake's grandpa sends him on a "scavenger hunt in the most beautiful and rugged places on earth." Before his grandpa died, he left Jake his most prized possession and mapped out an entire trip through the National Parks, highlighting his favorite spots.

This middle grade book is a delight packed with adventure mixed with suspenseful storytelling, the building of friendship, and educational tidbits of survival skills, geography, and history

Parents might want to know about: mention of grandfather's death, hardship-character's mother left him at an orphanage , stupid x 1, shoot x 1, freak out x 2, brief mention of Sorcerer's stone in conversation, "like a ghost", providence, mention of a native American's "vision quest".

What I Loved:
- Adventure with dual timeline (1880s and present day)
- Love for family, friends, and community!
- Resolution of conflict
- Education about outdoor survival
- CLEAN & WHOLESOME BOOK!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars for excellent middle grade book!
If you love outdoor adventures, this book is for you!
For me: I read it in a few hours. It was a delight to see the adventure tale bookended with a Wendell Berry quote and Scripture in the author's note. It's on my Christmas list for my 8-year-old nephew.

[disclaimer: this book is part of a series. This review/recommendation only includes book 1. I have not reviewed the complete series.]
____________
I received book in exchange for an honest review. The above are my thoughts and opinions.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this paperback book for my 9 year old grandson and the e-book for me to read also. I live in Colorado, not far from Rocky Mountain National Park. I hike, camp, and backpack there often. My grandson lives in another state and loves hiking and camping there when he visits me. He has camped and hiked with me at several of the locations mentioned and illustrated in the book. The descriptions of the locations along with the illustrations are accurate. The wildlife is well described. The mystery story is just right for elementary aged avid outdoor explorers, nature lovers, and kids who love to hike. There are hiking educational points embedded in the story. The mystery ties in pretty well with the historical parts in the book and there is more historical information in the epilogue. This “hiking Nonna” enjoyed reading it and I look forward to chatting with my grandson about the book too. We will be reading the upcoming books in the series as well!

[Wesley Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake’s deceased grandfather leaves him a cipher that leads to his most valuable possession, a scrapbook. The scrapbook guides Jake on a quest of riddles and codes (that has already been going for centuries) with his cousin Wes and his friend Amber.

This is the exciting start of a ten-book series that always leaves you cliffhanging!

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love how adventurous this book is and since I have been to Rocky Mountain National Park before I knew exactly where they were in this book. I can’t believe how much personality is in each character and I just love it.

I can’t wait for the next one!!!

[Kari Scyoc Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old's review: "I really liked this book because I like visiting national parks and it was really good."

My review: This was a great book for getting a fun introduction to RMNP (especially if you're not already familiar with it), and learning some history along the way. The mystery aspect of the series is going to make it enjoyable!

[Brittany Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on the search for great adventure books for boys (and girls). This one is definitely making the list. Family vacation themed scavenger hunt. Coded clues. Mysterious packages. Excited to continue the adventure in book 2!

[Christina Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun to read aloud to my 10 year old. It really captured our attention and we can’t wait to get the sequel!

[Kenna Colberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Not much to it. Fast read tho!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun to read because it encouraged me to research parts of Rocky Mountain National Park. The book is intended for kids, so it was a nice, light read.

[Tee Minn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun mystery to read for the younger set, but I enjoyed. Good mystery and characters you come to love and understand better over time, as it should be. Full of adventure and plenty to learn about the Rocky Mountains, the history, the geography and the trails. The books call you to read more so I'll move on to book two, The Great Sand Dunes.

[Rachel Williams]

Fun start to a series with my kids. It was a cliff hanger, so they are begging to start the next one!

[Lt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story, and my daughters devoured it and can't wait for me to read the second one to them.