Missing Pieces

The Red Rock Mysteries #3

by Jerry B. Jenkins, Chris Fabry

Red Rock suffers a spate of "mailbox baseball" vandalism and twins Bryce and Ashley become witnesses.

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

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 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

[C.B. Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! I have to admit, though, that I figured everything out before the twins did. ;)

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The people were realistic, as were the situations they were involved in.

[Sarah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Review: (I haven't finished the series but will try to update when I am done with each book.)

The Red Rock Mysteries by Jerry B Jenkins. (#1 Haunted Waters, #2 Stolen Secrets, #3 Missing Pieces, #4 Wild Rescue, #5 Grave Shadows #6 Phantom Writer #7 Double Fault #8 Canyon Echoes #9 Instant Menace #10 Escaping Darkness #11 Wind City Danger #12 Hollywood Holdup #13 Hidden Riches. #14 Wind Chill #15 Dead End.)


Rating:
#1 Four stars.
#2 Four stars.
#3 Four stars.
#4 Four Stars
#5 Five stars
#6 Three point Five


As there are so many books in the series I will not give what each book has of the following categories; only the overall content of the series.

Language/Profanity:
There is mention of people saying bad words (occasionally the main characters say it, but they always ask God for forgiveness.) the words are never written out, other than in the first book where a character said 'holy goldmine.'

Faith:
Praying, and mention of and reading of the Bible; wondering why God allows bad stuff to happen ( It's because we have free will.); one thing was a character said the bad things that happened were God's plan, it was never addressed in the book that God doesn't plan the evil. It never even enters his mind (Jeremiah 19:5); talking of God.

Romance/Sex:
Crushes, and a side character has a boyfriend.

Violence ect.:
Danger; bad guys; plane crash because of terrorists (past);


Other:
Book Five is creepy, honestly. It is all about a horror writer who had gone missing. And it gets creepy.

Part of a Series: This whole thing is a series called The Red Rock Mysteries.

Thoughts:
I've read this series before, so I know mostly what is happening, but it is a nice visit to my younger years. The chapters are usually very short, at times less than a page long, and each chapter changes POV between Brice and Ashley (Twins), but I love the way that style makes the story fast paced and a quick easy read. I always thought I liked longer chapters, but both long and short have different appeals. I like all the different characters, and the danger and mystery, and they seem to get more exciting and mysteriously in depth as the series progresses.
Most of the books have a different theme; forgiveness, fear, facing death ect. Though I do wish that it was shown clearer that we, as Christians, need to live our lives In a way that God wants, and that Jesus did, it was there slightly and I like how their faith feels natural, not forced.
Book Five was the best, yet the saddest one. But it was the perfect way to do the story. When I know a character is going to die, and make me cry I am extremely hesitant to read the book. BUT. I have found that when I read books where a character dies and I cry, it's not that bad... Especially if it is written well.
And the new covers... I really wish the covers weren't changed...

Favorite character, part, quote.
Characters: Sam, Randy, Jeff, Ashley, Skeeter (Yes I know he's not the most likable character. But I like how he cares for Ashley in a crushy sense.)
Quotes: ...
"The truth is, this morning when Jeff took his last breath, he got to see the most beautiful sight ever. That any of us will ever see. He got to be with the one who loved him so much that he died for him"
--- Grave Shadows

Bible Verse:
Isaiah 66:1-2 KJV
[1] Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? [2] For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number of pages: 206

Genre: Children’s fiction/Mystery

Series: Red Rock Mysteries #3

Age recommendation: 9-13

Summary: When all the mailboxes in town are getting smashed up, Bryce decides it’s up to him to figure out who’s doing it. Meanwhile, Ashley is determined to figure out why the lunch lady seems so sad.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It’s well-written, and pretty interesting; when I was the target age group for this series I wanted to be like Ashley and Bryce so badly! They always got to do cool stuff and solve mysteries to help the police; who wouldn’t want to do the same?
One thing I really appreciated was the Christian content. It was mainly focused in one chapter where the twins go to youth group, but there’s elements sprinkled throughout the book. Having listened to the audio dramas more times than I’ve read the book, I didn’t realize there was so much Christian content (as it seems to have been removed from the audio versions). However, I really liked the message about submitting your life to God so that he can use you for amazing things. It’s not that we are doing things in and of ourselves, it is God working through us, but He can’t use us if we’re not willing to listen and obey. I think that’s a really important message and I like how the authors incorporated it into the story without making it feel forced.
The older I get, the more I realize how dumb it is of Ashley to get involved in a “missing person” case when it appears that the person actually died in a fire. It is not usually the automatic assumption that when there was a fire and someone wasn’t able to get out of the building in time that they were actually kidnapped and have been living with someone else their entire life. I mean, the story works out but if you think about it too much it’s kind of ridiculous.
I really like Randy in this book. For all Bryce and Ashley make fun of him and Leigh, he’s actually a pretty nice guy. It’s kind of awkward that Bryce thinks he’s the mailbox basher though; I felt bad for him (and Bryce) when Bryce confronts him, but Randy’s really nice about everything.
Overall, it was a really fun read.

My personal rating: 4/5 stars.

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

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friends and family know I love stories...all genres, aimed at all age groups and I'm often given bags/boxes or armfuls of books to give away or trade. Some months ago my nephew dropped off a box full of treasures for me to sort through and I immediately pulled out a dozen or so to read before dispersing. I've really enjoyed this series, so much so that I am actually considering buying the remaining volumes beyond the first six that I was given. The stories feature a blended family including the twins, age 13, who take center state solving the mysteries that pop up in every installment. I particularly like the fact that the parents are not thought of as TSTL by the kids and are actually appreciated and loved, even though there are events and emotions that rock the boat (keeping the relationships from being syrupy sweet and totally unbelievable). Despite the fact that they are Christian fiction, I don't find the tone of the books too preachy, though the Biblical references are certainly present.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy smells from the bakery. An old woman's expression looked like an alligator jumped out of her tea. Step sister who sneers. Destroyed mailboxes. Some thought it was space aliens telling us something. Bryce thinks it's their stepsister's boyfriend, Randy. Ashley's interest peaks in a missing person's case. Danielle Garcia. Mrs. Garcia tells Ashley about the case.

Great story with a lot of mystery. The characters keep the plot moving and my interest high. Questions form throughout the story. Answers I looked forward to.

[Geneva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is soooo awesome! I love this series. Jerry B. Jenkins is one one of my favorite authors. This book is about twin siblings that find a mystery everywhere they go. The suspense is great. When Ashley starts investigating ill tempered lunch lady, Miss Garcia's missing baby. Bryce starts investigating crushed mailboxes. They find themselves in a whirlwind of action packed mystery.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Mrs. Garcia found her daughter finally. My least favorite part was when they blamed Randy for smashing the mailboxes, when they didn't really have enough evidence that it was him. If they asked right away, it would have been quicker to find the culprit.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit unbelievable, perhaps, but overall a great story. Clean and fascinating for the younger set.

[Carlene Renner]

great

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more mysteries!

[Logan Hudacek]

The thing that I really liked about this book is that there was two mysteries going on at one time.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great book. It's the third book of the Red Rock Mystery Series. In thins book the main characters are twins named Bryce and Ashley. In the beginning of the story they discovered that someone was vandalizing all of the mailboxes on their street. They decide to try to find the suspect. By working together Bryce and Ashley find themselves solving many mysteries. Together they make a great team. I'd recommend this book to all readers. It's entertaining, and easy to read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 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! We would stay up late at night to finish these books. That was when Mom worked night shift, so we didn't have to worry about waking anyone with our laugher. I wish I could live those times over again!!

[Green Lantern · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, mail box are getting busted and Bruce tries to find out who has done it. Mean wile Ashley tries to find an missing child. Over all, really good. Most of the family are Christians and they pray all through out the book

[i have moments of nonthinkingness *miranda* · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked this one but again...it has been a while since i read them so i can't really tell u anything about them.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book a lot! I LUV this series! :)

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an amazing book and I love these books they in spire me not to give up until you finish!!!!!!!!!:)

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short YA novel… I found the short chapters and switching POV's a little irritating, but the story line was interesting.