mrskatiefitz's review
4.0
In this second book in the Superstition Mountain trilogy, Henry, Jack, and Simon have all been grounded in the aftermath of their actions in the first book, Missing on Superstition Mountain, and their friend, Delilah, is still recovering from her broken leg. Even though they have already disappointed their parents once, the kids still want to venture back to the dangerous mountain for more answers, especially now that they think they might be able find a gold mine. When the boys’ parents leave town for a few days and ask young, clueless Aunt Kathy to come stay with them, they see their chance to go exploring without getting caught. Even Delilah, in her walking cast, refuses to be left behind. But will they be able to make it back up the mountain and down again in one piece? And what happens if they get caught - either by their parents, or by someone much more sinister?
Though I still don’t necessarily think this story needed to be told in three separate books, I really enjoy Elise Broach’s writing. While this is a definitely an adventure story, with elements of mystery, she also works in a lot of character development and interesting relationships between the characters. Delilah is not quite as well-rounded as the three brothers, but the conversations between Delilah and Henry and Delilah and Simon reveal quite a bit about the ways boys and girls relate to each other in the elementary school years. I also like the way each boy has his own different strengths and interests, each of which come into play as their second book of adventures unfolds.
This second story doesn’t answer many of the questions raised in the first book, but it does make the reader even more curious to find out how everything is going to turn out. I am especially drawn to the mysterious town librarian, who seems to be in cahoots with the sheriff, and who has the same name - and possibly even the same face - as a historical figure from the town who is long dead. This is not a series for readers who require instant gratification, but for those who don’t mind a slow-moving storyline where the height of excitement is kept waiting until almost the end, this is a great adventure story that I am confident will have a satisfying conclusion when the last book comes out. Also, don’t miss the author’s note that tells how some of the story is based in reality.
Though I still don’t necessarily think this story needed to be told in three separate books, I really enjoy Elise Broach’s writing. While this is a definitely an adventure story, with elements of mystery, she also works in a lot of character development and interesting relationships between the characters. Delilah is not quite as well-rounded as the three brothers, but the conversations between Delilah and Henry and Delilah and Simon reveal quite a bit about the ways boys and girls relate to each other in the elementary school years. I also like the way each boy has his own different strengths and interests, each of which come into play as their second book of adventures unfolds.
This second story doesn’t answer many of the questions raised in the first book, but it does make the reader even more curious to find out how everything is going to turn out. I am especially drawn to the mysterious town librarian, who seems to be in cahoots with the sheriff, and who has the same name - and possibly even the same face - as a historical figure from the town who is long dead. This is not a series for readers who require instant gratification, but for those who don’t mind a slow-moving storyline where the height of excitement is kept waiting until almost the end, this is a great adventure story that I am confident will have a satisfying conclusion when the last book comes out. Also, don’t miss the author’s note that tells how some of the story is based in reality.
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