Book Review: Summer of Suspense by C.R. Hedgcock

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Description: When Phil, Abby, Andy, and Tom Baker hear that their cousin Millie will visit their farm for the summer, little do they imagine what a dreary time they will have with the snobbish girl. But when Millie disappears, life quickly becomes anything but dreary. What starts out as a summer of chores and horse-riding on the farm turns into a cross-country adventure, as the Bakers find themselves matching wits with a notorious jewelry thief who pulls them into her web. Aided by a seasoned detective, the Bakers confront numerous dangers in their search for Millie, all while attempting to foil the plot of a major crime ring -- making it a summer they will never forget.

I have been interested in this series since it came out, but it wasn’t until they were put on Kindle that I decided to read them. This is the first book in the Baker Family Adventures, a series that is written by a homeschooler, geared for homeschoolers, about homeschoolers.

There are many positive things I can say about this book, but I want to fist talk a little about the elements I didn’t like. First off, it was very violent. Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t a lot of gore, but there is a lot of action violence. I felt that, for the age group it is targeted for, it was a bit excessive. 

My second issue that I had with this book is I thought some parts of this book were a bit disturbing (children being kidnapped and such). Parents will want to read this book before they hand it to younger children.

This book has a lot of good qualities: primarily, the faith element that is woven through the book. The Baker family members are strong believers. Verses are quoted and acting in a godly character is valued. This book did a good job of showing how God fits into everyday life as well as difficult circumstances.

Homeschooling families will also appreciate that homeschooling and large families are shown as sort of a normal thing. Many of us get tired of the book and movie portrayals that always have the homeschool characters being confronted at every turn for their choices. While the characters are challenged in their beliefs at some points, it is mainly in their faith, and they are respectful about it.

There is plenty of action in the book to keep you from being bored, besides plenty of fun settings to keep the imagination working. I can easily see these being books that the family reads aloud and everyone enjoys.

I recommend this for kids who like action, adventure, and contemporary stories.

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