Blog Archives
A Role Model for Children to Admire
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad! follows a fifteen-year-old girl and her siblings in a small Nebraska town who set out to solve the mystery of why her parents were expelled from the town. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I went to a bookfair at my grandchildren’s elementary school and found that the heroes in most of the proffered books were mostly animals and fairies and other imaginary characters, not children. The closest I could come was “Barbie Saves Camp!” I loved the Boxcar children and Nancy Drew books as a child, so the obvious solution was to write books for children that featured smart, compelling kids, meant to be role models to admire and inspire.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Telling and seeking the truth, showing a co-operative spirit, and love between family members are a few. Also, they are Christian children, so they showed this by their actions, i.e. they go to church on Sundays, they pray before meals, ask God for protection when in danger, and thank Him for His help and the many blessings in their lives.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I use a lot of idioms, which I feel is a common language of culture that binds people together, so, something kids should know. Also, I wanted to have these be free-range children, who, in a tight-knit community like Eagle River, Nebraska, can move safely about town without the need for constant adult supervision. And finally, I wanted it to be a compelling read for all ages, in particular older adults, because it harks back to a world of freedom that we remember well. Also, each book comes with a bundle of activities found at http://www.katherineklemp.com
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Eagle River Detectives, Book 2: Timothy Grant, Reluctant Hero was released October 2, 2022,
Eagle River Detectives, Book 3: Hide and Seek was released June 1, 2023, and
Eagle River Detectives, Book 4: The Mystery of the Old House was released October 18, 2023.
Tim takes the lead in Book 2, Gabby in Book 3, and Jodie in Book 4.
This completes the four-book series, The Grant Legacy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Still, she has to admit, there’s more to this little town than she anticipated.
Carly and her siblings form the Eagle River Detectives, determined to uncover hidden family secrets, but as they dig deep, they realize that they may have to risk everything – including their lives – to uncover the truth.
This One’s for You, Dad is the first installment in a thrilling new series that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you love books like Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, you won’t be able to put this one down.
Get your copy now!
This book includes an offer for a FREE bundle of activity sheets.
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad!
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad! Introduces us to the world of Carly Grand, a bright and personable 15-year-old grappling with her father’s death. Relocating to Eagle River with her siblings to live with their grandfather, Carly finds herself in an unfamiliar small-town setting. This change becomes the backdrop for an intriguing journey, as Carly discovers a long-held secret: her parents’ expulsion from the town 14 years prior. The townspeople’s reluctance to discuss past events, coupled with their mixed memories of her parents, sets the stage for Carly and her siblings to embark on a mission with Grant Detectives, Inc. to unearth the truth and vindicate her parents.
Katherine H. Klemp’s narrative excels in portraying the dynamic interactions between young and adult characters. As the protagonist, Carly is particularly compelling, demonstrating a blend of courage and prudence in her quest. The author’s portrayal of the difficulty in bridging the generational communication gap adds a layer of realism to the story. The unfolding of the mystery through these interactions, along with the gradual revelation of clues, is engaging and well-paced. The narrative style is lucid and engaging, with the siblings’ camaraderie injecting a lively and enjoyable element. The novel’s setting is thoughtfully crafted, offering a contemporary ambiance while harking back to a simpler era in a close-knit community. The story occasionally quickens its pace, especially in resolving certain mysteries, adding a dynamic rhythm to the narrative. These shifts bring a sense of immediacy to the plot’s progression. While the character introductions are brisk at the beginning, they lay the groundwork for the richly developed personalities that emerge throughout the story. This brisk pacing and character development contribute to the overall well-structured and engaging narrative, enhancing the depth and complexity of the interactions between Carly’s family and the townspeople.
Eagle River Detectives, Book 1: This One’s For You, Dad! is a compelling mystery that deftly intertwines themes of family, community, and the pursuit of truth. It’s a story that resonates across age groups, appealing not just to young readers but to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted narrative bridging generational divides.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0BB13V9B2
LITERARY TITAN 