Book: The Inuk Mountie Adventure (A Tom Austen Mystery) by Eric Wilson, Harper Colins, 1996.
Synopsis:
What is the
sinister conspiracy code-named CanSell, and how does it threaten
Canada? Is the nation's handsome Prime Minister really what he seems?
The truth is on a micro-cassette that Tom Austen must somehow find
before a crucial vote by Canadians on the future of the country.
While on a school
trip to Gjoa Haven in the high Arctic, Tom unexpectedly learns the
cassette might be closer than he thought. Between drum dances and
snowmobile chases across the tundra, Tom searches for the cassette and
learns a valuable lesson from the Inuit about the futility of violence.
My Thoughts:
I saw Eric Wilson speak at the Word on the Lake conference in Salmon Arm, BC, and what a pleasure it was! I loved hearing about his writing experiences and how he came to write Canadian mysteries for reluctant readers. Wilson has a knack for combining action and adventure with Canadian history, geography, and politics in order to create fast paced and exciting books that kids will want to read. I know that combination may sound preachy and unappealing, but it's not.
In The Inuk Mountie Adventure, Tom Austin gets caught up in looking for a micro cassette that will lead him to a killer and save Canada from the underhanded plans of a corrupt Prime Minister.
Wilson paints a vivid picture of life in the far north and the culture of the people, as well as creates tension and mystery about who the killer is. I like how Tom is clever and curious and is able to think on his feet. I like that Tom makes mistakes, but is still able to move on.
There is a richness and a straightforwardness to this book that I think kids will love and will have them turning the pages to find out what will happen next. I can see both boys and girls liking this book, as well as reluctant and non reluctant readers.
This sounds intriguing! And I shiver just thinking about its setting.
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