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The Nicki Holland Mysteries #8
The Secret of Cravenhill Castle
A shadow fell upon the group as if a huge hand had passed before the sun. A rumble came spiraling down from the clouds overhead, and the wailing of the wind brought goosebumps to Nicki's arms. Nicki looked toward Meredith, who opened her mouth in a soundless scream and pointed to something behind Christine. Coming straight toward them was a radiant ball of dancing light. Without warning, the light ball darted into the leaves of a nearby oak tree. Even the air seemed to hold its breath until the top of the oak tree exploded in a shower of green leaves. Nicki and her friends are thrilled when they receive an invitation to spend a few days at a 500-year-old Irish castle. Shrouded in mystery and fairy legend, the castle is everything they expect, and more! The girls must battle the sea, superstition, and their own fears as they undertake a dangerous search for the legendary treasure of Cravenhill Castle.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
324 books2,028 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 14, 2012
"The Secret Of Cravenhill Castle" peaks interest even if kids drive the narrative. Too bad I coasted on my own hype, saving this for years, because the highly original scenario didn't culminate. First, I issue an unusual compliment. I learned Angela Elwell Hunt pursues youth ministry. Spirituality resonates strong in me but I dislike fiction promoting a religion. I'm impressed Angela didn’t turn this into 'Christian lit' / 'inspirational'. Prayer is mentioned during a few harried moments that felt natural and the plot is sound.
Thirteenth and fourteenth descendents of John Shea face taxes that threaten ownership of their small Irish castle and island. Mrs. Shea befriends an American travelling with her daughter Laura and friends: Meredeth, Kim, Christine, Nicki and asks them over. The son, Trant describes a treasure that would resolve things. A published professor, studying their unique geology and weather, makes an excellent ingredient.
There is danger and three spectacular phenomena highlight the novel. I grant three stars for these and a wonderfully creative plot. Beyond that, the foundation wasn't filled in. This is volume 8 of a series, in which the girls solve cases regularly. Laura is so whiny her incorporation is useless, without her mother. The legend was illogical: John I does what the Danes ask but is memory-wiped so he can’t re-located the treasure? Trant’s broken leg seems contrived, leaving the complete newcomers to explore his beach! This was juvenile for its 'young adult' label but series fans would prefer the boy. There were no clues; the girls merely began to dig and a cat strolled by another location. They explored in the dark and the book ends without the satisfaction of seeing it in daylight. Some portions were very well researched. Then, it was as if Angela suddenly wanted to wrap things up.
Thirteenth and fourteenth descendents of John Shea face taxes that threaten ownership of their small Irish castle and island. Mrs. Shea befriends an American travelling with her daughter Laura and friends: Meredeth, Kim, Christine, Nicki and asks them over. The son, Trant describes a treasure that would resolve things. A published professor, studying their unique geology and weather, makes an excellent ingredient.
There is danger and three spectacular phenomena highlight the novel. I grant three stars for these and a wonderfully creative plot. Beyond that, the foundation wasn't filled in. This is volume 8 of a series, in which the girls solve cases regularly. Laura is so whiny her incorporation is useless, without her mother. The legend was illogical: John I does what the Danes ask but is memory-wiped so he can’t re-located the treasure? Trant’s broken leg seems contrived, leaving the complete newcomers to explore his beach! This was juvenile for its 'young adult' label but series fans would prefer the boy. There were no clues; the girls merely began to dig and a cat strolled by another location. They explored in the dark and the book ends without the satisfaction of seeing it in daylight. Some portions were very well researched. Then, it was as if Angela suddenly wanted to wrap things up.
Displaying 1 of 1 review