Light Riders and the Morenci Mine Murder

by Ann I. Goldfarb

IT WAS ALL IN THE REFRACTION! When 13-year-old Ryn finds himself cleaning out a "hoarder's nest" that belonged to a deceased great, great aunt, he knew the summer was off to an awful start. But what he didn't know was that his "crazy Aunt Zanne" may have used prisms to find a way to travel back in time! It was only when he and his younger sister, Aeden, come across an 80-year-old picture of Ryn that he realizes his aunt may not be so crazy after all. Following the clues she has left for them, Ryn and his sister, Aeden, escape back in time to 1930's Arizona, with Ryn on the Orphan Train from the east and Aeden on a railway car with a mysterious girl. Separated by time and space, the siblings are forced to blend into an unfamiliar culture as they try desperately to find each other. Ryn escapes from the brutal family that "adopts" him only to get caught up with a gang of murderers. His sister is befriended by a streetwise orphan whose values go against everything Aeden was taught.Their only chance for survival rests inside an old mine, but will this be the only clue they cannot find?

310 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

Reviews

[M.J. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I love historic fiction and this book added a twist with the science fiction element. Two siblings find themselves immersed in solving a murder when one of their relatives in France is found dead. They travel back in time to the period of the French Revolution to try to find answers. The author has done a great job of researching the French Revolution, though she allows herself the privilege of some literary license. (Which fiction authors are entitled to, I might add!) One of the characters uses more swear words than I like but other than that I had fun reading every page.

[Gale Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romp through time. Goldfarb's pace is fast and you find yourself immersed in the lives of these characters quickly. The adventure is compelling and the characters believable -- a very enjoyable way to learn more about Paris at the time when The Bastille was under siege. Definitely recommended.

[Beth Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while on a business trip. I really enjoyed the fast pace and the way the future tied into the "past" with the family ties. Well done! I recommend to not only young adults, but anyone who likes a well told story.

[Gale Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great YA read that combines adventure, time travel, history, and just plain fun. Goldfarb's style and quick pace keep you wanting more. Luckily, she's continued this theme into a series, all of which are recommended.