Stolen

Stolen #1

by John Wilson

On a visit to a seaside town in Australia, fifteen-year-old Sam meets Annabel, who works at the local museum. Annabel's interest in history is infectious, and Sam soon finds himself eager to hunt for the remains of a boat called the Mahogany Ship--a shipwreck sought after by many. When a storm creates an erosion hole that exposes a structure, Sam and Annabel are convinced it's the fabled ship. Soon all of the museum staff are at the erosion site to check it out. But the same storm also destroys the museum's power; someone knows the alarms aren't working and steals the museum's most treasured artifact, a large porcelain peacock worth $4 million. As Sam and Annabel search for the thief, they realize there may be a link between the fabled shipwreck and the recent theft.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Teen

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

John Wilson, an ex-geologist and frustrated historian, is the award-winning author of fifty novels and non-fiction books for adults and teens. His passion for history informs everything he writes, from the recreated journal of an officer on Sir John Franklin’s doomed Arctic expedition to young soldiers experiencing the horrors of the First and Second World Wars and a memoir of his own history. John researches and writes in Lantzville on Vancouver Island. There are many more details in his memoir, Lands of Lost Content, https://www.amazon.com/Lands-Lost-Con...

Reviews

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read it to catch up in my reading challenge.
Nothing exciting, basic story line, easily forgettable.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. It was nice to read about another part of the world and the characters were pleasing. Delightful YA story.

[Sheri Radford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great page-turner, sure to captivate reluctant readers.

[S 6Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, Sam was quiet and mysterious, he was very lonesome, this might just be because he is in a new environment. Sam is new to Australia and being new he does not know very many people. "And ill have to begin the find friends routine all over again." Sam says this because he is dreading the move across the world. He hates the fact that he had to move and he does not want to start his life over again. Sam is not only friendless but he is shy, he is shy about the new atmosphere. "Hello", I reply. Then my throat dries up." Sam is showing how shy he is by saying this. Moving to somewhere across the world would be so hard, not even being able to imagine what it'd be like. With contradictions within every action, Sam is a quiet ad mysterious character.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

When fifteen-year-old Sam is forced to vacation in a sleepy beach town in Australia, he’s sure he’ll be bored. When Sam meets Anabel, a teen who works at the local museum, his vacation becomes an adventure as they begin looking for the remains of the Mahogany Ship, a shipwreck many desire to find due to its priceless cargo. When a sudden storm exposes part of a structure on the beach, Sam and Anabel encounter unexpected danger while treasure hunting.

Like most Orca novels, reluctant readers will enjoy this fast-paced story full of likable characters. This book’s reading level is 4.0. Teens who enjoy some history with their mystery and adventure stories will like this one.

[librarianemily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam has been uprooted by his dad and moved from Canada to Australia. One day on the beach he meets Annabel, a girl his age who works at the local history museum. Through Annabel, Sam learns more about the maritime history of the area, and all the ship wrecks that took place there. Annabel pulls him into her search for the Mahogany Ship, and another mystery pops up as well. There's mystery, adventure, and a story of new friendship. I'd recommend this to reluctant readers as the story moves quickly and stays interesting.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Sam is less than thrilled when he and his dad move to Australia, especially when Dad takes them to a little town called Warrnambool for holiday. However, his opinion changes quickly when he meets a pretty girl who can recite over 1000 digits of Pi. Annabel works at a museum with lots of items from shipwrecks that have happened on the coast in that area. But when their most prized item is stolen, Sam and Annabel quickly get caught up in action and danger. A good hi-lo mystery.

[Jake Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book is my great uncle

[Sarah Martiszus · Rating 1 out of 5]

cheesy super short read enjoyable but also not.