Riddle of the Ruby Ring

Baker Family Adventures #3

by C.R. Hedgcock

"Shhh! Something's up," Andy hissed, not slowing down. The others, too, began rushing up the hill, and it was Phil's turn to quiet them in an urgent tone and signal for them to stay low. Nothing could have prepared them for what they saw when they got to the top. "What are they doing?" Emily whispered, her eyes wide. "This is our land!" "I don't know," Phil replied grimly. "Whatever it is, I'm calling the police." The skies are clear, the weather is beautiful, and the Bakers are eager to welcome a new family, the Wilburs, to the farm next-door. Phil, Abby, Andy, and Tom Baker are learning how to relate to their new friends when they discover a mysterious crate hiding an ancient ruby ring which triggers strange activity on the Wilburs' farm. A trail of clues leads to two conflicting stories of strife in the Old West, but it seems that the theft and aggression surrounding this ring haven't stayed in the past. When the safety of both families is threatened, it's up to the Bakers to figure out what is going on before it's too late. Can the Bakers bring an end to a legacy of conflict and restore honor to a tarnished family name? Can Andy learn the secret of his older brother's courage? And, can they solve the baffling riddle of the ruby ring? The Baker Family Adventures series follows the exciting lives of Mr. and Mrs. Baker and their four responsible Phil, sensible Abby, daring Andy, and inquisitive Tom. The Bakers are a Christian homeschooling family who, in their desire to help others, frequently find themselves in dangerous situations where they must grow in courage and learn important lessons of godliness. Riddle of the Ruby Ring is Book Three in the Baker Family Adventures series.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Adventure

231 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Phoebs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 this was a good book 😊

[Lydia Willcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Riddle of the Ruby Ring. Unlike the first two in the series, it did not feel as if it took a long time to get anywhere. The mystery began fairly early on, and as a result I was drawn into the story much more quickly.
The character building in this one is even better than in the first two. Andy, in particular... I think the author handled that part very realistically. The climax was well done and highly suspenseful
Spoilers
I’m glad to finally know the secret of the watch and the locket… I’ve been wondering about that since Book 1! I must say though, I do think it’s odd that Mr and Mrs Baker thought it necessary to hide the knowledge from their children – particularly Phil, who was surely old enough to be trusted with a secret like that? And why did it have to be a secret at all? I really don't like it that Mr and Mrs Baker saw no problem with tracking their children without their knowledge - particularly as at that time they had only been through one dangerous adventure and there was no hint of something like that ever happening again. It's quite bad enough with Andy and Abby - but Phil is even worse. He is an adult, and they really have no right to do that.
All the same, the parents' actions aside, the tracking devices make an interesting new feature to the series. I look forward to seeing how they will use them in later books!
End of spoilers
I’m starting to really enjoy this series now, and I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Autumn Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series continues to capture me! I'm never bored reading these books!

But I also wonder how the Baker family always stumbles on mystery after mystery, where as I have never found myself solving a mystery anywhere close to the ones they face! *laughs* That aspect seems a little far fetched.

Another thing I disliked is how perfect the children seem to be. No fighting at all. I love my family so much, but I still fight sometimes. One scene finds Abby standing horrified as her friend fights with her little brother. Abby is completely shaken by this even and runs to her room to cry. She mentions having the same problems with her twins years earlier, but now it seems that she is past that and the concept of a fight is so foreign to her that watching her friends do it utterly astounds her. *puzzled face*

Regardless, these books are a great read, full of adventure, fun and timeless truths. I would definitely recommend!

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say, C.R. Hedgcock is a very good writer. This book, just by the title, sounded intriguing.

I really enjoyed this mystery and again, as always, loved how Miss Hedgcock incorporated Biblical truths throughout this book.

I recommend this book to ages 10+

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of books would be great gifts for kids and adults of any age. Intrigue, mystery, and plot twists...oh my!

[ETHAN KING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contained many insights into how siblings and family should treat each other, and dealt with hard relationships. Resolved beautifully.
Ok look, some people might argue that is wasn’t wonderfully written since there were a couple far fetched ideas in regards to the plot. I still loved the book for the thoughts the author had on family/sibling relationships, even though it won’t go down in history as the world’s most eloquent book.
CONTENT: as clean as books get. All ages should read this one, and I would recommend it as a read aloud!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the series! Again, C. R. Hedgcock has delivered an exciting, gripping, and well-written story, while still keeping it clean, family-oriented, and an example of good morals and faith.

[Miriam Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was also a good one, but not one of my favorites.