Stolen Secrets

The Red Rock Mysteries #2

by Jerry B. Jenkins, Chris Fabry

Watch out! The Timberline twins are on the loose. Bryce and Ashley are ATV-riding tweens from Colorado who unearth action-packed mystery and adventure wherever they go. From clearing the name of a local miscreant to thwarting a gold-stealing heist, the twins' growing faith and the strong example of their parents guide them through even the most life-threatening situations. With the trademark page-turner style used by Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry in the Left Behind: The Kids series, these fast-paced books will keep even reluctant readers on the edge of their seats. Readers will definitely get hooked by the unbelievable cliff-hanger at the end of book one, Haunted Waters. Perfect for ages 8-12.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Young Adult

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Jerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[C.B. Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this book. I mean, so much. The end made me tear up, which means it was good. ;) Very, very few books can make me get emotional. Then again, this also wasn't a fangirly kind of emotion, which is rarer, so there is that.

I easily predicted Sam's occupation - not the details, but the basics. And I also thought it was predictable that Ashley won the dance shoes, but it was also pretty sweet. And also, sometimes these people ARE NOT SMART. XD

Overall, great book! I'm glad I already have books 3 and 4. ;)

[Josalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Star Rating:
I give Stolen Secrets rating (Red Rocks Mysteries book number 2, by author Jerry B. Jenkins) a 3 star rating. I only gave this book 3 stars for several reasons. Number one, Jenkins did not finish the cliffhanger that was left at the end of the first book until the last five pages of this book. I believe Jenkins did this to encourage readers to keep reading. However, I would rather he reveal the end of the cliffhanger toward the beginning of Stolen Secrets. Instead, he introduced a whole new plot before finishing the cliffhanger. I felt frustrated while reading the book because I was unsure of what was happening.
The second reason I only gave this book 3 stars is because I compared it to book one in the series, Haunted Waters. Stolen Secrets has numerous climatic scenarios compared to the first book (Haunted Waters). Haunted Waters had only one to two climaxes. This book was more clear and focused. I understood the plot better because I was not distracted by many different issues, as in Stolen Secrets.
The third reason I feel Stolen Secrets only deserves a 3 star rating has to do with the organization of the book’s numerous plots. Not only did Jenkins write numerous climaxes, but I feel they were scattered. I feel the book would have been better organized if he stayed on one plot before moving on to another. Although, this did make the book more exciting because there were more unexpected situations happening at one time.

Favorite quote:
There are a lot of good quotes from the book, but my favorite is “you told us you killed our father, and then you wouldn't say anything more. What was I supposed to do, let it go?” I chose this as my favorite quote because it sums up how I felt when I finished the first book and began the second. I was hoping to find out what happened, but the author didn’t say anything about it until the end of the second book. So the whole time I was reading, I wondered, am I just supposed to let it go?

Plot Summary:
Bryce and Ashley Timberline are the main characters. They are twins. The series Red Rocks Mysteries is all about Bryce and Ashley solving mysteries. Book one ends with their stepdad Sam telling them that he killed their real father. Their mom says she already knew about this. In book two, we find out at the end, that someone planned an attack on the stepdad. The twin’s dad was killed in this attack, but Sam was not. Sam blames himself for their father’s death.
Before the author explains this cliffhanger, there were a bunch of other mysteries the twins had to solve before they figured out the mystery of their dad’s mysterious death. One mystery they solved was a “kidnapping”. Two girls staged their own fake kidnapping to not get in trouble for being late to school. They framed a shady character named Danny Ogilvie of kidnapping them. Ashley and Bryce first solved the disappearance of Danny. They then figured out the kidnapping was a set-up and helped to get Danny out of jail.

Themes:
One of the themes of Stolen Secrets is “don’t lie because of the consequences that will come out of it.” This is shown in many different ways throughout the story. The girls who faked their kidnapping and blamed Danny caused Danny and his family a lot of stress. Ashley and Bryce lied to their mom when they went to Danny’s house instead of school. This scared their mom, and in result, their mom took away their ATVs as punishment.
Another theme is “do your best to listen to your parents and follow their rules.” Ashley and Bryce were almost killed because they disobeyed their parents. They went outside after dark, even though their parents don’t allow them to. They lost their helmets and almost were attacked by a mountain lion.

Personal Book Recommendations:
I recommend reading book one Haunted Waters before reading this book, Stolen Secrets. I also recommend reading book three, Missing Pieces. There are fifteen books in this series. I recommend reading the entire series.

[Bcs (Sarah. B) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Review:

Stolen Secrets by Jerry B Jenkins

Rating: Four stars

Language/Profanity: NA

Faith: Praying; talk of how characters are Christians; a character has cancer and he wonders why God allows bad things to happen; Reading the Bible and thoughts on what was read.

Romance/Sex: Crushes.

Violence ect.: Two girls say they were kidnapped and tied up.

Other: The main character's family had people die in a plane crash.

Part of a Series: Book two in the series called Red Rock Mysteries.

Synopsis:
The quiet community of Red Rock is upset by an apparent abduction attempt on two middle school girls.

Bible Verse
Luke 10:36-37 KJV
[36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryce and Ashley Timberline wonder what their stepdad is hiding. As they discover more about his past, the twins fear all is not as it seems. The Timberline twins are on the loose. Bryce and Ashley are ATV-riding tweens from Colorado who unearth action-packed mystery and adventure wherever they go. From clearing the name of a local miscreant to thwarting a gold-stealing heist, the twins’ growing faith and the strong example of their parents guide them through even the most life-threatening situations.

A mystery. Mystery solving twins. Great action. Interesting plot. Clues along the way with a twist or two. I'm enjoying this series. Bible plus kids equal great story.

[Geneva · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Bryce and Ashley Timberline are still getting adjusted to life with a new dad. Sam is hiding something and as Bryce and Ashley discover more about his past they begin to fear that all is not as it seems. Someone has been stealing food from their freezer, but who? Two gils say that they have been attacked and tied up but Ashley has her suspicions. Danny Ogilvie, the person who has been accused has gone missing. Did the girls lie? Did Danny really go bad? You won't know unless you read it.

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is refreshing to read a book aimed at tweens that doesn't feature smart-mouthed kids who hate their parents. The story does address some issues that face that age group and the associated angst is dealt with in a thoughtful (and, yes - Christian) manner. I was happy that a major cliff-hanger from the first book was dealt with early in the series and I will enjoy watching the relationship with the twins and their stepfather continue to change and become stronger.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when they proved that Danny was innocent, and that Cammy and Tracy were lying just to get attention and to not get in trouble for being late to school. My least favorite part was when no one was allowed outside freely because they thought that there was a dangerous criminal on the loose who might kidnap somebody, but there wasn't.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this 5 stars because I read it to my 8 year old grandson and he never moved a muscle. He thought is was "awesome" and asked it we could read the next book. The events kept us both on the edge of our seats. He was sure Danny didn't do it and voiced it at every mention of the name. The twins are young and easy for him to relate to.

[Logan Hudacek]

I wish that Dylan was in the book more, he was really only talked about a couple of times. What I really liked is that anyone who reads the book is able to solve (Most of) the mystery before them. Anyway I really enjoyed the book and I hope others do to.

[Emani Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of this series really drew me into the entire plot. Finding the truth about Bryce and Ashley's past provided the theme of forgiveness and hope. It also had the perfect balance of Bryce and Ashley's teenage life and growing faith in Christ.

[Gabriela Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is currently my favorite series. I can't wait to read the third book. Both kids are facing the truth that their step dad gave the .

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two girls apparently got kidnapped, and the police suspect a guy named Danny did it. The Timberline twins find startling new evidence that says Danny is innocent.
This book was great! I loved it!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Fun storyline. Believable mystery.

[Carlene Renner]

great

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

[Luke]

My.

[Elina K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I am currently on the fourth book of this series, and I've been loving it.
They are so interesting. I would highly recommend reading this series.

[McKenna Resseguie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book love the mystery and the family relationship that grows alongside their faith

[Becca Wierwille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun mystery about the Timberline twins, their bravery and thoughtfulness, and their passion for discovering the truth!

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number of pages: 198

Genre: Mystery/Children’s fiction

Series: Red Rock Mysteries #2 (must be read in order)

Age recommendation: 9-13

Summary: After the bombshell their stepdad dropped on the twins, Bryce and Ashley don’t know if they can trust him anymore. As they try to figure out what Sam meant by saying he killed their father, they run into another problem: an attack on two of their classmates from Red Rock Middle school.

My thoughts: The more times I read this story the less I like it. Here’s what I didn’t like this time around: the conversation doesn’t flow at all. I understand how what is said could make sense in context, but it often requires a few more words of explanation to make full sense. For example, this is what happens on page 125: (Ashley’s mom asked her to get corn from the freezer in the barn and there wasn’t any so she came back inside…) ”I opened the kitchen freezer and pulled out a dwindling bag of peas. “Mom, we must have used the corn already.” “You hate peas,” she said.” I get that her mom supposedly looked over and saw Ashley with the peas and made a comment, but it is badly written and there are some more situations like this in the book.
It’s also kind of sad because Ashley and Bryce are trying the whole time to figure out what Sam meant by saying he killed their father. I can’t pretend to know what it would be like to lose your dad but I know it would be extremely difficult, especially to then have your mom remarry (and then have that stepdad say he was responsible for the death of your biological father). At least this statement is finally resolved at the end of the book.
Stolen Secrets is not as good as I remember it being, but I would still recommend it for 10 to 13-year-olds. (That’s when I liked it the best).

My personal rating: 3/5 stars.

Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

RED ROCK MYSTERIES: STOLEN SECRETS #2

By Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry


When twins Bryce and Ashley Timberline’s new step-dad drops the bombshell that he killed their father they don’t know what to think. Secret phone calls, missing food, and an attack on some middle school students add up to a mystery that doesn’t make sense.

Can Ashley and Bryce untangle the mysteries that they and Red Rock are caught up in? Or will the secrets that surround them destroy their family and an innocent man?

Join the mystery and the search for the truth!

[kristine ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page-turner! Even for adults!

I gave this book such a great review because it is a great book. The characters are somewhere between realistic and heroic, just what makes a good read. I love the way Christianity is shown here. Not everything comes out perfectly. The problems thecharacters face are deep...cancer, death of loved ones, bullying. But there is the hope of our Lord presented often throughout the story. My nephew is grown now but I still enjoy reading a good kids'book!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm particularly fond of this series because I would read them aloud with my sister. I think I connected to the books because the siblings in it shared a bond like the one I shared with my sister. Their relationship was so real! We would spend half as much time laughing as we did reading! We would stay up late at night to finish these books. That was when Mom worked night shift, so we didn't have to worry about waking anyone with our laugher. I wish I could live those times over again!!

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a more satisfying end than the first one. I guess the ending of the first book was to reel readers in for the second, and I suppose it worked. Thankfully, the author didn't try it again for the second book. I suppose I will continue to read the series, because by now I'm sort of attached to the characters and I want to find out how the continue to deal with their circumstances. I guess that's a sign the writer did his job!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a great book. It's the second book of the Red Rock Mysteries series. In this book the main characters names are Bryce and Ashley. They are twins that are 13 years old. They find themselves trying to solve a mystery everywhere they go. This book is easy to read, and very entertaining. Once you pick up the book you just can't stop reading.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd read a later volume in this series and hated it, but I saw this one at a local thrift shop and decided to give the series another try. I quite liked this one - the short chapters keep it moving as does the action.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good series for younger readers. I enjoyed reading this book, too, and I liked that there were two mysteries going on at once. That certainly made it more interesting, although some parts were kind of predictable.

[Green Lantern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce and Ashley find out that there doubted father,Sam, killed there real father and they try to find out( but Sam did not really kill there father). over all really good book. the main characters are christians

[i have moments of nonthinkingness *miranda* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't the best but i still liked it. i read it a while ago so i don't exactly remember a whole lot of it but i know it was good.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dude I luv this series! This book is great! :)