What do you think?
The Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Breaking and Entering
In a small Virginia town, outside a mysterious government facility, four homeschooled teenagers investigate a series of murders and other crimes while wrestling with challenges of faith, family, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
A tragic explosion devastates the town of Steven's Mill, Virginia. Was it an accident, or was it part of a larger plot to take over the town and shut down the work going on at the secret command center?
This first adventure in the Mount Hideaway Mysteries series of books and movies sets the stage for all the action and intrigue that awaits, and as the prequel to the popular movie Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Exes and Oh No's.
With gripping drama and entertainment from a faith-based perspective, the story's characters wrestle with tragedy, danger, and mystery while also pursuing relationships with God.
A tragic explosion devastates the town of Steven's Mill, Virginia. Was it an accident, or was it part of a larger plot to take over the town and shut down the work going on at the secret command center?
This first adventure in the Mount Hideaway Mysteries series of books and movies sets the stage for all the action and intrigue that awaits, and as the prequel to the popular movie Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Exes and Oh No's.
With gripping drama and entertainment from a faith-based perspective, the story's characters wrestle with tragedy, danger, and mystery while also pursuing relationships with God.
251 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 26, 2021
"Father God, we're in a mess. Maybe we should have listened or asked for help. Right now, we're not even sure if we're doing the right thing. But we need to know you're there with us. That you've got this even if we don't."
"Just help us, please."
This is just one of many prayers in Breaking and Entering, the first book in the Mount Hideaway Series. Four teenagers find themselves involved in investigating some mysterious occurrences in Steven's Mill, Virginia, and it's apparent that there are evil forces involved. As they seek answers for the corruption and murders in their hometown. they are given a glimpse of what being an adult means. Will they succeed in saving Steven's Mill?
This is a great book for avid readers, but it's also a terrific story to attract reluctant readers. It's filled with danger, excitement, and suspense, and the four homeschooled teen characters are especially appealing. I like that they are portrayed as normal teens, sometimes plagued with doubts and insecurities, but also possessing unique talents. Bethany, Amy, Rose, and Jamie share a special friendship, and working together, they make a formidable team.
Parents will appreciate that this clean, young-adult mystery shows teens and their families in a loving, Christian relationship. It does, however, end in a cliff-hanger!
I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own personal thoughts.
"Just help us, please."
This is just one of many prayers in Breaking and Entering, the first book in the Mount Hideaway Series. Four teenagers find themselves involved in investigating some mysterious occurrences in Steven's Mill, Virginia, and it's apparent that there are evil forces involved. As they seek answers for the corruption and murders in their hometown. they are given a glimpse of what being an adult means. Will they succeed in saving Steven's Mill?
This is a great book for avid readers, but it's also a terrific story to attract reluctant readers. It's filled with danger, excitement, and suspense, and the four homeschooled teen characters are especially appealing. I like that they are portrayed as normal teens, sometimes plagued with doubts and insecurities, but also possessing unique talents. Bethany, Amy, Rose, and Jamie share a special friendship, and working together, they make a formidable team.
Parents will appreciate that this clean, young-adult mystery shows teens and their families in a loving, Christian relationship. It does, however, end in a cliff-hanger!
I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own personal thoughts.
March 23, 2021
As a long-time homeschooling mother (yep, I was one of those people teaching my kids at home before it was cool) and a former homeschool student, I do my best to stay on top of books that represent homeschooled children. And, honestly…? It’s not hard. There are few enough books that have a homeschooled character as a primary or even secondary character that I can easily keep up. (Can this year of learning at home for the general public change that, authors, please?) Quite often, unfortunately, descriptions of homeschoolers fall into the same old stereotypes (you can read my review of Alice’s Farm for more on that topic). I’m pleased to say that today’s book gets homeschooling right.
Here is the description from the publisher:
In a small Virginia town outside a mysterious government facility, four homeschooled teenagers investigate a series of murders and other crimes while wrestling with challenges of faith, family, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
A tragic explosion devastates the town of Steven’s Mill, Virginia. Was it an accident or was it part of a larger plot to take over the town and shut down the work going on at the secret command center?
This first book in the “Mount Hideaway Mysteries” series of books and movies sets the stage for all the action and adventure to come.
This series features gripping drama and entertainment from a faith-based perspective. Teens and adults in the stories wrestle with tragedy, danger, and relationships while they also pursue their relationships with God.
What I liked: I really enjoyed reading about homeschoolers without constantly rolling my eyes at the stereotypes (What about socialization? Can you go to college? Don’t you miss riding the bus?) cropping up every other page or so. If you’re curious what it looks like to be part of a homeschool co-op (just one type of homeschooling, where parents teach classes one or two days a week to a larger group of students, rather than just their own kids) in highschool, I can’t actually think of any other book to refer you to.
I also enjoyed that the characters live out–as well as struggle with–their Christian faith, without proselytising being the main point of the book. While faith is central to the story, there is a separate, distinct plot. I loved how faith is so integral to the characters’ lives that it’s part of the plot and setting and character growth without being in your face about it.
The plot was fun–very reminiscent of Nancy Drew, if Nancy was a homeschooled Christian teenager in Virginia.
What I didn’t love: Unfortunately, there were a lot of copyediting fails in this self-published work. And here’s the thing: I presume homeschoolers are going to be the main audience of this book. If there’s one stereotype about homeschoolers that might be true, it’s that we tend to go a little bit crazy on the grammar and copyediting. (Okay, okay, not all homeschoolers are grammar police…but a lot of us are. Inordinately so. Trust me–one of them will almost definitely find a typo on this post and let me know about it… ;)) So the character names’ changing spelling randomly, the sentence fragments, the lack of consistent formatting may drive the target audience a little crazy.
I also found the characters to be a little similar for my taste. Sometimes they were described in one way but seemed to act in a very different way.
This is just me–but I am NOT a fan of books ending on a cliff hanger, with unresolved plot points.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for books that accurately represent Christian and homeschooled characters, take a look! But be prepared to brush over some copyediting issues (here’s hoping they can address those soon so this will appeal to a wider audience).
Here is the description from the publisher:
In a small Virginia town outside a mysterious government facility, four homeschooled teenagers investigate a series of murders and other crimes while wrestling with challenges of faith, family, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
A tragic explosion devastates the town of Steven’s Mill, Virginia. Was it an accident or was it part of a larger plot to take over the town and shut down the work going on at the secret command center?
This first book in the “Mount Hideaway Mysteries” series of books and movies sets the stage for all the action and adventure to come.
This series features gripping drama and entertainment from a faith-based perspective. Teens and adults in the stories wrestle with tragedy, danger, and relationships while they also pursue their relationships with God.
What I liked: I really enjoyed reading about homeschoolers without constantly rolling my eyes at the stereotypes (What about socialization? Can you go to college? Don’t you miss riding the bus?) cropping up every other page or so. If you’re curious what it looks like to be part of a homeschool co-op (just one type of homeschooling, where parents teach classes one or two days a week to a larger group of students, rather than just their own kids) in highschool, I can’t actually think of any other book to refer you to.
I also enjoyed that the characters live out–as well as struggle with–their Christian faith, without proselytising being the main point of the book. While faith is central to the story, there is a separate, distinct plot. I loved how faith is so integral to the characters’ lives that it’s part of the plot and setting and character growth without being in your face about it.
The plot was fun–very reminiscent of Nancy Drew, if Nancy was a homeschooled Christian teenager in Virginia.
What I didn’t love: Unfortunately, there were a lot of copyediting fails in this self-published work. And here’s the thing: I presume homeschoolers are going to be the main audience of this book. If there’s one stereotype about homeschoolers that might be true, it’s that we tend to go a little bit crazy on the grammar and copyediting. (Okay, okay, not all homeschoolers are grammar police…but a lot of us are. Inordinately so. Trust me–one of them will almost definitely find a typo on this post and let me know about it… ;)) So the character names’ changing spelling randomly, the sentence fragments, the lack of consistent formatting may drive the target audience a little crazy.
I also found the characters to be a little similar for my taste. Sometimes they were described in one way but seemed to act in a very different way.
This is just me–but I am NOT a fan of books ending on a cliff hanger, with unresolved plot points.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for books that accurately represent Christian and homeschooled characters, take a look! But be prepared to brush over some copyediting issues (here’s hoping they can address those soon so this will appeal to a wider audience).
March 27, 2021
I love finding great books, and since finding great books for teens is even harder than finding great books for kids, I love that even more. That’s why I was excited for the opportunity to read Mount Hideaway Mysteries: Breaking and Entering by Vincent Christopher.
Breaking and Entering includes some really neat angles that will definitely appeal to the teens in my sphere when I pass this book along – which I’ll definitely be doing. The characters in the story are all homeschooled, and that educational path is presented in a very positive light – which isn’t always the case in other books. The kids are all Christians at different places in their faith journeys but encourage each other and pray together when the situation warrants it. They’re each shown as individuals who have been encouraged to examine their gifts and talents and use them to prepare for their future. Dating, while shown to be an important part of relationships, is also portrayed as something that doesn’t need to be hurried, expensive, or veneered, but that it’s okay to wait for someone who shares core values and to treat that person with respect.
I love all of these aspects of this book, and I’ll eagerly tell others about it because of these.
Breaking and Entering is also unique in that it’s a faith-filled story about a murderous plot, forensic science, and greedy intrigue. They don’t always pair well together, especially for kids, but I think the author does a great job of keeping faith at the forefront of the action and causing the reader to examine events through that lens.
The story is written from the perspective of several of the characters, though, and while this omniscient view helps the reader to dive deeper into the mind of each of those characters, it can get a little confusing at times. I enjoyed the characters and the plot more than enough to keep going, though, and couldn’t wait to find out what happened.
‘What happened’ was also a bit confusing, though, and I believe that was intentionally done. The book is billed as a series, although I can only find Breaking and Entering out there. It is also a movie with a sequel on the way, though both of those happen years after this book takes place. While the movie sounds interesting and I’d like to watch it, I’m much more interested in reading a sequel to this book. There were a few holes in the plot and a few herrings thrown out that I really want to follow into the future to see if I’m reading the clues properly. I think that there could be great potential for more faith-filled action, although the ending of this book did make that just a bit more difficult.
All in all, the ending of Breaking and Entering made me want to read a sequel, and since that doesn’t seem to be possible yet, I’m dissecting this one and going back through it mentally – and isn’t that the best kind of book? One that keeps you invested in the story long after you’ve turned the last page?
I received a free copy of this book from Front Gate Media. All opinions are my own.
Breaking and Entering includes some really neat angles that will definitely appeal to the teens in my sphere when I pass this book along – which I’ll definitely be doing. The characters in the story are all homeschooled, and that educational path is presented in a very positive light – which isn’t always the case in other books. The kids are all Christians at different places in their faith journeys but encourage each other and pray together when the situation warrants it. They’re each shown as individuals who have been encouraged to examine their gifts and talents and use them to prepare for their future. Dating, while shown to be an important part of relationships, is also portrayed as something that doesn’t need to be hurried, expensive, or veneered, but that it’s okay to wait for someone who shares core values and to treat that person with respect.
I love all of these aspects of this book, and I’ll eagerly tell others about it because of these.
Breaking and Entering is also unique in that it’s a faith-filled story about a murderous plot, forensic science, and greedy intrigue. They don’t always pair well together, especially for kids, but I think the author does a great job of keeping faith at the forefront of the action and causing the reader to examine events through that lens.
The story is written from the perspective of several of the characters, though, and while this omniscient view helps the reader to dive deeper into the mind of each of those characters, it can get a little confusing at times. I enjoyed the characters and the plot more than enough to keep going, though, and couldn’t wait to find out what happened.
‘What happened’ was also a bit confusing, though, and I believe that was intentionally done. The book is billed as a series, although I can only find Breaking and Entering out there. It is also a movie with a sequel on the way, though both of those happen years after this book takes place. While the movie sounds interesting and I’d like to watch it, I’m much more interested in reading a sequel to this book. There were a few holes in the plot and a few herrings thrown out that I really want to follow into the future to see if I’m reading the clues properly. I think that there could be great potential for more faith-filled action, although the ending of this book did make that just a bit more difficult.
All in all, the ending of Breaking and Entering made me want to read a sequel, and since that doesn’t seem to be possible yet, I’m dissecting this one and going back through it mentally – and isn’t that the best kind of book? One that keeps you invested in the story long after you’ve turned the last page?
I received a free copy of this book from Front Gate Media. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2021
Not too often do you come across a book with kiddos that are homeschoolers. I love that my kids have characters in books that are homeschooled like them. Not all books are typical homeschoolers and make you want to cringe! No odd kids that aren’t socialized, and portray realistic homeschool kids and family overall. Now that I got that out of the way I can move on to the story.
The characters come from a Christian family and take their faith serious. At the same time it feels like it is real life everyday faith and the story doesn’t come off as preachy. The characters are many and all of them are unique and it makes the story fun.
I haven’t watched any of the movies or even knew about them before I read the book. My kids like books that have mystery, suspense, and intrigue. The book keeps a good pace and the plot is interesting. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this product from FrontGate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest review.
The characters come from a Christian family and take their faith serious. At the same time it feels like it is real life everyday faith and the story doesn’t come off as preachy. The characters are many and all of them are unique and it makes the story fun.
I haven’t watched any of the movies or even knew about them before I read the book. My kids like books that have mystery, suspense, and intrigue. The book keeps a good pace and the plot is interesting. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this product from FrontGate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2021
I have mixed thoughts on this one. I like that the story was faith-based and that it was an integral element to each of the characters without coming off as preachy or shallow. I like that homeschooling was not treated as it tends to be stereotyped in today's world. The danger and mystery were intriguing. For the life of me though, I couldn't get past the fact the characters were too young to be involved with the level of danger surrounding a murder mystery. On the plus side though, it's still a much safer read than something they would end up with from the secular shelves. I think it would hold the attention of avid YA readers and the mystery does keep the pages turning. I would say it's up to the individual parents to determine if this would be a fit for their kids to read.
*I received a copy of this book through FrontGate Media. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
*I received a copy of this book through FrontGate Media. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
March 30, 2021
I love books for young readers that are interesting, fun and have a message that is clear! This first book in the series is Mount Hideaway and I enjoyed it! From the opening scene where the kids are on their first “adventure” I was hooked!
The main characters are a group of youth that have very different personalities. I suspect that most readers would relate with at least one of these characters and the group in general. As a mom, I enjoyed that the parents of the youth in the book are relatable, as well, and invested in their children. They are not portrayed in a negative light but instead very positively. I always appreciate books that put an emphasis on family and sibling relationships.
This is the first book in the series and there is a set of movies set to release as well.
NOTE : I received a free copy of Mount Hideaway, these thought are entirely my own.
The main characters are a group of youth that have very different personalities. I suspect that most readers would relate with at least one of these characters and the group in general. As a mom, I enjoyed that the parents of the youth in the book are relatable, as well, and invested in their children. They are not portrayed in a negative light but instead very positively. I always appreciate books that put an emphasis on family and sibling relationships.
This is the first book in the series and there is a set of movies set to release as well.
NOTE : I received a free copy of Mount Hideaway, these thought are entirely my own.
April 1, 2021
As a homeschooling mother, I always enjoy finding new books and series for young adults to read, and Mount Hideaway Mysteries meets my expectations. Full of adventure, action, and suspense, these books will capture the attention of people of all ages. I find the characters interesting, and the storyline engaging. I appreciate the positive way the author portrays Christians and homeschoolers.
The storyline includes a strong female lead, excellent family relationships, along with action, grief, and more. This book probably suits young adults and teens on up best. So if you enjoy action-filled stories that contain a message of faith, check out this book for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The storyline includes a strong female lead, excellent family relationships, along with action, grief, and more. This book probably suits young adults and teens on up best. So if you enjoy action-filled stories that contain a message of faith, check out this book for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2021
Friends and teenage sleuths investigate a series of murders. The plot thickens and they find themselves in dangerous situations and fall back on their faith in God to see them through.
I enjoyed the depth of each character as they come to grip with family issues, relationships, and becoming adults.
The story is based on faith and how each character seeks a relationship with God. There are a lot of suspenseful moments, mystery, and danger to keep the reader engaged.
As an adult reader, I found the book very enjoyable. The ending wrapped up everything nicely but set the reader up for the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the depth of each character as they come to grip with family issues, relationships, and becoming adults.
The story is based on faith and how each character seeks a relationship with God. There are a lot of suspenseful moments, mystery, and danger to keep the reader engaged.
As an adult reader, I found the book very enjoyable. The ending wrapped up everything nicely but set the reader up for the next book in the series.
April 11, 2021
I have to say I was a little disappointed in this book. I like that God was mentioned frequently and the teens tried to live for God. The story line was hard to follow as it was told from different viewpoints. Personally, I didn't feel really connected to the characters. Hopefully future books in this series will be better.
February 3, 2021
Buy this for your teen daughter
I saw the movie and was looking forward to checking out the book for my daughter.
It’s an exciting and action-filled teen mystery, but what I like the most is the portrayal of the relationships between teens and their parents.
It’s not sugar-coated, and there’s lots of juicy conflict. But unlike so many other young-adult stories, the parents in this book are intelligent, caring, and engaged in the lives of their kids.
I also appreciate the respect shown to homeschoolers. Happy to see that woven throughout the book.
Looking forward to more in the series.
I saw the movie and was looking forward to checking out the book for my daughter.
It’s an exciting and action-filled teen mystery, but what I like the most is the portrayal of the relationships between teens and their parents.
It’s not sugar-coated, and there’s lots of juicy conflict. But unlike so many other young-adult stories, the parents in this book are intelligent, caring, and engaged in the lives of their kids.
I also appreciate the respect shown to homeschoolers. Happy to see that woven throughout the book.
Looking forward to more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews