The Beach House Mystery by Tara Ellis is Book 3 of an ongoing series, but it can be read on its own. This was a surprisingly good book, given that it is written in present tense and I usually don’t like novels written like that. The story follows two girls, Sam, and her friend Ally, who visit a beach where Sam’s father is restoring an old boat. What was supposed to be a good vacation on the sand and surf turns out to be a mystery that desperately needs to be solved.

There is a lot going on: there is a sea monster, a mystery of the founder of the town, the lighthouse has a mystery of its own, and there is a ghost that is still looking for her husband. Needless to say, the two girls need help and they get it from Sam’s brother Hunter and his friend John. Together, the foursome needs to solve these mysteries before something big happens. But with so many forces against them, can they do it?

Boy, this was a roller coaster ride that I loved. Sam and Ally are such cool kids. The story reminded me a lot of many R.L. Stine books that I used to read all the time. The dialogues are great and the story is very invigorating. I really loved the fact that the story was more about the mystery. It was focused and that made it more entertaining. The characters were strong and very well-developed. Tara Ellis is a really good writer, and she knows what she is doing, so that made the experience even better.

When Sam and Ally get a special Christmas invitation to Orcas Island, they have no idea that the small island has such big mysteries.

When their friend, Sandy, begs them to help her solve a troubling situation, they are drawn into a puzzle with layers of uncertainties. From secret meetings to legendary ghosts, they explore the picturesque setting in an attempt to make sense of it all.

But in the middle of their plight, a storm of the century bears down on them. Not only do they end up battling the raging storm, but also a criminal plot. Stranded and alone, can the girls come together to overcome their most harrowing adventure yet?

The Case of the Curious Canine

The next best thing to owning your own dog is having a job where you get to take care of them. That’s what Sam figures when she, Ally, and Cassy all volunteer at a local animal shelter. But they don’t expect the trouble that comes along with the work.

When dogs start showing up at the shelter with odd symptoms, the director doesn’t seem concerned. However, strange coincidences start to happen and Sam doesn’t believe that they’re random.

Confronted with the hard decision of following either her heart or her nose for a good mystery, Sam faces an emotional dilemma. Sometimes, the right path is the most difficult and this is one challenge that’s going to take all of her friends to help solve.

The Legend of Shadow Mountain – All by Tara Ellis

For those craving a good, old-fashioned mystery or a clean read for their child!

“An endearing series perfect for fans of Nancy Drew!”

Spring break starts with a surprise when Sam and her friends get an unexpected trip to the Alaskan wilderness. They’re always prepared for an adventure, but not a plane crash! Plunged into the unforgiving terrain, they must rely on their instincts and each other to reach the top of Shadow Mountain and the help they desperately need.

But standing between them and their destination is more than the terrain. Giant Kodiak bears protect the sacred land and her secrets, and a local legend shrouds the mountain in mystery. As a series of events unfold, Sam suspects that the answer to both the mystery and their salvation lies at the heart of Shadow Mountain.