Summer of Suspense - by C.R. Hedgcock

Title: Summer of Suspense

Author: C.R. Hedgcock

Grade Level: 5&6th

"Summer of Suspense" is a very fitting title for a book that leaves the reader shaking. The author definitely had a few good ideas and attempted to form them into a story. However, it ended up being very far fetched. The pieces didn't fit together all that well, and the story constantly felt like the author was scratching to hold it together and develop it. Throughout the story of cousin Millie's visit to the Baker family, there are attempts to include Scriptural principles. However, at the same time, one of the main characters is carrying a gun and another is holding a chloroform cloth over someone's face. It is in the name of rescue, but feels like a contradiction to the claimed Christian themes. This book is written for grades 5 and up, but is not a recommended read.