Canyon of Danger

Jem Coulter’s pa, the sheriff of Goldtown, is away on a trip to deliver a prisoner to Sacramento, and he has left Jem in charge of the ranch—along with Aunt Rose, that is.

No sooner is the sheriff gone then trouble starts—a dead calf, a mysterious stranger, and then Pa’s horse, Copper, and his prize rifle are stolen. And Pa’s deputies seem unconcerned.

Jem and his cousin Nathan find Copper’s tracks end at a dark canyon up in the hills. Jem remembers an old Indian legend Strike-it-rich Sam is fond of retelling about people disappearing and no one ever seeing them again. What is the real story of the canyon of danger? Have thieves found the perfect hideout?

Readers ages 8 to 12 will be entertained by the adventurous spirit and historical lure in this fast-moving series that teaches about life in the post–Gold Rush days of 1860s California. Quick-paced plots and unforgettable characters make these books fun for the whole family.

1. Opening Credits Chapter 1: Man of the Family
2. Chapter 2: Wolf?
3. Chapter 3: Helping Hands
4. Chapter 4: Trouble
5. Chapter 5: Missing, Presumed Stolen
6. Chapter 6: A Long Walk Home
7. Chapter 7: More Bad News
8. Chapter 8: Sunday Morning
9. Chapter 9: Searching for Answers
10. Chapter 10: A Clue in the Dust
11. Chapter 11: Pony Express Rider
12. Chapter 12: Hot on the Trail
13. Chapter 13: Betrayal
14. Chapter 14: On Their Own
15. Chapter 15: Blackwater Canyon
16. Chapter 16: Twist and Turns
17. Chapter 17: Distant Rumblings
18. Chapter 18: Night Dangers
19. Chapter 19: Surprises
20. Historical Note