• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Display Search Bar
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS

5 Minutes for Mom

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast and Brunch
      • Snack
      • Lunch
      • Appetizer
      • Dinner
      • Dessert
    • Ingredient
      • Apple
      • Beef
      • Blueberry
      • Chicken
      • Chocolate
      • Cranberry
      • Peach
      • Pumpkin
      • Squash
      • Strawberry
      • Tomato
      • Vegetables
      • Zucchini
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Baking
      • Grilling
      • Instant Pot
      • No Bake
      • One Dish
      • Slow Cooker
    • Type
      • Breads and Rolls
      • Cakes and Muffins
      • Condiments
      • Cookies and Bars
      • Drinks
      • Food for Kids
      • Gluten-Free
      • Main Dish
      • Pies and Crisps
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches and Wraps
      • Side Dishes
      • Smoothies
      • Soup
  • Crafts & DIY
    • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Kids Crafts
    • Printables
    • Scrapbooking
    • Sewing
  • Family Life
    • Giveaways
    • Lifestyle
    • Marriage
    • Motherhood
    • Parenting
    • Pet Care
    • Special Needs
    • Time Management
    • Travel
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas

The Hidden Relic, A Lake Alamo Mystery 1973 by Rod Van Wyngarden – Book Review

October 31, 2012 by Lesley

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

ShareTweetPinPocketMail

The Van Duren sisters are back with another wonderful Lake Alamo Mystery!

This time the year is 1973. Six years have passed since Rachel, Haylie, and Kayla first started their school yard detective agency. And with each passing year not only have they have grown but so has their ability to find a mystery needing solved. Now everything revolves around The Hidden Relic.

We first met the girls in A Stranger Comes to Town, A Lake Alamo Mystery 1967 written by Rod Van Wyngarden. I loved that story. It was such a delightful tale and I really came to like the girls. This book is no different! The girls are older now and the book is written as such – for an older audience. I would suggest it’s meant for 8th to 11th graders. But as I am 33 years old, I really hate to put a limit on it. It’s enjoyable at any age!

Overview

Kayla opened the drawer and reached in. She felt around for a minute, trying to find the flashlight but it was under something. After a second or two, she finally pulled it out and flipped it on.

‘Got it,’ she said.

Before Haylie and Rachel could thank her for finding it, they heard a loud crash in the kitchen. Someone had broken the window on the backdoor.

Kayla shut off the flashlight immediately. ‘What was that?’ She asked.

‘Shhh.’ Rachel looked around, but couldn’t see in the dark. ‘I think someone is trying to break in.’

They heard the sounds of someone reaching into the crack in the window and punching out the remnants of glass. They heard the unmistakable sound of the deadbolt unlocking. The knob turned and the person pushed open the door, causing it to hit the wall as it opened completely. More glass fell from the window and hit the floor.

Rachel, Haylie, and Kayla Van Duren are sisters, star-basketball players, good students, and employees at an old bed and breakfast owned by their father. When someone starts stealing from the old woman, Mrs. Shipley, who runs the bed and breakfast, the sisters take it upon themselves to find out what’s going on. But as they get deeper and deeper into the mystery, they find out that maybe Mrs. Shipley and her late husband were more than they appeared to be.

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781618629883
  • Publisher: Tate Publishing
  • Publication date: 6/19/2012
  • Pages: 116

The Hidden Relic was so easy to read and it had such an interesting plot. Van Wyngarden really makes you want to know what is going to happen next. You also have characters returning from the previous book and it makes you feel as if you really know them. I truly enjoyed this book. My daughter, Gracie, is only 9 years old but still I found her trying to read it alone. For a book lover that made my heart happy. One other thing I am excited about is the fact that with this book you also receive a free audio download. It can be played over the computer or burnt onto a CD. This will be great for Gracie, now she can listen to the story as well.

The Hidden Relic can be purchased on Amazon for only $9.34 and is eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping with a qualifying order of $25. It can also be purchased directly from the publisher on their website.

As with his other books when you purchase a copy of The Lake Alamo Mystery series you will also be helping out various charities. A portion of the sales from this book goes towards First Book and World Vision. First Book helps to provide books to children in need and World Vision helps those in poverty conditions. They are both excellent causes!

ShareTweetPinPocketMail
Wordless Wednesday — Pumpkin Patch
5 Ways to Save Time in the Kitchen

Reader Interactions


Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

55 Comments

  1. Barbara Butler says

    November 13, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    sounds a a great read

    Reply
  2. shirley zolenski says

    November 13, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    It’s a mystery. Mystery and horror are my favs

    Reply
  3. Cindy Whitehead says

    November 13, 2012 at 6:09 pm

    Sounds like a great mystery book!

    Reply
  4. Carolyn Walsh says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I love mystery books! Thanks for the contest!

    Reply
  5. Brandy Farmer says

    November 13, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    I love mystery books. That’s the best part. The mystery.

    Reply
  6. Claire says

    November 13, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    It’s a mystery!! 🙂

    Reply
  7. Kerrie Mayans says

    November 13, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    I think it looks like a good book for young teens. It seems like it isn’t smutty which sometimes is hard to find in YA books. I would love to read it and then pass it on to my 13 year old to read.

    Reply
  8. Jaime says

    November 13, 2012 at 11:32 am

    I like that it is a mystery

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Peaslee says

    November 13, 2012 at 10:54 am

    I like that its a mystery for kids…I love mysteries, I think they encourage you to think differently when you face problems.

    Reply
  10. Lisa says

    November 13, 2012 at 10:50 am

    I love mystery’s, the plot sounds so good!

    Reply
  11. Jessica says

    November 13, 2012 at 10:40 am

    I like that the plot is a mystery and the characters are sisters.

    Reply
  12. Veronica Garrett says

    November 13, 2012 at 10:40 am

    The story setting in1973 interests me. The 70s were when I was growing up. I wonder what references to the 70s are in the book.

    Reply
  13. Diana Hatch says

    November 13, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Looks like a great mystery!

    Reply
  14. Jane H says

    November 13, 2012 at 9:51 am

    The genre, I love mysteries, suspense. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

    Reply
  15. susan smoaks says

    November 13, 2012 at 9:29 am

    I love that it’s a page turner!

    Reply
  16. Nancy says

    November 13, 2012 at 9:13 am

    I like that it is set in my growing up years and that it is a mystery, my favorite genre!

    Reply
  17. Stephanie Phelps says

    November 13, 2012 at 9:03 am

    I love that it is a mystery and that it can be read from teens up!

    Reply
  18. Tim Moss says

    November 13, 2012 at 8:58 am

    That part that sounds like a sequel of sorts & the fact that you’re emotionally invested in the characters sounds like a winner to me.

    Reply
  19. Marjorie says

    November 13, 2012 at 8:27 am

    If the book is a mystery I will read it.

    Reply
  20. Shaunda says

    November 13, 2012 at 8:14 am

    I like a good mystery and this sounds like one.

    Reply
  21. pamela james says

    November 13, 2012 at 7:29 am

    A mystery set in 1973-good times!

    Reply
  22. Corey Olomon says

    November 13, 2012 at 2:50 am

    It sounds like it would keep me guessing.

    Reply
  23. Betty C says

    November 13, 2012 at 2:40 am

    I like the idea of sisters, especially when they are such great kids overall.

    Reply
  24. Sandy V. says

    November 13, 2012 at 12:11 am

    The book sounds well written with an interesting plot.

    Reply
  25. Chelsea M says

    November 12, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    The setting! I love any book that is set in the past.

    Reply
  26. brenda Elsner says

    November 12, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    The mystery is the most intriquing. I love mysteries!!

    Reply
  27. Angela Shepard says

    November 12, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    I love the unknown!

    Reply
  28. cassandra says

    November 12, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    i am interested in new books

    Reply
  29. vicki wurgler says

    November 12, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    Mrs. Shipley and her late husband were more than they appeared to be-what were they? sounds like a great mystery

    Reply
  30. Ed Nemmers says

    November 12, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    The 1973 setting most intrigues me!

    Reply
  31. Brenda S. says

    November 12, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    I love mystery books.

    Reply
  32. christal c w says

    November 12, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    the mystery surrounding the Mrs. Shipley and her late husband

    Reply
  33. Tricha says

    November 12, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    Reminds me when all I wanted to read was mysteries

    Reply
  34. Carolyn D. says

    November 12, 2012 at 10:21 am

    I love that it is set in 1973…I was a child then and would love to see how the mystery plays out against that background.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  35. Dee Hadley says

    November 12, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Mysteries are my favorite books. I liked that it can be burned to a CD and listen to it. So really any age can enjoy the mystery.

    Reply
  36. heather b says

    November 12, 2012 at 9:36 am

    i love that it sounds like not only a book my daughter and I could read together but that my oldest would want to read too. We love a great mystery

    Reply
  37. Daniel M says

    November 11, 2012 at 8:36 pm

    like reading about the time period i grew up in, and sounds like nancy drew or hardy boys, always fun!

    Reply
  38. Natalia says

    November 11, 2012 at 1:03 am

    I like the mysterious stories and this one sounds like it.

    Reply
  39. Ellie W says

    November 8, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    The time period interests me. I grew up in the 70’s. I’d love to read this and I will have to find the first one.

    Reply
  40. andrea says

    November 7, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    the unknown and the mystery of the story

    Reply
  41. Francine Anchondo says

    November 7, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    that it is a mystery

    Reply
  42. Dan says

    November 6, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    It reminds me of my own two daughters

    Reply
  43. Stephanie Larison says

    November 5, 2012 at 4:38 am

    I love a good mystery book!

    Reply
  44. chelsea says

    November 4, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    I love that I could read this with my daughter

    Reply
  45. Linda Kish says

    November 4, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    I liked the overview…it made it sound interesting.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  46. BusyWorkingMama says

    November 4, 2012 at 6:31 am

    I love a good mystery. Sounds like an entertaining read.

    Reply
  47. samantha w says

    November 3, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    the mystery i love mystery books

    Reply
  48. Liz Terek says

    November 3, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    I love books with strong female lead characters. That’s what intrigues me.

    Reply
  49. Charlotte Padgett says

    November 3, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    It’s a mystery but not a gruesome murder type.

    Reply
  50. nannypanpan says

    November 1, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    it sounds like a new fashioned nancy drew
    [email protected]

    Reply
  51. Anne says

    November 1, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    The mysterious aspect but also the period in which it is set.

    Reply
  52. benita says

    November 1, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    The plot sounds great!

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  53. Cindi says

    October 31, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    The mystery reminds me of Nancy Drew and who is breaking in
    sounds scary…
    Many thanks, Cindi

    Reply
  54. DEBIJOT says

    October 31, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    I like the fact that it is a mystery – I love mystery books.

    Reply
  55. Nicole says

    October 31, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    That it is a mystery that I can read with my daughter and we both can enjoy!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Bringing Moms Together

We are Janice and Susan, twin bloggers and work-at-home moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.

Meet Us…

Work With Us…

Subscribe via Email

to be first to read new posts

Trending Now

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

Oven Roasted Potatoes and Peppers Recipe

How To Use A Moka Pot – Discover The Secret To Making Amazing Coffee At Home

How To Use A Moka Pot – Discover The Secret To Making Amazing Coffee At Home

Get Outside and Play with Spray Chalk

Get Outside and Play with Spray Chalk

browse around

  • Posts by Susan
  • Posts by Janice
  • Favorite Recipes
  • Favorite Crafts
  • Giveaways
  • All Posts

Footer

Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies with a Clever Decorating Trick

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookies with a Clever Decorating Trick

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

Traditional Irish Soda Bread Recipe and History

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Easy Valentine Sugar Cookies

Crafts/DIY

Summer Word Search Puzzles For Kids

Summer Word Search Puzzles For Kids

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

“You Color My World” Free Printable Valentines

Buddy the Elf Hat Pattern – How to Make an Elf Hat out of Felt

Buddy the Elf Hat Pattern – How to Make an Elf Hat out of Felt

Giveaways

Holiday Gift Guides and Christmas Giveaway 2024

Holiday Gift Guides and Christmas Giveaway 2024

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Women

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Women

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

REDEEMING LOVE Set to Strike Gold on the Big Screen #RedeemingLoveMovie

Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Facebook Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Twitter Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Pinterest Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on Instagram Follow 5 Minutes For Mom on YouTube Follow 5 Minutes For Mom via RSS
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2025 5 Minutes for MomTheme by Melissa Rose Design and Once Coupled