The Treasure at Devil’s Hole by Jody M. Mabry Excerpt & Review

About the Book:

Title: The Treasure at Devil’s Hole
Author: Jody M. Mabry
Publisher: Maybury and Gilliam Literary
Pages: 220
Genre: Middle Grade Children’s
Format: Paperback/Kindle

How would you feel if you knew you had a legendary treasure right in your own back yard? Francis “Bug” Mosser knows, and will do nearly anything to find it, even if it means defying the most villainous person he knows—Mom!

Standing in Bug's way is his nemesis Tad Pricket, the red headed, pock-holed bully who’s suddenly been seen walking Bug’s girl, Melanie, home from school—worse, the walk ends with a kiss. Then there is the mysterious bald stranger and Miss Julia Brandon’s boyfriend who seems a little “too-classy” for the town of Possum Trot.

With the help of his brothers, and best friend Billy—along with his not-so-secret desire to impress Melanie Grainger—Bug goes off in search of fortune and glory, thwarting bad guys, stolen clothes, and explosions to find the one surprise about the treasure that he would have never dreamed of...

“Jody M. Mabry's "The Treasure at Devil's Hole" is a refreshing return to classic adventure, a genuine stand-out among modern YA fare. It calls to mind works such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," right down to the requisite treasure hunting, villains, expansive caverns, complicated young love, and rule-breaking exploits intelligent, free-spirited boys simply can't resist. Well written and wonderfully paced, it keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, with a clever resolution you never saw coming. I found this to be a delightful read, and in fact completed the book in one sitting, unable to put it down. Looking forward to Mabry's next work, I hope one is in the works.” – Amazon reviewer

For More Information

• The Treasure at Devil’s Hole is available at Amazon.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Book Excerpt:

Chapter One

Izard County, Arkansas

1946

My older brother, Tom, had spent the last month digging in the cornfield. Ever since turning seventeen he had an urge to dig. Nobody knew why he was digging—he just was. When anyone asked him why, he would just say, “I’m digging for Mom.” I didn’t know how digging a hole was good for Mom, and didn’t question it. If he wanted to get in trouble with her, that was up to him.

            Tom was standing in his hole, now deeper than he was tall, as Fred, Peter, and I walked by. He climbed out, face and hands covered in dirt, and smelling like Chief, our old lazy hog. I was sure it had been days since Tom had last come with us to the creek for a bath, but for him, I guess that was good. Tom was never fond of baths, especially in a cold creek during early spring.

            “How’s the digging going?” I asked. He looked up and smiled; there was always mischief hidden behind his smile. I knew there was more to his answer than he let on. His long brown hair clung to his forehead as he halfheartedly tried to brush it away.

            “Digging’s good today. Digging is mighty good! Where you headin’, Bug?”

            “Just for a walk. Nowhere special,” I said.

About the Author

Born at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, Jody has had the opportunity to live in places such as Cuba, St. Croix USVI, Mississippi, Illinois, and Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he spent the teen years of his life in an 1800’s farmhouse that was, of course, haunted. At fourteen Jody first heard the story of Arizona’s “Lost Dutchman Mine,” sparking an interest in adventure, ghost towns, and lost treasure. Always prone to telling a good story, Jody now passes on the tradition to his children who will no doubt find their own treasure someday. Jody and his family live in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

His lastest book is the middle grade novel, The Treasure at Devil’s Hole.

For More Information

• Visit Jody Mabry’s website.
• Connect with Jody on Twitter.
• Find out more about Jody at Goodreads.
• More books by Jody.
• Contact Jody.

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading "The Treasure of Devil's Hole", by Jody M. Mabry. It was a great book with surprises and twists and turns. The storyline was very easy to understand and follow for young readers but, it was still interesting enough to keep other age groups interested. Anyone who likes a great mystery will like this story. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book for the purpose of a review and all opinions are my own.