Goldtown Adventures: 6-Book Bundle (Susan K. Marlow)

Fun and Adventure in the American West!

Book One: Badge of Honor

Twelve-year-old Jeremiah “Jem” Coulter knows that Goldtown, California, has seen the last of the gold rush. But the flecks of gold he and an old prospector, “Strike,” find in their played-out claim on Cripple Creek spur Jem’s hope of striking it rich. In the meantime, he and his sister, Ellie, sell frog legs and firewood to bring in extra cash.

When Jem’s father accepts a job as sheriff of lawless Goldtown, Jem is suddenly saddled with an additional responsibility–to run their broken-down ranch. He faces a hard path as he tries to be a man and make his father proud!  But then, Cripple Creek mysteriously dries up and Strike suddenly disappears. Jem is determined to find out why. Can anything be worse than being a sheriff’s kid? Will outlaws use his father’s badge for target practice? Is that silver star just a target . . . or truly a badge of honor?

Book Two: Tunnel of Gold

When Jem Coulter is caught in a miners’ riot, he learns the worst: the Midas mine is no longer producing the gold the town relies on to stay alive. Will, the son of the mine’s owner, tells Jem the only way to get the Midas working again is to blast deep into the ground. This means a nearby abandoned mine must be reclaimed for an air shaft.

But Jem discovers that Chinese miners, including his friend Wu Shen, are working those old scavenger diggings. Even the arrival of James Carter, co-owner of the Midas, and the his son Chad can’t convince the Chinese to give up their claim.

When Jem’s father, farmer-turned-sheriff of Goldtown, is ordered to evict the Chinese from their mine or lose his job, Jem is caught in the middle. Then Will comes up with a solution. If Jem goes along with it, Pa can keep his job and the Midas will get its air shaft. What Jem doesn’t realize is that Will’s risky plan may lead to disaster deep in the heart of the old mine.

Book 3: Canyon of Danger

Jem Coulter’s father (“Pa”), the sheriff of Goldtown, is away on a trip to deliver a prisoner to Sacramento.  He’s left Jem in charge of the ranch—along with Aunt Rose, that is.  No sooner is the sheriff gone then trouble starts!  First, a dead calf, then a mysterious stranger, and finally Pa’s horse, Copper, and his prize rifle are stolen. And Pa’s deputies all 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?

Book Four: River of Peril

A visit to Sacramento should be the trip of a lifetime for Jem and his family. But something’s not right. Jem’s fears are realized when the stagecoach is held up. Highwaymen calling themselves the Knights of the Golden Circle haul away a strongbox of gold. So, why isn’t Sheriff Coulter upset over the robbery?

The answer turns Jem’s carefree city holiday upside down. While exploring the river wharf and enjoying a tour of a paddlewheel steamboat—courtesy of a new friend—Jem, Nathan, and Ellie stumble across a dangerous smuggling operation. Then the bandits show up and Ellie disappears. With Pa off on business and Aunt Rose worried sick, Jem must use all his wits to find and rescue his sister!  Can he do it before help is out of reach?

Book Five: Valley of Treasure

Jem Coulter and his friends celebrate the end of the Civil War in their town with firecrackers, parades, and anticipation for a bear-and-bull fight. But chaos ensues when a bull breaks loose, causing wood and metal to rain down and break his cousin Nathan’s legs.

Book Six: Ocean of No Escape

Jem Coulter, his family, and Strike-It-Rich Sam journey to San Francisco with the newfound gold to see if surgery can fix Nathan’s broken legs.