The edition I am reviewing is actually the Audible one.

I listened to this book with my grandchildren in two different states. There was a total of 2 girls and 4 boys ages 4-12. We use video calling to read together.

The story begins with two 12 year old friends, Sam and Ally, arriving in Montana. They went by bus to vacation at the inn owned by Sam’s aunt and uncle. Upon arrival it becomes apparent that there won’t be cell phone service. Something that dismays one but delights the other. When a teenage boy, working at the inn, lets it slip that there is a legend attached to the inn, the adventure begins!

My grandchildren found it fascinating that the girls were allowed to go alone on a bus from California to Montana. They do not travel alone. This caused some excitement and a few questions. The cell phone being taken out caused some anxiety for the kids, too. Personally I loved that the author made a point of showing them they would not only survive without it, they would have fun. I was also impressed that the author made the point that while some people are very comfortable and even attached to social media, others are not. I always think it is important that differences be shown and accepted. The said they really liked how the author described things. They were able to picture it in their minds and watch the story unfold, which is something I have always loved about books. We all agreed the author did an excellent job with the narration. We are looking forward to the next book.

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Being the first book in a mystery series, it's important to set up the characters so that the reader wants to return to the series. Naturally, this is for younger readers, but as I enjoy books for all ages, I thought I'd give it a go and see what I thought.

Sam and her best friend visit Sam's aunt and uncle for the summer break. They find themselves stepping in to a mystery and, of course, the two girls have to find out what's going on. The two main characters worked well together, although they were a bit two dimensional at times. But nothing that took away from the story line. The mystery itself was put together well and kept me interested. I liked the way the author spun the modern world of technology into a setting that I believe most parents would not mind their children/preteens reading.

I believe young girls will enjoy these books. I will certainly read the next book in the series. In fact, I've already got in on my device ready to read. ( )

The Mystery of Hollow Inn
Samantha Wolf Mystery, Book 1
By: Tara Ellis
Narrated by: Tara Ellis
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This was an excellent middle grade or preteen book! A great mystery with lots of clues, brave girls and a boy. Good vs evil. Happy ending. Suspense, intrigue, action, and dialogue that sounded real. I have eight grand kids and six are in this age level and I think they would love this book! The author is very talented besides being a crafty storyteller, she also narrated this book. Not everyone can do narration but she was awesome! I didn't know it was her until I checked after. Wow, awesome job! She did the voices so well. Men, women, boys, girls, all great! ( )

The book is a fast paced mystery for middle graders and Sam and Ally, the young girls in the midst of a baffling mystery, are totally identifiable preteens. The book has all the ingredients to hold the readers interest; strange sounds, mysterious nighttime prowlers, and the secret to hidden gold wrapped in a riddle.
To sum up, I loved the characters, found the story interesting, and recommend it to any young reader who loves a good mystery. ( )