Reading Metrics
Description
After a mountain-biking accident, Cam slowly makes his way back to town over cold, inhospitable terrain and encounters a trio of kidnappers, the girl who escaped them, his former best friend, and a gang of drug runners. The plot contains profanity.
Quick Summary
Trouble in the Hills grabs you with a mountain-biking crash that forces Cam to hike back to town through icy trails, and what starts as a solo survival trek quickly turns into a wild encounter with a trio of kidnappers, a girl who escaped them, his former best friend, and a gang of drug runners. The book mixes tense, heart-pounding moments with the kind of snappy banter that makes the characters feel like people you might know, and the plot doesn't shy away from gritty details or a few rough words, so it's best for readers who can handle a bit of profanity and real-world danger. If you love stories where a teen's quick thinking and a bit of luck are the only tools they've got, this one's a solid pick, especially for fans of survival adventures like Roland Smith's Peak. Parents should note the book is a step above a typical middle-grade read, with a higher word count (about 43,000 words) and an MG+ interest level, so it works well for kids who are ready for a more mature adventure. Overall, it's a fast-moving, character-driven thriller that balances action with a touch of humor, making it a great choice for reluctant readers who want something that doesn't feel like a textbook.