Also by this author: Keep 'Em Flying: Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries #1
Series: Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries #2
Published by Moody Publishers on May 13, 2025
Genres: Children's
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Every dog needs a good home. And Riley and Noah are on a road trip with Grandma Suzie to meet a fluff ball perfect for their grandma. But when they visit and fall in love with the adorable pooch, will their hopes get unexpectedly dashed? What’s more, the kids’ quest for a canine companion takes a turn when they make a discovery. The town they’re visiting once included a camp for prisoners of war . . . and it’s gearing up for a reunion. Army guards, former German prisoners, and townsfolk together again? Maybe that’s not such a good idea. When suspicion and sabotage begin to take place, the kids, along with a new friend, are on the case. But after they track one suspect into a corn maze, they realize the danger is as high as the corn stalks. Will the friends make it out in time to confirm their suspicions? What began as the best road trip ever is quickly becoming an adventure in trusting God through disappointment and danger—and the kids just might find a surprise ending after all.
This middle-grade mystery is the second installment in the Heroes on the Home Front series. Although it is a contemporary story, the main character loves World War II history, and each book includes historical facts related to the war. In this story, Riley and her brother are on a trip with their grandmother to adopt a dog, and then they end up getting sucked into a mystery. The town they are visiting was the former site of a World War II prisoner of war camp, and the town is about to host a reunion for former German prisoners, Army guards, and townspeople. Someone is trying to sabotage the reunion, and since Riley believes she knows who the culprit is, she seeks evidence to support her suspicions.
This story is entertaining and suspenseful, and it includes illustrations and fun fact sidebars that will appeal to the target audience. Friends in Strange Places also has good messages about not jumping to conclusions, and about the importance of showing love and forgiving our enemies. Some aspects of the ending felt rushed, especially with Riley suddenly bonding with the person she had suspected for the whole book, but the plot as a whole has solid pacing, and it will keep kids turning pages.
Friends in Strange Places will appeal to kids who enjoy mysteries, especially if they share the main character’s interest in World War II. This story also has enough depth to appeal to adults, and it can make a great family read-aloud. People can also start with the first book, or jump straight into this one. This sequel includes a few references to the previous story, but it doesn’t spoil any plot details from it, and the book introduces the characters and story world to anyone who is unfamiliar with it. This works as a sequel or a standalone, and I look forward to reading future books in the series as well.