Troubled Waters

The latest installation in the Hunter & Holmes mystery series, Troubled Waters brings the saga of Jason Hunter and Daniel Holmes full circle. Opening in Malibu, where the surf is always up, Jason attempts to heal from his latest misadventure by spending some quality time with his friend Cody Johnson. Despite the ease in which Jason masters the waves, he still struggles to navigate the waters of young adulthood. His two biggest issues? Detective work and girls. As his relationship with Laura, who is away for the summer, becomes increasingly strained, Jason is forced to reevaluate his priorities. Should he continue being a teenaged detective and risk his relationship with her or should he give up his dangerous passion for helping others and devote more time to his personal life? His dilemma truly materializes when he and Cody learn of someone polluting a nearby waterway with hazardous chemicals. With a little help from Jason, Cody uncovers a way to catch the perpetrators and takes matters into his own hands. But when Cody goes missing, Jason must once again plunge into detective mode and find his friend before it’s too late.

Back in the Silicon Valley, Daniel and the rest of the Second Chance All Stars return inspired from their first big tour with the Biloxi Brothers. Once home, they quickly pick up band practice again, devoting the summer to developing their musical sound and recording their second CD. However, they too are introduced into the harsh reality of life when the recording studio informs them that their new sound isn’t quite what they’re looking for. In so many words, they want bumble gum tween tunes or nothing at all. With such a setback, the direction and fate of the band are put into question. The future of the band is further endangered when a large amount of their equipment is stolen. Without Jason there to help, Daniel must take charge of the investigation and recover what has been lost. Can he take on the criminals without his best detective buddy?

With Jason and Daniel apart for the majority of the novel, they are able to develop on their own both mentally and emotionally. For the first time, they must act without each other, and inevitably acquire and hone certain skills that not only help them in their latest escapades, but will also aid them in the years to come. However, are best friends and teammates ever really apart?

This novel stresses the importance of teamwork, protecting the environment, and, of course, teenage love. While those are important topics, the book also deals with many issues important not just to young adults, but to everyone––trust between family members and other loved ones, doing what’s right even when there is no “good” outcome, and the vital nature of friendship. As the reader learns more about the progression of every character’s life, it becomes obvious how much Jason means to all of them. His courage and kindness continue to motivate his friends and those around him to pursue their passions and lead happy lives. He serves to prove just how valuable one person can be.

After his experiences in the seventh Hunter & Holmes novel, Jason’s Network, nearly everyone he knows has told Jason that he needs to take a break from detective work. But it seems that Jason and Daniel can’t escape the detective lifestyle even if they try their very hardest. In Troubled Waters, the eighth installment of the Hunter & Holmes mystery series, the young pair of problem solvers have their lives interrupted yet again by crime and controversy. In attempts to shake off the traumatic experiences he’s had to endure recently as an amateur detective, Jason heads down to Malibu, to escape the throes of his daily life and spend some time with his good friend Cody. During his vacation, Cody and Jason get wrapped up in a pollution scandal that threatens the local streams and surrounding ecosystem. Things get a bit sticky when Cody is put in danger after he decides to fly solo and take matters into his own hands.

Meanwhile, Daniel isn’t safe from drama either, as he’s got his own set of problems back in the Silicon Valley. Not only do he and his band mates run into complications and identity crisis due to their relationship with their record label, but they too face off with crime. After losing a heap of expensive and vital equipment to burglars, the band must rally and respond, in attempts to salvage their belongings and keep rocking on.

The book opens up with an inspiring series of anecdotes about Cody guiding Jason through his tough times by introducing surfing into his life. These chapters not only highlight the importance of passionate hobbies, but also touch on how sharing interests with loved ones can strengthen the bonds between friends. Jason learns to clear his head and surf through diligent practice and conscious training efforts, setting a fine example for the young readers of the series to show no fear when faced with an activity or skill that is out of their comfort zone.

Finally, author Aiden Vaughn brings to light the difficulties of having one’s beliefs or ideals challenged. In Jason’s case, he has to critically analyze his situation, as well as his relationship with Laura, and decide if pursuing the philanthropic detective lifestyle is worth jeopardizing his relationships in both his love life and family life. Similarly, Daniel and the band have a major decision to make; to follow the path that their record label has laid out for them, or to stand strong and stay true to themselves as musicians and artists. Overall, Troubled Waters is just as exciting as ever. This installment is a must read in the series, and will surely leave a positive mark on young readers.