Book One of the Jake Salton Adventures. In this believable adventure, 15 year-old friends accept an invitation to help Mr. Hicks save his land from a scheming developer. Sleuthing always appealed to the friends who eagerly accept this first official 'case'. With supplies from Jake's parents' store and with Andy's mechanical expertise, they tackle and solve three 'cases'. In each case, circumstance forces them to take reasonable risks, make intelligent choices, taste success, experience failure and learn from their encounters with Hawkings, the designated villain. Intended for fun, this novel provides scientific reviews - idea panels and background information about the practices, devices and real science ideas used with initiative, determination and responsibility by Jake and his friends to discover clues and solve problems. Intended to entertain, this novel is a great read for the avid 12 year-old