Mystery of Madera Canyon (book) by Mr. Ed on AuthorsDen

Professional Reviews
Suspense & Humor
Told in the first person, Bonafacio Martinez narrates in a humorous and playful voice that endears him to the reader right away.

There is plenty of suspense added, and one is eager to go on his adventure with him into the mysterious canyon.

Although written for children and young adults, anyone can appreciate the author's research. His apt skill for placing geographic and historic information without slowing the pace is an extra bonus. I enjoyed the descriptions of flora and fauna as the story unraveled, transporting me to the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona. I also appreciate the reference to hiking trails, and other points of interest, noted in the back of the book.

Chrissy K. McVay
author of 'Souls of the North Wind'

Reviewed by Richard Arrington (Reader)

Reviewed on October 9, 2009

I received a copy of " Mystery of Madera Canyon." As I began to read, I noticed in the authors writing, a passion for nature and history. My eight year old son loved the character Bony and the mystery of the story. The design of the book is very attractive and welcomes the reader. My wife took the time to read the book and loved it, she did not put it down until complete. As a published author of three books, it is my opinion that "Mystery of Madera Canyon" is a wonderful book for any age. A very good work.

Reviewed by Marva Dasef

Reviewed on June 22, 2007

Hey! Where are the books for girls? That's okay, I think my two granddaughters will enjoy a good mystery even if it has a boy with cooties (don't they all in this age range?).

Reviewed by Birgit and Roger Pratcher

Reviewed on May 8, 2007

If you are an adult reader, this wonderful mystery takes you back to your own childhood, it will let you feel again the thrill of adventure, treasure hunt and having a faithful companion. Your forgotten dreams will come back to life as you dive into this truly engrossing read. If you are still a child or young adult, you will truly enjoy the thrill, presented in this mystery. A great book, not only for children!
However, the no doubt very compelling adventure is not all you will receive; at the end of the book you will find a bonus, which is a great gift for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors.

Reviewed by Jeanette Foresta

Reviewed on February 25, 2007

The music on your pages really gets you into it.

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Reviewed on January 18, 2007

My son usually reads Goosebumps, but I decided to look for a little variety and picked up Mystery of Madera Canyon.

We sat down together with the book and began taking turns reading pages out loud to each other. Soon, my son just kept turning the pages and I listened gleefully with pride at how my son took a real interest in this book. The book obviously appealed to him. I stayed and listened to my son read the book over the next couple of days and noticed that he would laugh and show excitement throughout the book.

My son especially enjoyed the friendly banter between the lead character and his dog, Lobo. The witty comments the lead character made throughout this kid's mystery adventure made my son laugh out loud. I haven't seen my son this excited about a book in a while and I was glad I bought the book. Well worth it!

Manuel J. Mireles, Fairfax, VA

Reviewed by Janet Bellinger

Reviewed on February 19, 2006

Sounds like a good novel for boys. Thank God. There are too precious few, out there.

Reviewed by OnepoetGem *the Poetic Rapper

Reviewed on January 21, 2006

congradulations Ed this one sounds great too

Reviewed by Chrissy McVay

Reviewed on November 26, 2005

Oh my goodness this looks good! I'll get a copy for my young son for Christmas. Hello to a fellow animal lover. The picture of your dog caught my interest right away. You did a wonderful job of making your web page attractive.
Chrissy K. McVay

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

Reviewed on October 9, 2005

My name is Bonafacio Martinez. My classmates call me �Bony.� So begins the narrative Mystery of Madera Canyon. Young Martinez is an Arizona treasure hunter who enjoys going into the desert or mountains to hunt for treasure and until just lately he has had little luck in finding much other than a few old Apache arrowheads and a lot of animal bones. Even though twelve year old Bony has not yet traveled much of the world his hero is Indiana Jones. In fact Bony intends to be a famous archeologist.

After locating his first real treasure Bony decides to keep a journal. The journal provides the grist for the narrative.

On the pages of Mystery of Madera Canyon Writer Kostro has produced an excellent fast paced narrative sure to please middle grades boys in particular. I will be using the book with my fourth grade for our �after lunch, reading to kids time.� I particularly like the use of Spanish words, descriptions of various birds and animals to be found in the Arizona locale, and non preachy or threatening manner of showing youngsters how easy it is to get off the known trail and lost when out in areas such as are described in the narrative.

Mystery of Madera Canyon is a superior choice for home library pleasure reading, the school book shelf and the home school reading program. I was sent a paperback copy of the book for review. Don�t read it on a dark and stormy night!!

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

TO READ FULL REVIEW GO TO AD SITE: m j hollingshead : it appears as an article as Molly's Reviews

Reviewed by Tracey L. O' Very (Reader)

Reviewed on July 29, 2005

Mystery of Madera Canyon by Ed Kostro is an exciting book of a young boy who bonds with his dog, father, and his family, earning respect from them and the town - a young boy whose desires are to explore, learn about, love, and see all of nature and ancient artifacts.

It is a story made for all ages, from the young age to one hundred years of age. It was exciting, had my heart stopping and my breath held in many times for young Bony and his faithful canine friend and sidekick Lobo, who is quite a character all by himself.

It is so full of information of the animals of this earth. It is full of trials and tribulations of a young boy's fun as a twelve year old looking for the ultimate treasure, an unexpected buried treasure, which he does find in the most terrifying trails and hours to get there. It brings so much to the surface of the dangers in the wild and the ways of how easy it is to get lost or have a tragic accident.

Bonafacio is full of fun and all the excitement and dreams that only a young boy can be, and knowing and learning from his mistakes he makes along the way and whose homework is to study and learn for his next adventure through all of his books of nature and books of maps.

This story will leave everyone on the edge of their seat with an awe of all that is really there in this world for us to see and admire. It is full of respect for so many people and for nature of all kinds, and left me wanting to grab my little dog and journey off to Madera Canyon to see all the birds and scenery there.

I was totally amazed at how many different types of birds there really are along with the other creatures that roam the lands in the deserts and canyons and how much history and places to visit there in the Tucson area that Ed, throughout the story, tells of.

Ed puts a prayer of St Francis in that is so nice and shows his truest feelings towards this wonderful earth and all that it holds and I too, truly would like to see today.

I more than highly recommend this book for the entire family. I truly am amazed at Ed's knowledge and the wonderful teachings that are in this book not only of the nature but the things needed when hiking and exploring and the dangers he warns about in this story so magnificently told. I hope he gets his next one finished soon and ready to read quickly, I am anxious as is my whole family. Quite honestly, Mystery of Madera Canyon would make a great movie and television series as well, that the whole family would gather 'round to watch.

AD Author Tracey O�Very

Reviewed by Nordette Adams

Reviewed on May 29, 2005

Too bad my son's outgrown these. Sounds great. For some reason, I keep forgetting you write fiction, Ed. Probably because I come by you so often in the poetry section. I'll have to check out more of your work. I know I'm in for a treat. :-) ~~Nordette

Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)

Reviewed on January 2, 2005

I was thrilled to exchange books with you, Ed, and glad I chose this
one (for my 2nd Ed Kostro book). Even though it is for children, I enjoyed the story immensely, liked the down-to-earth way it was told,
and that gorgeous cover sets it off well.
Kids will love it, I'm sure! Much success in 2005 to you.

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Reviewed on November 24, 2004

I would love to read this myself....sighhhhh!!

Congratz Eddie!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)

Reviewed on November 24, 2004

Congrats and good luck! Sounds like a great story. Great introduction to it.

Reviewed by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado

Reviewed on November 24, 2004

i would love to read this book, ed; sounds like a goodie! congrats!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :D