Mokes, Mines and Mayhem — Kate Marshall

Mokes Mines and Mayhem is the wonderful debut novel of author Kate Marshall. Young readers and their parents will relish this tale of a New Zealand family spending Christmas in the wilds of the Australian Outback. The Dixon family travels to the Australian Outback to spend Christmas with family. Eleven year old James and his younger brothers, Scott and Cameron delight in the quiet freedom that the remote region offers. James soon learns to drive his cousin's Mini Moke, a robust, little Jeep, around the opal mining fields that are indigenous to the area. The children revel in the country's beauty and the adventures they have, so different from their lives in rural New Zealand. The last morning before leaving, James and his cousin embark on one last adventure, and without telling anyone where they are going, drive the Mini Moke out around the minefields. After several hours, the boys haven't returned and the family begins a frantic search to find them. What happened to James and his cousin? How will their family find them? This heartwarming story combines delightful characters, family values, and an exhilarating conclusion that will resonate with young readers.