Hardy Belch and the Gold Train
Volume Four of The Adventures of Hardy Belch Paperback Version.
$8.99 at Amazon.com for paperback, Kindle for $2.99 or buy at my CreateSpace Store
In 1871 a train carrying $2,00,000.00 in gold from New Hope to Philadelphia mysteriously disappeared in the wilds of Buckingham Township. One hundred forty one years later Hardy Belch and Tiny set out on a treasure hunt. Hardy and Tiny find them selves knee deep in swamp muck trying to help a friend save his farm.
ISBN-13: 978-1494389956
ISBN-10: 1494389959
ASIN: B00D9UR9KM
REVIEWS:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very intelligent, with some minor quibbles (4.5 rounded up to 5 stars) June 20, 2013 By Daniel Berenson
I have to say, Mr. Bentrim got the better of me on this one. Not to give much of the story away, but $2 million in gold goes missing at the beginning of the plot. "Ah, $2 million in gold," I say to myself. "That would be at least $80 or $90 million in today's money. I'm betting he (Bentrim) won't consider that." Well, Mr. Bentrim did, apparently down to the dollar. In addition he showed precise knowledge of how Google Maps works and what might be possible with it along with legal insight into issues that might surround the discovery of buried treasure. So I enjoyed how his technical and economic expertise contributed to the rather well-told story.
My favorite aspect of this book is how the author takes an almost preposterous plot and makes it quite believable. Almost every time I thought I saw a lapse of logic about to appear, Mr. Bentrim would methodically tear my doubts apart, even to the point of demonstrating how something long buried could come up toward ground level.
As Bentrim explains in the opening, this is a part of a previously longer book that has been split into episodes. I feel that is the reason for my main quibble (and the reason I took off half a star). The protagonists are not described well and the illustrations didn't help me distinguish them any better. However, I'm pretty sure this is a result of the original volume having been divided.
I enjoyed this book. It read quickly and I think it had a this-could-have-really-happened atmosphere that will make kids identify with the characters and the story.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun story about solving problems with modern-day treasure hunting June 24, 2013 By Lisa A. Maddock
A fun story that connects a long-ago less than successful treasure hunt with a current day treasure hunt. After telling the tale of a gold-bearing train, Bentrim reintroduces twelve-year-old Hardy Belch, his big dog Tiny, and his best friend John. John's family, due to the current economy, is facing serious financial problems; problems that will lead to Hardy losing his best friend if a solution cannot be found. So the boys put their heads together, and with Tiny's help solve the problem - which is lots of fun to see. I recommend this and all of the Hardy Belch stories for youngsters - good clean fun!
5.0 out of 5 stars Hardy Belch and the Gold Train June 22, 2013 By Pen Name
This is a delightful tale that weaves reality and fantasy. What kid doesn't dream of finding treasure? The setting is one of familiarity to me, as I grew up in Pennsylvania near Bucks County. Additionally, the story uses current technology, like Google maps, that appeals to young readers. Well done, William Bentrim!
5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure of a Tale June 11, 2013 By annie frame
Can't resist and always jump at the chance to review one of Hardy Belch and Tiny's adventures. Cleverly created by author William Bentrim, Hardy Belch and Tiny captivate the imagination of the reader without fail and their new adventure is no exception. The train holding gold is deviously hidden by two retiring railway workers who don't want to end their days on a measly gold watch presentation. Unfortunately when they return after a lengthy spell the swamp has claimed the train and with it the treasure. Hardy's friends dad is about to lose his farm and livelihood, so when Hardy visits with Tiny they decide to do something about it. Once again I don't want to ruin the story, so readers will have to get on board and see how Hardy Belch and The Gold Train pans out. Superb story telling without a doubt. One for your children's book shelf (adults will love it too!)
ISBN-13: 978-1494389956
ISBN-10: 1494389959
ASIN: B00D9UR9KM
REVIEWS:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very intelligent, with some minor quibbles (4.5 rounded up to 5 stars) June 20, 2013 By Daniel Berenson
I have to say, Mr. Bentrim got the better of me on this one. Not to give much of the story away, but $2 million in gold goes missing at the beginning of the plot. "Ah, $2 million in gold," I say to myself. "That would be at least $80 or $90 million in today's money. I'm betting he (Bentrim) won't consider that." Well, Mr. Bentrim did, apparently down to the dollar. In addition he showed precise knowledge of how Google Maps works and what might be possible with it along with legal insight into issues that might surround the discovery of buried treasure. So I enjoyed how his technical and economic expertise contributed to the rather well-told story.
My favorite aspect of this book is how the author takes an almost preposterous plot and makes it quite believable. Almost every time I thought I saw a lapse of logic about to appear, Mr. Bentrim would methodically tear my doubts apart, even to the point of demonstrating how something long buried could come up toward ground level.
As Bentrim explains in the opening, this is a part of a previously longer book that has been split into episodes. I feel that is the reason for my main quibble (and the reason I took off half a star). The protagonists are not described well and the illustrations didn't help me distinguish them any better. However, I'm pretty sure this is a result of the original volume having been divided.
I enjoyed this book. It read quickly and I think it had a this-could-have-really-happened atmosphere that will make kids identify with the characters and the story.
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun story about solving problems with modern-day treasure hunting June 24, 2013 By Lisa A. Maddock
A fun story that connects a long-ago less than successful treasure hunt with a current day treasure hunt. After telling the tale of a gold-bearing train, Bentrim reintroduces twelve-year-old Hardy Belch, his big dog Tiny, and his best friend John. John's family, due to the current economy, is facing serious financial problems; problems that will lead to Hardy losing his best friend if a solution cannot be found. So the boys put their heads together, and with Tiny's help solve the problem - which is lots of fun to see. I recommend this and all of the Hardy Belch stories for youngsters - good clean fun!
5.0 out of 5 stars Hardy Belch and the Gold Train June 22, 2013 By Pen Name
This is a delightful tale that weaves reality and fantasy. What kid doesn't dream of finding treasure? The setting is one of familiarity to me, as I grew up in Pennsylvania near Bucks County. Additionally, the story uses current technology, like Google maps, that appeals to young readers. Well done, William Bentrim!
5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure of a Tale June 11, 2013 By annie frame
Can't resist and always jump at the chance to review one of Hardy Belch and Tiny's adventures. Cleverly created by author William Bentrim, Hardy Belch and Tiny captivate the imagination of the reader without fail and their new adventure is no exception. The train holding gold is deviously hidden by two retiring railway workers who don't want to end their days on a measly gold watch presentation. Unfortunately when they return after a lengthy spell the swamp has claimed the train and with it the treasure. Hardy's friends dad is about to lose his farm and livelihood, so when Hardy visits with Tiny they decide to do something about it. Once again I don't want to ruin the story, so readers will have to get on board and see how Hardy Belch and The Gold Train pans out. Superb story telling without a doubt. One for your children's book shelf (adults will love it too!)