Reviews of Troubled Waters: A Hunter & Holmes Mystery

Troubled Waters is recommended reading for all pre-teen and teenage boys.

Troubled Waters begins with Jason Hunter asserting his plans for a restful, detective-free summer, instantly calling forward an ominous foreshadowing to avid followers of the series. Jason's constant activism always leads to him into a quandary, and this time proves no different. In true Hunter & Holmes spirit, when trouble threatens the safety of dear friends, there is no other option but action. With the power of friendship, love, and patience overriding the multiple and theme-varied plotlines, fans are not to be disappointed in this eighth installment.

The eighth book picks up right where the seventh left off, continuing Jason’s story without missing a beat and allowing readers to experience the full depth and evolution of his feelings. Jason is still recovering from his last attack, with added emotional trauma from the involvement and attack of his girlfriend, Laura. When Laura’s parents whisked her away for the summer and forbade their relationship, Jason decided to kick-back with Cody in Malibu to heal his mind and body through friendship and surfing.

Despite Jason's history, he's still a young boy and exemplifies the need for having fun with friends and opening up to new people, even in the face of heartbreak and personal setbacks. He shows readers that if you fall into a rut, you can always climb back out if you allow positivity to persevere, and keep your feelings open with close, trusted friends.

The continual evolvement of Jason and his loyal group of friends is the most impressive aspect of Hunter & Holmes, and Troubled Waters expands that theme and brings it to the forefront. Their maturity grows tangibly as personal and group worries move towards more mature issues. This time, the newly discovered “surfer” in Jason has taken a social stance against ocean water pollution, and he and Cody, fellow ocean-lover, find themselves in the midst of a scandal. Readers see a new side of Jason as he takes on an “armchair detective” role to solve the mystery, reminiscent of his old friend and advisor Joe Connor, who did the same for Jason in his early detective days.

Maturity shines again as the Second Chance All-Stars, a band started by Daniel Holmes, produces music that speaks to the soul rather than a generic audience. The band shows pride and strength as they stick to their guns, and refuse to be just another adolescent pop group. Each member refuses to give up on their goals, and will not sell out for all the money and fame in the world. Just like we learned at the start of the series with Jason's mature ability to manage his sudden fortune, this book continue to reiterate that money is not everything in life. The boys speak of ambition and advancing themselves academically and musically in order to be accepted into a prestigious college program and grow a successful life.

Relationships have been a constant theme throughout the series, and the fact that all the characters are able to maintain and grow these over their teenage years sets a phenomenal example. All the boys show respect for their parents, their girlfriends, and their superiors, no matter the physical distance between them. Jason respects Laura’s space, while holding hope in his heart and reminding readers to see the light in the darkest of times. The wait is worth it.

— Taylor Bathel

This installment is a must read in the series, and will surely leave a positive mark on young readers.

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.

Troubled Waters brings the saga of Jason Hunter and Daniel Holmes full circle.

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.

Order Troubled Waters	Return to the Troubled Waters Page	Hunter & Holmes Home	Return to the Reviews

Other Website Features:

Questions or Comments About Hunter & Holmes Mysteries? Contact us at mail@hunterandholmes.com
The Hunter & Holmes Official Website is sponsored by The ChucksConnection, a division of Hal Peterson Media Services. © 2008-2023 Hal Peterson Media Services.

To view or purchase the complete selection of Converse All Star Chuck Taylor high tops, low cut, or youth and infant models currently available, including the black high tops worn by Daniel Holmes or the red high tops worn by Jason Hunter, click on the shoe links.
	High Tops	Low Cut	Youth and Infant