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This young reader historical novel begins with a high school field trip to the former gold rush town of Yale in British Columbia. Here Zach, Kyle, and their eccentric teacher, Miss Reid, are transported back in time to 1866 at the height of the Cariboo gold rush. Stranded in Yale, the threesome are taken under the wing of Theo Cox, who becomes their friend, and he persuades his brother Enos, who is carrying freight in his wagon to Barkerville, to take the three along with them. It is an arduous and at times dangerous journey on a road hastily built to accommodate the throng of people seeking riches in the Cariboo. Once they reach the famous gold-mining town, the trio each finds work to survive. They find that Barkerville presents many hardships and also many exotic adventures. But a murder has been committed, and the evidence seems to point to their friend Theo. When Theo finds himself at a trial presided over by the imposing and straight-talking Judge Begbie, it looks as though he will be found guilty. Desperate, Zach intercedes with Judge Begbie. Can he find a way to save Theo from the gallows?

Available in Canada at www.chaptersindigo.ca

Available in Denmark at williamDam.dk

Available in Holland at Waterstones.com