The Legends of
Lake on the Mountain:
An Early Adventure of
John A. Macdonald
With a foreword by former
Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
"This is a well-told and lively tale, exciting, human, funny ...at times scary, of an adventure by a young boy who would grow up to become Canada's first Prime Minister."
--Richard Gwyn, author,
“Nation Maker:
Sir John A Macdonald:
His Life, Our Times"
When a grizzled old man shoves a decades-old treasure map into 13-year-old John A. Macdonald’s hands, he’s certain this will be the best summer ever. But that was before a humpback lake serpent is seen at twilight by the people of Stone Mills in the mysterious Lake on the Mountain. As people flee in panic, John knows his family might be next unless he can figure out what dwells in the lake in time. But does he have what it takes to confront something he can’t see clearly? Or will the serpent in the darkness win?
The Legends of Lake on the Mountain:
An Early Adventure of John A. Macdonald
ISBN: 978-0-9812433-2-0
Softcover 8" x 5 1/2"
216 pages
recommended reading age: 12 and up
$12.95
Look what they're saying about
The Legends of Lake on the Mountain:
An Early Adventure of John A. Macdonald
(Book Two in the Leaders & Legacies series)
“John A. Macdonald is…haunted by the murder of his younger brother, James, in this lush novel filled with fresh insights into John A.’s character, his cunningness, and his charisma. Roderick Benns’ dialogue lifts off the page. This is as close to John A. telling the story of his own life as we are ever going to get.”
-- Patricia Phenix, author, Private Demons:
The Tragic Personal Life of John A. Macdonald
"I think it is wonderful that Fireside Publishing House is bringing out another in its books of historical fiction. John A's adventures as a boy will now become as legendary as his feats when he was Canada's leader."
-- J.L. Granatstein, author of "Who Killed Canadian History?
"All the excitement is drawn together by key political struggles that shaped our nation's identity…an excellent add-on to upper-elementary social studies curriculum…a great educational resource…”
-- Things I Think About (book reviews)
“…an inspired choice of setting… Let's hope that Benns' books will lure reluctant readers away from their video games and transform them into history buffs. Recommended.”
-- Canadian Review of Materials (CM Magazine)
“…entertaining historical fiction…an excellent book...”
-- Library Thing
“The Legends of Lake on the Mountain is an exciting pick for younger readers. Highly recommended.”
-- Midwest Book Review
The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder:
An Early Adventure of
John Diefenbaker
“I love this book…Teachers, parents, librarians, educators, Canadians…get your children this book and look for more in the Leaders & Legacies series."
-- Word of Mouse Book Reviews
One hundred years ago, under the light of a full moon, 12-year-old John Diefenbaker and his younger brother, Elmer, are nearby when their neighbour is shot to death in a field. The murder in small-town Saskatchewan ignites a desperate search for the killer and when a family friend of the Diefenbakers is arrested for the murder, John is certain they have the wrong person. But with only five days left before the murder trial, time is running out...
Publication date: Sept. 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9812433-0-6
Softcover 8" x 5 1/2"
244 pages,
Recommended reading age:
12 and up
$12.95
Look what they're saying about
The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder:
An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker
(Book One in the Leaders & Legacies series)
"A riveting read…”
-- Midwest Book Review
“…excellent history…recommended.”
-- Canadian Review of Materials (CM Magazine)
“…just when you think you have a handle on "whodunnit", a twist in the plot keeps you guessing. Through this high interest story, we learn how this future leader of Canada would have developed some of his decision making skills and ideals.”
-- A Season to Read (review blog)
"...an engaging and entertaining read...your characterization of Mr. Diefenbaker's family members...leapt from the pages..."
-- Rob Paul, Diefenbaker Canada Centre
“…an engaging young adult level novel…part of a Leaders and Legacies series which will place actual figures in Canadian history within fictional stories."
-- Yukon Books
“Roderick Benns does spin a yarn that will captivate…”
-- The Regina Leader-Post
"A fine book. I wish there had been such a fiction adventure when I was growing up...an excellent means of providing significant historical information on the settlement of Saskatchewan within a credible mystery. I expect I will look for more of the historical adventures of young Prime Ministers."
-- Bill Selnes, Mysteries and More from Saskatchewan
“…John is a strong character in fiction, as in life, and the story brings readers closer to the harsh realities of the period and the strength of character of the man as seen in the boy.”
-- Dr. Andrea Deakin (The Deakin Newsletter Review)
