In this sequel to MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, Sam Gribley's quest to live off the land and his joy in the solitude of the Catskill Mountains is interrupted when his lively sister, Alice, stays on after his family of 10 visits during the summer. At least she is company and quite inventive at making labor-saving devices.

Sam's world is more upset when a man who claims to be a government official confiscates his peregrine falcon and hunting partner, Frightful. Before long, Alice also disappears, leaving mysterious markers which point out her trail. Sam feels he must find Alice, and in doing so, discovers strange information about the man who took Frightful from him.

This book has mystery and suspense woven into its obvious woods survival theme. We find out more about the training and terminology used in falconry, as well as useful tips on marking a trail and tracking. Meet the old friends again, Jessie Coon James and Baron Weasel plus a group of new characters, both human and animal.

The sequel to this book is the new FRIGHTFUL'S MOUNTAIN. If you are itching for more about Frightful, you won't want to miss it.

   --- Reviewed by Neysa Hess