Eric Wilson is a hero to Canadians and to kids all over the world who have read his books. He is a successful writer of mystery stories for children, having sold more than 1.5 million books in Canada alone and another one million books in 10 languages around the globe. Eric Wilson grew up dreaming he would become a mystery writer. Eric's childhood was spent in the diverse regions of Canada as his family moved often. This experience gave Eric a unique appreciation for the vastness and variety inherent in Canadian culture and geography. His mystery series takes readers to every Canadian province and to Nunavut. Part of Eric's determination to achieve success can be traced to his desire to make the world a better place for children. He plans to create a charitable foundation which will provide the means for kids to help other kids.
After many attempts as a teacher to get his students to read, he wrote a story of his own that the students loved. Since Murder on The Canadian was published in 1976, the Tom and Liz Austen series has placed Eric in elite sales territory with Margaret Atwood and Robert Munsch. A tireless promoter who travels to schools, libraries and bookstores all across the country, Eric Wilson lives with his wife, Flo, in Victoria, BC.
In Eric Wilson's young adult novel Disneyland Hostage terrorists take over Disneyland and hold guests hostage on Tom Sawyer's Island. Liz Austen and her brother Tom are detectives. Whether solving bomb threats together in the West Edmonton Mall or Liz becoming involved in a terrorist plot in Disneyland, these Canadian siblings always seem to be in the thick of things. They've solved everything from kidnappings to murders. Now Liz is going to have to solve a hostage situation, without the help of her brother. Alone in California, Liz Austen cuts her vacation short as a boy disappears from the Disneyland Hotel. Suddenly, her own life is in danger when terrorists infiltrate Disneyland. While Liz Austen is on a trip to California to visit Universal Studios (City) and Disneyland with her Aunt, they run into a charming man known as Kingsley. He soon becomes a quick friend and escorts them to the amusement parks. But when Liz notices someone following her and her friend Serena they realize that something bad is going to happen. While at Disneyland they become hostages by terrorists who want to end poverty where they came from. It's now up to Liz to save the hostages, and bring peace to the people visiting Disneyland before someone gets hurt.
Disneyland Hostage is very much fun for kids because it is placed at Disneyland the favorite place for many of them, however the book contains little of the sights of Disneyland. The author does a great job not to drag sentences out or keep you guessing. Disneyland Hostage is a really great book that really makes kids impressed.
The mystery/adventure breakneck action of Disneyland Hostage, interesting settings, and contemporary issues will draw avid or reluctant mystery readers alike. It is recommended to any mystery readers.