Paintball wars, battles with bullies, hidden treasures, fun and intrigue — what more could you ask for in the next book you pick up to read? Well, Nic Nelson and the Diamonds of Denmark provides all those things, plus subtly teaches readers value lessons that are important to learn while growing up. Throughout the book, readers will be drawn into the life of Nic Nelson as his experiences give him opportunities to exhibit those life lessons, such as respect for the caring adults and authority figures in his life, integrity, an appreciation for history, and the strength of love. Of utmost importance to the story, however, is the power of true friendship.
Imagine suddenly losing a parent, having to move to a new town, and start at a new school. Making new friends can be difficult in the best of times, so the fact that Nic Nelson has recently suffered through the unexpected death of his father could have made it a monumental undertaking. Fortunately for him, as it becomes evident from the first chapter, fate steps in and summons exactly what Nic needs at the moment he needs it — new friends.
As his new friendships develop, Nic is also faced with new challenges in the form of the J Gang and its ringleader, Johnny. Throughout the book, this antagonist utilizes every opening he sees to make life miserable for Nic Nelson, usually with some “test” of physical prowess.
Not long after the story unfolds, Nic and his new found friends decide to earn some money raking leaves and are soon drawn into the mystery revolving around the theft of the Diamonds of Denmark. As they work to discover the whereabouts of the diamonds, they’re also confronted by those who want to prevent them from such a discovery, interspersed with continual bullying from Johnny and his gang.
Nic’s pals … Kevin, Dante, Cindy, Herbert, and Philip … are a diverse quintet with seemingly endless resourcefulness when it comes to the obstacles put in their path. While the adult characters in the story, Nic’s mom, Captain Spencer, Jason, and Mr. Chen, provide the much-needed guidance and love for the six friends in order for them to stay true to themselves and each other.
Although no longer physically present in his life, throughout the story it becomes obvious that Nic’s father played a huge part in molding him into the person he is so far at this young age. It is also equally apparent that Nic and his mom share a special bond and continue to be impacted by the shocking loss of his dad.
There is never a dull moment for Nic Nelson and his friends as they fend off bullies, celebrate the holidays together (sometimes in prankish ways), and work at solving the mystery of the Diamonds of Denmark, which has gone unsolved for decades. Join Nic and his gang on their adventures in New Bonn as their friendships deepen and their sleuthing skills are put to the test in Nic Nelson and The Diamonds of Denmark.