Best-selling novels set in the early 1900's in Minnesota, northwest Wisconsin, and Michigan, these compelling,
historically accurate stories attract reluctant, average, and gifted readers. Both boys and girls identify with
characters who face danger and mystery while learning to deal with peer pressure, family relationships, and the
need for unconditional love and forgiveness. . .
"In her Northwoods Adventures, Lois Walfrid Johnson blends regional history, positive values, and engaging
characters with mystery to boot. The same blend occurs in the Riverboat series, making the Underground Railroad
very real to young readers. Our family gathered around and read each of her books aloud."
— Harvey Stower, Mayor, Amery, Wisconsin
Former State Representative, Wisconsin State Assembly
Books vary in length from 144 to 160 pages, Paperback
List Price: $7.99 each
Preliminary cover art shown, actual cover art may vary.
The Disappearing Stranger — Book 1
After her Irish father died in a construction accident, Kate O’Connell and her mother were left to struggle
alone in the Minneapolis of 1906. Afraid of losing her friends if Mama returned to Sweden, 12-year-old
Kate goes to their pastor to pray about getting her mother a new husband. When God answers their prayers,
Kate dreads what will happen. Become part of a Swedish family in northwest Wisconsin, a place where her
friend Sarah says there are bears? Though Kate had always wanted a sister, what about two brothers? As
Kate’s new stepbrother Anders does his best to make her life miserable, strange occurrences become a mystery.
Was it just the wind that moved the bushes? What happens on a scary all-alone ride into town? And what
does Papa Nordstrom mean when he tells Kate, “You’ll earn your way with Anders”?
ISBN: 0-88062-275-X
EAN: 978-0-88062-275-2
The Hidden Message — Book 2
In the darkness of a November night, Kate wakens to the murmur of voices. Listening in, she discovers
that Papa Nordstrom must leave to work at a logging camp during the worst months of winter. How can
the family get along without him? What if something goes wrong? And things do go wrong! What near-
disaster happens as Kate tries to cover up what she’s done? Who left the strange message inside the
organ, and what do the words mean? Will Kate, Anders, and Erik discover who is responsible for some
mysterious disappearances around the community and Windy Hill Farm? And how does Christmas become
truly real in Kate’s heart?
ISBN: 0-88062-276-8
EAN: 978-0-88062-276-9
The Creeping Shadows — Book 3
The warmth of Christmas Day fades into the dreaded fact that Papa Nordstrom must return to his dangerous
work in the logging camp. Then wolves howl at night, and a valuable ring disappears. Unable to make a
big payment, Kate’s special friend Josie and her family face the possible loss of their farm. Suspicions
point to one person, but is he really guilty? Is it the same person who sneaks into the Windy Hill barn
to take Wildfire for nighttime rides? As Anders and Kate try to find the truth, shadowy figures appear.
What is real and what is imagination? And how does Kate’s choice change someone else’s life?
ISBN: 0-88062-277-6
EAN: 978-0-88062-277-6
The Vanishing Footprints — Book 4
On a cold January day, Kate walks three miles to pick up her family’s creamery check, but discovers
it was stolen the night before. No check means no money—at least for now. When Kate, Anders, and
Erik discover some stolen loot, the mystery grows. Boot prints in the snow suddenly vanish, and
someone leaves a threatening message. Who can they trust? What hidden danger
hides outside the glow of a lantern? Mama says, "God will go with you," but how can Kate and
her friends go beyond fear? As a thief appears and disappears, every warning points toward danger!
Will Papa make it home through the terrible winter storm? And what will happen to Lars, the
younger stepbrother Kate has learned to love?
ISBN: 0-88062-278-4
EAN: 978-0-88062-278-3
Trouble at Wild River — Book 5
On a cloudless March night, Kate, Anders, and Erik spot a timber swindler, but he gets away from
them and Big Gust. Who is the man changing ownership marks on logs? If only Kate and the boys
could have seen his face! When Mama receives word that her brother Ben wants to visit, suspicion
turns toward him. While living in Sweden, Ben stole money from a shopkeeper, then disappeared
without a trace. Now Ben's letter gives them only two days to meet him or he'll leave, never to
be seen by the family again. With the help of a Chippewa Indian boy, Kate and Anders race against
time. Can they escape danger, find Ben before the sun goes down, and offer Mama's forgiveness?
ISBN: 0-88062-279-2
EAN: 978-0-88062-279-0
The Mysterious Hideaway — Book 6
What secret could be hidden in the one-room schoolhouse at Spirit Lake? From the very first
day, the spring term promises to be different from any other in the school's history. First,
there's a new student who's older than the teacher. At six feet, three inches tall, he causes
a stir with the school children—and the teacher! Next there's the strange sound that both Kate
and Erik hear. And then there's Maybelle, Kate's eternal enemy! Can Kate live with courage in
spite of being wrongly accused? A series of baffling clues seem to make no sense as she, Anders,
and Erik search for answers. Is the only way to solve the mystery under the cover of darkness? Is
the only way to solve the mystery under the cover of darkness? And if they solve the mystery will
they really help someone?
ISBN: 0-88062-280-6
EAN: 978-0-88062-280-6
Grandpa's Stolen Treasure — Book 7
Full of anticipation, Kate and her family wait for her grandpa and grandma from Sweden to
arrive on the train. When the Blueberry Special comes in, and the last passenger steps from
the train, Grandpa and Grandma are nowhere in sight. After Papa Nordstrom leaves to search
for them in St. Paul, a telegram arrives in the middle of the night. "We are in Duluth,"
Grandpa says. "But Mama is lost." Grandma lost? When Kate, Anders, and Erik rush to Duluth,
they discover that Grandma is not simply lost—someone has stolen her away! Can the three
friends be wise in God's leading and find and rescue Grandma?
ISBN: 0-88062-281-4
EAN: 978-0-88062-281-3
The Runaway Clown — Book 8
The circus is coming with the most daring acts ever performed....and a lot of trouble! The Nordstrom
family travels to River Falls, Wisconsin to see the circus and stay with Sarah, Kate’s best friend from
Minneapolis. Even Michael Reilly, another of Kate’s friends, will be there. But in the midst of the
excitement lurks the dark news of accidents that have followed one of the circus stars, the Great Roberto.
Why is someone trying to hurt him? What is the secret of the diamonds? Who is the runaway clown? How
does danger follow not only the circus people, but also Kate and Tina? And why does Kate need to make
a life-changing choice?
ISBN: 0-88062-282-2
EAN: 978-0-88062-282-0
Mystery of the Missing Map — Book 9
In the dark of night Kate, Anders, and Erik travel to Michigan to meet Cousin Megan. As the train c
lickety-clacks into Copper Country, Kate overhears a whispered conversation about an easy steal, the
man who owns the mansion where Megan’s father is caretaker, and a plan involving Anders and Erik.
When Kate sees her cousin for the first time they’re like identical twins except for one thing--Megan
is blind. As two people lurk in the darkness near the mansion, danger trails the four friends. Can
they find the long-lost treasure map in time? Act with courage in spite of fear? Stay ahead of the
thieves who also search for silver nuggets from Central Mine? And when rocks fall deep within a copper
mine, what becomes the biggest treasure of all?
ISBN: 0-88062-283-0
EAN: 978-0-88062-283-7
Disaster on Windy Hill — Book 10
With reward money in hand, Kate, Anders, and Erik head to a stable to buy a horse for Kate. A
beautiful black stallion is for sale, but she discovers she can buy two poorly cared for horses
for the price of one, and Kate strikes a deal. While riding home with Windsong and Breeza, Kate
and Erik are startled when someone tries to grab Windsong’s bridle. Kate eludes the would-be thief,
but she’s frightened. Who would want to steal a scruffy, underfed horse? When Windsong’s lead rope
is deliberately untied and the horse disappears, Kate becomes convinced her horse must be more valuable
than she first believed. But Kate is also sure she’s made a terrible mistake. Can she ever know the
love of God again?
