The Werwolf on Eagle’s Nest Mountain: A Snowboarding Adventure Turned Deadly When Kids Discover Plundered World War II Nazi Treasure Hidden in a Secre

In Susan Hira's bold debut, The Werwolf on Eagle's Nest Mountain, Hira places the fictional child of the most infamous Nazi high up in the mountains of a Minnesota ski resort. Written for middle school children to young adults, this mystery thriller adds a dramatic twist on history. All Nick, Jack, and Mike wanted to do was have an epic snow session at a large resort. But due to budget constraints, their new history teacher insisted that the ninth grade winter class trip be held at the Eagle's Nest Mountain Ski and Snowboard Resort, a dilapidated dump with only three lame lifts. When the kids attempt to shred the prime fresh powder in the Arctic Bowl at the top of the mountain, a sniper attacks and forces them to jump from a lift in mid-air. Before the assassin can strike again, the boys decide to investigate and discover a secret lair inside the mountain used to warehouse and redistribute stolen goods. They realize that all clues lead to an elite guerrilla movement started near the end of World War II known as the "Werwolf" organization and the long-lost gold and art plundered by the Nazis during the war. The ringleader of the newly formed gang, a direct descendant of a Hitler Youth Werwolf, is raising money to fund the new regime. Like an assault rifle firing at close range, the boys' beliefs of good versus evil are shattered as they navigate the emotional fallout from those trying to live down the infamy of their ancestors, some with pride, while others with shame. As Nick, Jack, and Mike battle for their lives armed only with skis and snowboards, they must figure out whom to trust-or their electrifying ride down the mountain will be their last.

Susan Hira graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. She is an avid snowboarder who wrote this book while recovering from a knee injury on the slopes. Sequel coming in 2012.