Bob McPherrin publishes second tome in his children's book series

You probably know Bob McPherrin from his position as Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.  But McPherrin has also launched himself into the competitive children’s book scene with an exciting new series entitled Stingray Cole & the Elm Street Daredevils.

Published in Oklahoma City by Tate Publishing, the introductory book of the series, The Mysterious Tale of Culpepper Mansion, was released on Nov 8, 2011. The series newest title, Murder at the Applegate Hotel hit store shelves a few months ago.  The series is based on the exploits of 12-year-old seventh-grader Stingray Cole and his diverse circle of friends, who find themselves embroiled in various exciting mysteries which they solve with a combination of ingenuity, teamwork and contagious good humor.

In Stingray Cole's newest adventure, a winter weekend trip to an historic hotel turns deadly when he and his pals, the Elm Street Daredevils, befriend a brilliant but quirky scientist their first night at the hotel. When the scientist is found dead in his room the next day, the authorities are quick to rule it a suicide. But the Elm Street Daredevils aren’t so sure. Convinced that there was foul play involved in the professor’s death, the youngsters begin to investigate. Their sleuthing skills help them uncover a conspiracy to silence the professor’s scientific findings, orchestrated by men who have millions of dollars hanging in the balance. To make matters worse, a severe winter storm has shut down the resort’s power and access. The Elm Street Daredevils have to stay on their toes to keep from being silenced themselves by a cabal of evil men out to get them, some of whom are posing as members of the hotel staff.

Dum, dum dum!!!!

McPherrin credits his early exposure to The Hardy Boys series as his primary influence, although he is quick to make a distinction.  “As much as I loved The Hardy Boys series, the Stingray Cole series is far more inclusive in its array of main characters, and includes kids of diverse ethnic backgrounds, ages, and religions, and even includes Stingray’s 75-year old grandfather.  These characters reflect today’s world much more accurately than those of the older series.”

McPherrin goes on to explain his impetus for trying his hand at writing.  “After seeing too much objectionable entertainment directed at kids today, whether in movies, TV shows, video games, or popular music, I grew increasingly convinced that a mystery series that provided thrills and chills, but also presented characters that exemplified the kinds of qualities that parents strive to instill in their children, could become very popular.”

McPherrin was kind enough to send me both books for my 12-year old to "review".  I am happy to report that both books got a hearty thumbs up and Jackson says they are "cool" and that the story line was "pretty good".  I personally find it very difficult to find books that tween boys will like, so kudos to McPherrin for helping a Mama out with literature that will get him off of the iPhone and XBox for a few hours.