Plot summary, “Nightmare Mountain” by Peg Kehret in 3 Minutes - Book Review
0"Nightmare Mountain" by Peg Kehret is a middle-grade outdoor adventure thriller. The story follows twelve-year-old Molly Neuman, who is spending her summer vacation on her aunt and uncle's llama farm in rural Washington state at the base of Mount Baker. The ranch also operates a Christmas tree farm, and Molly is excited to spend time there, especially since she comes from a snowless area like Los Angeles.
However, her vacation takes a dark turn when her aunt, Karen, falls seriously ill and slips into a coma, possibly due to poisoning. Molly's relationship with her cousin, Glendon, becomes strained, and he blames her for the family's troubles. As Molly investigates, she discovers that llamas on the farm are missing, and she becomes suspicious of Glendon's involvement.
Things escalate when Molly witnesses a man attempting to steal llamas on the property, and she realizes that Glendon knows the thief. The situation takes a dangerous turn when Molly and Glendon are taken hostage by the thief, and an avalanche is triggered during a confrontation, leaving them buried in snow.
Molly manages to dig herself out and find Glendon, but he's injured and unconscious. They spend a frigid night on the mountain with the family dog, Buckie, for warmth. After returning to the house, Molly encounters the thief, who takes her hostage but agrees to let her help him steal more llamas.
Eventually, Molly and Glendon are saved when Buckie helps transport Glendon to safety on a ski lift. It's revealed that Glendon's bitterness toward Molly was rooted in his traumatic family history, specifically his twin sister, Gladys, whom his mother favored and ultimately left with after divorcing Glendon's father.
In the end, Molly's actions help save the day, and all the stolen llamas are returned. Aunt Karen recovers from a severe peanut allergy triggered by cookies Molly had baked, and the family reunites and heals from their physical and emotional wounds.
"Nightmare Mountain" is a tale of courage, family, and friendship, where Molly's determination and resourcefulness play a crucial role in resolving the challenges that the characters face.