The Oxbow Wizard

"The Oxbow Wizard" by Theodore Goodridge Roberts is a captivating story from the early 1900s about a young boy named Dan Evans, who calls the wilds of the Oxbow region home, and finds himself smack-dab in unfolding mysteries and daring quests, especially after his schoolteacher vanishes. This story introduces themes of growing up, the thrill of discovery, and the hardships of a rural existence as Dan encounters different people and tricky situations on his hunt for the truth. The story kicks off with Dan and his day-to-day family life, highlighting his Uncle Bill, who serves as both guide and instigator of excitement. When a visitor from the city leaves behind a fascinating book, Dan's imagination is ignited, and he dreams of a world outside of his small, humble life. This book embodies Dan’s dreams of adventure and hints at his knack for solving problems, suggesting he will play a key role in solving the secrets surrounding Miss Carten’s disappearance.