The Trail That Lied (Paperback Adventure Action Fiction Book, Reading Age 10-15)

One thousand miles. A team of devoted dogs. A trail built on lies.

Book details: Paperback adventure novel • Author Eric Henry • Illustrations by Questbound Studios Ltd • Published by Questbound Studios Ltd, UK • First Edition • First printed in the UK in 2026 • ISBN 978-1-0669226-4-2 • Number of Pages 330 • Recommended Reading Age 10-15. Language: British English. Finished book size: 148 × 210 mm.

Themes: Courage & Resilience, Friendship & Loyalty, Human–Animal Bond, Overcoming Fear, Wilderness Survival, Determination, Trust, Personal Growth, Family, Integrity, Adventure, Teamwork

About the book

A thrilling illustrated adventure action fiction book for readers aged 10–15.

Seventeen-year-old Mara Calder has always understood huskies better than people. When her extraordinary bond with her dogs earns her the chance to compete in Alaska’s greatest sled-dog challenge, her dream finally seems within reach. But brutal weather, hidden sabotage and a dangerous sponsor soon turn the race into a fight for survival.

The Trail That Lied is an unforgettable story of courage, loyalty, resilience and learning when to trust your own path.

Seventeen-year-old Mara Calder has spent her life training huskies at her family’s small kennel in Alaska. She understands every movement of an ear, every change in a pawfall and every warning hidden in a dog’s eyes. People are far more difficult.

When Mara gives up a certain victory to rescue an injured young musher, footage of her bravery spreads around the world. Suddenly, she is offered the opportunity she has always dreamed about: professional support, first-class equipment and a chance to compete in Alaska’s most legendary long-distance sled-dog race.

But dreams have a cost.

Preparing for the race demands everything Mara has. She must endure exhaustion, punishing training runs, family conflict, public criticism and the constant fear that she is not strong enough. At her side is Aster, her intelligent silver-grey lead husky, a dog carrying fears of her own.

As race day approaches, Mara begins to realise that her powerful sponsor is not interested in helping her become a champion. He wants to control her image, her future and even her dogs. Then equipment begins to fail. Supplies disappear. Private moments are leaked to the public. Strange markers appear on the trail.

Someone is turning Mara’s greatest dream into a carefully planned trap.

Once the race begins, she must guide her team through mountain passes, frozen rivers, violent storms and the deadly white silence of the Alaskan wilderness. With every mile, Mara is forced to choose between chasing victory and protecting those who trust her.

When the official trail itself can no longer be believed, she must decide whether to follow the marker in front of her—or trust the dog refusing to take another step.

The Trail That Lied is a suspenseful and emotionally powerful adventure about a girl, her huskies and the courage to do what is right even when it may cost everything.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

• Dog and animal adventures
• Strong female protagonists
• Wilderness survival stories
• Mystery, suspense and hidden sabotage
• Inspiring stories about courage and resilience
• Alaska, snow, huskies and sled-dog racing
• Family, friendship and coming-of-age fiction

This is an independent work of fiction and is not presented as an official publication of, or endorsement by, any real-world race organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Trail That Lied suitable for ages 10–15?
Yes. It is written for readers aged 10–15 and combines adventure, suspense and coming-of-age themes.

Is this an illustrated novel?
Yes. The book is an illustrated paperback novel with 19 black-and-white sketch illustrations.

What kind of story is it?
It is a children’s and young-adult action and adventure story set in the Alaskan wilderness, with sled-dog racing, mystery and survival elements.