This was the first mystery I've read that revolved around Amateur Radio. Walker Thompkins had a wonderful flair for writing "easy to read and hard to put down" stories. The book gives enough background so that you have the chance to get to know the characters in the story. I find the main character, Tommy Rockford, to retain all the qualities of the young man you are meant to believe he is. The entire story had enough factual information that I was actually able to visit the area where the mystery takes place and see some of the landmarks mentioned. Although a bit far-fetched for the adult reader, there is enough of the childhood fantasy to make the story downright believable for the younger audience. The clues, the chase and even the last minute conversion of one of the bad guys to good guys reminds you of the movies where the audience stands and cheers at the end. This is a "happy ending" type of story that is all too rare nowdays. Although no H.G. Wells, Walker Thompkins was a gifted author with the vivid imagination that kept his audience until the end. If you began your interest in Amateur Radio as a youngster, this book is definitely for you.

Tommy is an experienced ham vacationing with his uncle. A mystery is afoot when a pushy kid steals Tommy's car! As the plot unfolds, Tommy and Noisy get into big trouble from actual pirates! Fun reading with lots of good ham material included. Best for teenagers.

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE ONE MAN CAN CONTROL THE IDEAS AND LIFE STYLE OF SO MANY PEOPLE,IT WASN'T BECAUSE ED SEXTON WAS LOVED IT WAS BECAUSE HE WAS FEARED.HE RAISED HIS CHILDREN IN THEIR OWN CLOSED SOCIETY AWAY FROM THE MAIN STREAM. I DONT REALLY BLAME ANY OF THE CHILDREN , PIXIE, LANA ETC BECAUSETHEY DID WHAT THEY WHERE RAISED TO BELIEVE. THE PARENTS HOWEVER SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN EXECUTED FOR THESE UNTHINKABLE CRIMES. ALSO ALL THE SEXTON CHILDREN MALE AND FEMALE SHOULD OF BEEN STERILIZED AS TO NOT SPREAD THIS IN BRED DISEASE.

Walker Tompkins (K6ATX), wrote this first of a series of six books in the 1950's. I read it back then with some interest in ham radio and it inspired me to get my license (1958) and am still active in have radio 40 years later! This and the other books he wrote were updated to bring them into the "solid state" age and are great for anyone interested in ham radio - especially a young person or one young at heart! A great gift!

Walker Tompkins may be better known in literary circles for his coverage of the California hills, the flora and fauna of the region, and a biography of Roy Rogers... but to Amateur Radio enthusiasts, he is known for this Tommy Rockford stories.

Grand Canyon QSO is one of six stories, and was my favorite of the series.

Tommy is a teenager involved in Ham Radio, and each story uses his involvement in the hobby and the knowledge he's gained from it to get him through various dangers. In "Grand Canyon QSO" Tommy is on a rafting trip down the Colorado River, and their trip is plagued by criminals on the run.

For today's world he comes across as extremely "squeaky clean". Just a little too perfect, but the characterization by Tompkins is sincere, what might for the time be considered the "ideal teenager".

The villians are a little predictable, but I'll admit that is from the perspective of an adult reading a juvenile story.

I would recommend this to any kid ages 12-15 and to anyone of any age who has an interest in Amateur Radio.