Shift

Shift is a first novel by English teacher Jennifer Bradbury. A good author will always do thorough research for a novel. Jennifer really did.....she and her husband took a 2 month bicycle trip! They traveled from Charleston, South Carolina to Los Angeles, California.

In the book, Chris and Win, best friends since 3rd grade, have just graduated from high school. It was Chris' big dream to take a cross-country bike trip. He and Win finally convince their parents they are old enough and responsible enough to do it. The morning after graduation they leave their homes in West Virginia. Their ultimate destination? The Pacific coastline of Seattle, Washington.

As they bike through the upper Midwest -- they spend the night in a jail cell in Hudson, WI -- you get to know both Chris and Win. They experience the desolate highways of North Dakota and then the beauty of Glacier National Park. It's a long 2 months. Chris and Win have their own up's and down's....along with numerous flat tires. After almost being attacked by a wild coyote, Chris has another flat. Win continues on --- not waiting for his friend. That is the last Chris ever sees of Win!

Chris makes it to Seattle -- alone. He takes a bus back home and starts college. One of the first days on campus the FBI shows up to talk to Chris. Read this mystery to find out what happens to both Chris and Win!