Full of secret codes, hidden intrigue, and a touch of the supernatural, this historical novel will have young readers on the edge of their seats.
This premise marks the explosive start to Knocktopia: Secret of the Mother Lode by Hunter Malone. With fascinating puzzles, a keen knowledge of 19th-century mining towns, and a touch of the supernatural, Malone creates a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue that will have young readers on the edge of their seats.
In this Q&A, we talk with Hunter Malone about his heroic tale of bravery, compassion, and inner strength
Ben and Sam undergo significant personal growth throughout the novel. What lessons do you hope readers take away from their journey?
My goal was to pull the reader deep into Ben and Sam’s journey—to feel the grit, the weight of their choices, and the danger they’re up against. When Ben is suddenly thrown into a harsh, unforgiving world, he finds himself caught in a moral crossroads: should he fight to save his family’s mine, or protect the people of Knocktopia, who unknowingly stand in the way of a fortune in gold? It’s a question of conscience—are we willing to walk away from riches to do what’s right?
The idea of hidden knowledge and coded messages plays a big role in the story. What drew you to incorporating puzzles and cryptic elements into the plot?
I dedicated the book to my dad—To the man who passed his love and wisdom through nuggets of unspoken words. A lot of what he taught me didn’t fully hit until after he was gone. His lessons were like hidden truths—little nuggets, like pieces of a puzzle or a secret code, just waiting to be uncovered. That idea found its way into the story. The codes in the book aren’t just riddles—they’re symbolic. They serve as a wake-up call for Ben, and for all of us, about the weight of responsibility and how the choices we make can echo across generations.
Knocktopia contains themes of environmental preservation and the consequences of greed. Was this an intentional commentary on resource exploitation in our own world?
That thread was woven into the story on purpose. Looking back at the 1870s, you’ll see it plain as day—just like now, folks were driven by want and greed, and it took a toll. The land, the water, the lives of people and creatures alike—none of it came out untouched. It’s a reminder that the choices we make, whether back then or today, carry weight.
Mining history and folklore play a big role in the story. How much research did you do before writing Knocktopia?
You could say my research started long before I ever put pen to paper. I grew up ramblin’ through ghost towns and old mines in Northern California with my dad—a man who had a deep love for history and a soft spot for trains. Along the way, I picked up tales of the old Cornish miners and the folklore they carried with them. Years later, when the spark of a story came to me, it pulled me back to those memories. I dove deeper, crawling through caves, exploring the underground, chasing the echoes of the past. I even had the chance to sit with Jack Clark, one of the last living miners in Grass Valley. Those moments—past and present—came together to help shape the heart of this book.
Did you always know how the story would unfold, or did the characters and their journey surprise you as you wrote?
I had the bones of the story early on—I knew the heart of it, the theme I wanted to explore. But when I handed my first draft to Elizabeth Lyon, a seasoned author and expert in fiction writing, she looked at it kindly and said, “You’ve got work to do.” So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to it. I spent years learning the craft of fiction—how to shape scenes, build tension, bring characters to life. Along the way, I crossed paths with James Bonnet, a gifted storyist who opened my eyes to the deeper layers of storytelling. James became a mentor, helping me understand story structure, character arcs, and what it really means to create something that rings true.
It was a slow, humbling process. I rewrote the story more times than I can count, each version a little stronger than the last. There were long nights and quiet mornings filled with doubt, but I stuck with it. And after ten years, I finally had a draft I felt proud of. I sent it back to Elizabeth. Her response? She said, “You’re a master story writer.” After all that time, those words meant the world.
If you could spend a day in the world of Knocktopia, what would you most want to see or experience?
If I could step into the story, I’d head straight for the underground city of Knocktopia. I’d love to spend some time down there, just takin’ it all in—and I wouldn’t mind sitting awhile with Moe and Raye. They’ve got the kind of spirit that sticks with you.
If Knocktopia had a core message that you want readers to remember long after finishing the book, what would it be?
I hope we all come to recognize what truly matters in this life—and find the strength to stand up for it when the time comes.
