"Dave Porter at the Star Ranch; or, The Mystery of the Cowboy" is an exciting adventure for teenagers, which is designed to emphasize the important values of honor, friendship and courage. The main character, Dave Porter, goes to the ranch to help new friends solve difficult problems. The rapid immersion into the cowboy world, the realistic descriptions of the prairie terrain and the unexpected turn of events make this book exciting for readers of all ages. Edward Stratemeyer skillfully combines an adventure plot with educational moments, inspiring his readers to learn important life values.