Describe a plot from a novel & see if anyone knows the novel without using Google

[DetlefK]

Scifi:
A secret-agent gets tasked with retrieving something valuable from a forbidden location. He runs into pirates, a game of poker with the winner being whoever leaves last before the ticking time-bomb explodes, a cult of cannibals, he falls in love... all the while being actively hunted by an opposing secret-agent. The question is, how far is he willing to go to fulfill his orders?

[claudette]

1. Fantasy fiction

A teenage boy helps a grumpy old man get help when he falls off a ladder and saves his life by calling an ambulance but ends up with the responsibility of caring for him at home. The man pays him good money and he saves it for his college costs. The teen’s widowed father allows this. Short version - he inherits the property when the old man dies and is aware of a secret in the shed that leads to another world. Many adventures later he returns home to his father and goes on to college. He and his Dad live happily ever after. (That should give you a clue as to the title). LOL

[MuseRider]

2. That was a wonderful story.

I know what it is but will let others guess. Long and fun to read.

[claudette]

4. Yes it really was

I had the audiobook and enjoyed it so much!

[Docreed2003]

3. Just read this one...such a great book

[claudette]

5. And

Great author!

[MuseRider]

6. Don't forget

the dog!

[claudette]

7. Yep

Sorry I missed mentioning that key sub plot. Now maybe more posters will recognize it