American Girl Mystery - Julie, The Tangled Web

I loved the character Julie after reading this book. It is not your classic mystery so it did surprise me that I liked it but then again I liked one of the early Trixie Belden books which really wasn't a mystery, so this style mystery book wasn't a shock to me.

Julie lives in San Fransisco in the 1970's with her mother and sister (her parents are divorced).

In this story she likes the new girl in her class Carla Warner but Carla tells Julie a number of stories that don't add up and causes some major confusion and concern for Julie.

I bought more Julie books to read in the American Girl Mystery Series based on the strength of this book.

The premise of the book is great as it comes from the famous quote from Sir Walter Scott:

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

The treasure in the Tower: The Hardy Boys Series

I listened to the Audio book version as I have taken up listening audio books whilst at the gym.

This is the first book in The Hardy Boys Series and a well developed start to the series. The books are written under a psydonum name of which was a part of the Stratmeyers group. The author of the first Hardy Boys book stated that he made a conscious decision to spend time developing The Hardy Boy characters during writing this book. This was not always done by authors as the writers did not receive royalties for the book sales only a one off payment. This situation often encouraged writers to stick strictly to the outline they were given by Stratemeyser and churn out the book as quickly as possible in order to receive their payment and start on the next book outline they were sent.

Frank and Joe Hardy were developed as popular boys who played baseball and dated girls at their high school (with the boys having favorite dates.) Joe comes across as more impulsive and excitable than Frank. The boys had a sound family life with their father having the exciting work of working as a detective.The story evolves with Frank and Joe working on the same case as their father in order to help a school friend and collect a substantial financial reward. I enjoyed this story, a great start to a great series.

The Mystery of the Castaway Children: Trixie Belden series

This is the 21st book in the series and one of my favorite Trixie stories that I have read so far.

The story centers around two missing children and Trixie finding a baby in her dog Red's dog kennel after a storm. The story is well developed with the story developing layers of possible runaway /vs / kidnapping scenarios.

On the relationship front Di flatters Mart a number of times during this story which would indicate that Di has a romantic interest in Mart. Dan Morgan is a part of the story but takes on a minor role with the author stating early on in the story that Dan has to work a lot which is why he is not always available to be a part of The Bob Whites adventures.

This book was so good that I immediately picked up another Trixie Belden book to read which would have to be the best possible sign for a series book.

Riddle of the Prairie Bride American Girl Mysteries

The main character Ida Kate Deming is a very likable, young, responsible girl who takes over her mothers responsibilities after her mother has died. I loved the era references as poor Ida spent two whole days in the week to get the washing and ironing done for herself and her father.

The story starts 2 years down the track after Ida Kate's mother's death and Ida Kate's father puts a ad in a newspaper for a wife (referred to as a mail order bride) as a number of women reply.

The mystery revolves around the woman that Ida Kate's father chooses arrives and slowly Ida starts to believe she is an impostor and not the woman they have been corresponding with.

The story is heart felt, well paced, educational in its historical context and the mystery unfolds to a pleasant ending. Can't wait now to read another American Girl Mystery. Highly Recommended as a new favourite series.

Nancy Drew The Secret of Red Gate Farm Audio Book

The Sixth Book in the Nancy Drew Mystery Series takes Nancy, Bess and George to the country in order to help save the Farm of new friend Joanne.

The fact that this mystery starts with the purchase of a bottle of perfume goes to show that writers can get ideas from anywhere.
The farm although not described in depth detail could still be vividly visually interpreted by the reader.

Additional boarders at the Farm add interest as well as the "Nature Cult" that are renting land and performing strange dances of an evening.

The audio book is read by Laura Linney who does a great job of bringing the action to life.
Some things that stood out to me were Nancy decribed with Blonde hair and Nancy not having a memento to take home of her adventure at the end of this story.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than The Secret of Shadow Ranch.

Nancy Drew The Bungalow Mystery Audio Book

The Bungalow Mystery is book 3 in the Nancy Drew Series.

I listened to the audio book version by Laura Linney.

I am really enjoying audio books at the moment as it allows me to "read" a book at a time when I usually wouldn't be able to, like driving in the car or whilst on the computer.

This book had me hooked from the outset and the mystery would have to be my favourite to date. I think what had me hooked was the interesting storyline, a bit different from the usual Haunted House affair that mystery series love.

I also like to read pre Bess, George and Ned.

This book has Helen again, and a suitable beau for Nancy.

It mentions Nancy is 18. Wouldn't all women love to get to certain age like Nancy does then magically go back a few years rather than going forward in age. No wonder Nancy is such an icon!

The series again mentions Helen's fiancee as being overseas and that she will marry on his return. Book 2 previously also stated that Helen was a few years older than Nancy so Helen would be in her 20's. I would have to say I remember thinking during this book that I actually prefer Helen as Nancy's sidekick over Bess and George. (I'll have to put some thought into as to why.)

Of note this book mentions that Nancy has a token from each of her mysteries (this one ended with Nancy receiving a ring)

I also loved that the ending wasn't rushed like some others are and that Nancy is the hero in the end, what all top sleuth crime fighters should strive to achieve by the end of the last chapter.

I love how in the beginning of the series the books sound like they should be read in order, a feeling I felt was lost as the series continued.