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.