Reviews of Children's Series Books, TV, Dolls, Toys and More

The Saddle Club Adventures at Pine Hollow 2001

2012-01-08T04:06:00.000-08:00

'The Saddle Club' is a children's series written by Bonnie Bryant. The popular books were turned into a tv series as a Australian /Canadian co-production. Both the book series and tv series follows the adventures of three friends, Lisa, Stevie and Carole who love horses and train at Pine Hollow Stables.
Two series were produced between 2001 and 2003. A third series was done in 2008 due to the shows popularity and new girls had to be chosen for the roles as the original actresses had grown too old for the parts.
The Saddle Club: Adventures At Pine Hollow (2001) was the pilot film for the Saddle Club television series. The story covers:
Caroles struggle with her mother's death from cancer and her fear over whether she would make a good vet as a chosen career.
Lisa wishes to competes for a part as a actress but decides before auditions that some things are more important and leaves.
Steviethe thrid girl has always been a bit of a tomboy and has dumped her name of Stephanie in preference for Stevie but as she is getting older she is finding it hard at time to fit in.

The girls have a major foe in the form of Veronica diAngelo a rich spoilt girl who in her attempt to show off and be the best carelessly fatally injures her horse Cobalt.
The girls then discover that Delilah is pregnant by Cobalt and is going to have a foal.

The movie does well as a pilot for the series as it introduces all the main characters and leaves the story open for more follow up of started ideas and stories. Girls that love horses should really enjoy it.

Movie: The Hole

2012-01-02T01:32:00.000-08:00

The Hole is the kind of movie that reminds me of movies like "Lets kill Uncle." As a child I was quite scared watching it but as an Adult I could see that it wasn't really scary at all. This is the kind of thriller that I would imagine would be suiter to a younger audience just startung to get into thrillers.
The story is entertaining enough to keep you interested as The Hole is about confronting what you are scared of.
The 3D affects weren't overboard, just enough to create a good picture to watch without the silly horror tricks of having things come out at you.
The three child actors did a good job and were likable to watch.
The clown puppet was freaky and reminded me I dont like clowns eiither.
The story is wrapped up well after all three children have confronted their fears, with a very minor addition at the end to leave the story open for a Hole 2.

POIROT: The Third Girl

2012-01-02T00:53:00.000-08:00

Poirot's The Third Girl has been my favourite Poirot film to watch so far. Not for the storyline or the acting which are both good but because a number of the scenes are shot in Poirot's apartment.
When I use to watch the classic TV series Charlie's Angels I was always fascinated whenever the show showed a glimpse into their private life, in particular where they lived.
The Poirot series did well in its choices for Poirot's apartment. We heard in Mrs McGinty's Dead a comment about Poirot living in a modernist apartment and this apartment is highly fashionable on every account. The wood paneling on the lounge matches the wooden paneling on door. There are so many lovely small details in the room that one can look for ages to soak it all in. lucky there are a number of scenes throughout his apartment so that you get to see different rooms.

Of the actors in this film Jemima Roper is the one that I instantly recognised. Jemima Roper played George in one of The Famous Five TV adaptations. She also is the star of "Lost in Austen" the story of a girl who accidentally falls into the world of Pride and Prejudice and into the place for Mr Darcy's affections. In this Poirot film she pays "The Third Girl." She does a good job in this film as the girl who is confused and feels she is going crazy and confesses to a crime she didn't commit.

Would definitely watch this one again if only to view more of Poirot's apartment.

Poirot: Mrs McGinty's Dead

2011-12-30T03:11:00.000-08:00

Agatha Christie is one of the most amazing authors of all time. The book Mrs McGinty's Dead was first published in 1952. The novel features the characters Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver.

In the plot James Bentley is arrested for the murder of old Mrs McGinty. The man is easy convicted and set to be sent to the gallows but Superintendent Spence who helped convict him is not convinced of his guilt and in his uneasiness at sending an innocent man to his death he turns to Poirot for help. Poirot with the help of his writer friend Ariadne Oliver set out to find the real killer in this whodunnit.

The Poirot TV version from 2008 stars David Suchet. He plays such an intriguing character. Reminds me of The Penguin from Batman and in fact I'm sure that the actor David Suchet would of played a brilliant villain Penguin if ever had been given the opportunity. He gives the character a distinctive waddle.

The actor portraying James Bentley, Joe Absolom on death row is familiar from the Doc Martin TV series.
I good witty part in the movie has Poirot ringing up Police Superintendent Spence excitedly telling him that someone has attempted to kill him and he is so happy about the fact when he tells him.

David Suchet Poirot wears a charming broach on his jacket in one scene and the clothing, room props, locations and scenery in the movie is warm and gorgeous.
There interesting is a comment to Poirot about him living in one of those "Modenist' places.

Famous Five TV Series Five go off in a Caravan Episode

2011-12-27T04:24:00.000-08:00

This is episode 6 of Season 1 and is a single episode in length. With the variety of animals, a circus theme and to die for gypsy caravans that I love the look of I feel that this story could of easily been expanded into a double episode without any problems.

Julian again is quite rude in his dealing with some adults but standing beside the two men he is backchatting he isn't much shorter than them so perhaps it makes his character more believable and the leader of the five.
The bad characters are interesting but by choosing to do this in 30mins means that we don't get any real charactrer developement or analysis.

A good episode though I do feel the story was rushed along unnecessarily. Perhaps if the makers had known they were going to be rejected on adding new stories to the series they may have expanded all books to be several episodes each :)

For those people who collect the Famous Five books with this TV series covers you will notice that a number of the covers were created from this episode.

Famous FiveTV Series Five Go to Smuggler's Top Part 1 and 2

2011-12-27T04:03:00.000-08:00

Episode 4 and 5 of Season 1 is based on Five go to Smuggler's Top. A storm making a tree land on the roof of Kirren Cottage see the Five packed up to spend their holidays with their friend Sooty Lenoir and his little sister Marybeth to their home at Smugglers Top. We first see Sooty and his sister wearing clothes that are so 1970's, the clothes are great then again George's navy windbreaker is also a favourite and I think I owned on once upon a time. Not to mention Cheryl Ladd in Charlies Angels also had a satin version in the 80's.

The Five find themselves in the middle of an adventure.

The house they are staying at is intriguing and as the Sooty's Stepfather doesn't like dogs the children scheme to bring Timmy into the house and hide him when necessary via one of the secret passages that goes through the wardrobe in the bedroom (a bit Narnia like)

There are different suspects, one who dresses like Sherlock Holmes and sticks out like a sore thumb and reminds me of Professor Slughorn from Harry Potter.

The butler of course is also a suspect and the children suspect he may be only pretending to be deaf and in a good plot outline Sotty's Step father is a suspect as Sooty and his sister dont trust him.

Someone kidnaps their Uncle Quinten, and Sooty also disappears. Can there still be smugglers at Smuggler's Top?

The Famous Five discover an underground tunnel and Timmy saves the day.

Some of the darker filming issues appear in these episodes and some are unclear due to the "Mist" and "Fog" on the marshes but you get use to that with this series.
You start to see that Julian's character can be quite rude to adults in the series as he says some things that would seem out of place when staying as a guest at someones house. Not really what I remember him being like in the book but definately these aren't the only

Another great episode.

Five Go Adventuring Again, TV Series 1978 Episode 3

2011-12-27T03:18:00.000-08:00

Episode 3 of the Famous Five Tv Series from the 1970's is Five Go Adventuring Again, based on the Enid Blyton book of the same title.

The cousins arrival to Kirren Cottage in their school uniforms rather than on bikes like the previous story is an indicatgion for what we are in for.

The Famous Five are having a tutor for the school holidays.

Bad guy tutor Rolland is instantly disliked by Timmy the dog (often a sign of how someone is like when not liked by dogs) and when something goes a mishap in the middle of the night Uncle Quentin blames his daughter George, which she denies.

Seems a bit strange to me that a girls father wouldnt look at the stranger living in the house rather than his daughter especially since he is a scientist who often has secret papers.

Netherless The Famous Five have discovered a thief at Kinin Cottage - but when they start looking for proof, they find unusual secret passages that become a part of their adventure.

This story has a number of secret passages, trap doors and other excting secret entrances that every kid would love to have in their home.

Loved it.

Five Go to Kirren Island Part 1 & 2 TV episodes 1978

2011-12-27T02:43:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favourite tv shows as a child and my favourite book series as a child so with the release of the Famous Five The Complete Collection released on DVD I decided to see how the show has stood the test of time.

Production for the series began in 1977, with filming commencing during the Summer of that year.

The series starred Michele Gallagher as George, Marcus Harris as Julian, Gary Russell as Dick and Jenny Thanisch as Anne, while Timmy the dog was played by a Border Collie called Toddy.
The series was very successful at the time but didnt go past series 2 because the Enid Blyton Estate didn;t allow them to create original stories so once they had completed two seasons covering 19 of the 21 books (two of which couldn't be recreated due to The Children's Film Foundation still had the film and TV rights to the books.) the series ended on a high.

The opening story is a double episode and introduces Julian, Dick and Anne to their cousin George and her dog Timmy. We first see Julian, Dick and Anne on their cycling to Kirren Cottage. The children's bags are being picked up and brought by car from the station. This is a great introduction for Julian, Dick and Anne as we see them having fun and cycling from the start of the series which was one of the staple elements of The Famous Five series. Instantly I feel that Jenny Thanisch was the perfect choice to play Anne and is exactly as one would imagine her to be in the books. In fact all the child actors were well chosen and act their roles well.

I notice that George has been dressed during the story in a top that has pink buttons on the shoulders, not a choice that one would imagine for George but other than that the characterisation of George is the best I have seen. Timmy in the books was also a mongrel and as he was capable of scaring criminals one would imagine he would be a mix of large breeds that have some agression to them, definately the pure bred Border Collie that ened up in the series.
The story flows well and is easy to watch. It is well filmed and the first episode doesn't suffer the dark filming issues of some episodes.

The story has the five going to Kirren Island to help save their Uncle Quentin. Very enjoyable just as I remember it. Know wonder the series was one of my favourites.

Five Go to Kirren Island: Part 1 (Original transmission: 3 July 1978)

Five Go to Kirren Island: Part 2 (10 July 1978)

(Note: Kirren is spelt differently from the books)

T31 The Three Investigators in the Secret of Skeleton Island Movie

2011-12-25T22:20:00.000-08:00

The Three Investigators book series ran from 1964 to 1987 and comprised of 43 books.

The sleuths in the series are Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw and Bob Andrews.

The original book series started with the boys aged 13 to 14 years. Although the movie version picked boys of similar age they come across in the movie as somewhat younger especially the actor playing Bob who is noticeably smaller and who brings along his teddy bear on the adventure. It wouldn't be realistic to believe that a 13yr old boy would sleep with a Teddy bear whilst sharing a room with 2 friends his age. So it seemed a bit silly to add this to the movie.

As the second movie was released 2 years later it will be interesting to see if the boys fit into the roles better at that age.

In the book series Bob also has a leg brace he wore, due to multiple fractures inflicted when he rolled down a hill which wasn't done in the movie.

In the books the Three Investigators headquarters is a house trailer, hidden in a salvage yard owned by Uncle Titus Jones and Aunt Mathilda who Jupiter has lived with his the death of his parents in a car crash at the age of 4. It has many secret entrances, a telephone, small lab, a dark room and an office. The movie did the idea of secret entrances well in the movie and the headquarters was interesting to see.

Overall the movie enjoyable, was well acted for the age of the actors, filmed well and easy to watch.

Billie Bradley and Her Inheritance free ebook

2011-12-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

For those of us that love old classic mysteries having a kindle that you can download with endless free old ebooks online is great. One such series is the Billie Bradley Series available on the manybooks website.

Billie Bradley and Her Inheritance or The Queer Homestead at Cherry Corners was written by Janet D. Wheeler and published in 1920. This is the first book in the series and a great introduction to the characters.

In the plot Billie Bradley whilst messing around in a school classroom after school breaks an expensive statue and worries how she is going to pay to replace it. In the meantime her friends tell her that they are going away to a private boarding school the following year and Billie and her brother Chatwood are not able to follow suit as their family can't afford for them to go as their money is tied up in property investment at that time.

Billie then falls heir to an old homestead, through a deceased Auntie with the unoccupied mansion located far away in a lonely section of the country and considered haunted. The story revolves around Billie, accompanied by some of her friends visiting her inherited property, and the queer things that happen there.

A charming story, good characters, 4 of the 6 look like they would be romantically linked in the future. Made me want to start book 2 in the series right away is always a good sign. And in fact I did and found the second book starts exactly where the first ended so I would definately recommend reading them in order.

There are 9 books in this series which are:

1. Billie Bradley and Her Inheritance, 1920
2. Billie Bradley at Three Towers Hall, 1920
3. Billie Bradley on Lighthouse Island, 1920
4. Billie Bradley and Her Classmates, 1921
5. Billie Bradley at Twin Lakes, 1922
6. Billie Bradley at Treasure Cove, 1928
7. Billie Bradley at Sun Dial Lodge, 1929
8. Billie Bradley and the School Mystery, 1930
9. Billie Bradley Winning the Trophy, 1932

Nancy Drew The Greek Symbol Mystery

2011-12-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

Before going to Athens, Greece I decided to read this Nancy Drew book to compare the book description to the place much like when I went to Merritt Island and read the Mystery of The Moss Covered Mansion beforehand.

The plot of this story has Nancy's friend Helen Nicholas approaching Nancy to help her when I large inheritance she is entitled to is stolen. As soon as Nancy arrives in Greece she finds herself and best friends Beth and George in danger.
A series of clues lead Nancy and her friends to a ring of art smugglers and to the secret of the Greek symbol.

From a readers perspective The Greek Symbol Mystery isn't one of the strongest mysteries from the Nancy Drew Series. I felt that the author was playing "the tourist" a bit too much and throwing in popular places in Athens rather than keeping the story flow consistent. Yes I suppose if Nancy was visiting Athens on business for a mystery chances are she would still be a tourist getting around the popular sites but I wasn't wrapped up in the story line the way that I wanted to be. Nancy goes shopping and buys Greek Linen and friends buy some jewellery.

Not saying it was a bad story I just did not just the excitement and anticipation I got from reading The Moss Covered Mansion, after that I couldn't wait to get around Merritt Island and visit the places that Nancy visited there. Although I loved Greece the story didn't enhance the experience in the same way.

Trixie Belden 27 The Mystery of the Ghostly Galleon

2011-10-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

The Mystery of the Ghostly Galleon by Katheryn Kenny (pseudonym name) is number 27 in the Trixie Belden Series. Miss Trask a long time established character in the series refreshingly gets her time in the spotlight as we learn more about her interesting family background that involves a Pirate's Inn and the long time unsolved mystery of the disappearing Captain Trask. Still I was shocked to read about Miss Trask's grey hair, for some reason I always imagined her somewhat younger in appearance. The story includes all of The Bob Whites including Dan. The story also does a good job of showcasing Trixie and Marts sibling rivalry whilst still maintaining a caring attitude towards his sister when she needs it most. The food in this book sounded delicious too. I love a book that remembers that writing good menus in restaurants is important. Here are some ... Flaming Trask -ka-babs which are chunky beef wedges marinated in Pirate's Inn own special and delicate sauce skewered and cooked to perfection over an open fire. The Weak - Hearted Willies Chicken Pies whose interiors will please your palette and whose exteriors will melt your mouth and Captain Chowder creamy thick soup.

Meet Felicity Audiobook

2011-07-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Felicity written by Valerie Tripp is the first book in the Felicity series by American girl.
Meet Felicity came with the Felicity doll, who was wearing her "meet" dress as shown on the cover of the book. The book was also available to buy on it's own or as part of a boxed set of books.

I had already watched the American Girl movie on Felicity and the movie was not my favorite amongst the American Girl stories. This is probably due to the era. I love reasoning about the 1930's and 1940's and find this early area about patriots generally not as interesting.

Surprisingly I found this book a lot more interesting that I imagined it would be. I believe this is in part tp the fact that the first book in the series really only focuses on Felicity's relationship she develops with a horse she calls Penny. How she tames the horse and how she seta it free to escape a violent owner.

I was definitely encouraged to read further books in this series woth greater interest than I originally anticipated. The American Girl Felicity audiobooks I got as a cd pack for $20 off ebay including postage. That covers all books that are in the Felicity boxed set. The audiobook is well read with nothing in it distracting from getting the story across to the listener. A great read / listen to.

Beverly Gray at the World's Fair

2011-06-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

This is it. Book number 6 and the only book in the series I have not read yet.
I have been enjoying starting the series at book 1 in preparation for this books arrival and will be happy to read on in order after this is finished in order to piece things together as they happened. The first time around I read the series in whatever order I could get them off eBay with a good condition dust jacket, this time I am reading to link the entire story together.

I decided to read one chapter as is was real late when I finished reading Beverly Grays Career and ended up reading 5 chapters. This is pretty much how this book read. Never a chapter alone as perhaps intended but like with any great compelling book in large digestible chunks, each time looking and thinking " I only have so many chapters left." it brought back memories as how I felt each time a Beverly Gray book arrived the first time I read the series. Even for me a inn tube person I considered getting a camera out to capture the arrival of this rare prize. It is great to find a series you can get really excited about. For me that excitement has come from Beverly Gray and Trixie Belden mainly now and The Secret Seven and Famous Five growing up.
Reading the series in order has also put the characters in better order for me. I can understand now why you would have 12 Alpha Deltas, as it allows Beverly to travel but still be with friends in adventures and mysteries. I do wish that Clair Blank as an author spent more time describing her characters. Most I would not have the faintest idea as to their facial features, hair color etc. Some Alpha Deltas I barely know anything about, where I grew up on Enid Blyton books where the characters seemed to be defined in a lot greater detail.

The story starts with Lois leaving on a ship for Paris to study art for a year. Ralf Mathews, Larry Owens and Paul Benson, all suitors in Beverly Gray's Career are all present.
Connie has arrived and we learn her name is really Constance Elwood and Connie is for short. Connie Elwood and Kathleen Ryan move in with Lenora and Beverly just after Lois leaves.

Lenora, Connie and Beverly leave for Chicago and Beverly runs into Shirley ( not a long time till they saw Shirley again as was stated would be the case in Career ) Kathleen Ryan stays in New York and Jim Stanton turns up. Kathleen raves about how good looking Jim is and I can't remember anyone carrying on about Larry being as good looking. Would of been good to have seen a movie and have them side by side to see who they picked for the actors to play Larry and Jim.

Beverly and Virginia become involved in a murder at the world's fair. When Lenora becomes a part of the investigating team, Lenora shows a spunk and prowess that Beverly seems to drift in and out of. Lenora states she loves detecting and again I think here is a girl who doesn't know what she wants to do for a career but she knows exactly what she loves doing. I then start to thinking is detective work that different to reporting? Why doesn't Beverly show more passion for pursuing the bad guys like Lenora does? Would a good reporter really hold off on a scoop story to get a fuller story later? Lenora spends a long time convincing Beverly that they should break into someones room to investigate. Lenora has a sense of urgency and gunho whilst Beverly is more contemplative.

The ending to the story was superb and again a great lead into the next adventure. The main mystery finished some time earlier and poor Beverly was attacked by a tiger and suffered yet another marriage proposal from poor Jim. You think he would get fed up of being shot down. We also learn of Shirley's fate. If the world fair hadn't of dated this book then the new invention showcased at the world fair of television definitely did. Funny to see Lenora scared of a cable car too considering they are so tame by today's standards.

Reading the books in order has done a lot to fill in gaps of who's who and learn more about the Alpha Deltas.

The Hudson River Mystery Trixie Belden

2011-05-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

After reading The Sasquatch Mystery I was craving to read a Trixie Belden book that had a true Trixie vibe as I felt that for at least half of The Sasquatch Mystery I wasn't really in Trixieland.
Even though The Hudson River Mystery wasn't the next mystery in the series and I have been reading I grabbed it from the shelf because I wanted a mystery at home on Crabapple farm and I knew if the mystery was on The Hudson then the mystery was going to be at home.
I wasn't disappointed.
The story starts with Trixie doing chores at zcabapple farm with Honey giving a helping hand. Even Dan managed to turn up early in the story and even though it was a minor role it was great to see him back instead of hearing the usual he is working excuse.
Trixieisms to the max in this book didn't disappoint me. Gleeps, jeepers, Di and Dan both being present, Mart playing with words, being called Ms. schoolgirl Shamus, Mart telling Di she is attractive, Di calling Mart cute, Jim having a sparkle in his eyes talking to Trixie, what more could you want?
You get a bit of a history lesson of The Hudson with this one, reminiscent of what you got in The Mystery in Arizona.
Gosh I even learnt what to do if my car fell in a river and started sinking..... Hopefully I will never have to use that knowledge.
Add to this a good mystery based on Trixie thinking she saw a shark in The Hudson River and I was truly in Trixieland again. FINALLY.
What a great read and just what I needed.

American Girl A Kit Mystery Midnight in Lonesome Hollow

2011-05-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Midnight in Lonesome Hollow is a 1930's mystery starring Kit Kittredge of the American Girl Doll Series.

This book is set in Kentucky in 1934 where Kit is going to visit her Aunt Millie to help her set up a library.

The writer Kathleen Ernst has done a great job in looking at the traditions of the place and time whilst placing an emphasis on learning and reading without it being "thrown in your face". The book teaches you a lot about the 1930's whilst still sucking you into a good mystery. Don't get me wrong it's not a huge mystery but the charm of the book teaching you about The Great Depression with a mystery involvement is wonderful as long as your one who enjoys learning about history.

Kit comes across as quite a lot younger than Julie in the Julie Mystery series although this really isn't the case. I wonder why that is? I'll have to think further on that one as I read more Kit and Julie mysteries. I got more of both whilst in the USA this year.

But I have also found the website www.bookdepository.co.uk has free shipping worldwide and I can pick up more in the American Girl Mystery Series really cheaply.

One negative, being set in Kentucky rather than on home soil Kit doesn't have best friend Ruthie there for the story which is a shame, I'm a huge Ruthie fan.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Mall Madness

2011-05-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

Not my usual type of reading. Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Mall Madness is an early readers book. Out of curiosity for how they are written I thought I would give this a go. The mystery seems to be centred on the idea that if you can do basic addition sums (maths) then you will have the answer to working out this story. Very predictable, though perhaps not for a young child it is aimed at. An okay read for the age group it is aimed at though I'm not convinced the moral of the story is all there. Seems a bit off somehow. If you have read it you will probably understand.

Trixie Belden The Sasquatch Mystery

2011-05-15T04:26:00.000-07:00

This is probably the hardest Trixie Belden book I have found to get interested in. In fact for the first 10 chapters I didn't like it. I thought that Trixie's cousins, Cap, Knut and Hallie held too much of the story and Trixie almost came across as a loner, an outside looking on the events rather than being the focal point of them that she usually is. Jim I felt suffered even worse as I can't remember him doing anyhting of use for the first 10 chapters and seemed like a tag along friend of the Belden Boys.

As for Miss Trask tell me what kind a chaperon watches one of the kids in her care disappear after getting in a fight with a Sasquatch in front of her eyes and decides that its okay for the kids to stay there and also doesn't seem too bothered that the police aren't taking the disappearance seriously and just waiting for the kid to show up.

Okay one last vent then I will get up to the good bits I promise. And as for a Sasquatch Mystery anyway who came up with that as a lame theme? Someone who had spent their time watching 70s shows like the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman who eventually went the Big Foot root when running short of ideas right?

Now if you can hold out for the stupidity of the first 10 chapters to be over then you do get to a good story (funnily when they drop the Sasquatch scenario and concentrate on people villains.)

Though why does poor Di have to suffer so much? The author mustn't like her as poor Di seems to be cast as "dumb" in this book. Which is one better than poor Dan who despite the cast of thousands still can't get a spot on this camping trip even though he is suppose to have a thing for Hallie Belden. Damn the 70's series that doesn't allow for romance in their books.

American Girl Mystery - Julie, The Tangled Web

2010-11-28T02:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-06T05:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Nancy Drew The Hidden Staircase Audio Book & DS Game

2009-12-22T14:06:00.001-08:00

More driving in the car for work so I was in need of an audio book. I now have a few Nancy Drew Audio books so I decided to start with The Hidden Staircase as I hadn't read the book before.
The book is being read by Laura Linney and you can find them on Amazon etc. By the time I had done all the driving for the day I only had one chapter to go. The book was enjoyable to listen to, it definitely makes a difference having an actress as the reader.
As for the story it had the favourite mystery topic of many children's authors of a haunted house and unwanted, troublesome Ghosts. In this story there was an added twist of a family problem where Nancy's father is in danger. The story was well written, the first chapter is a good read with a strong start.
The Hidden Staircase itself within the mystery could of been a bit more interesting. I thought the Nancy Drew Mystery "The Mystery of The Hidden Window" was a lot more exciting in its tunnels than this book.

On a slightly different note but still talking about The Hidden Staircase The Nancy Drew The Hidden Staircase DS Game I was a little disappointed with after playing the Nancy Drew The deadly secret of Olde World Park which I loved, and is my favourite DS Game I have played so far.
What I didn't like about this game was the fact I was finished in such a short time. The aim of the game is to replay the game and try and quicken your time but who cares how quick you do something? I don't, I want something new to do.
That said the cover of the game has beautiful graphics and sort of reminded me of a Janet Loise Johnson style Nancy (Janet is the actress who played Nancy Drew in the later episodes of The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries from 1978 & 1979.)

Twilight - Book 1 of the Saga

2009-12-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

Not my usual type of series book that I read but after avoiding all the fanfare of seeing the Movie when it was in the cinema, prior to the release of The New Moon movie I was tempted to see the Twilight Movie on DVD after I heard that the movie's star Kristen Stewart was going to be playing one of my all time favourite rockers Joan Jett in an upcoming movie about The Runaways (Joan Jett's first band which also had heavy metal goddess Lita Ford in it.)
I loved the alternate style "edginess" to the first movie. (Forkes had that kind of Twin Peaks type town vibe to me) So unlike a lot of fans of the book who went to see the movie I was in the group that was intrigued to read the book after seeing the movie.
That's said there were some distinct differences in the book and some scenes in the movie that I felt would of benefited if they had been as the book was. The major one to me would of been towards the end of the book where Jacob comes to the Prom and asks Bella to dance whilst Edward looks on. In the movie Jacob sneaks up to Bella while she is outside the dance and doesn't dance with her unlike the book. I think that dancing may have helped establish the relationship between Bella and Jacob better for the second movie.
Another notable was the big fight scene in the ballet studio. In the book it barely happens. Reason being the book is being written in the first person with Bella as the star and after Bella is thrown against the mirror she goes off to the land of dreams until she wakes up in hospital. Thus what she missed is only referred to through her questioning of Edward.
I can see how the book and movies have become a huge hit, but I must say whilst reading the book I was being manipulated by the old tried and tested Days of Our Lives Super couples of the 90's. We could liken our heroine Bella very much to Hope and Edward to Bo. A good looking couple like / don't like each other (doth does protest too much) until they finally admit their feelings only to be torn apart by circumstances, their own feelings of lack of self worth, good looking other people that complicate there relationships, danger - with one of the partners trying to protect the other and keeping away from them for their own good ETC ETC ETC. Hey I know this stuff so well I should write my own love story. lol.

Nancy Drew Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion

2009-12-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

Nancy Drew Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion (Revised Edition - Important to note as the original book was a completely different story)

As I was having to attend a course in Sydney and had two days of catching a train into the City I decided I needed to choose a book to read that wasn't too heavy for my bag, (hence the Twilight hardcover book I was half way through reading was not a practical option)

I read this book in preparation for the Nancy Drew Convention next year.

Read over the two days of travel to and from the city I must say I was totally engrossed. I have been to Florida before on vacation but to not any of the places listed in this book and the story encouraged me to want to see The Kennedy Space Centre and Merritt Island.

It kind of reminded my of some of the Trixie Belden books that take place on vacation and make you feel like also taking a vacation to see the sites at the same place.

The story is a bit far fetched in places (okay that's an understatement) and Nancy is saved at the end and I prefer my heroines to do the saving but that aside the story flowed so well and kept me so interested it made me want to read another Nancy Drew book next even though Nancy isn't usually my first choice,

On a side note I love the Nancy Drew torch series, the covers are great and the books have a nostalgic feel to them and they aren't too heavy for a handbag.

The Motor Girls on a Tour

2009-09-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

By Margaret Penrose. (Margaret Penrose was the pseudonym used by Lilian C. Garis)
Again I tried my luck with an audio book from the Motor Girls Series by Margaret Penrose.
The lack lustre voice no longer bothers me as I find myself concentrating on the world of Cora Kimball, her brother Jack, and their friends.
This is the second Motor Girls book I have read and this book talks about "The Motor Girls Club."

Cora's best friends are twins Bess and Belle Robinson which are described as opposites which would make them fraternal twins and are two of the girls in the Motor Girls club.
Cora's car is nicknamed the Whirlwind, The twins car is called the Flyaway and another of their friends car is called "The Turtle."

In this story the girls are involved in a mystery linked to a small disabled girl who is asking people to sign a "promise book." The promise is to keep an eye out for a desk that she believes holds a family will that will help her family.

Again the story is dated by the cars being such new inventions but the story behind it is good if you can overlook / or enjoy it from a historical perspective. Must say I love the social norms of the time and the delicacies of the feisty main character.

The Motor Girls

2009-09-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

I finished The Motor Girls Audio book I was listening to. The annoying voice didn't bother me after a while though I was reminded of it when my husband got in the car and started making all the same complaints about the voice that I had.
This would have to be the most dated book I have written to date. (Hey it's a story about this wonderful new invention - the car - I suppose it is to be expected.
The girls wear Motor outfits to go out driving in and every second chapter seemed to be a street car race (not really something you would concentrate on in a book for young people on these days.)
I enjoyed the audio book enough to download the next, and enjoyed the first book I have read in this series.

Nancy Drew The Secret of the Old Clock

2009-08-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

The first book written in the ever popular Nancy Drew Series I got through this book at a relatively fast pace.
Nancy was solo in this story (no George or Bess in sight) with the story concentrating on the relationship between Nancy and her father, lawyer Carson Drew.
(I read a re- edition meaning there were changes to Nancy's character and to the story in the rewrite.)
The Topham sisters become great snobby rivals and antagonists to Nancy's character.
Nancy is portrayed as a popular girl although only one friend (Helen) is really mentioned and she enters the story to sell tickets to a charity event to Nancy.
I enjoyed the story and it encouraged me to continue to read the series in order. To see the development in Nancy's character early on in the series.
Like Trixie Belden, Nancy doesn't really age during the series which I know will erk me after a while as I really like the character / relationship development that happens from a character developing in age during a series.

Nancy Drew Convention

2009-08-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

I am currently considering attending the Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys Convention next year in Florida.

I loved my last trip to Florida so this is a great addition to a return trip there.

I have read a few Nancy Drew books so I may need to put a few more up the top of my priority reading list.

The Motor Girls by Margaret Penrose

2009-08-24T02:10:00.000-07:00

Internet Audio Book
I have had to do a lot of long distance driving for work lately and I decided that an audio book would be great to listen to instead of the radio for a change.

After doing a number of searches for free audio books I decided to start with The Motor Girls.

So far first chapter down.

My initial impressions are:

1) I wish the person reading the book wasn't so mono tone!! I mean she reads a sentence about saying something with a laugh and a smile and there wasn't that sound of even a smile in her voice

2) I wish that the reader didn't pause in the wrong places the way she does which makes it harder to comprehend what has been said.

That said I have surviived the first chapter and I am willing to see how I go with further ones. Which is just as well as I have another long drive ahead this week.

Brains Benton The Case Of The Counterfeit Coin (1960)

2009-05-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

Now I would have to admit from the outset that I find it a lot easier and more enjoyable usually to read girl mystery series books. That said I really liked this book.

The story is told first hand, taking place after the mystery has happened by Jimmy Carson (given the alias name of Operative 3) who is the sidekick of "Barclay" Brains Benton. Together they attend school and run the Benton and Carson International Detective Agency.

I have enjoyed the fast pace, the fact that the school genius is also a baseball pitching star ( a bit out of the standard). I have also liked the fact that the person telling the story isn't the main character but his sidekick. It shows that he can idolise the points of the main character while showing his own flaws.

I managed to read 2 other books whilst still reading this book. It interested me enough to keep reading but not enough to make it a priority. I out that down to 2 possible reasons. 1) It didn't have a major female character I could relate to. 2) the ending I felt was drawn out, the pair new the bad guys, knew how they did things but the story still made excuses to keep going. In some ways it seemed like they had to get to their word quota.

Kat Tracey The Message in the Sand Dunes

2009-04-25T01:59:00.000-07:00

This Kay Tracey book was written by by Mildred A. Wirt Benson under the pen name of Frances K. Judd.

Half way through reading this book I thought that it was not as full of coincidences like the last one I read and therefore the story flowed well and Kay came across more as a detective.

Even though the story in part was about finding buried treasure the premise of the story wasn't as far fetched as some previous Kay Tracey's I have read.

Really enjoyed the holiday at the beach aspect and having new characters as apposed to the old school rivalry.

Kay Tracey In the Sunken Garden

2009-04-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

I read a 80's reprint of this Kay Tracey Mystery. This was a story about a girl that looks so much like Kay Tracey that she is mistaken for Kay and Kay is mistaken for her. I'm not personally a fan of this type of story (the exception being "Beverly Gray's Journey" which I loved.

Yes they say everyone has a double but even with the Internet now who has found one? This story left so many questions open. Is Kay now going to be mistaken constantly for this girl considering her mother lives nearby? This story was built largely on coincidences rather than detective work, in fact the first chance that Kay got to do any serious detective work she decided she was late for diner and better go home instead (would Beverly or Nancy ever do this?) Overall despite the staory issues I got through this book real quick which means it interesgted me enough to keep picking it up to read over doing other things.

Trixie Belden The Gatehouse Mystery

2009-04-04T02:51:00.001-07:00

3. The Gatehouse Mystery (1951)

Author: Julie Campbell Tatham

Trixie and Honey find a diamond and are on the trail of diamond thieves if only they can find the proof.

Although Trixie's brothers Brian and Mart are referred to in the first two books, (they are away from home working at a Summer Camp) this is the first book that brings Trixie's older brothers into the story. Together Trixie, Brian, Mart, Honey, & Jim form the club "The Bob - Whites of Glen." which the series becomes known for. This is the start of The Bob Whites which was a great concept. Rating:****

Trixie Belden The Mysterious Visitor

2009-04-04T02:46:00.000-07:00

4. The Mysterious Visitor (1954)

Author: Julie Campbell Tatham

Rich School Classmate Diana Lynch becomes the sixth member of "The Bob - Whites of Glen." Diana's 'long lost' Uncle returns and Trixie is convinced he is an impostor after the family fortunes but has to find proof.

Diana's inclusion is a good contrast to the other 2 girls in the series. She is quieter, less confident yet seen as the beauty of the girls.

An absorbing story and well written. Rating:****

Trixie Belden The Black Jacket Mystery

2009-04-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

8. The Black Jacket Mystery (1961)

Author: ? a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

This book introduces the last member to join and the most infrequently seen "Bob White' Dan Mangan.

The mystery in this surrounds theft and Dan appears to be the main suspect.

I didn't like the idea of Dan as a character in this one (I take it was like a James Dean edgy character they were looking to add to the goody goody Bob White Gang but in this story he lacked something.) Not the best from the series and not the worse. The Dan character though often underutilised in the series ended up being a good edition in the long run. Rating:***

Trixie Belden The Happy Valley Mystery

2009-04-04T02:35:00.001-07:00

9. The Happy Valley Mystery (1962)

Author: Nicolete Meredith Stack a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

Trixie, & Bob White's minus Dan spend two weeks on Trixie's Uncle's Sheep Farm in Iowa. The mystery involves tracking down stolen sheep but this time Trixie nearly manages to get herself and her friends Jim & Honey killed.

This book also looks closely at Jim & Trixie's relationship with rival love interests creating jealousy. In the end Jim gives Trixie a gift showing he is interested in her. A good read and a plus for Jim and Trixie fans. Rating:***1/2

Trixie Belden The Mystery at Bob - White Caves

2009-04-04T02:30:00.000-07:00

11. The Mystery at Bob - White Caves (1963)

Author: ? a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

Trixie Belden and The Bob Whites are visiting another relative of Trixie's for a holiday. This time they go caving in an attempt to find rare fish in order to claim a $500 reward.

I have been caving and I thought that this story lacked some of the excitement that is a part of caving. I definitely thought it could of been more mysterious and intriguing.

Well written though missing the exciting flair of The Marshland Mystery the Trixie Belden story that came before it in the series. Rating:***

Trixie Belden The Mystery on Cobbett's Island

2009-04-04T02:25:00.000-07:00

13. The Mystery on Cobbett's Island (1964)

Author: Virginia Mc Donnell a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

Trixie and the Bob Whites are holidaying on Cobbett's Island when Trixie comes across a mysterious letter. It isn't long until the gang are in search of hidden treasure. But it seems they aren't alone.

A number of the books early in the series has Trixie and The Bob Whites on holidays, this is one of those times. Its a good story but follows The Mystery of the Blinking Eye in the series which also was a holiday story and Cobbett's Island would pale in comparison to the Blinking Eye. Rating:***

Trixie Belden The Secret of the Unseen Treasure

2009-04-04T02:19:00.001-07:00

19. The Secret of the Unseen Treasure (1977)

Author: Carl Henry Rathjen a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

Based on the disappearance of cheques in the mail this isn't a bad book. I was reading the Beverly Gray books at the same time though and this book didn't grab me enough to finish reading it first over 2 other books however Ratings ***

Trixie Belden The Mystery of the Phantom Grasshopper

2009-04-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

18. The Mystery of the Phantom Grasshopper (1977)

Author: ? a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

In book 18 we learn that both Trixie and her mother before her say Hello to Hoppy the Grasshopper Weather Vaine whenever they pass him on top of Town Hall. The mystery involves the disappearance of Hoppy. The title of the book sounds intriguing but the book although it flows nicely and has drama to the mystery never really has anything in it that stands out to make it one of the favourite from the series. Ratings ***

Trixie Belden - The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest

2009-04-04T02:09:00.000-07:00

17. The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest (1977)

Author: Gladys Baker Bond a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

This book didn't seem as "70's" as its predecessor. It was great to have a cousin of Trixie's that was presented as being so similar. For myself I didn't find Hallie any more "Trixie like" than any other of the Belden relatives. The story however was a good one and was well paced.

Trixie is back to her non perfect self and the wedding is a continuation of the story from ""The Mystery of the Missing Heiress." The differences in writing style from this book and the one before it make it clear to the read that Kathryn Kenny is a pseudonym for a variety of authors where the first two in the series, both written by original author Julie Campbell Tatham flow better together, that said, an enjoyable read. Ratings ***1/2

Trixie Belden - The Mystery of the Missing Heiress

2009-04-04T02:04:00.000-07:00

16. The Mystery of the Missing Heiress (1970)
Author: Nicolete Meredith Stack a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

This is the first Trixie Belden book to be on home soil in some time. Trixie's entire family including Reddy the dog star in what would be probably the most predictable mystery to date (In fact one has to wonder why did it take Trixie so long to figure this one out?) The new era of the 70's is fazed into the mix with a change in language (except for the Trixieism's like Jeepers! and Gleeps! which are possibly overused for the first time. ) and even a station wagon for the crew.

This story even manages to bring back some of the Bob White's old villainous foes. Although it is predictable and the era change is noticeable in an unfamiliar way in the words it is still an entertaining read. The main story centers on a girl with amnesia and with Trixie trying to find out who she really is and why someone is trying to kill her. On a positive note all Bob Whites are present and accounted for in this story. It possibilly would of rated higher if I didn't read it straight after some of the best Trixie books to read in the series. Ratings ** 1/2

Trixie Belden - The Mystery on The Mississippi

2009-04-04T01:55:00.000-07:00

15. The Mystery on The Mississippi (1965)

Author: Nicolete Meredith Stack a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

The book is fast paced with an adventure full of danger. Di is notably absent with an explanation she is holidaying for a month with her family. For the rest of The Bob Whites it's off to St Louis to see the sites including the old steamboats and the zoo.

Up to this point one would wonder what Trixie fans were talking about when they argue that Trixie is more suited to Dan as a partner than Jim. This is the first time since Dan's inclusion in The Bob Whites that he and Trixie are seen as having a lot in common. Dan who wants to be a policeman when he finishes school looks at a mystery in a similar way to Trixie where Jim is shown more as a Trixie supporter that rephrases his words to show his support where necessary. The author did the relationship between Jim and Trixie no favours here. The book makes you want to visit St Lois Zoo and go on the Mississippi River on a Steamboat which is what you want a good novel to do. Ratings: *****

Trixie Belden - The Mystery of the Emeralds

2009-04-04T01:46:00.000-07:00

14. The Mystery of the Emeralds (1965)

Author: Virginia Mc Donnell a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

Yet another holiday for the Bob Whites minus Dan who gets left out once again. This time the group go to Williamsburg, Virginia to follow up on a lead found in a mysterious old letter about a hidden emerald necklace from the Civil War Era.

Jim is at Trixie's side for most of the major dangerous parts in this story which is a plus for fans of their relationship. Ratings: ****

Trixie Belden - The Mystery of the Blinking Eye

2009-04-04T01:35:00.000-07:00

12. The Mystery of the Blinking Eye (1963)
Author:? a.k.a Kathryn Kenny
Trixie and the whole of The Bob Whites are in New York for the holidays. Staying at Honey's parents New York Apartment they show the local sites to Ned, Bob and Barbara from Iowa. (Characters from The Happy Valley Mystery) Dangerous thieves are following Trixie everywhere she goes and it seems the poem that Trixie received from a Mexican fortune teller seems to be coming true.

One of the best Trixie books and the first one to give Dan something to say and do since his inclusion in the Bob Whites in The Black Jacket Mystery. A real plus for Dan fans.
Loved the idea of Trixie having a poem she at times needed to decipher. Rating:*****

Trixie Belden - The Mystery off Glen Road

2009-04-04T01:14:00.000-07:00

5. The Mystery off Glen Road (1956)
Author: Julie Campbell Tatham

"The Bob - Whites of Glen." need to repair their clubhouse after a bad storm and take jobs to earn the money.

This book threw me when I read it, without giving the ending away there is no real mystery, it's more a case of the sleuths Trixie and Honey 'out- sleuthing' themselves. This probably shows its age as I feel that notion was used a lot more in the 1940's and 1950's than in a modern day novel. A harder book to get through then all previous in the series. Rating:***

Trixie Belden - The Marshland Mystery

2009-04-04T01:03:00.000-07:00

10. The Marshland Mystery (1962)
Author: unknown a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

An excellent adventure that gets off to a great start. Trixie & Honey are trying to gain extra credit in biology class by collecting specimens at the local marsh.

Two stories are entwined into the one book, one of the best written. This would have to be my favourite Trixie Belden that I have read. ( I am currently up to book 22 which I interrupted to begin the Beverly Gray Series which would have to be my ultimate favourite series.)
The Marshland Mystery features all Bob Whites except Dan who is only briefly mentioned. Rating:*****

Trixie Belden - The Mysterious Code

2009-04-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

7. Trixie Belden - The Mysterious Code (1961) Author: Nicolete Meredith Stack a.k.a Kathryn Kenny

Due to vandalism Trixie's school "Sleepyside High" bans all clubs and gangs. Trixie and "The Bob - Whites of Glen" decide to hold an Antiques show and raise money for UNICEF to show the school that "some" clubs do good work for the community and should be kept. Unfortunately for Trixie the valuable Antiques on show also attracts some thieves.

The first book written by another author does have some inconsistencies with things we have already learnt about Trixie and her friends from the previous books but overall this is a great read.

The charity aspect of the Bob Whites becomes stronger and stronger in the series and this novel is a good example of this.

I liked their being a mysterious code but wished more was done with it in the story.

Rating:****

Trixie Belden - The Mystery in Arizona

2009-04-04T00:41:00.000-07:00

6. The Mystery in Arizona (1958) Author: Julie Campbell Tatham

"The Bob - Whites of Glen." are invited to spend Christmas holiday's at Diana Lynch's Uncles "Dude Ranch." in Tucson, Arizona. On arrival they find that most of the staff have disappeared and they volunteer to work on the ranch to help out Di's Uncle.

The first few chapters are rich in information on Arizona and American Indians rather than being focused on a mystery and for mystery lovers they may find it like a history lesson they don't need. There is mention in the end of the book how Sally, Bob & Billy would make good "Bob - Whites" when they find out they live near them back home but as this is the last book that Julie Campbell wrote there was no follow through with these characters. Rating:***1/2

Trixie Belden - The Red Trailer Mystery

2009-04-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

2. The Red Trailer Mystery (1950) Author: Julie Campbell Tatham

Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler set out on a road trip in a large Motor home in search of runaway Jim Frayne in the process the girls solve a crime.

This is the first Trixie Belden book I read as a child (even though it is a continuation of the first book there is enough explanation of events to read it on its own.) The early books start to establish a girlfriend/ boyfriend relationship between Trixie and Jim Frayne which is one of the aspects that I liked about the series which unfortunately they downplayed in books that were written in the 1970's due to the change in society changes.

One of the best Trixie books in the series. Rating:*****

Trixie Belden - The Secret Mansion

2009-04-04T00:12:00.000-07:00

1. The Secret Mansion: (1948) Author: Julie Campbell Tatham

I grew up reading the Famous Five series and being a big fan of them. I read one Trixie Belden book which my sister owned when I was young. The book I read was The Red Trailer Mystery which was book 2 from the Trixie Belden Series. Of all the books in the series The Red Trailer Mystery was one that was a part 2 book and The Part 1 was The Secret Mansion.

As an Adult my interest in teen mystery series was really built on the strength of the early Trixie Belden books. That said .......

The first book in the series, Trixie Belden is a thirteen year old tomboy who lives on Crabapple Farm, New York. The story starts with the large Manor House next door seeing the arrival of new neighbors including a rich girl of Trixie's age, Honey Wheeler. The pair fast become friends and discover a runaway Jim Frayne.

The book is a classic and shows why the series became so popular. The first book reads even better when reading the second straight after due to the strong conjunction of the story. Rating:*****

Hazed - The Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers

2009-04-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

Released in 2007 Hazed was the 14th released novel in The Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers Series that began in 2005.

I have to say I struggled with interest in this book from very early on. This series uses a writing style that utilises first person narrative, distinctly different from the Classic Hardy Boys Books writing style. Frank and Joe alternate narrating with the heading saying "Frank" or "Joe".

I must say I don't feel the writing style is suitable for a book with two main characters instead of one main character. For a book that is about two brothers the opinion and viewpoint lacked the consistency and warmth of one viewpoint.

The story was set at Eagle River Academy, and The Hardy Boys are working undercover to investigate the death of a student.

Definately not of the class, style or interest of books from the Original Hardy Boys Series unfortunately.

Beverly Gray's Assignment

2009-04-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

Set in New Orleans Beverly Gray goes in search of rival reporter Kay who has gone missing. Beverly is accompanied by girlfriend Lenora.

This is a good stand alone story as a lot of the ones from this era (Assignment is from 1947) to read:
15. Beverly Gray's Challenge, 1945
16. Beverly Gray's Journey, 1946
17. Beverly Gray's Assignment, 1947 and
18. Beverly Gray's Mystery, 1948
are all easy reads for people that have never read any of the others from the series.

Kay at this stage in the series isn't so much the major character that the book portrays her as, though as the Beverly Gray Mystery Series has so many minor characters and Beverly has so many friends it is often the case that a story becomes of someone we have heard of once or twice before.

Beverly Gray's Fortune

2009-04-03T03:56:00.000-07:00

Beverly Gray and her fiancee Larry Owens spend time fighting during this book in the series and Beverly suffers a broken engagement.

I wouldn't consider this or any of the Susabella World Cruise books as the best choice of books to read first as Beverly has her friends with her and it can be harder to follow names and attributes when they are all together and you are new to the characters.

That said this is a great story and again Lenora accompanies Beverly for most of her adventure.

At times during the series I think that Larry Owens isn't the best suitor for Beverly. Part of the reason is that he is often around Beverly for only a day and has itchy feet to leave on his next adventure in some of the books. In this particular case it is probably more the problem he has with Beverly's success and the fact that Beverly is portrayed as the modern career woman, striving for success as a Reporter, Author and Playwright.

Beverly Gray Senior

2009-04-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

A great final year for the Alpha Deltas as a movie is being filmed on campus and Shirley becomes the star.

Beverly Gray is given a personal struggle of trying to live up to the expectations of all her commitments, showing the modern day woman (of 1943) needing to learn that at times she needs to say no to others in order to still have some time for herslef and her own needs.

An enjoyable read to the end of College years.

Beverly Gray Junior

2009-04-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

The theme of gypsies seems to date this book more to an era than its predecessor Beverly Gray Sophomore (Beverly Gray Junior was also written in 1934.) That said the book is still a very enjoyable read as are all Beverly Gray books I've read so far but I would say that Sophomore was the more enjoyable of the two.

Beverly shows her independance and a desire for more in life when she rejects Larry's marirage proposal and a love triangle is formed as both Larry and Jim rescue Beverly together, aware of each others common interest.

Beverly Gray Sophomore

2009-04-03T03:36:00.000-07:00

This is the second book in the Beverly Gray series. Like the other first four books during the college years the stories run year to year as opposed to mystery to mystery.

For a reader that is use to a story that finishes with the unraveling of the major mystery a Beverly Gray book can be a bit daunting when the mystery is solved before the book is half way. This book is one such book. In true soap opera fashion however Beverly stumbles straight into more adventurous situations.

For Beverly Gray fans this is the first book to introduce Larry Owens, Beverly's romantic interest of the series and Charlie Blaine, Beverly's future boss.

The book is fast paced and still holds a modern appeal even though it was written in 1934.

Beverly Gray Freshman

2009-04-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

"Freshman" is different from the other Beverly Gray books in that the first book of the series does not contain any mysteries, the very thing that the Beverly Gray Series became known for.

“Freshman” does have adventure (Beverly goes missing and is held prisoner – what is to become a favourite theme of what to do with our heroine) and the book builds strong character profiles and relationships for the future books of the series.The emphasis is on Beverly’s college life and this is one of the few books we get to see a glimpse of her life and her friendships pre- college years.

Interesting to note Beverly’s father states he does not think Beverly is that into Jim Stanton, which is probably our first indication that another suitor will turn up for Beverly Gray sooner or later in the series.

Kay Tracey The Green Cameo Mystery

2009-04-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

I have a few Kay Tracey Mysteries on the shelf and this is the first I decided to have a read of for 2 reasons. 1. I was traveling on a train so wanted a paperback that would fit into my bag easy and 2. I love Cameos.

That said a mystery involving a dodgy Medium that can hypnotise people, this was a great book to start with.

I was quickly introduced to the Family. Kay lives with her mother who is a widow and her cousin Bill, who is a lawyer.
Kay friends are the Worth twins Betty and Wendy which are both in the story as well as a male friend Ronald and a school nemesis Chris.

The medium subplot was so interesting I had forgotten about the original mystery that Kay had set out to solve. This made the ending a bot harder for me to read as the story shifted back to the main mystery focus rather than the Medium storyline.

School nemesis Chris was a good character to add to the mix as she caused some havoc and brought the school element back into the story.

Overall a good read.

Nancy Drew The Clue in the Old Stagecoach

2009-04-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

I read the Whispering Statue from the Nancy Drew series when I was young and I was interested to see how I would enjoy this book considering I am a huge fan of the Nancy Drew PC Games and Nintendo DS games on her. I was also a fan of the Nancy Drew TV Series with Pamela Sue Martin and saw the more recent Nancy Drew movie and enjoyed it.

I was curious to see that Ned was actually a boyfriend who was in college (why on earth did they make him this annoying geek in the Pamela Sue Martin TV Series version that followed Nancy around like an annoying pain, what a waste!

Interesting also was the fact that they gave Nancy another possible love interest when Ned wasn't around in this story.

This book is from 1960.

Beverly Gray's Quest

2009-04-02T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's cover artwork like this that makes me wish that someone had created lovely artwork for this book series. This is amongst the worse.

Non appealing cover beside this is a great book for those that love the travel exploits of Beverly as she travels across America by car with Shirley and Lenora and then heads overseas to find Larry. And of course I couldn't forget that Beverly and co are captured by a head shrinking tribe in the middle of the Jungle.

This is the first book in which Michael McKay appears.

Beverly Gray's Journey

2009-04-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

Number 16 in the Beverly Gray Mystery Series, Beverly Gray's Journey always intrigued me to read and I always imagined I would love it.

I'm happy to say this book didn't disappoint, I couldn't put it down and I got through this book real quickly.

Although the story is very far fetched with the story centering on there being a girl who with the aid of a dye job on her hair is now passing herself off as Beverly Gray, (even to the point that she tries to fool Beverly's fiance Larry also.)

The soap opera comparisons to this book to what you would expect to see on TV on Days of Our Lives is great. The fact that it was written in 1946 amazing. The author Clair Blank was definitely one talented lady.

Another factor that I enjoyed in reading this book was that it gives you a lot more information about Beverly's Family as it discusses how Beverly's Grandmother ran away from her home in England to live in the United States.

For Lenora Whitehill fans this book is a must to read as Michael McKay admits his feelings to Lenora as he asks her if she is going to marry British Airforce Pilot Terry. Lenora states that she isn;t in love with Terry.

I must say I think I am a bigger Michael then Terry fan here as the two love rivals try to grab Lenora's attention.

The Beverly Gray Series titles are:

1. *Beverly Gray, Freshman 1934

2. *Beverly Gray, Sophomore 1934

3. *Beverly Gray, Junior 1934

4. *Beverly Gray, Senior 1934

5. *Beverly Gray's Career 1935

6. *Beverly Gray at the World's Fair 1935

7. *Beverly Gray on a World Cruise 1936

8. *Beverly Gray in the Orient 1937

9. *Beverly Gray on a Treasure Hunt 1938

10. *Beverly Gray's Return 1939

11. *Beverly Gray, Reporter 1940

12. Beverly Gray's Romance 1941

13. *Beverly Gray's Quest 1942

14. *Beverly Gray's Problem 1943

15. *Beverly Gray's Adventure 1944

16. *Beverly Gray's Challenge 1945

17. *Beverly Gray's Journey 1946

18. *Beverly Gray's Assignment 1947

19. *Beverly Gray's Mystery 1948

20. *Beverly Gray's Vacation 1949

21. *Beverly Gray's Fortune 1950

22. *Beverly Gray's Secret 1951

23. *Beverly Gray's Island Mystery 1952

24. *Beverly Gray's Discovery 1953

25. *Beverly Gray's Scoop 1954

26. *Beverly Gray's Surprise 1955

Dana Girls The Witch's Omen Review

2009-04-02T04:04:00.000-07:00

The first Dana Girls book I had ever read and the last one of the revised series written which began in 1972. The Witch's Omen was written in 1979 and was book 17 in the revised series.
The first chapter I wasn't hooked due to the fact the writing style had been so different from what I had been reading lately (Beverly Gray Mysteries of the 1940's and 1950's.) After a few chapters I was more interested and started to really enjoy the idea of reading other Dana Girls books.
As a mystery goes I struggled with the portral of the policeforce in the story who seemed to be on beck and call to accompany the Dana Girls for whatever the Dana girls wanted. The ending to the story was also a bit disappointing and I felt it was a cop out (pun intended for those that have read the book)
Several different characters through the book gave their philosphical / historical quotes from famous people but as they were stated out of the blue from different characters as opposed to just being a trait from one character in the story they came across as forced and quite self indulgent on the authors part and therefore lacked true impact or possible humour if they had been a part of one characters way of communicating with others.
That said I was left very interested to read more in the series especially some of the early ones in the series.

The revised series from 1972 was:
1. Mystery of the Stone Tiger 1972
2. *The Riddle of the Frozen Fountain 1972
3. *The Secret of the Silver Dolphin 1972
4. *Mystery of the Wax Queen 1972
5. The Secret of the Minstrel's Guitar 1972
6. The Phantom Surfer 1972
7. *The Secret of the Swiss Chalet 1973
8. The Haunted Lagoon 1973
9. Mystery of the Bamboo Bird 1973
10. *The Sierra Gold Mystery 1973
11. The Secret of Lost Lake 1974
12. The Winking Ruby Mystery 1974
13. The Ghosts in the Gallery 1975
14. The Curious Coronation 1976
15. The Hundred-Year Mystery 1977
16. The Mountain-Peak Mystery 1978
17. The Witch's Omen 1979