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Trixie Belden #31
Trixie Belden and the Mystery at Maypenny's
The citizens of Sleepyside are divided by the proposed expansion of the International Pine Company into the game preserve and two newcomers to town are adding fuel to the fire. One of them is Mr. Maypenny's long lost nephew; the second is a social activist who wants to stop the expansion. The Bob-Whites struggle to maintain a united front and Trixie and Honey investigate some strange incidences in the game preserve and Mr Maypenny's odd behavior. The girls are determined to solve the mystery and restore harmony to their community.
210 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
4 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Kenny
51 books98 followersThe Kathryn Kenny pseudonym was created by Western Publishing House in 1961, three years after Julie Campbell wrote her last book (#6) of the Trixie Belden series. There were several ghost writers who wrote Trixie Belden stories under this pseudonym. Some have been identified and later credited but some are still unknown.
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http://www.trixie-belden.com/books/Ka...
The Kathryn Kenny pseudonym was born in 1961, three years after Campbell wrote her last book of the Trixie Belden series. Did it take Western Publishing several years to find a suitable author? The answer is unknown and the identity of the authors of the 33 Kathryn Kenny books are not known for sure but there is some information about the ghost writers.
Nicolete Meredith Stack
Nicolete Meredith StackStack is thought to be the first author to tackle the Trixie Belden series, although there is much debate about which books were actually written by her. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1896 but lived in Webster Groves in St. Louis, Missouri for most of her adult life. Stack wrote other children's books under her own name and various pen names, including the Robin Kane series by Eileen Hill for Whitman between 1966 and 1971.
Stack is said to have written five books in the Trixie Belden series between 1961 and 1971, but Who's Who in the Midwest claims that she wrote eight titles between 1961 and 1966. There were eight Trixie Belden titles published between 1961 and 1966, but it is doubtful that she wrote them all.
James Keeline in his article, Trixie Belden "Schoolgirl Shamus", believes that books 7, 9 and 16 can be attributed to Stack but there are others that may have been written by her.
Virginia McDonnell
Virginia Bleecher McDonnell was born in 1917 and was a registered nurse who trained at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. McDonnell wrote the Nurses Three series from 1963 to 1965 using the pen name Jean Kirby, and the Kim Aldrich series as Jinny McDonnell, both for Whitman. She is also wrote volume six of The Waltons.
McDonnell and her husband were avid skiiers and many of her books featured details of nursing or skiing. It seems likely that she wrote three Trixie Belden books, The Mystery of Cobbett's Island (1964), The Mystery of the Emeralds (1965) and The Mystery of Mead's Mountain (1978). Skiing is mentioned early in The Mystery of Cobbett's Island, although this is not the theme of the book.
McDonnell also wrote another book called Country Agent that has a number of similarities with The Mystery at Happy Valley, although her book was published in 1968. Read a review of this book, and see what you think.
There is little biographical information available on McDonnell, but the three books attributed to her are three of the most widely loved books in the Trixie Belden series.
Gladys Baker Bond
Gladys Baker BondGladys Baker Bond was born in Berryville, Arkansas on the 7th of May, 1912. On September 2, 1934, she married Floyd James Bond and had one son, Nicholas Peter. Bond's childhood years were spent in the Ozarks of Arkansas. She lived in Idaho and Washington all her adult life and was an officer of the Idaho Writers League between 1952-54.
Bond's books for children cover a wide range of subjects and are often autobiographical. Mrs. Bond wrote under the pseudonymns, Jo Mendel (The Tucker series) and Holly Beth Walker (the Meg series), as well as her own name. She also wrote volume five of The Waltons.
She is credited with writing The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest (1977), The Mystery of the Castaway Children (1978), and The Sasquatch Mystery (1979). However, with her childhood spent in the Ozarks, she could be the author of The Mystery at Bob-White Cave (1963).
Carl Henry Rathjen
Carl Henry RathjenRathjen was born on the 28th of August 1909 in Jersey City, New Jersey and died in 1984. His ambition was to become a mechanical engineer, but when things didn't go
***
http://www.trixie-belden.com/books/Ka...
The Kathryn Kenny pseudonym was born in 1961, three years after Campbell wrote her last book of the Trixie Belden series. Did it take Western Publishing several years to find a suitable author? The answer is unknown and the identity of the authors of the 33 Kathryn Kenny books are not known for sure but there is some information about the ghost writers.
Nicolete Meredith Stack
Nicolete Meredith StackStack is thought to be the first author to tackle the Trixie Belden series, although there is much debate about which books were actually written by her. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1896 but lived in Webster Groves in St. Louis, Missouri for most of her adult life. Stack wrote other children's books under her own name and various pen names, including the Robin Kane series by Eileen Hill for Whitman between 1966 and 1971.
Stack is said to have written five books in the Trixie Belden series between 1961 and 1971, but Who's Who in the Midwest claims that she wrote eight titles between 1961 and 1966. There were eight Trixie Belden titles published between 1961 and 1966, but it is doubtful that she wrote them all.
James Keeline in his article, Trixie Belden "Schoolgirl Shamus", believes that books 7, 9 and 16 can be attributed to Stack but there are others that may have been written by her.
Virginia McDonnell
Virginia Bleecher McDonnell was born in 1917 and was a registered nurse who trained at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York. McDonnell wrote the Nurses Three series from 1963 to 1965 using the pen name Jean Kirby, and the Kim Aldrich series as Jinny McDonnell, both for Whitman. She is also wrote volume six of The Waltons.
McDonnell and her husband were avid skiiers and many of her books featured details of nursing or skiing. It seems likely that she wrote three Trixie Belden books, The Mystery of Cobbett's Island (1964), The Mystery of the Emeralds (1965) and The Mystery of Mead's Mountain (1978). Skiing is mentioned early in The Mystery of Cobbett's Island, although this is not the theme of the book.
McDonnell also wrote another book called Country Agent that has a number of similarities with The Mystery at Happy Valley, although her book was published in 1968. Read a review of this book, and see what you think.
There is little biographical information available on McDonnell, but the three books attributed to her are three of the most widely loved books in the Trixie Belden series.
Gladys Baker Bond
Gladys Baker BondGladys Baker Bond was born in Berryville, Arkansas on the 7th of May, 1912. On September 2, 1934, she married Floyd James Bond and had one son, Nicholas Peter. Bond's childhood years were spent in the Ozarks of Arkansas. She lived in Idaho and Washington all her adult life and was an officer of the Idaho Writers League between 1952-54.
Bond's books for children cover a wide range of subjects and are often autobiographical. Mrs. Bond wrote under the pseudonymns, Jo Mendel (The Tucker series) and Holly Beth Walker (the Meg series), as well as her own name. She also wrote volume five of The Waltons.
She is credited with writing The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest (1977), The Mystery of the Castaway Children (1978), and The Sasquatch Mystery (1979). However, with her childhood spent in the Ozarks, she could be the author of The Mystery at Bob-White Cave (1963).
Carl Henry Rathjen
Carl Henry RathjenRathjen was born on the 28th of August 1909 in Jersey City, New Jersey and died in 1984. His ambition was to become a mechanical engineer, but when things didn't go
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 31, 2013
As a pre-teen, I absolutely devoured the Trixie Belden series. A few years ago, I managed to collect the first dozen books--mostly from E-Bay. I was charmed in the re-reading of them. It prompted me to remember hiding behind the garage on a summer's day (I was supposed to be out 'playing'!) I would lay in the grass, lean up against the garage wall, munch on cherries or apples from neighbor's trees, and read one after the other. Trixie Belden, Beaney Malone, Sue Barton.... Loved 'em all!
So when one of my sons told me about open library.org, to test it out I borrowed this Trixie Belden E-Book. I am nearly 50 years older now, but that did not diminish the pleasure I experienced in the reading of it.
Loved the book and loved the concept and format of openlibrary.org!
So when one of my sons told me about open library.org, to test it out I borrowed this Trixie Belden E-Book. I am nearly 50 years older now, but that did not diminish the pleasure I experienced in the reading of it.
Loved the book and loved the concept and format of openlibrary.org!
September 5, 2022
Anger erupts from all corners of Sleepyside as the International Pine furniture company plans to expand their operation with land purchased from the Wheelers' game preserve. It becomes a highly flammable issue when supporters of industry go head to head with diehard environmentalists. The Bob Whites themselves are not immune from the tension. Meanwhile an estranged nephew touches base with Mr Maypenny, and poor ducks are mysteriously dying in the game preserve. How will it all pan out?
* Oh dear, we heard some ominous rumblings about the International Pine furniture company way back in The Mystery of the Missing Heiress. Now it's the name on every Sleepyside resident's lips. International Pine bought a slab of cleared swampland for their factory, and now they want even more. The parcel of land they have their eye on belongs to Matthew Wheeler's game preserve, with a fraction of Mr Maypenny's family inheritance thrown in. While Matthew Wheeler is all for the developer's plans, Maypenny won't hear a bar of it. These two are furious at each other, while others claim to see both sides.
* The heated feelings soon spreads throughout town, as the whole community will be impacted. While some people are rejoicing because International Pine will offer 200 new jobs for local residents, orhers believe the cost to local endangered species and potential pollution will be too high a price to pay.
* A passionate young environmentalist named John Score has driven all the way from Ohio with his beat-up car full of pamphlets, on behalf of Mother Earth. He's trying to get all residents to sign a petition to stop International Pine.
* The Beldens all claim to be neutral fence sitters on the International Pine controversy. They supposedly see both sides so clearly, all they can do is wait to see what happens. Mart's five point summary of the sticky situation gets the thumbs up from his dad. 'Point One: People need jobs. Point Two: Animals and plants need land. Point Three: These two are sometimes mutually exclusive. Point Four: It's a very emotional issue. Point Five: There are going to be a lot more quarrels before this issue is settled.'
* If we're splitting hairs, are all the Beldens as impartial as they seem? Helen refuses to sign John Score's petition to protect the slab of land under threat. I'm sure Score might use that to deduce that she's indirectly taking the factory developer's side. It's easy for passionate zealots like himself to conclude that not committing is in effect offering support to the opposition.
* Brian makes a huge stand when he joins his debate team on the affirmative side. (In favour of letting International Pine go right ahead.) He says he merely wants all the information to get a fair hearing, and already knows the negative speakers are thorough and talented enough to do well for that side. But he's treading on committed ground. Can he really be, 'as much on the fence as ever' after spending all the hours putting together his speech?
* Apparently Trixie's favourite novel of all time is Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. She never tires of reading it. Funny she never mentioned that during Mystery on the Mississippi when the Bob Whites got a chance to visit Hannibal, Mark Twain's own country immortalised in his novels.
* Mart's hair is said to be cropped, again, yet he'd let it turn curly from as far back as Mystery of the Queen's Necklace. Has he gone back to his old buzz cut again, or just a scissor trim this time? Or did this KK simply forget that he'd resolved to let it curl?
* Jim and Dan have uncomfortably set up their banners on opposite sides of the fence. The Bob Whites make a pact to keep quiet about the inflammatory topic, yet now conversation between the seven of them feels stilted and awkward. There is always a huge elephant in the room. Brian argued that letting International Pine go ahead would be preserving Sleepyside's way of life? Think again, Brian. It seems even close friendships suffer, and they've hardly even started.
* Poor Dan's head space seems to be an interesting, teeming place of turmoil during this book. He's too reticent to say much, but we readers sense loyalty to Mr Maypenny, hurt that the old man has kept him at arm's length, and strange ambivalence toward the long lost nephew, David Maypenny.
* This book makes the interesting point that both sides of the raging argument draw from current events to support their own views. When ducks begin dying, industrialists suggest that it's not much of a game preserve to protect, while environmentalists feel certain the poor birds are merely the first casualties of what has already been started.
* This book subtly urges readers to consider which side we might swing towards. Even though studies of the environmental impact of industrialisation had started back in 1980, when this book was published, I can't help thinking more recent twenty-first century research might make this a more clear cut issue than it was then. Forty years ago, nothing much was known about Global Warming. Even in 1980, it seems a glib promise from International Pine, that they can confine their pollution strictly to the land they're purchasing. Personally, I'd probably be taking a stand with Mr Maypenny and signing John Score's petition. We are inhabiting the only earth we'll ever have, and once those rare species have gone extinct, we'll never get them back again.
* Trixie and Honey half expect to find a corpse in an abandoned car. And I get the distinct feeling that Trixie is slightly disappointed not to! We readers aren't surprised, of course. The rest of the series has set no precedence for such a grisly discovery. Phew.
* The eventual solution to the whole International Pine fiasco seems a bit of a cop-out by Kathryn Kenny, keeping one foot of the Trixie Belden series planted firmly in happily-ever-after land. Yet having said that, it also makes perfect sense. Perhaps we make 'real life' harder than it needs to be.
* Peter Belden has some wise counsel for his kids, as always. 'Remember, the people who have their minds made up are always the loudest.' But the quote of the book is undoubtedly from Mr Maypenny. 'I'm sorry Jim, I plain forgot that Matt Wheeler was your father. You kids are so nice and reasonable that it just doesn't seem possible.'
* Oh dear, we heard some ominous rumblings about the International Pine furniture company way back in The Mystery of the Missing Heiress. Now it's the name on every Sleepyside resident's lips. International Pine bought a slab of cleared swampland for their factory, and now they want even more. The parcel of land they have their eye on belongs to Matthew Wheeler's game preserve, with a fraction of Mr Maypenny's family inheritance thrown in. While Matthew Wheeler is all for the developer's plans, Maypenny won't hear a bar of it. These two are furious at each other, while others claim to see both sides.
* The heated feelings soon spreads throughout town, as the whole community will be impacted. While some people are rejoicing because International Pine will offer 200 new jobs for local residents, orhers believe the cost to local endangered species and potential pollution will be too high a price to pay.
* A passionate young environmentalist named John Score has driven all the way from Ohio with his beat-up car full of pamphlets, on behalf of Mother Earth. He's trying to get all residents to sign a petition to stop International Pine.
* The Beldens all claim to be neutral fence sitters on the International Pine controversy. They supposedly see both sides so clearly, all they can do is wait to see what happens. Mart's five point summary of the sticky situation gets the thumbs up from his dad. 'Point One: People need jobs. Point Two: Animals and plants need land. Point Three: These two are sometimes mutually exclusive. Point Four: It's a very emotional issue. Point Five: There are going to be a lot more quarrels before this issue is settled.'
* If we're splitting hairs, are all the Beldens as impartial as they seem? Helen refuses to sign John Score's petition to protect the slab of land under threat. I'm sure Score might use that to deduce that she's indirectly taking the factory developer's side. It's easy for passionate zealots like himself to conclude that not committing is in effect offering support to the opposition.
* Brian makes a huge stand when he joins his debate team on the affirmative side. (In favour of letting International Pine go right ahead.) He says he merely wants all the information to get a fair hearing, and already knows the negative speakers are thorough and talented enough to do well for that side. But he's treading on committed ground. Can he really be, 'as much on the fence as ever' after spending all the hours putting together his speech?
* Apparently Trixie's favourite novel of all time is Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. She never tires of reading it. Funny she never mentioned that during Mystery on the Mississippi when the Bob Whites got a chance to visit Hannibal, Mark Twain's own country immortalised in his novels.
* Mart's hair is said to be cropped, again, yet he'd let it turn curly from as far back as Mystery of the Queen's Necklace. Has he gone back to his old buzz cut again, or just a scissor trim this time? Or did this KK simply forget that he'd resolved to let it curl?
* Jim and Dan have uncomfortably set up their banners on opposite sides of the fence. The Bob Whites make a pact to keep quiet about the inflammatory topic, yet now conversation between the seven of them feels stilted and awkward. There is always a huge elephant in the room. Brian argued that letting International Pine go ahead would be preserving Sleepyside's way of life? Think again, Brian. It seems even close friendships suffer, and they've hardly even started.
* Poor Dan's head space seems to be an interesting, teeming place of turmoil during this book. He's too reticent to say much, but we readers sense loyalty to Mr Maypenny, hurt that the old man has kept him at arm's length, and strange ambivalence toward the long lost nephew, David Maypenny.
* This book makes the interesting point that both sides of the raging argument draw from current events to support their own views. When ducks begin dying, industrialists suggest that it's not much of a game preserve to protect, while environmentalists feel certain the poor birds are merely the first casualties of what has already been started.
* This book subtly urges readers to consider which side we might swing towards. Even though studies of the environmental impact of industrialisation had started back in 1980, when this book was published, I can't help thinking more recent twenty-first century research might make this a more clear cut issue than it was then. Forty years ago, nothing much was known about Global Warming. Even in 1980, it seems a glib promise from International Pine, that they can confine their pollution strictly to the land they're purchasing. Personally, I'd probably be taking a stand with Mr Maypenny and signing John Score's petition. We are inhabiting the only earth we'll ever have, and once those rare species have gone extinct, we'll never get them back again.
* Trixie and Honey half expect to find a corpse in an abandoned car. And I get the distinct feeling that Trixie is slightly disappointed not to! We readers aren't surprised, of course. The rest of the series has set no precedence for such a grisly discovery. Phew.
* The eventual solution to the whole International Pine fiasco seems a bit of a cop-out by Kathryn Kenny, keeping one foot of the Trixie Belden series planted firmly in happily-ever-after land. Yet having said that, it also makes perfect sense. Perhaps we make 'real life' harder than it needs to be.
* Peter Belden has some wise counsel for his kids, as always. 'Remember, the people who have their minds made up are always the loudest.' But the quote of the book is undoubtedly from Mr Maypenny. 'I'm sorry Jim, I plain forgot that Matt Wheeler was your father. You kids are so nice and reasonable that it just doesn't seem possible.'
May 9, 2023
Otro misterio resuelto, donde se intentará jugar con la evolución y la naturaleza
December 23, 2025
5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. WOW!! Man, I loved this book!! First off, the tension among the Bob-Whites (especially between Dan & Jim ((my favs)) was super cool and well done. The whole plot was very well done and I was so hooked. The mystery was worked in so well! I was very impressed. Euphemisms & the annoying Sergeant was all that bothered me. The Bob-Whites all showed up so well and I loved how this issue worked on their friendship, as I said. The debate was awesome, too. Definitely one of my top favourite Trixie books!
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Oh, woe,’ Trixie moaned[.] ‘When you said there was an explanation … I thought you meant a SIMPLE explanation. This is the most complicated thing I’ve ever heard of.’
“‘Our sophisticated elucidation is causing mental torment for our simpleminded sibling,’ Mart said. ‘Allow me to summarize. Point one: People need jobs. Point two: Animals and plants need land. Point three: These two needs are sometimes mutually exclusive. Point four: It’s a very emotional issue. Point five: There are going to be a lot more quarrels before this issue is settled.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Oh, woe,’ Trixie moaned[.] ‘When you said there was an explanation … I thought you meant a SIMPLE explanation. This is the most complicated thing I’ve ever heard of.’
“‘Our sophisticated elucidation is causing mental torment for our simpleminded sibling,’ Mart said. ‘Allow me to summarize. Point one: People need jobs. Point two: Animals and plants need land. Point three: These two needs are sometimes mutually exclusive. Point four: It’s a very emotional issue. Point five: There are going to be a lot more quarrels before this issue is settled.’”
August 18, 2013
A clever book, outlining the problem of industrialization vs. nature conservation measures. Not your typical "young people solve mystery" story. Interesting, but not what I was after when I picked it up.
March 21, 2014
This isn't as much a mystery as it is a plea for saving the wildlife. Although we still have our favorite characters, they seem to be more mute in this story than in some of the others. Still, a light and enjoyable afternoon read.
February 28, 2019
I'm torn about this one, because it was a more consistent and well-thought out mystery this time but it lacks the fun spirit of the others.
Also, why does Honey say perfectly perfect so much? Has she always said it? I feel like I'm losing my mind
Also, why does Honey say perfectly perfect so much? Has she always said it? I feel like I'm losing my mind
August 26, 2017
Friendship is magical, fam.
There's also a plot and it's better than some of the books in this series, but it's not that great.
Recommended 10+ for scary situations.
There's also a plot and it's better than some of the books in this series, but it's not that great.
Recommended 10+ for scary situations.
September 24, 2025
I must confess that I did not finish this book. I skimmed through the last half. I'd give it a 2.5. It's not a mystery. It gives environmentalists a voice for their fearmongering.
There's a company in the book called International Pine. It's a furniture company that employs people who live in and around Sleepyside. International Pine wants to expand. If the expansion goes through, 10 acres of land around Sleepside will be "lost" to the company. People in favor of the expansion say that they welcome the 200 new jobs that will be created. Environmentalists say that if you give International Pine 10 acres today, they will come back and ask for the whole country tomorrow. The environmentalists - some of them - infected ducks with botulism and strew them around the swamp close to where International Pine is located. They go around Sleepyside and say "See!!! This is what's happening now with the pollution that the company is producing. Things are going to get much worse with the expansion."
Sigh - the message is fine. Industry and job creation versus saving the environment is always going to cause conflict in a community. Is it fair to expect teenagers to solve all the problems that adults created? Young people need to start thinking about these issues. Adults need to start taking responsibility for their actions when it comes to "saving the environment". There are other ways of getting them to think about these issues other than books like this.
BTW - has anyone else ever wondered why it's almost always up to Trixie to get Bobby ready for school in the morning and read him bedtime stories at night. Shouldn't her brothers and parents be helping with this? She often gets into trouble for being late for the school bus in the morning, but that's because she's busy getting Bobby ready; she doesn't have time for herself. It's not exactly fair.
There's a company in the book called International Pine. It's a furniture company that employs people who live in and around Sleepyside. International Pine wants to expand. If the expansion goes through, 10 acres of land around Sleepside will be "lost" to the company. People in favor of the expansion say that they welcome the 200 new jobs that will be created. Environmentalists say that if you give International Pine 10 acres today, they will come back and ask for the whole country tomorrow. The environmentalists - some of them - infected ducks with botulism and strew them around the swamp close to where International Pine is located. They go around Sleepyside and say "See!!! This is what's happening now with the pollution that the company is producing. Things are going to get much worse with the expansion."
Sigh - the message is fine. Industry and job creation versus saving the environment is always going to cause conflict in a community. Is it fair to expect teenagers to solve all the problems that adults created? Young people need to start thinking about these issues. Adults need to start taking responsibility for their actions when it comes to "saving the environment". There are other ways of getting them to think about these issues other than books like this.
BTW - has anyone else ever wondered why it's almost always up to Trixie to get Bobby ready for school in the morning and read him bedtime stories at night. Shouldn't her brothers and parents be helping with this? She often gets into trouble for being late for the school bus in the morning, but that's because she's busy getting Bobby ready; she doesn't have time for herself. It's not exactly fair.
March 26, 2018
I loved the Trixie Belden books as a kid (nice to see they got republished). I'm still unsure how they ended up in my corner of the world. I slowly amassed the whole series as first editions (it seemed so glamourous as a kid owning precious books that were older than me!) by saving all my pocket money to buy them from the local secondhand store. I can only guess that some adult (probably having moved to our sleepy town from overseas) had sold them off in bulk. They sat in a back corner of the store, thankfully ignored by everyone else, as I slowly acquired them through pocket money and then in a mass swoop for Christmas. It helped that back then secondhand books sold for anywhere from 10 cents to 50 cents rather than $7-10 as they do these days!
They were wonderful mystery books for children of a similar ilk to Famous Five, Secret Seven, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The Three Investigators etc.; set in a time long before cellphones when sleuthing into mysterious mansions, smugglers, and strange sounds in the night wouldn't cause any real harm to befall our child investigators.
They were wonderful mystery books for children of a similar ilk to Famous Five, Secret Seven, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The Three Investigators etc.; set in a time long before cellphones when sleuthing into mysterious mansions, smugglers, and strange sounds in the night wouldn't cause any real harm to befall our child investigators.
April 12, 2018
The Mystery at Maypenny's by Kathryn Kenny is the thirty-first book in the Trixie Belden series.
This one was good and interesting, but it had virtually no mystery. By the time the characters realized what was happening, there were two chapters of the book left. I had guessed someone was planting the "evidence" from the beginning. There was way too much explaining the legal terms used in this book, too. I felt like there were three pages at a time because they were worried the readers would be too stupid to understand what the grown-ups were talking about. (When I was 9, I wouldn't have understood everything, but I think I could have figured it out.)
I felt like the plot was overly complicated, but I did enjoy the book for some reason. I liked reading more about Mr. Maypenny, who rarely gets appearances in the books anymore, and Dan had a prominent role in the book. So, 3 stars out of 5.
This one was good and interesting, but it had virtually no mystery. By the time the characters realized what was happening, there were two chapters of the book left. I had guessed someone was planting the "evidence" from the beginning. There was way too much explaining the legal terms used in this book, too. I felt like there were three pages at a time because they were worried the readers would be too stupid to understand what the grown-ups were talking about. (When I was 9, I wouldn't have understood everything, but I think I could have figured it out.)
I felt like the plot was overly complicated, but I did enjoy the book for some reason. I liked reading more about Mr. Maypenny, who rarely gets appearances in the books anymore, and Dan had a prominent role in the book. So, 3 stars out of 5.
August 3, 2020
It takes a few chapters, in this episode of Trixie's adventure, for the mystery to present itself, but it does get there in the end.
The topic that's up for debate in the book is a tricky one and I feel like it's one we struggle to get right, even now. It's so interesting to see that whether it's 1950 or 2020, we are sharing similar issues and it's just as hard to find the right answer then as it is now. Economy vs environment, it doesn't get any easier.
Luckily the Bob-Whites (well, Jim and Mr. Wheeler) are able to find a compromise. If only everything can be wrapped up this easily with only minor danger in 200 pages!
The topic that's up for debate in the book is a tricky one and I feel like it's one we struggle to get right, even now. It's so interesting to see that whether it's 1950 or 2020, we are sharing similar issues and it's just as hard to find the right answer then as it is now. Economy vs environment, it doesn't get any easier.
Luckily the Bob-Whites (well, Jim and Mr. Wheeler) are able to find a compromise. If only everything can be wrapped up this easily with only minor danger in 200 pages!
January 26, 2025
I haven’t read this in years and needed to refresh my memory for a story I’m working on. I thought it was pretty good for one of the later books in the series. This hits close to home for the Bob-Whites with the political, economic, and ecological ramifications of expansion by International Pine. Mr. Wheeler is willing to sell off some of his preserve but Mr. Maypenny is not. There is division within the BWGs as well as the community. I found this very realistic and appreciated that the author didn’t try to take the easy way out. It wasn’t until the very end that there was a resolution.
April 4, 2018
Still re-reading my way through this series. It's a trip down memory lane for me. Although these take place in an earlier day (1950's or 60's) I expect that the mystery part should still entertain young readers.
February 15, 2022
There sure are a lot of con relatives in these books. Well, two, but it’s kind of odd that it happened twice ;)
July 24, 2022
Included all the B.W.'s at least. One of the better writen Trixie books.
September 4, 2022
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI.
May 3, 2015
a HUGE and most dedicated fan of Trixie and her crew. This is odd, of course, because they were MEANT for teen and pre-teen girls, but I was a young boy that read everything he could get his hands on and when I first stumbled on my first TRIXIE BELDON book I was instantly hooked!
I immediately sat about reading them all, as quickly as I could get my greedy little paws on them. Trixie is the star, or "lead" character, followed by Jim and Honey (who quickly became the love of my young life, I had a total crush on a fictional character that only existed in ink) and this brave trio was constantly getting into trouble, solving mysteries and murders; that sort of thing.
It falls along the line of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and other similar series, but the Trixie series carries more of the teenage angst and a subtle love triangle of conflicted who likes whom mystery that battles back and forth throughout the series. All of the while though, the same cheerful, effervescent and energetic positive attitude and domineering never quit/never let them see you down philosophy is the major subtext all through the books.
It is simply impossible to read these and NOT feel good about yourself and about LIFE, to have a sense of "all is well" in the world and a cheerful demeanor just naturally permeate your soul. I know, it SOUNDS crazy, but it is true.
I lost all of my Trixie books years ago, lending them to friends and that sort of thing. Since then, I have been on a quest to rebuild my collection of hardbacks. I find most of them at "Friends of the Library Sales" and things like that, but I am ever watchful at garage sales and places, for I do not have even a third of them built back
I immediately sat about reading them all, as quickly as I could get my greedy little paws on them. Trixie is the star, or "lead" character, followed by Jim and Honey (who quickly became the love of my young life, I had a total crush on a fictional character that only existed in ink) and this brave trio was constantly getting into trouble, solving mysteries and murders; that sort of thing.
It falls along the line of the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and other similar series, but the Trixie series carries more of the teenage angst and a subtle love triangle of conflicted who likes whom mystery that battles back and forth throughout the series. All of the while though, the same cheerful, effervescent and energetic positive attitude and domineering never quit/never let them see you down philosophy is the major subtext all through the books.
It is simply impossible to read these and NOT feel good about yourself and about LIFE, to have a sense of "all is well" in the world and a cheerful demeanor just naturally permeate your soul. I know, it SOUNDS crazy, but it is true.
I lost all of my Trixie books years ago, lending them to friends and that sort of thing. Since then, I have been on a quest to rebuild my collection of hardbacks. I find most of them at "Friends of the Library Sales" and things like that, but I am ever watchful at garage sales and places, for I do not have even a third of them built back
May 22, 2011
I read this back when I was a kid, and couldn't resist picking it up - along with a couple of other Trixie Belden books - a few days ago when I spotted them at a thrift shop.
I was a huge fan of the Trixie Belden series as a kid. I can't recall my feelings about this book, but knowing myself, it probably gave me cause to think. This book has Trixie, her best friend Honey, and their families/friends involved up to their necks in an ecological (or "green," as it would be called today) way. Although dated now, this story did a superb job in presenting two points of view: the side that wants progress to come to a small town and create jobs for the desperate and unemployed, as well as the side that wants to protect the natural habitat of animals and native plants. Both sides have their strong points, and it seems that nobody wins or loses. A pretty strong struggle for a kid, especially a couple of decades ago when this was written. However, the ultimate conclusion of this story is easy for a pre-teen to accept, whatever side of the argument they may have been drawn to. Adults would find it too simplistic - but then, this IS a story targeted to kids and I find it perfect for that age group.
I was a huge fan of the Trixie Belden series as a kid. I can't recall my feelings about this book, but knowing myself, it probably gave me cause to think. This book has Trixie, her best friend Honey, and their families/friends involved up to their necks in an ecological (or "green," as it would be called today) way. Although dated now, this story did a superb job in presenting two points of view: the side that wants progress to come to a small town and create jobs for the desperate and unemployed, as well as the side that wants to protect the natural habitat of animals and native plants. Both sides have their strong points, and it seems that nobody wins or loses. A pretty strong struggle for a kid, especially a couple of decades ago when this was written. However, the ultimate conclusion of this story is easy for a pre-teen to accept, whatever side of the argument they may have been drawn to. Adults would find it too simplistic - but then, this IS a story targeted to kids and I find it perfect for that age group.
February 13, 2013
A childhood favorite re-visited.
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – Ten and up.
Length? – Most of a day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real world, pre - computer, pre - air conditioning, pre - cell phone.
Written approximately? – 1980.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. A slight mention of the time frame of the story - as the teens are given far more freedom to come and go as they please than would be safe today. Also, the absence of computers and cell phones.
Short storyline: The International Pine Company, who showed up in a far earlier novel, want to buy more land. Part of it belongs to Mr. Maypenny, and part to Mr. Wheeler. Soon, the town is divided on the issue of allowing the sale of the wildlife preserve. Everyone is sure of who the culprit of the dead ducks is. It's what they don't know that will cause the danger for Honey and Trixie.
Notes for the reader: A great mystery! No violence and no murder.
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – Ten and up.
Length? – Most of a day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real world, pre - computer, pre - air conditioning, pre - cell phone.
Written approximately? – 1980.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. A slight mention of the time frame of the story - as the teens are given far more freedom to come and go as they please than would be safe today. Also, the absence of computers and cell phones.
Short storyline: The International Pine Company, who showed up in a far earlier novel, want to buy more land. Part of it belongs to Mr. Maypenny, and part to Mr. Wheeler. Soon, the town is divided on the issue of allowing the sale of the wildlife preserve. Everyone is sure of who the culprit of the dead ducks is. It's what they don't know that will cause the danger for Honey and Trixie.
Notes for the reader: A great mystery! No violence and no murder.
August 30, 2015
When International Pine wants to expand their furniture factory in Sleepyside, the town and the Bob-Whites become divided. But it’s Mr. Maypenny who may be effected the most. What is happening on his property?
Sadly, this is a weak entry in the series. The mystery is shoehorned in with Trixie getting most of her answers in a few data dumps late in the book. The factory plot takes center stage most of the time and gives a good view of the pro-jobs side of things but leaves the environmental side of things weak. On the other hand, the characters are strong and we get to see more of Dan than normal.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Sadly, this is a weak entry in the series. The mystery is shoehorned in with Trixie getting most of her answers in a few data dumps late in the book. The factory plot takes center stage most of the time and gives a good view of the pro-jobs side of things but leaves the environmental side of things weak. On the other hand, the characters are strong and we get to see more of Dan than normal.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 24, 2016
For Christmas one year, my parents grabbed me the entire Trixie Belden set and I couldn't put them down. After I finished with them, they continued to purchase them as quickly as I could read them. Even with a learning disability, I devoured the books. I look back now and I find that Trixie Belden was much more age related to young girls, particularly to me, reading the books than Nancy Drew. There was something in these books that I found to be a greater escape than I did ND, too. I found that they weren't so "over the top" or dated. I will be doing the same thing with my granddaughters, if and when I have them, even if I have to stalk every used bookstore to get them
August 22, 2013
I had forgotten that Brian Belden represents the affirmative in the International Pines expansion debate. I would have loved to have debated for Sleepyside.
I enjoyed this story for many reasons. First, it takes place in Sleepyside. Second, it reunites long-lost family members, Mr. Maypenny and his nephew David. Third, an economic vs. ecological battle is settled with an effective compromise.
I enjoyed this story for many reasons. First, it takes place in Sleepyside. Second, it reunites long-lost family members, Mr. Maypenny and his nephew David. Third, an economic vs. ecological battle is settled with an effective compromise.
October 10, 2007
I love the Trixie Beldon books. Good mysteries to solve.
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March 9, 2008Book 31
June 19, 2010
Great children's mystery series...
January 7, 2014
A fight for land turns friend against friend.
July 29, 2011
Like the fall setting and Mr. Maypenny getting some spotlight, but didn't really enjoy all the political activist stuff in the book.
April 8, 2012
A good book but it was kind of an easy read foe younger kids and was partly boring at some parts of the book. I would recommend ages 6-9
May 24, 2012
Ah, and end of an era when I was reading the mysteries of Trixie Belden.
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