The Secret of the Red Scarf

A Kay Tracey Mystery #1

by Frances K. Judd

Kay Tracey regards the pale young man in electrified silence when he stares at her and cries out, "Sis! Sis! At last I've found you!" These strange words are the beginning of a baffling search by Kay for clues that will restore the memory of the appealing youth to whom she gives the nickname of Bro. This unexpected guest in the Tracey household, a victim of total amnesia, knows only that he must find his beautiful sister Helene.

Kay's striking resemblance to the missing girl is to lead her through many risky episodes, but the young sleuth is determined, even against threats, to assist the unhappy boy. The Secret of the Red Scarf: Kay has few clues. Why does Bro become frantic upon catching sight of a red scarf Kay plans to wear to a masquerade? And after its disappearance, Kay is plunged even deeper into the dangerous mystery. Her goal is to disprove certain sinister accusations, about which she learns, against Bro and Helene and to bring the brother and sister together.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens

206 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

A pseudonym used by several authors: Elizabeth Mildred Duffield Ward (Kay Tracey series #1-2), Mildred A. Wirt Benson (Kay Tracey series #3-12, 14), Edna Stratemeyer Squier (Kay Tracey series #13), and Anna Perot Rose Wright (Kay Tracey series #15-18).

Series:
* A Kay Tracey Mystery

Reviews

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be the first library book I ever read as a young girl. I can still remember the aisle of the library where I found it. I discovered Kay Tracey before I had even heard of Nancy Drew, which I also loved, of course. Our little branch library only had a few Kay Traceys so I reluctantly started substituting Nancy Drew, probably a better series, but Kay Tracey was my first love! My dear daughter found the 1934 copy for me for Christmas. Very interesting reading again word usage typical of that time period.

[C.G.Koens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the original 1934 version of this book, (they re-wrote it in the 50's). It's not great literature, but it did make me look up a few words that we no longer use. nothing outstanding, and Wilma's poetry was very random in the story, but definitely a humorous way to spend a few hours. The tone was closer to Nancy Drew than some of the other girl detective mysteries of the same era.

[K.L.]

Confusing. Kay rescues an amnesiac boy from a car accident and he thinks she is his sister, Kay tracks her down via the red scarf shes wearing and a fashion magazine. Helene has disappeared recently last seen in the company of a sleazy young man who wants to marry her, He turns out to be a distant relative who also wants to steal her fortune. Helen is being held captive by a person trying to steal her and Daves' (Bro) inheritance. The captors randomly seem to allow Helen out and the crook thinks that Kay is her at a masquerade ball and allows her to stay there for another hour. Ethel tries to prevent Kay from winning the dress up contest by cutting the ruffles of her gypsy dress, but as usual she fails.

[Laura Bang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun mystery, but the ending was very rushed and not all the finer points of the mystery were really cleared up. I would like to read more in the Kay Tracey series, though.

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. Not one of my favorite of Millie's books though. It took me awhile to get finished with it. I'm on #2 now and liking it better.