Secret of the Spotted Shell

by Phyllis A. Whitney, Allan Kass (Cover Artist)

Wendy was visiting her cousins in St. Thomas when she got caught up in an island wide mystery about the spotted shell which contains a clue that Wendy is determined to find!

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1974

About the author

Phyllis Ayame Whitney (1903 – 2008) was an American mystery writer. Rare for her genre, she wrote mysteries for both the juvenile and the adult markets, many of which feature exotic locations. A review in The New York Times once dubbed her "The Queen of the American Gothics".

She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.

Reviews

[Dayna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Whitney's many mysteries for young readers, this is a charming tale of suspense, mystery, and a family's need to stick together. Twelve-year-old Wendy is sent to live on St. Thomas with distant relatives while her father is building a bridge in Portugal. She arrives to discover that tragedy has struck her new family and the welcome she expected may not be forthcoming. She also discovers a mystery surrounding a spotted shell that everyone seems to want. Can she discover the secret of the spotted shell? Will she ever be a part of this new family? Will they ever accept her or will she once again have to move somewhere else? A great story, especially if you love Whitney. Her work is as good for young readers as it is for adults.

[Deuce Naftel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many, many years ago. I was probably too young because I remember being very confused by certain aspects of the story. Our library had a give-away of sea shells recently and it made me think of the book. We don't have it in our system any more so I ordered it used. I understood the book much better now! It was a fun read, and interesting comparing what I had remembered about the book with what is actually in the book.

[Tally Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as a child and it left enough of an impression 20 years later.

[Jeanne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this about 45 years ago. I guess it says something that I still recall the title and author, and the fact that I enjoyed the mystery, even if I don't recall any details.

[Libby]

(P-Lib) I decided to read this before our trip since it takes place in the Virgin Islands. It sure reminds me of a Nancy Drew book (i.e., a young girl who seems wise beyond her years). The story was interesting, and scenery was well described. I can't wait to see if St. Thomas really resembles this author's description (50 years later!).