Mystery in Longfellow Square

by Mary C. Jane

Only young Phil Holt suspects that the distinguished-looking Mr. Tate is looking for more than poetry in old Miss Goddard’s library. Miss Goddard thinks the self-styled poetry expert is charming. But Boz, the dog, takes an instant dislike to the elderly "scholar." And Phil is sure he has seen Mr. Tate outside Miss Goddard’s house in the middle of the night, talking with a sinister stranger. The unusual setting -- Portland, Maine’s famous Longfellow Square -- and the reality and appeal of the characters make this one of Mrs. Jane’s best stories. Family skeletons, a dognapping, and some furtive figures lurking in a closed-up church add to the excitement, as Phil proves that "bookish" boys can also be brave!

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: Challenges: Grinchathon July 2021 - Happy (4, makes me happy); Reading Goal Posts/21 in 2021 - Project 20/Mid-century Middle Grade. Set at Christmastime, the story of a lonely boy whose mother must take live-in companion work to provide a home for both of them. When she is called to other family due to illness, her son must solve a mystery in order to be believed by his mother's employer. A boy and his dog, new found friends, and learning to trust and believe in oneself and others. Takes place in Portland, Maine, home of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow which provides great atmosphere for this mystery of family deceit. One of sixteen standalone stories for young people, each provides a different set of characters. An author I loved as a child, yet have read this story for the first time. Makes me happy.

[EchoHouseLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

My hometown, my childhood and my parents' interests are all wrapped up in the quick children's mystery. It's innocent and builds then tension nicely. Great for kids, Longfellow fans and vintage mystery fans alike!

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An "OK" mystery. Worth reading once.

[Pnichols]

I wish these books were still in print! Would be good for 3rd-graders who are learning about Maine.