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Bobbsey Twins #6
The Camp Fire Mystery
The Bobbsey twins help the members of a Camp Fire club catch the culprits who stole their bicycles.
126 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
About the author
Laura Lee Hope
603 books79 followersLaura Lee Hope is a pseudonym used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate for the Bobbsey Twins and several other series of children's novels. Actual writers taking up the pen of Laura Lee Hope include Edward Stratemeyer, Howard and Lilian Garis, Elizabeth Ward, Harriet (Stratemeyer) Adams, Andrew E. Svenson, June M. Dunn, Grace Grote and Nancy Axelrad.
Laura Lee Hope was first used in 1904 for the debut of the Bobbsey Twins, the principal characters of what was, for many years, the Stratemeyer Syndicate's longest-running series of children's novels. Other series written under this pseudonym include: The Outdoor Girls (23 vols. 1913-1933), The Moving Picture Girls (7 vols. 1914-1916), Bunny Brown (20 vols. 1916-1931), Six Little Bunkers (14 vols. 1918-1930), Make Believe Stories (12 vols. c. 1920-1923), and Blythe Girls (12 vols. 1925-1932).
The first of the 72 books of the Bobbsey Twins series was published in 1904, the last in 1979. The books related the adventures of the children of the middle-class Bobbsey family, which included two sets of mixed-gender fraternal twins: Bert and Nan, who were 12 years old, and Flossie and Freddie, who were six.
Edward Stratemeyer himself is believed to have written the first volume in its original form in 1904. When the original series was brought to its conclusion in 1979, it had reached a total of 72 volumes. At least two abortive attempts to restart the series were launched after this, but in neither effort was the popularity of the original series achieved.
Speculation that Stratemeyer also wrote the second and third volumes of the series is believed to be incorrect; these books are now attributed to Lilian Garis, wife of Howard Garis, who is credited with volumes 4–28 and 41. Elizabeth Ward is credited with volumes 29–35, while Harriet Stratemeyer Adams is credited with 36–38, 39 (with Camilla McClave), 40, 42, 43 (with Andrew Svenson), and 44–48. Volumes 49–52 are attributed to Andrew Svenson, while 53–59, and the 1960s rewrites of 1–4, 7, 11–13, and 17, are attributed to June Dunn. Grace Grote is regarded as the real author of 60–67 and the rewrites of 14 and 18–20, and Nancy Axelrad is credited with 68–72. Of the 1960s rewrites not already mentioned, volumes 5 and 16 are credited to Mary Donahoe, 6 and 25 to Patricia Doll, 8–10 and 15 to Bonnibel Weston, and 24 to Margery Howard.
--from Wikipedia
Laura Lee Hope was first used in 1904 for the debut of the Bobbsey Twins, the principal characters of what was, for many years, the Stratemeyer Syndicate's longest-running series of children's novels. Other series written under this pseudonym include: The Outdoor Girls (23 vols. 1913-1933), The Moving Picture Girls (7 vols. 1914-1916), Bunny Brown (20 vols. 1916-1931), Six Little Bunkers (14 vols. 1918-1930), Make Believe Stories (12 vols. c. 1920-1923), and Blythe Girls (12 vols. 1925-1932).
The first of the 72 books of the Bobbsey Twins series was published in 1904, the last in 1979. The books related the adventures of the children of the middle-class Bobbsey family, which included two sets of mixed-gender fraternal twins: Bert and Nan, who were 12 years old, and Flossie and Freddie, who were six.
Edward Stratemeyer himself is believed to have written the first volume in its original form in 1904. When the original series was brought to its conclusion in 1979, it had reached a total of 72 volumes. At least two abortive attempts to restart the series were launched after this, but in neither effort was the popularity of the original series achieved.
Speculation that Stratemeyer also wrote the second and third volumes of the series is believed to be incorrect; these books are now attributed to Lilian Garis, wife of Howard Garis, who is credited with volumes 4–28 and 41. Elizabeth Ward is credited with volumes 29–35, while Harriet Stratemeyer Adams is credited with 36–38, 39 (with Camilla McClave), 40, 42, 43 (with Andrew Svenson), and 44–48. Volumes 49–52 are attributed to Andrew Svenson, while 53–59, and the 1960s rewrites of 1–4, 7, 11–13, and 17, are attributed to June Dunn. Grace Grote is regarded as the real author of 60–67 and the rewrites of 14 and 18–20, and Nancy Axelrad is credited with 68–72. Of the 1960s rewrites not already mentioned, volumes 5 and 16 are credited to Mary Donahoe, 6 and 25 to Patricia Doll, 8–10 and 15 to Bonnibel Weston, and 24 to Margery Howard.
--from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 7, 2024
Ok, the blurb that is included on the GoodReads main page for this book isn't even the right series never mind the description. On the back of the book it goes: The unexpected landing of a big hot-air balloon and a rash of bicycle thefts involve the Bobbsey in an unusual adventure with a Camp Fire Council in New Mexico.
As the young detectives make new friends through Camp Fire, they meet Ginny Parsons, whose handicap proves to be an aid when one of the twins injures an arm!
How the children catch an elusive band of thieves after Freddy and a friend are kidnapped will captivate young mystery readers!
This is one of the few times that a book from the series is associated with a real organization. A fun book and it is nice to see them involve some physically challenged kids in the series every now and then.
As the young detectives make new friends through Camp Fire, they meet Ginny Parsons, whose handicap proves to be an aid when one of the twins injures an arm!
How the children catch an elusive band of thieves after Freddy and a friend are kidnapped will captivate young mystery readers!
This is one of the few times that a book from the series is associated with a real organization. A fun book and it is nice to see them involve some physically challenged kids in the series every now and then.
November 12, 2025
Simple, but not really in a good way.
I was interested in one of the characters' name, Narosonia Spatz. I looked up to see if there is anyone out there named Narosonia (or maybe its origins,) but it turns out that Narosonia Spatz was the actual Executive Director of Camp Fire Girls during the time this book was published. So I thought that was pretty cool: putting a real person into this story.
I was interested in one of the characters' name, Narosonia Spatz. I looked up to see if there is anyone out there named Narosonia (or maybe its origins,) but it turns out that Narosonia Spatz was the actual Executive Director of Camp Fire Girls during the time this book was published. So I thought that was pretty cool: putting a real person into this story.
May 14, 2020
Bobbsey Twins (Wanderer) #6-The Camp Fire Mystery
This time, the twins are visiting New Mexico and staying with Tony and Kathy Leonard. (This time it is specifically stated that Kathy is a college chum of Mrs Bobbsey's). The story opens with an out of control hot air ballon crashing on the Leonard's property. The ballonist acts in a secretive and suspicious manner, getting the twins intrigued enough to want to investigate him. When his truck drivers arrive to haul the balloon away and take him back, Mrs Leonard voices the twin's questions to him (much to their chagrin as they wanted to check him out without him knowing). Ryan Michaels (the ballonist) gets even more surly and tells them to mind their own business.
Later, the Bobbseys see in the newspaper that there is a rash of bicycles being stolen in the area.
The Leonards take the twins for a lovely tram ride (I would love this-I've been to New Mexico, but never had a chance to take aerial photos (I'm a photographer) The area is very scenic, and would be perfect for a tram ride (or a drone view in this 21st century). As they ride the elevated tram, the twins spot Ryan walking! *(This is HIGHLY inpropable to me-those trams are VERY high up-they might see a figure, but not clear enough to identify him! And there is no mention that they are using binoculars or any kind of telephoto equipment)
The twins join a Camp Fire troop (hence the title) for an overnighter, make friends, and find out about more bike thefts. Freddie and Flossie discover a small hut while they are out in the wilderness on the overnighter, and are almost kidnapped by the crooks! They also retrive a bicycle bag with an name on it of a kid who is also searching for the bike thieves (as there were more thefts in her town of Pecos) **Again, the coincidences in this book more than stretch credulity!**
The twins make contact with this girl and her brother, have a few more adventures, and catch the crooks (Who are workers for Ryan Michaels)
Well, I really didn't like this book very much-this genre always have odd coincidences in them, but here it is WAY too much! Even as a kid (almost 40 years ago) I was thinking that the circumstances in this book weren't very likely to fall into place the way they do here.
The only thing I did like was the plot twist that Ryan was NOT a crook-I haven't read these in awhile, so I forgot this. I was really fooled into thinking he was the leader of the gang of thieves.
Another thing-in the Bobbsey universe, they must make Coca-Cola commericals or something. I can see it now-Bert & Nan are on TV saying, "Drink coke like me! Then you too, can outsmart adults, catch crooks, and make the police look like ameteur fools!" Ok, I'm being facetious, but the twins are supposed to be from somewhere on the east coast of USA, and they are visiting New Mexico. This is about 3000km away, and yet everyone here seems to know them-I didn't think the Bobbseys would be famous outside of Lakeport-even the Camp Fire director was basically saying, "AH! The Bobbseys are here! Now, our bicycles are as good as found!" Ridiculous!
I do think it was nice to include a one-armed girl in the story-she didn't really do much (I mean as a character, not because she has one arm), but for handicapped kids especially, I think it's good to include them in stories so they don't feel left out
Like I said before about the Bobbseys, I never liked the original series (published from 1904-1979) much. The Wanderer series is an improvement, but I still am not thrilled with it. To me, the Bobbseys really came into their own with the last three Wanderer books, and then REALLY soared with the first half of the New Bobbsey Twins series (published 1987-1992), and then plummeted again in the latter books of that series (when Bert & Nan were sidelined, and the mysteries were mostly primary school hijinks that Freddy and Flossie solved). It's funny that, because I like the McGurk series which has a lot of childhood shinananagans as opposed to "real" crime, but the storytelling is much more interesting
Anyway, back to the current book I am reviewing! I give The Campfire Mystery a 3.5 out of 10
This time, the twins are visiting New Mexico and staying with Tony and Kathy Leonard. (This time it is specifically stated that Kathy is a college chum of Mrs Bobbsey's). The story opens with an out of control hot air ballon crashing on the Leonard's property. The ballonist acts in a secretive and suspicious manner, getting the twins intrigued enough to want to investigate him. When his truck drivers arrive to haul the balloon away and take him back, Mrs Leonard voices the twin's questions to him (much to their chagrin as they wanted to check him out without him knowing). Ryan Michaels (the ballonist) gets even more surly and tells them to mind their own business.
Later, the Bobbseys see in the newspaper that there is a rash of bicycles being stolen in the area.
The Leonards take the twins for a lovely tram ride (I would love this-I've been to New Mexico, but never had a chance to take aerial photos (I'm a photographer) The area is very scenic, and would be perfect for a tram ride (or a drone view in this 21st century). As they ride the elevated tram, the twins spot Ryan walking! *(This is HIGHLY inpropable to me-those trams are VERY high up-they might see a figure, but not clear enough to identify him! And there is no mention that they are using binoculars or any kind of telephoto equipment)
The twins join a Camp Fire troop (hence the title) for an overnighter, make friends, and find out about more bike thefts. Freddie and Flossie discover a small hut while they are out in the wilderness on the overnighter, and are almost kidnapped by the crooks! They also retrive a bicycle bag with an name on it of a kid who is also searching for the bike thieves (as there were more thefts in her town of Pecos) **Again, the coincidences in this book more than stretch credulity!**
The twins make contact with this girl and her brother, have a few more adventures, and catch the crooks (Who are workers for Ryan Michaels)
Well, I really didn't like this book very much-this genre always have odd coincidences in them, but here it is WAY too much! Even as a kid (almost 40 years ago) I was thinking that the circumstances in this book weren't very likely to fall into place the way they do here.
The only thing I did like was the plot twist that Ryan was NOT a crook-I haven't read these in awhile, so I forgot this. I was really fooled into thinking he was the leader of the gang of thieves.
Another thing-in the Bobbsey universe, they must make Coca-Cola commericals or something. I can see it now-Bert & Nan are on TV saying, "Drink coke like me! Then you too, can outsmart adults, catch crooks, and make the police look like ameteur fools!" Ok, I'm being facetious, but the twins are supposed to be from somewhere on the east coast of USA, and they are visiting New Mexico. This is about 3000km away, and yet everyone here seems to know them-I didn't think the Bobbseys would be famous outside of Lakeport-even the Camp Fire director was basically saying, "AH! The Bobbseys are here! Now, our bicycles are as good as found!" Ridiculous!
I do think it was nice to include a one-armed girl in the story-she didn't really do much (I mean as a character, not because she has one arm), but for handicapped kids especially, I think it's good to include them in stories so they don't feel left out
Like I said before about the Bobbseys, I never liked the original series (published from 1904-1979) much. The Wanderer series is an improvement, but I still am not thrilled with it. To me, the Bobbseys really came into their own with the last three Wanderer books, and then REALLY soared with the first half of the New Bobbsey Twins series (published 1987-1992), and then plummeted again in the latter books of that series (when Bert & Nan were sidelined, and the mysteries were mostly primary school hijinks that Freddy and Flossie solved). It's funny that, because I like the McGurk series which has a lot of childhood shinananagans as opposed to "real" crime, but the storytelling is much more interesting
Anyway, back to the current book I am reviewing! I give The Campfire Mystery a 3.5 out of 10
Read
April 21, 2021From my childhood, thought I'd lost the whole series but my niece brought me books #6 and #7 that she had borrowed.
November 23, 2023
I think I owned this because I was in Camp Fire as a kid. However this book has too many details to follow and I’m not into books that involve kidnapping…
January 11, 2016
http://trulyrudiono.blogspot.co.id/20...
Nemu buku ini diantara tumpukan buku. LUmayan buat menghabiskan waktu menunggu dan perjalanan 2 stasiun KA he he he.
Jadi ingat, dulu waktu masih tinggal di Pancoran, sering banget mampir ke salah satu swalayan yang menjual buku terbitan Indira. Senang banget kalau nemu ada buku baru. Sayang, penerbit besar itu harus gulung tikar, kalau tidak pasti omsetnya lumayan tuh.
Nemu buku ini diantara tumpukan buku. LUmayan buat menghabiskan waktu menunggu dan perjalanan 2 stasiun KA he he he.
Jadi ingat, dulu waktu masih tinggal di Pancoran, sering banget mampir ke salah satu swalayan yang menjual buku terbitan Indira. Senang banget kalau nemu ada buku baru. Sayang, penerbit besar itu harus gulung tikar, kalau tidak pasti omsetnya lumayan tuh.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews