What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

The Mystery Gatepost
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SOLVED: Children's/YA > SOLVED. Children or YA mystery about an old house and a missing rose that was to be paid as rent [s]

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message 101: by Donna (new)

Donna Moore | 96 comments Hi Kris,

I posted the below query on Abebooks Booksleuth forum a couple of days ago, and someone sent me a link to your post on Good Reads. I think we may be looking for the same book?

"I am trying to find an old mystery book I read during the mid-1970s in Australia.

A group of children discover that their house was once rented for one rose per year (one hundred or more years ago). Maybe the house was once an old monastery? I have a feeling that the payment of roses as rent was tied up with monks or monasteries? Or am I getting confused with Cadfael? For some reason the rose was not delivered one year.

I think the children knock down an old wall and find an old rose and a skeleton, which may be the remains of the person who was supposed to deliver the rose?"

It looks like you have not had any success with finding your book yet, but if I get any helpful suggestions via Booksleuth I will pass them on to you.

I did come across an old children's mystery called "Mystery at Monk's Hall" by G. O'Connor, however, I cannot find out much information about it.


message 102: by Ann aka Iftcan (new)

Ann aka Iftcan (iftcan) | 6917 comments Mod
Donna--I found a copy of the book you mention on Amazon (it's used, so no info on it there, either) and sent a message off to the lister to see if he's interested in giving us any info. If he answers I'll post it here for you all to see.


message 103: by Ann aka Iftcan (new)

Ann aka Iftcan (iftcan) | 6917 comments Mod
Well, the owner of the book on Amazon has already replied to my questions. It does NOT look like the book that you guys are looking for. So I think we can strike it off the list. Altho I have to admit--I'm seriously thinking about buying this book anyway, just to add it to my "vintage children's mysteries" collection.


message 104: by Kris (last edited Apr 17, 2013 03:27PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Let me know if it is any good Ann! I'm stil a child at heart and love children's mysteries.


message 105: by Amber (Daisymau) (new)

Amber (Daisymau) (daisymau) | 1912 comments These are the only books I could find. Just can't find out what they're about.

The Monastery Mystery by Chester Gilbert
Mystery at Raven Abbey by Sylvia Little
The Mystery of the Abbey by MP Williams
The Secret of the Abbey by Percy Woodcock


message 106: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I'm doubtful because the house involved wasn't an abbey or monastery, it was an old manor house.


message 107: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments The first would cost 40 to 60 dollars to get from the UK, I'm not THAT anxious to read it again! The second brought up a cover that I would not have been caught dead with it in my possesion at the time I read this. I can't find a copy of #3 and I have an inquiry to a seller for #4.


message 108: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Ahhh sorry Donna, I read your comment wrong. We might be looking for the same book but I am pretty certain it had nothing to do with monks or monasteries....


message 109: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Secret of the Abbey is not the right book. The very kind lady in the UK took a look through the book for me and verified it wasn't about a rose..


message 110: by Donna (new)

Donna Moore | 96 comments Hi Kris,

The following suggestion was made to me via Booksleuth:

"You might try THE MYSTERY GATEPOST by Jean Bothwell. Has everything you are talking about except the skeleton. A boy named Quin and his friend Marjorie better known as Pickles solve a mystery about a red rose that was missing during the American Revolution. The house holds secrets for Quin and Pickles to stumble upon and try to find the solution."

This does sound somewhat familiar to me. I thought that the book I was seeking was set in England, but I fear that I have read so many mystery books, that I may be running the plots of different books together.

I have been searching Google looking for a picture of the cover, but I have been unsuccessful.

I noticed, however, that Jean Bothwell has written another book called "The Mystery Tunnel", also set in American Revolutionary times. Could that possibly help you with your Priest Hole/Tunnel book query?


message 111: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I may well have the rose rent book wrong but no I'm certain on the Preist hole book, that one was definitely in England.


message 112: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Okay I've ordered a copy from Amazon so I'll let y'all know.


message 113: by Ann aka Iftcan (new)

Ann aka Iftcan (iftcan) | 6917 comments Mod
Ok Kris--again, when you get your copy, could you send me copies of the front, plus any other relevant info (number of pages, when published, etc.)

At least we are getting some covers and descriptions of books added to GR. So even tho we haven't found "your" book yet, we have hopefully made it easier for someone else in the future. :o)


message 114: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Will do Ann.

Aww, it's nice to read children's mysteries. They are simple and quick to read, sort of a snack in year that includes reading 25 non fiction books for the GR challenge!


message 115: by CLM (new)

CLM | 311 comments I did enjoy Jean Bothwell as a child and tried to add descriptions to as many of her books as I could about a year ago. I don't recall any that fit this description. For those looking for adult fiction with a priest hole, I do highly recommend A Most Contagious Game. Once Kris finds her book, I am sure we will want to read it.


message 116: by Kris (new)

Kris | 54944 comments Mod
Just a message from another Kris:

I been following this thread. The mystery of tracking down this book seems as interesting as the book in question! The tradition of paying rent with a single red rose each year (e.g., Dunoon Castle) is quite charming.




message 117: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments This thread has sort of taken on a life of it's own, which is amusing to no end!


message 118: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments The Gate post Mystery arrived today. I have a busy weekend ahead, new Studio Ghibli film among other things, but I WILL get the cover scanned and info to you Ann, just probaly not until after the first. I will read it around then as well... better finish this one on Neanderthals first.


message 119: by Ann aka Iftcan (new)

Ann aka Iftcan (iftcan) | 6917 comments Mod
Neanderthals?? Do tell. What is the title, what is it about and how long? (Asks the nosy person who's first real idea of what she wanted to do was be an archaelogist.)


message 120: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments This one Ann: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76...

It's really good, a little over explained in places but not as dry as some I've read. *Ian Tattersall is a brilliant man but LOrd he cures my insomnia in three pages*


message 121: by Kris (new)

Kris | 54944 comments Mod
You are rather like a book archaeologist, Ann. :)


message 122: by Ann aka Iftcan (new)

Ann aka Iftcan (iftcan) | 6917 comments Mod
lol Kris. Ok, I've ordered myself an ecopy. Got to check it out. :o)

And part of the reason I was so interested in Archaeology was that I spent 3 years in Greece as a teenager--my Dad was military--and we were required to take classes in Archaeology and Greek history. Which I loved. And then, I took more classes and did yet more reading after we came home. So, while I don't have a degree in it, I have a bit of knowledge in it.


message 123: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I wanted to be one too, but I discovered that I was HATED field work. I'm not tempermentally suited to working outside in the heat...

So I have a degree in medieval history instead :D


message 124: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I started The Gatepost Mystery today. So far, it's not really familiar but it's not UNfamiliar either. I like Bothwell's style and I suspect I have probably read other books of hers as well. I should get the cover scanned sometime this week and sent to Ann to update the entry.


message 125: by Ann aka Iftcan (new)

Ann aka Iftcan (iftcan) | 6917 comments Mod
Kris--part of the reason that I never persued it as a career was that I have really HORRIBLE insect bite/sting allergies. And, well, let's face it--you can NOT be an Archaeologist without being outdoors with all the bugs. . .


message 126: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Yes, I can understand that, Ann.

And: BING BING BING!!!!!!!!!

We have a WINNER!!!This is the book!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33...


message 127: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments A review of the book is up. I recommend it to anyone who likes children's mysteries.

Dang, I am going to MISS this thread!


message 128: by Tess (new) - added it

Tess | 439 comments hooray! I can't believe you finally found it! Great work all you book sleuths!


message 129: by Andria (new) - added it

Andria (airdna) | 2499 comments Mod
Huzzah! Congratulations, Kris! Now to add it to my TBR list. :)


message 130: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I know! It's been almost 4 years since I made the OP I believe. I really have to thank everyone who dug around for me.

Do Andria, it really is a fun book.


Merrilee (jrsygrl626) | 189 comments I'm so glad you found you book! I had been doing some searching of my own for it, but with no luck. Its wonderful to find a book that takes you back in time. I had a book moment like yours a few years ago, but I was thankfully able to remember the author and then I found the book from there (Belinda and the Hurricane by Elizabeth Winthrop). Now I too have another book to add to my ever growing personal mountain range!


message 132: by Andria (new) - added it

Andria (airdna) | 2499 comments Mod
Here's the "official" GR link: The Mystery Gatepost

And I have, with great pleasure, added this to our group shelves. :)


Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides (upsight) | 289 comments I'm glad that this was finally found. My local library has a copy and I've requested it. So curious.


message 134: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I hope you like it Sid, I thought it was a fun read and very enjoyable. A wee bit dated as it was written nearly 50 years ago, but still the characters were nicely rounded.


message 135: by Gerriane (new) - added it

Gerriane (gerri_berri) | 30 comments Haha, this was such a fun post to read! Plus I got a new book to add to my growing TBR pile! Congratulations on persevering Kris (and everyone else who researched)! :)


message 136: by Danielle (new)

Danielle | 154 comments Congrats on finding it! I've been following this discussion for a while now, so this is great news.


Merrilee (jrsygrl626) | 189 comments I just got the copy I ordered in the mail today. I can't wait to read it.


message 138: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Let me know if you enjoy it Merrilee!


Merrilee (jrsygrl626) | 189 comments I will.


message 140: by CLM (new)

CLM | 311 comments Happy this was finally solved! I guess I was thrown off by the possibility the setting might be England but hope it leads to more people reading Jean Bothwell.


Merrilee (jrsygrl626) | 189 comments I just finished reading it. It WAS a bit dated, but it was still an excellent book. The copy I found is the 1967 First Cadmus Edition, btw. And it's illustrated too. Does anyone know the significance of a Cadmus Edition? I've never heard of it before.


Merrilee (jrsygrl626) | 189 comments There's also a nice cover on my copy. If one of the goodreads ladies would like me to scan it just let me know.


message 143: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I told Ann I would scan mine, I've just been sick. It'a on the list of things to do this weekend.


Merrilee (jrsygrl626) | 189 comments Ok. You feel better and thanks for wanting to reread this book.


message 145: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Thanks Merrilee!


message 146: by Cheryl (new)

Cheryl (cherylllr) I was able to get a copy through my library's ILL. It wasn't in our in-state network, but they got a copy from an army base in AZ....

It definitely feels as if it takes place in England - they even have afternoon tea! Good story - see my review if you like. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...


message 147: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments I enjoyed it more than you apparently Cheryl, but that's probably because I do like mysteries. It very much was a product of it's time and is severely dated, but I liked that Pickles wasn't religated to the background nor was "hidden" from the action and the scary moments.

I had to laugh at myself with the rainy afternoon scene: I kept waiting for them to pull out Gameboys or something else of that nature and was forever reminding myself that board games were the only games they had available!


message 148: by Cheryl (new)

Cheryl (cherylllr) :smiles:


message 149: by Kris (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kris | 215 comments Ann, I FINALLY got the cover and flaps scanned. My apologies, it's been crazy here.

Anyway since the repair place crashed my laptop last month, I no longer have you email address to send them to you...


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