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ladytiara's review against another edition
4.0
A childhood favorite that still holds up pretty well.
annabelle42688's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Great for the time period.
shadow_summit's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
My first reread of Trixie Belden since I was a teenager and the characters are still as lovable as I remember. Some of the themes are a lot more serious to the adult mind too, especially Honey and Jim's background. I truly do adore these books.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
onceuponthesewords's review against another edition
3.0
So, I have the copies of books 2-14 sitting on my shelves, and I never realized I never read/owned the first one until recently. I can’t believe this was my first time reading the first book in this series!
It was a nostalgic and fun journey to travel back to the age of Trixie Belden and her friends. I never realized how adventurous these characters are… someone was literally in an accident with each chapter, lol! They were all way more courageous than I ever was as a kid. I absolutely love all of them, and I can’t wait to actually continue this series in order now. Onto the next!
It was a nostalgic and fun journey to travel back to the age of Trixie Belden and her friends. I never realized how adventurous these characters are… someone was literally in an accident with each chapter, lol! They were all way more courageous than I ever was as a kid. I absolutely love all of them, and I can’t wait to actually continue this series in order now. Onto the next!
doublearegee's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I am re-reading these because why not.
kraley's review against another edition
2.0
I never read these books as a kid, so thought I’d give it a go. There was a lot of adventure, and maybe kids would still enjoy reading it, but for me, it was like reading an unplanned novel where the author has absolutely no idea where they are going and that she just lets the characters decide. That can be a fun style, but just the injuries alone are crazy. From a snake bite, to a rabid dog, to falling off of a 20 ft ladder, they were a bit over the top. Not for me.
kendranicole28's review against another edition
4.5
With her older brothers working as camp counselors all summer, 13-year-old Trixie is certain that her own summer at home on their farm in Sleepyside, New York, is doomed to boredom. But when a wealthy family (with a daughter named Honey who is just Trixie’s age) moves in next door, the adventures begin. Trixie helps Honey break away from her sheltered upbringing, teaching her to ride a bike and going on grand adventures, while Honey introduces Trixie to a life of horseback riding, luxurious meals, and fancy clothes.
When the girls’ elderly neighbor is hospitalized with pneumonia, Trixie and Honey begin to explore the miser’s rundown old mansion and come across Jim, the neighbor’s 15-year-old great-nephew, who is running away from his abusive stepfather. The trio must keep Jim’s presence a secret but are determined to find the house’s hidden fortune that could be Jim’s gateway to freedom. One thing is certain: this will be one summer that Trixie Belden will never forget.
I’m not sure how this darling series (begun in 1948) escaped my attention for so long and I’m glad I came across it on a list of my library’s recommended books, because this book is an absolute gem! Trixie is a spunky and endearing heroine, a slightly younger and spicier version of her (equally loved) counterpart, Nancy Drew. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is fast-paced and well developed, if a little convoluted (but could we expect any different from a children’s mystery series?). I loved the quaint setting and wholesome family values, a refreshing contrast from the obnoxious personalities and warped values featured in many present-day stories. There are also wonderful themes of survival, resourcefulness, getting to know someone before passing judgment, and appreciating the lives that we have.
This is very much a book of time, which is mostly delightful: how wonderful to see adventurous, responsible, and independent children engaging in sleuthing, household chores, and play! I enjoyed the clothing and food descriptions and the way of life that is so different from my own. However, because this was written in the 1940s, there are some elements that modern readers may find off-putting, such as casual descriptions of child abuse and neglect; an emphasis on body size; and some unkind judgments/descriptions of a few of the characters. (These did not bother me as an adult reader, but some parents may want to be aware of this before passing this book to their children. ) Personally, I LOVED this story and would like to continue the series (especially since this book ended on a cliffhanger!), hopefully with my kids.
My Rating; 4.5 Stars (Rounded to 5 Stars on Goodreads) // Book Format: Print
When the girls’ elderly neighbor is hospitalized with pneumonia, Trixie and Honey begin to explore the miser’s rundown old mansion and come across Jim, the neighbor’s 15-year-old great-nephew, who is running away from his abusive stepfather. The trio must keep Jim’s presence a secret but are determined to find the house’s hidden fortune that could be Jim’s gateway to freedom. One thing is certain: this will be one summer that Trixie Belden will never forget.
I’m not sure how this darling series (begun in 1948) escaped my attention for so long and I’m glad I came across it on a list of my library’s recommended books, because this book is an absolute gem! Trixie is a spunky and endearing heroine, a slightly younger and spicier version of her (equally loved) counterpart, Nancy Drew. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is fast-paced and well developed, if a little convoluted (but could we expect any different from a children’s mystery series?). I loved the quaint setting and wholesome family values, a refreshing contrast from the obnoxious personalities and warped values featured in many present-day stories. There are also wonderful themes of survival, resourcefulness, getting to know someone before passing judgment, and appreciating the lives that we have.
This is very much a book of time, which is mostly delightful: how wonderful to see adventurous, responsible, and independent children engaging in sleuthing, household chores, and play! I enjoyed the clothing and food descriptions and the way of life that is so different from my own. However, because this was written in the 1940s, there are some elements that modern readers may find off-putting, such as casual descriptions of child abuse and neglect; an emphasis on body size; and some unkind judgments/descriptions of a few of the characters. (These did not bother me as an adult reader, but some parents may want to be aware of this before passing this book to their children. ) Personally, I LOVED this story and would like to continue the series (especially since this book ended on a cliffhanger!), hopefully with my kids.
My Rating; 4.5 Stars (Rounded to 5 Stars on Goodreads) // Book Format: Print
inkstndfngrs's review against another edition
3.0
I recently re-read this book for the first time since I was probably 9 years old. My Mom was a big mystery reader as a kid, so Trixie and Nancy were always available in my house growing up. I remember putting down Trixie in favor of the Boxcar Children, and then going on to Nancy Drew, without a look back at Trixie.
While 9 year old me was a pretty decent fan of Trixie, 29 year old me is not...particularly enthralled. Mostly, it's the time shift and the writing of the era. Everything is "Golly gee!" and self-created drama (Case and point: Jim, calm down. Talk to an actual grown up, please?)
However, I do think that the world could use an updated Trixie. Crabapple Farm would make a delightful television show. Updating Honey to a today's troubled little rich girl would be extremely entertaining in my view. We've refreshed Nancy Drew how many times now? Let's give Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler their next fifteen minutes.
While 9 year old me was a pretty decent fan of Trixie, 29 year old me is not...particularly enthralled. Mostly, it's the time shift and the writing of the era. Everything is "Golly gee!" and self-created drama (Case and point: Jim, calm down. Talk to an actual grown up, please?)
However, I do think that the world could use an updated Trixie. Crabapple Farm would make a delightful television show. Updating Honey to a today's troubled little rich girl would be extremely entertaining in my view. We've refreshed Nancy Drew how many times now? Let's give Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler their next fifteen minutes.
elizahb's review against another edition
5.0
Gave these 5 starts b/c I LOVED these old books of my Mom's when I was 12 to 14 years old. Nancy Drew-ish but set in the Catskills.