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A review by kendranicole28
The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell
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