Kathryn Kenny: Trixie Belden and the Red Trailer Mystery (Hardcover, 1979, Golden books)
Hardcover, 236 pages
English language
Published May 9, 1979 by Golden books.
Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler’s friend Jim Frayne has run away from Sleepyside–before anyone could tell him that he is the only heir to the huge Frayne fortune. The girls set out across upstate New York in a trailer to track him down... and stumble onto another mystery along the way!
Five stars because this is the first "real" book I ever read. 1970-ish. I read it while my parents and grandparents were out shopping and running errands. I made a sort of fort under my grandmother's kitchen table and just read and read.
Since book 1 ends on a bit of cliffhanger, we roll right into book 2. How annoyed were you all in 1977 when book 2 wasn't published yet? Julie Campbell, well played. Thousands of middle schoolers were anxiously awaiting the adventures of Trixie, Honey, and Jim.
As we return to the implausible life of Trixie Belden, her parents let her take off on a quest to track down the missing Jim Frayne. Now hey, this 13-year-old isn't alone. No, Honey's wonderful governess, Miss Trask, offers to drive the RV around upstate New York to search the boys' camps where they think Jim might be applying for work. Back in the days of no cell phones, no internet, and most modern conveniences, I'm going to go with ok, fine. So off they go and step right into a stolen trailer ring, a mysterious family, and yes, camps. Oh, and horses. Always …
Since book 1 ends on a bit of cliffhanger, we roll right into book 2. How annoyed were you all in 1977 when book 2 wasn't published yet? Julie Campbell, well played. Thousands of middle schoolers were anxiously awaiting the adventures of Trixie, Honey, and Jim.
As we return to the implausible life of Trixie Belden, her parents let her take off on a quest to track down the missing Jim Frayne. Now hey, this 13-year-old isn't alone. No, Honey's wonderful governess, Miss Trask, offers to drive the RV around upstate New York to search the boys' camps where they think Jim might be applying for work. Back in the days of no cell phones, no internet, and most modern conveniences, I'm going to go with ok, fine. So off they go and step right into a stolen trailer ring, a mysterious family, and yes, camps. Oh, and horses. Always horses, which is why I loved these books so very much growing up.
Pluses: Jimmy the Crow, the farm couple, and Miss Trask.
Minuses: Honey's decision about her dog, no Reagan, and the ridiculous state trooper. Julie Campbell, have you ever met a cop in your life?
But I still dearly love these books, so 3 stars.
A childhood favorite re-visited.
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – Ten and up.
Length? – Most of a day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real world - pre internet, computers, air conditioning,, and cell phones.
Written approximately? – 1948.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. A slight mention of the time frame of the story - as the teens are given far more freedom to come and go as they please than would be safe today. Also, the absence of computers, cell phones, and air conditioning, particularly in homes such as the mansion.
Short storyline: Trixie Belden and Honey search for Jim, who has disappeared to escape an evil stepfather.
Notes for the reader: A …
A childhood favorite re-visited.
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – Ten and up.
Length? – Most of a day’s read.
Characters? – Memorable, several characters.
Setting? – Real world - pre internet, computers, air conditioning,, and cell phones.
Written approximately? – 1948.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.
Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. A slight mention of the time frame of the story - as the teens are given far more freedom to come and go as they please than would be safe today. Also, the absence of computers, cell phones, and air conditioning, particularly in homes such as the mansion.
Short storyline: Trixie Belden and Honey search for Jim, who has disappeared to escape an evil stepfather.
Notes for the reader: A great mystery! No violence (only referred to from the past), no murder.
