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Kathryn Kenny: The Happy Valley mystery (2004, Random House) 4 stars

While vacationing at her uncle's sheep ranch, Trixie and the Bob-Whites track down the thieves …

Review of 'The Happy Valley mystery' on 'Goodreads'

4 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 - computer pre - air conditioning, pre - cell phone.

Written approximately? – 1962.

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 in homes, especially the mansion.

Short storyline: Trixie Belden, Honey, Jim, Diana, and her brothers work to catch the sheep thieves on Trixie's Uncle's ranch in Iowa. After a few false leads, she, Jim, and Honey finally catch the thieves, as well as a lost puppy.


Notes for the reader: A great mystery! No violence (only referred to from the past), no murder.