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Kathryn Kenny: The black jacket mystery (2004, Random House) 4 stars

While organizing an ice carnival to raise funds for her pen pal's school library, Trixie …

Review of 'The black jacket 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? – approximately 1961.

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, and her brothers decide to create an ice carnival, and determine Regan the groom's secret. In the midst is Bobby and the wildcat, as well as city boy Dan and the destruction of their clubhouse among other events that appear to be caused by him.


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