Trixie Belden Books

The Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden #1)

Julie Campbell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 52 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

This book is GREAT!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This book is the best book I ever read! It is a wonderful book to start off the series of Trixie Belden.

A FAVE OF MINE 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This story is one of my fave series because I love misterys so much. This book is about a girl and has nothing to do in the summer time in till she meats Hunny her best friend and thats the begining of the misterys! READ IT NOW!

The Secret of the Mansion 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This was my first time reading a Trixie Belden book and I enjoyed it immensely! In this book, Trixie meets a new friend, Honey, who moves in next door. While exploring an old mansion with Honey, they discover a runaway boy. He has runaway from his stepfather, who treats him cruelly.
These stories are cliffhangers! I love them and advise you to read them all, as I plan to do.

So glad Trixie & Bob-Whites are back for a new generation! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Like some of the other reviewers here, I grew up on the Trixie Belden books, and I also dreamed of being a member of the Bob-Whites! Being a horse-lover, too, the fact that they all rode horses was an added bonus.

I agree that Trixie and the gang were "real" characters: they teased each other, had spats, screwed up at times, and each had a distinct personality, yet all were extremely lovable. I especially always enjoyed the bantering b/t Trixie and her know-it-all brother, Mart. Yet for all the teasing you knew they really loved each other. I was an only child, and although I did have a close friend like Honey, I would've loved to have brothers like Trixie's Brian & Mart, and Honey's adopted brother, Jim.

I am so happy that Trixie and the gang are not considered too "old-fashioned" to appeal to a new generation. These books are truly ageless and timeless. I still have my original collection from when I was a kid (won't say my age, but that was many, many moons ago). I cherish them, will never part with them, and I STILL re-read them every so often, and STILL enjoy them immensely.

There were many Trixie Belden books after the original six by Julie Campbell, but IMO the ones by Julie Campbell are the best.

Editorial Review:

Trixie’s summer is going to be sooo boring with her two older brothers away at camp. But then a millionaire’s daughter moves into the next-door mansion, an old miser hides a fortune in his decrepit house, and a runaway kid starts hiding out in Sleepyside!

The Red Trailer Mystery (Trixie Belden #2)

Julie Campbell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Trixie's In Over Her Head Once Again 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Thirteen-year-old Trixie Belden, and her best friend, Honey Wheeler, couldn't have been more upset when their new acquaintance, Jim Frayne, ran away from Sleepyside, in the hopes that he would not be caught by his abusive stepfather. Unfortunately, Jim took off right before Trixie had the chance to tell him that he was the heir to a huge fortune. Now Trixie and Honey, along with Honey's Governess, are on a trailer trip through upstate New York to locate Jim. However, during their trip they meet up with a family in a red trailer, who couldn't look more upset, and when their eleven-year-old daughter runs off through the woods, Trixie and Honey decide to try and find her as well. But when the two girls meet up with a couple of trailer thieves, they have to try and save themselves, protect all trailer owners, get the trailer thieves arrested, and find Jim and the lost little girl before it's too late. If only the two girls had known that their little trailer trip would turn out to be so full of surprises.

I am a longtime reader of the NANCY DREW series, so when I stumbled across the TRIXIE BELDEN series, I knew that I had to give it a try. I read the first book in the series a few months ago, and loved it, so I decided to get the second book in the series. To my surprise, I loved it even more than the first. Julie Campbell is a marvelous storyteller, whose characters couldn't be more fun and exciting to read about. Trixie is an upbeat girl, who is always getting into trouble; while Honey is more shy, but at the same time loves a good mystery. Fans of mysteries will adore Trixie Belden, and find themselves grappling to read the next book in the series.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Editorial Review:

Trixie and Honey’s friend Jim 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!

The Gatehouse Mystery (Trixie Belden #3)

Julie Campbell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A rollicking adventure! 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler find a diamond in the abandoned gatehouse at the edge of the Wheelers' property, but someone is trying to get it back. Meanwhile, Trixie's brothers Brian and Mart have returned from camp, meeting Honey and her brother Jim for the first time, so the secret Bob-Whites of the Glen club is ripe for formation.

As much trouble as the girls get into, the adults still come off as helpful and intelligent, unlike many other YA mystery series (or even the Harry Potter books).

Usually I prefer the Deluxe edition from the 1960s with covers illustrated by Paul Frame, but for this one, check out the edition illustrated by Mary Stevens. One picture shows Trixie and Honey doing some pruning -- with Trixie looking remarkably like Beavis of MTV fame -- and a charming Ashley Judd look-alike picture of Trixie greeting Mart. This book also features the memorable line by Regan, the Wheeler's beloved young groom, "Reach for the ceiling, Laughing-Boy."

Editorial Review:

When Trixie and Honey explore an abandoned gatehouse, they discover more than dust and spiderwebs. Stuck in the dirt floor is a huge diamond! Could a ring of jewel thieves be hiding out in Sleepyside?

The Mystery Off Glen Road (Trixie Belden #5)

Julie Campbell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

TRIXIE BELDEN 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've read them all - I own them all. Trixie Belden has been one of my favorites since I was very young.

My Favorite Trixie Belden Book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Of all the Trixie Belden books I have read, this one has to be my favorite. I read it out loud to 4 year old sister and my mom, and they both enjoyed it as well. It is a very complicated book, but I could still grasp it, as could they. The Bob-Whites clubhouse has been damaged in a big hurricane. Trixie's eldest brother, Brian, wants to buy the materials to fix it up again with the money he earned to buy a jalopy. The others all say that they will earn the money somehow, and for Brian to buy his car. But he insists on paying for the materials. Trixie has an idea though, which she tells only to her best friend, Honey Wheeler. She will give her diamond ring which Honey's adopted brother Jim Frayne gave her. The only problem is that the ring is still in the bank. She must convince her parents that she has a good reason for wanting to wear it. So she pretend to be in love with Honey's cousin, Ben Riker who is visiting for the Thanksgiving holidays. Her father takes the ring out of the bank for her and she gives it to the man who ownes the jalopy as security until they can earn enough money. To be able to buy the car from the man they get jobs as gamekeepers. But while they are out patrolling in the forest they find a dead deer, strange footprints, and one wheeled bike tracks. Is a poacher lurking around in those woods? They will find out soon enough!

Editorial Review:

When a storm blows through Sleepyside, the Bob-Whites’ clubhouse is crushed by a fallen tree. Trixie, Honey, and their brothers set to work at the Wheelers’ game preserve to raise the money to repair it. Of course, no one expected Trixie to stumble across the trail of a dangerous poacher!

Mystery in Arizona (Trixie Belden #6)

Julie Campbell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Trixie Keeps Plenty Busy on this Vacation 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Christmas vacation is coming, but the Bob-Whites aren't dreaming of a white Christmas. Their hopes are set on Di's Uncle Monty who has promised all of them a vacation to his dude ranch in Arizona. But the trip almost doesn't come off. Trixie needs to study to bring her grades up. And when they arrive, Monty is having a crisis. Seems most of his staff has vanished with no warning and no explanation during the busiest time of the year. Where did they go? The Bob-Whites agree to take over the chores, but with Trixie's studies, will she ever get to have any fun? And that doesn't take into account the mysteries surrounding the other staff members and a few guests. Will these distract Trixie from her studies?

This was the last book series creator Julie Campbell wrote. It's not her best with lots of background on Arizona and Indian culture slowing the story down. The mystery, once it does get going, focuses on what is going on in people's lives. There are so many things happening I found it interesting even if it's not a traditional type mystery. Spending time with Trixie and her friends is always enjoyable, and the efforts they go through to make Christmas enjoyable for all is entertaining as well.

This was the second book I read many years ago when I was first getting into the series. While it's not up there with Julie Campbell's best, it's still and entertaining read that holds a special place in my heart.

Editorial Review:

Di Lynch’s Uncle Monty has invited Trixie, Honey, and the rest of the Bob-Whites to his Arizona dude ranch for winter vacation. There will be lots to do—horseback riding, swimming, festivals—but Trixie is hoping for an activity that isn’t on the usual list. She wants another mystery.

The Mystery of the Emeralds (Trixie Belden #14)

Kathryn Kenny

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Trixie on the Trail of a Long Hidden Necklace 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Faced with a rainy summer day, Mrs. Belden announces it's the perfect day to clean out the attic and barn. While Trixie is helping with the attic, she finds an unknown crawl space. Investigating further, Trixie finds a letter dating back from the time of the Civil War that references an emerald necklace.

The letter was headed to a family in a neighboring town, so Trixie and her best friend Honey go over to investigate. The trail quickly leads to a small town in Virginia. At first, it looks like this might be the end of the trail, but soon Diana comes up with a way to bring almost all the Bob-Whites along.

Things aren't quite as easy as they had hoped in Virginia. The house they need to search is closed to them, and someone else is also looking for the necklace. But they stumble on some good luck when they visit a neighboring house and meet the owner, Mr. Carver. He's more the willing to let them look around. But can Trixie find a necklace that's been hidden for 100 years?

Every time I read this book, I am reminded about just how good it is. This is the only time in the series that the trail of the mystery starts in Sleepyside and leads Trixie somewhere else. While the solution is a little easy (it helps to have rich friends), seeing the Bob-Whites struggle with this is nice. The mystery itself is well done with nice set backs, a couple twists, and suspense that keeps me turning pages even though I remember how it all ends.

On top of this, this Kathryn Kenny did a great job with the characters. The Bob-Whites are their best selves, focusing on their strengths and not the negative caricatures they can be in some of the books. Also, the plot uses all the characters to a certain extent. Except for poor Dan. He doesn't even get to show up to say he can't go but has to send the message through others. The new characters in the story are bright and alive, especially Miss Bates, who leaps off the page and leaves me a little breathless every time she appears.

A quick note about the timing of the book. This book was originally written around 1965, which makes the timeline of events from the Civil War to Trixie finding the letter work.

It's funny I never think of this as one of my favorites in the series because I enjoy it so much every time I do read it. This is a perfect example of why I still love the series so much. Anyone familiar with the series will love this book. It could work for new comers as well, but I do recommend starting with the first few books in the series.

Editorial Review:

Trixie’s on the trail of a century-old mystery! She’s headed to Williamsburg, Virginia, to find an old plantation house, Rosewood Hall, that was the home to the Sunderland family during the Civil War. Rumor has it that a cursed emerald necklace is buried in a secret passageway there. But after all that time, Rosewood Hall is just a ruin. Is it too late for Trixie to find the missing emeralds?

The Mystery on Cobbett's Island (Trixie Belden #13)

Kathryn Kenny

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Sailing and Treasure Hunts 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

When Honey and Jim invited the Bob-Whites to vacation on Cobbett's Island, Trixie announces she just wants to relax. None of her friends believe her, and it turns out they are right. On the night they arrive, a fierce storm hits the island, and the Bob-Whites find a letter in the library of the house they are staying in. It sounds like some money was hidden years ago. But who hid it? Is it still there? And where might they find the map? Meanwhile, they've befriended their neighbor Peter who introduces them to the wonderful sport of sailing. Might his knowledge help them find the money?

I knew this was a favorite in the series, but I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed it until I reread it. Yes, the plot gets a little slow at times, but all in all, it's a lot of fun and comes together in the end for a very satisfying solution. The characters are the best versions of themselves without some of their flaws being over exaggerated like in other books in the series. Even Diana is able to contribute and doesn't come across as a fraidy cat. The only thing that could make it better is if Dan had been able to go.

This adventure in the series is certainly not to be missed.

Editorial Review:

When the Bob-Whites arrive on Cobbett’s Island for vacation, Trixie finds a mysterious letter. Many years ago, a fortune was hidden. But the clues in the letter are hard for Trixie to understand. What does “start sailing” mean? Is this a treasure hunt on land . . . or on sea?

The Mysterious Code (Trixie Belden #7)

Kathryn Kenny

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

New Author, Lots of Fun 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The Bob-Whites are crushed when Mr. Stratton gives them the news. The school has been hit by a string of petty vandalism and robbery, so the board has decided that secret societies will have to disband. Fortunately, Trixie comes up with a plan to save their club. To prove they are worthy, they decide to put on an antique show to benefit UNICEF. Not only does this mean lots of hard work, but it means constant run-ins with thieves out to steal the valuable stuff for sale and display. Now Trixie must track down the culprits in time to save the sale.

This book is the first book that series creator Julie Campbell didn't write and it shows. There seems to be more of a conflict between Trixie and her family and friends about her detective work. Still, this book has some of the best "fun" scenes of the series. And it introduces the idea of the Bob-Whites doing charity events and their hangout Wimpy's, both staples in later books in the series.

When I was a kid, I totally bought the premise, but as an adult I realize just how out there it is. Still, it does set up a decent if not nail biting story. This qualifies more as an adventure rather then mystery, but it's still fun to read and I enjoy it.

While Julie Campbell's touch is missed, the series takes a decided leap into new territory with this fun adventure. Another one sure to make fans out of any kid.

Editorial Review:

Principal Stratton wants to get rid of all clubs in Sleepyside High School, including the Bob-Whites! The only way they can save their club is to prove that they help out other people, too. Trixie quickly comes up with a plan to host a benefit antique show and sale. But are the precious antiques in danger from thieves?

The Mystery on the Mississippi (Trixie Belden #15)

Kathryn Kenny

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Harrowing Case 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Mr. Wheeler is taking a business trip to St. Louis, and he's invited the Bob-Whites to come along. Naturally, they are all thrilled at the chance to take a trip. Even Dan gets to come this time around, while poor Diana is left out of the fun.

They've just arrived at their hotel when the trouble starts, however. The previous occupant of Trixie and Honey's room, Pierre Lontard, left behind a briefcase and some papers. When he returns, he snatches up the briefcase but leaves behind the papers in the trashcan. Trixie is convinced they are important, so sticks them in her purse.

The Bob-Whites have a full itinerary planned for their few days in the area. They want to take a cruise on the Mississippi and can't miss visiting Mark Twain country just up the road in Hannibal. But wherever they go, danger seems to follow. There's a suspicious new cook on the boat with them. They get stranded in Cairo, Missouri. And Trixie faces danger in a pool. Is Lontard following them? What do the mysterious symbols on the papers really mean?

I must admit to having mixed reactions to this book. Part of me still considers it a favorite. It was my introduction to Trixie and her friends, a series I am still reading and rereading almost 20 years later. The friendships are strong and the characters great fun to be around. And the constant danger appealed to the 13 year old who first read this book. I couldn't put it down, devouring it in a day or two thanks to the easy to read writing style. Even now, knowing the full story, it grips me.

But when I set nostalgia aside, I can recognize the flaws. Mr. Wheeler acts completely irresponsible. I don't know any adult who would continue to let these kids be in constant danger like this. The characters are not well rounded like they are in other books in the series. Here, they sometimes come off as whiney brats, which is probably a more accurate portrayal of teens then the others first characters they usually are. Finally, while the fast paced plot appealed to a teenage boy, it could easily frighten the intended audience of pre-teen girls. While ultimately there is a happy ending, this is easily one of the darker and more harrowing books in the series.

Originally written in 1965, this book does show its age. The famous St. Louis Arch hadn't been built yet, so naturally the Bob-Whites don't visit it. Space exploration was a huge topic, so that and airplane development are mentioned several times in the book. While I did notice the absence of the Arch as a kid, I didn't think anything was out of the ordinary with the other stuff. Ultimately, it should hold up just fine today.

Even with the long list of faults, I can't help but like this book. While not the strongest in the series, it is entertaining.

Editorial Review:

It's anchors away for Trixie as she travels down the Mississippi River. No, it’s not on the old-fashioned paddle-wheel steamship she always dreamed of, but the trip is still more exciting than she ever imagined. Someone is shadowing her every move, trying to steal to the mysterious graph papers Trixie found in a trash can in her hotel room in Memphis. Why are the papers so important? Could there be more to the childish drawings than meets the eye?

The Mystery of the Blinking Eye (Trixie Belden # 12)

Kathryn Kenny

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

If It Weren't For That Prophecy... 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

The Bob-Whites are in New York City for a few days to show their friends Ned Schulz and Bob and Barbara Hubbell around. While waiting for their flight to come in from Iowa, Trixie notices a strange Mexican woman who can't find her flight. After helping, the woman gives Trixie a purse with a fortune inside.

A couple hours later, Trixie spies an idol so ugly it's cute she just has to buy. But almost immediately, some thugs are following the teens around. Are they after the idol? Why? Can Trixie use the prophecy to solve the case before more danger strikes?

This is a fun book in the series. Not only are all seven Bob-Whites along for the adventure but we get to spend more time with friends we've made earlier in the series, a rare treat. The tour of New York City is fun and the plot lively and entertaining enough to keep you glued to the book. My problem with it is the prophecy. I don't believe in fortune telling and so have a very hard time accepting that part of the plot.

Most fans of the Trixie books like the prophecy, which makes me the exception to the rule. Other then that, it's a great case that will entertain Trixie's many fans.

Editorial Review:

“Trixie Cuidadito!” After a Mexican fortune-teller slips a strange Spanish poem into her purse, Trixie and the Bob-Whites find themselves in the middle of a New York City mystery. Villains and thieves and danger are all foreseen by the fortune-teller, but what do thieves want with Trixie?