The Mysterious Code

My friend and I were talking about these books--we had both read them as pre-teens, she in Michigan and me in Nevada. After going on for hours about how much we enjoyed and missed them, I had to see if they were now available to buy--for a long time they were not in print. I would like to have the entire collection for my library and my 5 year old niece. I hope she likes Trixie like I did! Interesting stories, but nice old-fashioned values too.

Concerned about vandalism at the school, the Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School board threatens to dissolve the Bob-Whites of the Glen and other 'secret societies,' so the kids decide to show how civic-minded they are by holding an antique show as a fundraiser for UNICEF. (Say, how can a school board get away with regulating kids' private activities?! This is America!) This is a satisfying Trixie Belden story (except that the vandalism theme is forgotten after the first chapters) -- where friends and daily activities are more important than the nominal 'mystery.' The 'code' turns out to be nothing much, but 'Trixie Belden and the Antique Show Fundraiser' wouldn't have had much zing, would it? Still, there's plenty of adventure -- somebody seems intent on sabotaging the BWG clubhouse and stealing the loaned antiques! Blizzards! Faithful dogs! Criminals and critical illness! Games and popcorn around the fireplace! And this time when Trixie dresses up for a party, she means it and even enjoys herself.

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.

As a huge fan of the entire Trixie Belden series, it is my pleasure to recommend this book to any young girl. I read this book as a child and loved re-reading it recently when I added it to my Trixie collection.

My daughter and I just finished reading this book, and we enjoyed it. Definitly one of our favorites. My daughter is anxious to write messages in secret code now! A good read for any Trixie Belden fan.