Author
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
1905-2002
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt (1905-2002) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
Behind the Green Door
"Behind the Green Door" by Mildred A. Wirt is a young adult mystery novel written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Penny Parker, an adventurous and spirited girl who embarks on a skiing trip to the quaint winter resort of Pine Top, only to find herself tangled in a web of intrigue and potential danger surrounding her father's libel case against a wealthy hotel owner. As she explores her surroundings and gathers clues, Penny's resourcefulness and determination to protect her father from this threat come to the forefront. The opening portion introduces readers to Penny Parker in a lively setting as she prepares for her skiing adventure while maintaining a deep sense of familial loyalty. Shortly after arriving at Pine Top, she learns of the libel suit against her father and the cunning businessman, Harvey Maxwell, which sets the stage for her quest for justice. Penny's interactions with her father, the housekeeper Mrs. Weems, fellow travelers, and especially her encounter with a mysterious girl locked in a cabin introduce essential elements of suspense. This narrative establishes an enticing blend of carefree fun and serious undertones, making readers eager to follow Penny on her engaging and precarious journey as she unwittingly finds herself at the heart of a puzzling mystery.
The Clock Strikes Thirteen
"The Clock Strikes Thirteen" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel likely written in the early 1940s. The story centers around Penny Parker, an adventurous and determined young woman who works in a newspaper office and often stumbles into mysteries that pique her interest. In this installment, she encounters a series of events surrounding a peculiar clock tower and a sinister fire related to an underhanded organization, which hints at deeper layers of intrigue in her community. At the start of the novel, Penny Parker is introduced in her father's newsroom at the Riverview Star, where the well-established dynamic between her and her father showcases her playful yet feisty personality. As they return home late at night, Penny becomes fixated on the peculiar event of the Hubell clock striking thirteen instead of twelve, leading her to assert that something is amiss. This oddity, combined with a series of telegrams sent by an unknown critic of her father's newspaper and the emergence of a fire at a nearby farm, sets off a chain of investigations. The opening establishes a mixture of familial warmth and mystery that suggests a classic detective narrative where Penny's inquisitive nature will ultimately unravel the truth behind these strange occurrences.
The Brownie Scouts in the Cherry Festival
"The Brownie Scouts in the Cherry Festival" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows a group of young girls known as the Brownie Scouts, particularly focusing on Veve McGuire and her friends as they embark on exciting adventures tied to the cherry picking season and a quilt show. Their determination to contribute to their organization through creative fundraising and teamwork is central to the narrative. The opening of the book introduces the Brownie Scouts in the midst of a quilting project meant to raise funds for their troop. As they work on sewing a crazy quilt, they brainstorm ideas to earn money and come across an advertisement for cherry picking. Eager and adventurous, they decide to investigate the opportunity, which sets the stage for their subsequent journey to Wingate Farm and interaction with local characters. As the girls navigate their responsibilities as scouts and face challenges, their camaraderie and creativity shine through, establishing the intriguing premise of the story ahead.
Ghost Beyond the Gate
"Ghost Beyond the Gate" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Penny Parker and her friend Louise as they navigate a series of adventures following the theft of Penny's car while they were iceboating. The book mixes elements of friendship, mystery, and a quest for truth amid troubling circumstances. At the start of the novel, the girls face a misadventure when their iceboat capsizes and they return to find that Penny's car has been stolen. In their efforts to seek help, they delve deeper into unexpected situations, including encounters with a possible thief and mysterious happenings linked to a deserted estate. As they attempt to unravel the mystery of the stolen tires, they uncover something more sinister that entangles them in a web of suspense and danger surrounding Penny's father, who has also gone missing amid reports of tire thefts in the area. Through thrilling moments and character trials, the opening portion sets the stage for an engaging mystery adventure.
Whispering Walls
"Whispering Walls" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Penny Parker, a tenacious young reporter, who uncovers a perplexing case revolving around the unexplained disappearance of a prominent bank president, Hamilton Rhett. The opening chapters immerse readers in a gripping narrative of intrigue, featuring mysterious symbols, a potential crime, and the various characters connected to the case. At the start of the story, Penny showcases her passion for journalism while bowling with her friend Louise. Alerted by a police call regarding a bank situation, she quickly shifts gears to investigate. Entering the empty bank, she discovers that Mr. Rhett has been missing for nine days, accompanied by the troubling news of missing bonds. As Penny digs deeper, she finds herself face-to-face with suspicious individuals and mystifying symbols such as a plumed serpent, which hint at a darker underlying conspiracy. The opening chapters effectively set the stage for a thrilling mystery filled with unexpected twists and a strong female lead determined to uncover the truth.
The Brownie Scouts at Snow Valley
"The Brownie Scouts at Snow Valley" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around a group of young girls who are part of the Brownie Scouts, especially focusing on Connie Williams and her interactions with her troop, as well as her friend Veve McGuire, who longs to join the group after initially rejecting the idea. The book captures their adventures, particularly as they prepare for a trip to Snow Valley during winter time, dealing with themes of friendship, belonging, and the joys of childhood. At the start of the tale, the Brownies are seen engaging in creative activities at Connie's home, which is interrupted by Veve, who wishes to join them in outdoor play. While most of the Brownies ignore her, Connie invites her to play and even suggests that she join the troop. The narrative unfolds with various escapades, including a sledding misadventure with Veve that leads to a call for police assistance. This opening sets the stage for both the excitement of winter activities and the dynamics of friendship, particularly as Veve's journey unfolds from outsider to potential member of the Brownie troop amidst plans for their adventure to Snow Valley.
The Cry at Midnight
"The Cry at Midnight" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Penny Parker, a spirited and inquisitive high school girl who, along with her friend Louise, becomes entwined in a series of mysterious events surrounding an old monastery. As the girls ski near the Abbington Monastery, they encounter a suspicious atmosphere, strange screams, and intriguing characters that lead Penny to investigate a potential cult that has taken residence in the monastery. At the start of the story, Penny and her friend Jerry enjoy a night of skiing and camaraderie before encountering the eerie Abbington Monastery. After hearing a chilling scream emanating from the building, Penny’s curiosity is piqued, driving her to investigate despite her friend Louise's apprehensions. They meet a deformed gatekeeper who warns them off, but Penny's journalistic instincts compel her to probe deeper into the activities at the monastery. The opening chapters establish the setting and backdrop of mystery and suspense, introducing characters like Father Benedict, who leads the group residing there, hinting at darker secrets to be uncovered as the plot unfolds.
Clue of the Silken Ladder
"Clue of the Silken Ladder" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the early 1940s. The story centers around Penny Parker, a spirited and adventurous young girl, as she navigates a series of puzzling events, including the acquisition of an old car, a friend's inheritance, and an encounter that hints at a deeper mystery involving a silk ladder found in a curio shop. This initial outing sets the stage for Penny's mix of mischief and inquisitiveness, promising readers a blend of excitement and intrigue as the plot unfolds. At the start of the book, Penny finds herself tangled in parking woes and a penchant for adventure after purchasing an old car, Leaping Lena. During a trip to a curio shop, she discovers a mysterious silk ladder that intrigues her. As she interacts with her friend Louise, they encounter a variety of challenges, including a car accident that leads to a fine and unexpected debt. The stage is set for Penny to follow her curiosity, becoming embroiled in a looming mystery that intertwines with her friend's newfound fortune and the shadowy figures connected to the silk ladder. This opening effectively introduces readers to Penny's character, her relationship with those around her, and hints at the thrilling escapades to come.
The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands
"The Girl Scouts at Singing Sands" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's adventure novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers on Judy Grant and her fellow Girl Scouts from the Beaver Patrol as they embark on a summer camping trip to Pine Cone Girl Scout Camp, where they encounter a series of mysterious and thrilling events, including a ghostly cottage and secret caves. The mix of camaraderie, adventure, and elements of mystery makes this tale a compelling read for young audiences. At the start of the novel, the Beaver Patrol arrives at their camp only to discover that another troop has occupied their reserved tent. In light of the overcrowding, they temporarily settle into Calico Cottage, where strange noises and incidents suggest something uncanny is at play. Judy receives a telegram from her Aunt Mattie, indicating she is coming to stay nearby, which adds urgency to the girls' desire to uncover the truth behind the eerie happenings, including a locked cellar and the mysterious flute music heard at night. The opening sets the stage for a mix of adventure, problem-solving, and possibly supernatural encounters as the girls determine to make their camp experience one full of fun and excitement.
Swamp Island
"Swamp Island" by Mildred A. Wirt is a young adult mystery novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The book centers around Penny Parker, a resourceful and adventurous girl, along with her friend Louise Sidell, as they embark on a seemingly innocent flower-gathering trip in the swamp. However, their excursion quickly turns suspenseful as they encounter a mysterious bearded man and overhear a conversation that suggests something more sinister may be afoot. The opening of "Swamp Island" introduces Penny and Louise as they navigate the swamp in search of flowers for a banquet. Their day takes a dark turn when they hear unfamiliar voices and encounter the bearded man, leading to the unfortunate loss of Penny's dog, Bones. As they return, the girls cannot shake the sense that their trip has uncovered a lurking danger, especially with recent news of an escaped convict named Danny Deevers. The chapter escalates with tensions that set the stage for a deeper mystery involving local criminals and the potential search for Penny's lost pet, drawing readers into a suspenseful narrative filled with intrigue and peril.
Danger at the Drawbridge
"Danger at the Drawbridge" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the early 1940s. The story follows Penny Parker, a spirited and clever young woman with a flair for investigative journalism, as she embarks on an assignment to cover an exclusive wedding that quickly spirals into a series of mysterious events surrounding the bridegroom, Grant Atherwald, who goes missing just before the ceremony. With her keen observational skills and a dogged determination to uncover the truth, Penny delves into the secrets of the Kippenberg estate, grappling with a web of intrigue that includes a dangerous drawbridge and an unexpected encounter with an alligator. The opening of the novel sets the stage as Penny assists her newspaper editor father, Anthony Parker, who is recovering from an illness but remains fervently engaged with the "Riverview Star". After learning about the Kippenberg wedding and its restrictions on press access, Penny confidently asks to cover the story herself, convinced that her previous successes prove her capabilities. As she heads to the Kippenberg estate with photographer Salt Sommers, they face obstacles at the isolated drawbridge and discover signs of potential trouble, leading Penny to uncover clues suggesting that Atherwald's disappearance may be more complicated than a simple case of cold feet. The narrative teases the reader with the promise of additional mystery and danger tied to the wedding, setting Penny on a thrilling path of investigation and discovery.
Signal in the Dark
"Signal in the Dark" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Penny Parker, a young and determined woman who aspires to be a reporter for her father's newspaper, the Riverview Star. As she embarks on her journey into the world of journalism, she encounters challenges that test her resolve and skills, including a major story involving an explosion and a potential crime. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Penny's ambitions as she pleads with her father, Anthony Parker, to hire her as a cub reporter at the newspaper. Despite his initial reluctance due to the harsh realities of the job, he eventually agrees, leading her into a whirlwind of events. As Penny navigates her first assignments, she faces skepticism from her colleagues and must quickly learn the ropes of reporting, all while dealing with an office scandal and budding rivalries. The opening chapters set the stage for her growth and the mysterious occurrences at the Conway Steel Plant, ultimately hinting at deeper conflicts that Penny will unravel in her quest for truth.
Dan Carter and the Haunted Castle
"Dan Carter and the Haunted Castle" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's adventure novel written in the mid-20th century." The story centers around a group of Cub Scouts, particularly focusing on young Dan Carter, as they embark on a thrilling project to stage a play based on the tales of Robin Hood. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious abandoned castle, the boys encounter rivalries, competition, and even hints of supernatural intrigue. "The opening of the book establishes the excitement amongst the Cub Scouts during one of their meetings, where they are introduced to a prize contest to create the best play." The characters are introduced through their interactions, highlighting Dan Carter's intelligence and his rivalry with Ross Langdon, who is determined to outdo him. Upon deciding to adapt a Robin Hood play for the contest, the group learns about an abandoned castle nearby that could serve as their setting. As they prepare for their adventure, Dan discovers a peculiar clue within the castle itself, leading to questions of possible hauntings and creating a sense of mystery that promises further excitement throughout the story.
The Brownie Scouts in the Circus
"The Brownie Scouts in the Circus" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's novel written in the mid-20th century. This delightful story follows a group of Brownie Scouts, particularly focusing on Veve McGuire, as they embark on a series of adventures, including planning a circus in order to fund a camping trip. The narrative explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and the challenges young girls face, all wrapped in a lighthearted and entertaining storyline. The opening of the story introduces the characters during a Brownie meeting where they eagerly anticipate a camping trip organized by their leader, Miss Gordon. As they discuss their responsibilities and how to raise the necessary funds, Veve expresses her concerns about not having a Brownie uniform and how she might earn her share of the camping expenses. The scene is lively, filled with the girls' interactions and playful banter. When they catch sight of a circus advertisement, it sparks an idea for a fundraising circus, leading to excitement and multiple responsibilities for each member of the troop. As the opening progresses, it sets the stage for their plans and the many adventures to come, emphasizing the importance of friendship and creativity among the young scouts.
The Secret Pact
"The Secret Pact" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the early 1940s. The book introduces readers to Penelope Parker, a young and ambitious aspiring journalist who finds herself entangled in a series of mysteries while exploring the complexities of her newfound newspaper venture. From the very beginning, the story hints at a thrilling blend of intrigue and adventure, as Penny encounters a mysterious couple on a riverboat and a young woman named Tillie Fellows, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of crime and deception. At the start of the book, Penny Parker is aboard the excursion steamer "Goodtime", accompanied by her friend Louise Sidell, where they quickly notice a young couple behaving suspiciously. The foggy atmosphere serves as a backdrop to their observations, including a pickpocket incident involving a distraught Tillie who loses her purse amidst the crowd. Penny shows her kindness by offering Tillie five dollars to help her through a tough time. As they disembark, they suspect that one of the mysterious passengers may have committed theft. The opening sets up several plot threads, including a discarded package with clues related to a potential crime, establishing Penny's role as a proactive sleuth ready to tackle the mysteries that await her.
The Brownie Scouts at Silver Beach
"The Brownie Scouts at Silver Beach" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows a group of Brownie Scouts, particularly focusing on the adventurous and spirited young girl Vevi McGuire, as they embark on a fun-filled trip to Silver Beach. The narrative captures their various activities, mishaps, and discoveries, all while highlighting themes of friendship, teamwork, and exploration. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Brownie Scouts as they arrive at Silver Beach, brimming with excitement for their coastal adventure. Vevi's eagerness to jump into the ocean leads to a comical mishap with a wave, showcasing her playful personality and setting the tone for their adventures. Alongside her friends, Connie, Jane, and others, they engage in beach activities such as swimming lessons and searching for sand dollars. However, their day takes an unexpected turn as Miss Gordon's wristwatch goes missing, introducing an element of mystery that hints at further adventures to come, including their quest to catch racing turtles at a local pond. The beginning effectively establishes the camaraderie among the scouts and foreshadows their collective journey of discovery and problem-solving.
The Wishing Well
"The Wishing Well" by Mildred A. Wirt is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Penny Parker, an enterprising and spirited high school girl, as she embarks on an adventure surrounding the mysterious old Marborough mansion and its wishing well. With her friends, Penny explores themes of friendship, kindness, and intrigue as they uncover secrets of the past and the potential to grant wishes. The opening of the story introduces Penny and her friends at Riverview High School, where they eagerly anticipate exploring the Marborough place and its famous wishing well. After making a thoughtful wish for the restoration of the property, Penny invites a lonelier classmate, Rhoda, to join their outing. The group encounters a light-hearted adventure as they discover a possible chicken thief in pursuit. This sets the tone for the unfolding plot where friendships are tested, and unexpected events arise, including deeper mysteries tied to the characters' lives, particularly Rhoda's connection to the Breens and the arrival of two strangers from Texas. As Penny's curiosity propels her into the adventure, readers are drawn into a world of mystery and the promise of fulfilling wishes.
Guilt of the Brass Thieves
"Guilt of the Brass Thieves" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around a young girl named Penny Parker and her father, Anthony Parker, as they visit Shadow Island, where they become embroiled in a series of mysteries, including a potential case of theft occurring at Mr. Gandiss’ airplane factory. Through engaging characters and a compelling storyline, the book promises suspense, adventure, and the challenges of young friendships. The opening of the novel introduces Penny and her father as they arrive at the island, initially frustrated by their late host, Jack Gandiss, who ultimately greets them with an apology. As Penny learns more about the island and its residents, she discovers a simmering rivalry between Jack and another girl, Sally Barker, arising from a sailing competition. The narrative quickly leads to a stormy adventure where Penny, Jack, and her father become stranded on the river, reinforcing themes of teamwork and resilience. This humor-filled beginning sets the stage for deeper mysteries as they all prepare for the sailboat race, hinting at themes of rivalry, friendship, and the search for the truth behind the thefts plaguing the factory.
Hoofbeats on the Turnpike
"Hoofbeats on the Turnpike" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows young Penny Parker, an adventurous girl with a passion for reporting, as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic Headless Horseman haunting Sleepy Hollow. Accompanied by her friend Louise, Penny dives into a community rife with secrets, rich landscapes, and a real estate mogul's troubles. At the start of the narrative, Penny is introduced as an enthusiastic and resourceful girl determined to solve the mystery hinted at by an old man she encountered at her father’s newspaper office. After seizing upon an intriguing newspaper advertisement offering a reward for information regarding the Headless Horseman, she convinces her friend Louise to join her on an adventure to Red Valley. Upon their arrival, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including the peculiar Mrs. Lear and the aloof Mr. Burmaster, all while contending with the uncertainty of lurking dangers. The opening chapters set the stage for mystery and exploration, hinting at deeper themes of community tensions and personal ambition as Penny seeks to make the story her own.
Voice from the Cave
"Voice from the Cave" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story focuses on Penny Parker, an adventurous and inquisitive teenager, who is on a vacation camping trip with her father. The narrative kicks off with Penny's growing frustration over her father's delays and the unexpected presence of a woman named Mrs. Deline, who seems to be intriguing her father and threatening to ruin their plans. The opening of the novel introduces Penny as she anxiously awaits her father's arrival to start their long-planned trip to Sunset Beach. Tension builds with the arrival of Mrs. Deline, a widow who has charmed Mr. Parker and has now joined them for the trip. Penny's suspicions about Mrs. Deline's intentions grow when she accidentally tunes in to a mysterious radio broadcast indicating a potential outlaw operation. As Penny grapples with her feelings of jealousy and suspicion regarding her father's new acquaintance, she unknowingly steps into a web of intrigue that promises adventure and danger ahead. The stage is set for a thrilling summer filled with mystery and personal conflict amidst the companionship of friends and the uncertainty of Mrs. Deline's influence.
The Brownie Scouts at Windmill Farm
"The Brownie Scouts at Windmill Farm" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows a group of enthusiastic Brownie Scouts, particularly focusing on the character of Hanny, a young Dutch girl who recently moved to America. The plot revolves around the Brownies' involvement in preparing for a local flower show while exploring themes of friendship, cultural diversity, and community spirit. At the start of the novel, five Brownie Scouts are eagerly listening to their librarian, Miss Paula Mohr, as she announces an opportunity to help with Rosedale’s annual tulip show. The girls express excitement about assisting Mrs. Langley, a local garden club president. During their meeting, they learn about Hanny, a girl from Holland who enjoys visiting the library. The opening chapters set the stage for the Brownies' adventures at Windmill Farm, including run-ins with a pushy flower promoter and the mysterious locked house on the farm that hints at secrets waiting to be discovered. The narrative quickly establishes a delightful mix of escapades, character interactions, and the anticipation of the upcoming flower festival.
Saboteurs on the River
"Saboteurs on the River" by Mildred A. Wirt is a fictional mystery novel written in the early 1940s. The story centers around the energetic young protagonist, Penny Parker, and her best friend Louise Sidell, as they become embroiled in an adventure involving sabotage near their hometown's river. The narrative unfolds with a mix of humor and suspense, showcasing Penny's investigative spirit as she seeks to solve the mystery surrounding recent sabotage incidents, including the dynamiting of a local bridge. The opening of the book introduces readers to Penny and Louise embarking on a late-night sailing adventure. The girls' fun quickly turns into chaos when they capsize their boat while reaching for a mysterious bottle in the water, ultimately leading to a series of thrilling events. Following their rescue, they learn about a saboteur who has blown up a bridge, bringing a wave of excitement and intrigue into their investigation. Amidst the friendship, a peculiar character known as Old Noah, who claims to prepare for an impending flood, emerges, adding an additional layer to the mystery Penny is determined to unravel.
Dan Carter, Cub Scout, and the River Camp
"Dan Carter, Cub Scout, and the River Camp" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's adventure novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Dan Carter and his friends as they engage in exciting activities as Cub Scouts, facing adventures that include a sailing mishap and the mysterious appearance of a boy named Jacques who washes up on the beach. The tale is likely to appeal to young readers interested in mystery, teamwork, and outdoor adventures. The opening of the book introduces Dan Carter and his friend Midge Holloway, who are sailing with Midge's father only to end up stranded on the river after a sudden loss of wind. Their situation then worsens when they are nearly run down by a motorboat whose driver seems to act maliciously. Following this incident, they arrive at their Cub Scout meeting where they learn of an upcoming treasure hunt. During the hunt, Dan and Brad discover a boy named Jacques lying exhausted on the beach, hinting at further adventures and mysteries to unfold in the story.
The Brownie Scouts and Their Tree House
"The Brownie Scouts and Their Tree House" by Mildred A. Wirt is a children's adventure novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a group of young Brownie Scouts, particularly focusing on the imaginative Veve and her friends, as they embark on various escapades in their local park. This narrative combines themes of friendship, nature exploration, and the excitement of childhood fantasies with a hint of mystery and magic. At the start of the book, the Brownie Scouts are on a hike, enjoying nature and playing games, when they express a desire for a tree house—a whimsical wish that seems to ignite their imagination. The opening section introduces various characters from the troop, including their leader, Miss Gordon, and sets up the playful dynamic among the girls. When a mysterious message attached to a stone hints at the possibility of their wish coming true, the excitement builds, teasing readers with the blend of reality and fairy-tale magic as the girls decide to return to the park to discover what lies ahead. The beginning establishes a whimsical and adventurous tone, appealing to young readers' sense of wonder.