Subject

Haunted places -- Juvenile fiction Books

Best books

Carol Norton

The Phantom Town Mystery

"The Phantom Town Mystery" by Carol Norton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a desert setting in Arizona and centers around four young characters: Mary Moore, Dora Bellman, Dick Farley, and the cowboy Jerry Newcomb. The narrative hints at a thrilling mystery involving an old hermit named Sven Pedersen, also known as "Lucky Loon," and his long-lost sister, Bodil. As the characters explore their surrounding ghost town and mountains, they become intrigued by the eerie tales and mysteries that the area has to offer, setting the stage for an adventurous plot. At the start of the book, the four friends enjoy a horseback excursion in the desert when they discover an ancient, mysterious rock house associated with Sven Pedersen. Their excitement builds as they hear tales of past tragedies and treasures linked to the hermit and his sister. The girls express interest in the legend of the "Evil Eye Turquoise," while the boys recount the history of the ghost town and the oddities surrounding it. Meanwhile, they also touch upon the fates of a poor family that has recently settled nearby. The blend of adventure and mystery in the opening chapters invites readers into a world filled with suspense and curiosity, as the characters prepare to delve deeper into the secrets of their surroundings.

Howard Roger Garis

The Camp Fire Girls; Or, The Secret of an Old Mill

"The Camp Fire Girls; Or, The Secret of an Old Mill" by Marion Davidson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows a group of four girls—Alice, Mabel, Marie, and Natalie—as they join the Camp Fire Girls organization, embarking on adventures that celebrate the outdoors and personal growth. The narrative centers around their whimsical challenges and spirit of camaraderie as they prepare for a summer of camping and exploration. At the start of the story, the girls are initiated into the Camp Fire Girls, reveling in their new status as "Wood Gatherers." They express excitement about future adventures in camping, despite some initial trepidation about the practical aspects of outdoor life. The narrative introduces their male counterparts, who challenge them to undertake a genuine camping experience, sparking a confident resolution among the girls to prove themselves. The chapter sets the stage for their summer journey marked by challenges, companionship, and mystery, including an encounter with a fortunetelling Gypsy that leads to the mysterious disappearance of a diamond ring belonging to one of their mothers.

L. P. (Levi Parker) Wyman

The Golden Boys Along the River Allagash

"The Golden Boys Along the River Allagash" by L. P. Wyman is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows a group of young boys, particularly focusing on the Golden brothers, Jack and Bob, as they explore the wilderness of Maine. The narrative appears to blend elements of outdoor adventure, ingenuity, and the trials of friendship, showcasing their escapades as they confront challenges while navigating the waters and woods. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the Golden brothers and their friends as they deal with boat troubles and engage in lively banter, revealing their camaraderie. The opening segment also foreshadows an upcoming adventure, as Jack demonstrates his mechanical skills by fixing a boat engine, while the brothers prepare for a day on the water. This engaging setup hints at themes of resilience, inventiveness, and the bond of friendship that will likely unfold as they face both the beauty and dangers of the Maine wilderness. The early challenges they encounter establish a foundation for further exploration and adventures that beckon ahead.

L. P. (Levi Parker) Wyman

The Golden Boys at the Haunted Camp

"The Golden Boys at the Haunted Camp" by L. P. Wyman is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around brothers Bob and Jack Golden, two resourceful boys who embark on a thrilling mission to solve the mystery of a haunted camp in Maine. Throughout their adventure, they find themselves encountering various challenges, including dealing with potentially supernatural happenings and unruly characters in a remote wilderness setting. The beginning of the book introduces Bob and Jack as they receive a curious proposal from a man named Mr. Stokes about a seemingly haunted camp where strange occurrences have scared away guests. Despite their initial skepticism about ghosts, Bob and Jack are intrigued by the challenge and the opportunity to earn money for solving the mystery. As they prepare for their trip to Chesuncook Lake, the narrative hints at their upcoming encounters with unusual happenings and the overall suspense of ghostly tales, setting the stage for a mix of adventure and mystery that will appeal to young readers.

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