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Parker, Penny (Fictitious character) -- Juvenile fiction Books
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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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
Mildred A. (Mildred Augustine) Wirt
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.
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