Subject
Women detectives -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Carolyn Keene
The hidden staircase
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Carolyn Keene
The mystery at Lilac Inn
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Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
Green Eyes
"Green Eyes" by Roy J. Snell is a mystery story for girls written in the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the adventures of Florence Huyler and her French friend, Petite Jeanne, as they encounter thrilling and dangerous situations in a mysterious northern setting. The story develops themes of friendship, courage, and a deep connection to nature, while unfolding a captivating mystery that intertwines their lives with enigmatic characters. The opening of the story sets a vivid scene on Morton's Bay, where Florence and Petite Jeanne find themselves in a rowboat during a tranquil night, contemplating the mysterious island and its reclusive inhabitant. Their peace is abruptly shattered by a speeding boat that causes their own vessel to capsize, plunging them into the cold waters. As Florence swims to safety with Petit Jeanne in tow, they seek refuge at the mysterious island cottage and meet an intriguing young woman, whose connection to the unfolding mystery is hinted at through her actions and belongings. This series of events establishes an atmosphere of suspense and encourages exploration of both character dynamics and the secrets that lie hidden in the shadows of their surroundings.
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.
Margaret Sutton
The Phantom Friend A Judy Bolton Mystery
"The Phantom Friend" by Margaret Sutton is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Judy Bolton and her friends as they navigate their day in New York City, where they encounter Clarissa Valentine, a girl who mysteriously appears to be in trouble. The narrative combines elements of friendship, the search for identity, and the intrigue of hidden dangers as Judy gets drawn into Clarissa's predicament. At the start of the book, Judy and her friends are enjoying a skating outing at Radio City when they notice a girl named Clarissa arguing at a cashier's desk over a missing twenty-dollar bill. After offering her help, the group invites Clarissa to join them for lunch, leading to conversations about dreams, ambitions, and the pressures of appearing on television. As the day unfolds, strange occurrences surround Clarissa, including her claims of being invisible in mirrors, prompting Judy to become increasingly curious and concerned for her. The opening sets the stage for a mix of charm and mystery, as Judy's intuition tells her that there is more to Clarissa's story than meets the eye.
Helen Wells
The Clue of the Gold Coin
"The Clue of the Gold Coin" by Helen Wells is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist, Vicki Barr, a flight stewardess who becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a theft of antique gold coins during her flights between New York and Tampa. As she interacts with her fellow crew members and airport staff, intriguing characters and a web of secrets begin to unfold. At the start of the book, Vicki, fresh from a flight, engages in conversations with her co-stewardesses about their assignments and the upcoming Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa. Upon arriving, Vicki learns of a significant theft of a shipment of gold coins that was intended for the festival, leading to FBI involvement. As she encounters characters such as Joey Watson, a warehouse worker, and Mr. Jones, a private investigator, Vicki starts piecing together clues while balancing her life as a stewardess. The opening sets the stage for an engaging mixture of adventure, friendship, and the unraveling of a mystery against the vibrant backdrop of Florida's festivals and culture.
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.
Margaret Sutton
The Haunted Fountain A Judy Bolton Mystery
"The Haunted Fountain" by Margaret Sutton is a mystery novel aimed at young readers, likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Judy Bolton, a young girl known for her inquisitive nature and knack for solving mysteries. In this particular adventure, Judy encounters a mysterious fountain from her childhood that is said to be enchanted or haunted, leading to a series of supernatural events and unsolved enigmas tied to her past and the people around her. The beginning of "The Haunted Fountain" introduces Judy and her friends as they reminisce about her previous adventures and the alluring mysteries connected to the fountain from her childhood. As they discuss their experiences, Judy recounts how she once heard a voice coming from the fountain, urging her to make wise wishes and expressing the idea that tears shed in its waters could bring those wishes to fruition. Intrigued by this unsolved mystery, Judy and her friends decide to explore the fountain's current state and its surroundings, unwittingly stepping into a series of eerie events that involve potential danger and the unearthing of long-hidden secrets. The atmosphere is filled with suspense and curiosity as they confront their fears and venture closer to the fountain that seems to hold not only memories but also mysteries waiting to be revealed.
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.
Dorothy Wayne
Dorothy Dixon and the Double Cousin
"Dorothy Dixon and the Double Cousin" by Dorothy Wayne is a mystery novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book centers around young Dorothy Dixon, a spirited and resourceful girl who finds herself entangled in a dangerous situation involving her cousin Janet Jordan, who is in serious trouble. The plot unfolds as Dorothy is mistaken for Janet and must navigate a web of intrigue to save her. At the start of the story, Dorothy is approached by Howard Bright, Janet's fiancé, who is frantically concerned about Janet's safety, revealing that she is a prisoner in her own home. Their encounter occurs amidst the hustle of holiday shoppers, setting the stage for a suspenseful adventure. As the narrative develops, it becomes clear that Janet's predicament is linked to a secretive organization connected to her father's mysterious dealings. Dorothy's resolve to help her cousin intensifies as she decides to impersonate her in a risky plan crafted by the Secret Service to rescue her from her perilous situation. The opening sets up a thrilling premise, hinting at a blend of action, deception, and the fierce loyalty of family.
Helen Wells
The Silver Ring Mystery
"The Silver Ring Mystery" by Helen Wells is a mystery novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the main character, Vicki Barr, who works as a flight stewardess. Within the narrative, Vicki embarks on an exciting journey that intertwines her professional life with a personal quest related to a mysterious girl named Lucy Rowe and her estranged family. At the start of the novel, Vicki is introduced as she prepares for her job aboard a new aircraft, reflecting on her responsibilities and the fast-paced nature of her work. After receiving a call for help from an elderly couple regarding their granddaughter Lucy, whom they have never met, Vicki's mission begins. As she navigates her flight duties, Vicki learns about Lucy's complex family history and embarks on her own investigative journey to locate her and uncover the truth about her past. The opening chapters set a vibrant scene of anticipation and adventure, establishing Vicki’s determination to connect a lost family with their granddaughter.
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