Mystery in Arizona (Trixie Belden)

Rating:
Summary: Arizona, watch out -- here comes Trixie!
Review: Christmas at Uncle Monty's dude ranch in Arizona sounds like heaven to the Bob-Whites, until they find that the ranch may have to close when the family of Mexicans that keeps the place going mysteriously disappears. Who can Uncle Monty ever find to tidy the guest rooms, wash the mountains of dishes, and serve the dinners? Hmmmm? On top of it all, Trixie has to bring her grades up before the midyear exams, so Brian and Jim tutor our distracted heroine. But throw in in the secrets of some unhappy guests and add the cook's little son Petey, who inexplicably wants to run away to join his Granddaddy in a surreal 'cavelike place'? and Trixie is in her sleuthing element. The book also slides in lots of Arizona and Mexican history and customs, so it gets points for being educational too!

Rating:
Summary: Trixie Keeps Plenty Busy on this Vacation
Review: Christmas vacation is coming, but the Bob-Whites aren't dreaming of a white Christmas. Their hopes are set on Di's Uncle Monty who has promised all of them a vacation to his dude ranch in Arizona. But the trip almost doesn't come off. Trixie needs to study to bring her grades up. And when they arrive, Monty is having a crisis. Seems most of his staff has vanished with no warning and no explanation during the busiest time of the year. Where did they go? The Bob-Whites agree to take over the chores, but with Trixie's studies, will she ever get to have any fun? And that doesn't take into account the mysteries surrounding the other staff members and a few guests. Will these distract Trixie from her studies?

This was the last book series creator Julie Campbell wrote. It's not her best with lots of background on Arizona and Indian culture slowing the story down. The mystery, once it does get going, focuses on what is going on in people's lives. There are so many things happening I found it interesting even if it's not a traditional type mystery. Spending time with Trixie and her friends is always enjoyable, and the efforts they go through to make Christmas enjoyable for all is entertaining as well.

This was the second book I read many years ago when I was first getting into the series. While it's not up there with Julie Campbell's best, it's still and entertaining read that holds a special place in my heart.

Rating:
Summary: Trixie Keeps Plenty Busy on this Vacation
Review: Christmas vacation is coming, but the Bob-Whites aren't dreaming of a white Christmas. Their hopes are set on Di's Uncle Monty who has promised all of them a vacation to his dude ranch in Arizona. But the trip almost doesn't come off. Trixie needs to study to bring her grades up. And when they arrive, Monty is having a crisis. Seems most of his staff has vanished with no warning and no explanation during the busiest time of the year. Where did they go? The Bob-Whites agree to take over the chores, but with Trixie's studies, will she ever get to have any fun? And that doesn't take into account the mysteries surrounding the other staff members and a few guests. Will these distract Trixie from her studies?

This was the last book series creator Julie Campbell wrote. It's not her best with lots of background on Arizona and Indian culture slowing the story down. The mystery, once it does get going, focuses on what is going on in people's lives. There are so many things happening I found it interesting even if it's not a traditional type mystery. Spending time with Trixie and her friends is always enjoyable, and the efforts they go through to make Christmas enjoyable for all is entertaining as well.

This was the second book I read many years ago when I was first getting into the series. While it's not up there with Julie Campbell's best, it's still and entertaining read that holds a special place in my heart.

Rating:
Summary: Trixie, Honey and the Other Bob-Whites are Back!
Review: Rereading the Trixie volumes is an annual summer celebration for me, and I am in my 50's.

I grew up reading about the adventures of Trixie and Honey. Since we did not live near a library, my mom would buy me two novels a week for pleasure reading during the summer. She picked up the SECRET OF THE MANSION after she noticed that in the first paragraph that the main character was "horse crazy," just like me! Actually, Volume #6 MYSTERY IN ARIZONA was my most favorite since it takes place closer to home and on a ranch.

That was it! I was hooked! I still have my original volumes and have collected many used ones in the entire collection. Since some of my volumes have increased in value, I would hesitate rereading them every year. So now I am buying the entire new collection (well, the first 15 that they are reprinting) in the library binding. As long as Random House reprints additional volumes (hopefully up to #39), I'll buy them.

Also, I am hooked on audio books and am purchasing the audio books that they are making available.

What a treat! If you are revisiting the adventures as an adult, or introducing your sons and daughters to these wonderful and wholesome stories, happy reading!

Rating:
Summary: Trixie Belden Mystery in Arizona
Review: This book was good to me! It didn't have a real bad guy though. I liked all the characters and all the problems Trixie and her friends encountered. It is a really fun book and I liked it! This book deserves 4 stars!