The Red Trailer Mystery

The Red Trailer Mystery by Julie Campbell, 1950

     After investigating in The Secret of the Old Mansion Jim Frayne runs away from Jonesy, his step-father. It's up to Trixie Belden and Honey Wheeler to find him and share what his great-uncle's lawyer has told them--Jim inherited half a million dollars from Old-Man Frayne! With Miss Trask in tow the girls pack up the Wheeler's trailer, the Silver Swan, and hit the road.
     Along the way Trixie and Honey meet the Darnell family. Mr. Darnell has been out of work and the family is living in a red trailer which Trixie finds somewhat familiar, but can't place.
     The Darnells' eleven-year-old daughter Joeanne runs away when she believes her father might be mixed up in some unsavory business. Already on the lookout for Jim Frayne the young teens add Joeanne to their search.
     When several trailers, including the one the Darnells live in, and some jewelry are reported stolen Trixie and Honey are thrust into another mystery. Several dead-ends and some strange happenings later the girls discover the various mysteries may be tied together in a single knot.
     Following two thirteen-year-olds and their chaperone around upstate New York for a summer of mystery and adventure The Red Trailer Mystery is a story for younger mystery readers. Though the crime has become more dangerous, Trixie and Honey are still young teens in mid-century America sheltered and protected despite their propensity for trouble.

The Secret of the Mansion

The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell, 1948 Western Publishing

     Thirteen year-old Trixie Belden is lives with her family: Mr. and Mrs. Belden, Trixie's two older brothers, Brian and Mart, and her younger brother Bobby on Crabapple Farm along the Hudson River. Brian and Mart are away at camp for the summer leaving Trixie to help their mother around the house and with young Bobby. The summer looks to be unbelievably boring and Trixie dreams of some excitement.
     When a wealthy family moves into one of the neighboring mansions Trixie meets Honey Wheeler. Honey is the same age as Trixie and spends the summer with her governess Miss Trask. In the other mansion nearby to Crabapple Farm Jim Frayne seeks refuge in his miserly great-uncle's home after running away from his abusive stepfather, Jonesy.
     When great-uncle is taken away with pneumonia Jim tells the girls the legend of a hidden treasure in his new home. The trio begin to search through the decrepit mansion for the treasure which will allow Jim to escape his step-father. Things begin to heat up when Jonesy comes looking for the runaway and Trixie's summer of boredom isn't as boring as she expects.
     A mystery for younger readers The Secret of the Mansion is the first in a series of mysteries starring the young teen. The beginning of Honey and Trixie's friendship is rocky but settles into a relationship which can stand the test of time. The mystery and suspense are suitable to older children and young teens, but enjoyable by readers of all ages.