I consider the first three books of the Trixie Belden kids mystery series to be the foundational books. In them, we meet 13 year old Trixie and her family, watch her become friends with Honey Wheeler, also 13, and see the two of them find 15 year old Jim Frayne and attempt to help him. In book three, Trixie, Jim, Honey, and Trixie's two older brothers Mart and Brian form the semi-secret club the Bob Whites of the Glen.

Yet this book introduces us to a new main character who quickly joins the Bob Whites. Why I don't consider this one a foundational book is beyond me. Especially since it is just as good as the others.

Diana Lynch and Trixie Belden used to be friends. Ironically, they stopped spending much time together once Diana's family because rich and moved out of town closer to Trixie's family. But Honey notices that Diana is lonely, so she starts to makes friends with the girl. Soon, Diana is coming back out of her shell and all ready to join the Bob Whites. Everything is going well, except for one thing.

Diana's long lost uncle has recently shown up from Arizona. He insists on making her life as miserable as possible, even embarrassing her in front of her friends. Trixie and the gang want to help out, but Trixie thinks there's something sinister going on here. What is it? And can Trixie prove it?

Proving Trixie's suspicions is about the only real mystery here. Things were obvious to me the first time I read it, but watching Trixie try to prove it was entertaining enough to keep me turning pages. Everything comes together in a thrilling climax that is mentioned often in many of the later books. Additionally, there's a nice sub-plot involving the Bob White's new clubhouse that adds to the fun.

The Lynches were mentioned in the second book of the series, but this is the first time we really get to meet any of them. They get plenty of page time, which makes sense since it is the book that introduces Diana. In fact, this is probably the book where she gets the most attention.

What makes that a shame is that she is so over emotional. I don't blame her in the least considering the transition from poor to rich hasn't been easy on her or her family. But at times I want to slap her. Some of the later ghost authors picked up on this tendency; something I don't think was supposed to be a regular part of her character, especially considering how she has changed by the end of the story.

The boys don't get as much attention in this book, which makes sense since the focus is on Diana. Still, all the characters are strong and likable. There are so many of them that it can be hard to keep everyone straight if you start here, but careful readers should be able to do that.

Since this book was originally written in the 1950's, it does have a bit of a dated feel to it. Today's kids might not get all the references or laugh at how cheap stuff is. These will only be a problem for the most reluctant readers as the plot and characters are strong enough to hook anyone.

Every time I reread this book, I remember that it is stronger than I give it credit for being. This volume will entertain fans of the series and could hook new readers as well.

Early Trixie Belden Mysteries:
1. The Secret of the Mansion
2. The Red Trailer Mystery
3. The Gatehouse Mystery
4. The Mysterious Visitor (You are here)
5. The Mystery off Glen Road
6. The Mystery in Arizona
7. The Mysterious Code
8. The Black Jacket Mystery
9. The Happy Valley Mystery
10. The Marshland Mystery
11. The Mystery at Bob-White Cave
12. The Mystery of the Blinking Eye
13. The Mystery on Cobbett's Island
14. The Mystery of the Emeralds
15. The Mystery on the Mississippi

And don't miss my guide to the series.

Recommended: Yes