The Gatehouse Mystery (Trixie Belden #3)

As much trouble as the girls get into, the adults still come off as helpful and intelligent, unlike many other YA mystery series (or even the Harry Potter books).

Usually I prefer the Deluxe edition from the 1960s with covers illustrated by Paul Frame, but for this one, check out the edition illustrated by Mary Stevens. One picture shows Trixie and Honey doing some pruning -- with Trixie looking remarkably like Beavis of MTV fame -- and a charming Ashley Judd look-alike picture of Trixie greeting Mart. This book also features the memorable line by Regan, the Wheeler's beloved young groom, "Reach for the ceiling, Laughing-Boy."


My Favorite in a Favorite Series   August 7, 2003
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When Trixie and Honey go to explore the abandoned gatehouse on Honey's property, they find a diamond pressed into the dirt floor. How did it get there? Is there a gang of thieves in the area? Or did someone bury treasure there long ago? The girls are determined to find out. And with the help of Jim and Trixie's brothers Mart and Brian, they just might.

This is easily my favorite book in the series, and I love the entire series. While the mystery plot itself is a little easy to figure out, finding out how Trixie is going to prove it keeps you turning pages. But for me, the best part of this book was character and setting. Trixie, her family and friends, and their surroundings seem so real when reading this book. And the fun and friendship they share has always made me want to be part of the group.

Julie Campbell must be given credit for the wonderful way she handles the introduction. A lot happened in the first two books, and new readers will need some of that information to understand character relationships. She does it in an entertaining way that makes it seem part of the story. She also finally introduces Brian and Mart (they've only been mentioned previously) and the new friends form the "Bob Whites of the Glen" in this book. Frankly, I consider this the last foundational book, even though we still have two more main characters to meet.

I've gone back to this book and reread it so many times, I practically have parts memorized. I'm so thrilled to see Random House reprinting the series so that a whole new generation can share the adventures of Trixie and her friends.