THE SECRET OF THE MANSION

In this revised reissue of a 1948 title, two friends meet a runaway boy who could be the heir to a fortune that’s hidden in a dilapidated mansion.

Thirteen-year-old Trixie Belden is thrilled when a new family moves into her neighborhood. Trixie lives on Crabapple Farm in quiet Sleepyside in New York’s Hudson River Valley. She eagerly heads over to nearby Manor House, where she meets Honey Wheeler. The new friends decide to peek at Mr. Frayne’s run-down mansion—the “strange old” man is in the hospital. They’re surprised to find Jim Frayne, his great-nephew, hiding out there. Jim has left home and his abusive, greedy stepfather in hopes of finding his great-uncle’s will and the treasure that’s rumored to be somewhere in the house. The hunt is on. The threesome spend their days riding horses, searching the estate, and trying (and failing) to keep out of trouble, all of which is enjoyable. Unfortunately, the text, while fast paced, is largely expository and dialogue-heavy, which leads to a lack of nuance. The nostalgic black-and-white illustrations sprinkled throughout add little to the text, which feels quaint at times. (“‘I haven’t any dungarees,’ she said slowly. ‘I always wear a habit and boots when I ride.’”) The cast members present white; one character shares misinformation about “Indians.”

Some fun hijinks in an otherwise ho-hum story.