4 stars

A reissue of book number one in this popular series; it was originally published in 1948. I’ve probably read this particular book at least six times and I’m glad to see the Bob Whites being introduced to new audiences. This features only Trixie and her meeting Honey, who has moved into the Manor House, and Jim who has run away from home and is hiding out at Old Man Frayne’s house. This is a nice introduction to the series and is really a “to be continued” story with book two. Plus no good parties or trips in this one but there are lots of characters to meet.

I loved the Trixie Belden books!

The cover, and the current publishing date led me to suspect that this might be a graphic novel edition. I must not have read closely enough, because this is the original Trixie Belden story, complete with illustrations from the 1940s. However, as I began reading and became engrossed in the Sleepyside village and Trixie and Honey's adventures, it reminded me of how Nancy Drew books from the 1930s still have current appeal for today's readers. The dialogue is antiquated, and some of the mannerisms or expectations are dated. But it provides a fun time capsule for children to read about a tomboy who lives in the country and befriends a wealthy "poor little rich girl" who has never experienced some of the joys of childhood.

I know my 10-year-old self would have loved the Trixie Belden books. I would recommend reading it for the characters and atmosphere than the mystery. It is more interesting to read about their adventures and when the mystery is finally solved, it just means a happy ending for all.

I recommend this book for schools.

The secret of the mansion is a good clean book. In the style of the hardy boys and Nancy drew, it is a story about youngsters and their explorations around their properties. This book has lots of lessons of empathy, courage, and teamwork and parents will have no problems with letting their children read this book or the series.

I loved reading Trixie Belden books when I was growing up. I am excited to see they are reviving her for the next generation. I will recommend these books to my students, especially those that like to read Nancy Drew ( yes, I still have students that will read these!).

I have fond memories of devouring my Mom's old copies of these books from the 1960's. I enjoyed them so much as a child and am thrilled that a new generation will now be able to read this beloved series in a new edition with brand new cover art. I have a feeling these will fly off the shelves.

"The Secret of the Mansion" is the first in the Trixie Belden middle grade mystery series which was originally published in 1948. For this edition, the cover is updated to an almost graphic novel illustrated image (which made me think at first that it was an updated reboot as a graphic novel series). Trixie is a young teenager who is earning money by babysitting her little brother. When her grumpy old neighbor ends up in the hospital, she thinks it's the perfect time to search for the hidden treasure that people have been talking about for years. A new neighbor, Honey, a girl Trixie's age moves in and Trixie convinces her to search with her, even though Honey is a bit more nervous and scared.
The novel is fairly dated which makes sense since it was written in the late 40s. Some of the information about how to treat a snakebite has been debunked (don't use a tourniquet and suck out the poison), but the story itself is fine and readers who enjoy Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys will probably enjoy this series as well. This book felt a bit slow in the mystery department, but that could also be since it is the first in the series and fleshing out the character of Trixie. A suggested purchase for middle grade collections where Nancy Drew is still very popular.