The Mystery on the Mississippi

by Kathryn Kenny

Book Overview

It's anchors away for Trixie as she travels down the Mississippi River. No, it's not on the old-fashioned paddle-wheel steamship she always dreamed of, but the trip is still more exciting than she... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375830553
• ISBN13: 9780375830556
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
• Length: 250 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Heart-Gripping Story

Although the book started out a little slow, the last half was heart-gripping! I loved it, as an avid mystery reader. Although a bit old-fashioned, Trixie Belden is a wonderful character.

Harrowing Case

Mr. Wheeler is taking a business trip to St. Louis, and he's invited the Bob-Whites to come along. Naturally, they are all thrilled at the chance to take a trip. Even Dan gets to come this time around, while poor Diana is left out of the fun. They've just arrived at their hotel when the trouble starts, however. The previous occupant of Trixie and Honey's room, Pierre Lontard, left behind a briefcase and some papers. When he returns, he snatches up the briefcase but leaves behind the papers in the trashcan. Trixie is convinced they are important, so sticks them in her purse. The Bob-Whites have a full itinerary planned for their few days in the area. They want to take a cruise on the Mississippi and can't miss visiting Mark Twain country just up the road in Hannibal. But wherever they go, danger seems to follow. There's a suspicious new cook on the boat with them. They get stranded in Cairo, Missouri. And Trixie faces danger in a pool. Is Lontard following them? What do the mysterious symbols on the papers really mean? I must admit to having mixed reactions to this book. Part of me still considers it a favorite. It was my introduction to Trixie and her friends, a series I am still reading and rereading almost 20 years later. The friendships are strong and the characters great fun to be around. And the constant danger appealed to the 13 year old who first read this book. I couldn't put it down, devouring it in a day or two thanks to the easy to read writing style. Even now, knowing the full story, it grips me. But when I set nostalgia aside, I can recognize the flaws. Mr. Wheeler acts completely irresponsible. I don't know any adult who would continue to let these kids be in constant danger like this. The characters are not well rounded like they are in other books in the series. Here, they sometimes come off as whiney brats, which is probably a more accurate portrayal of teens then the others first characters they usually are. Finally, while the fast paced plot appealed to a teenage boy, it could easily frighten the intended audience of pre-teen girls. While ultimately there is a happy ending, this is easily one of the darker and more harrowing books in the series. Originally written in 1965, this book does show its age. The famous St. Louis Arch hadn't been built yet, so naturally the Bob-Whites don't visit it. Space exploration was a huge topic, so that and airplane development are mentioned several times in the book. While I did notice the absence of the Arch as a kid, I didn't think anything was out of the ordinary with the other stuff. Ultimately, it should hold up just fine today. Even with the long list of faults, I can't help but like this book. While not the strongest in the series, it is entertaining.

My favorite

While I love all the Trixie Belden books, THE MYSTERY ON THE MISSISSIPPI is my favorite. In this book The BobWhites of the Glenn are taken on vacation by Mr. Wheeler to St. Louis, Missouri; In an unforgetable six days Trixie and the rest of the gang become entangled in a major conspiracy. This story is probably the best written of all the Trixie Belden books. It leads you through an exciting and dangerous mystery without seeming at all contrived. Trixie fans and anyone who loves to read a good story will love this book!

An intriging, mysterious book.

This book is fabulous. This is one of my favorite Trixie Belden books

A courageous, outstanding book.

It gave me chill. I had to keep reading on it was so mysterious. It's clearly one of the best.