The Mysterious Code (Trixie Belden) [Library Binding]

Kathryn Kenny (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2004 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Trixie Belden (Book 7)

Principal Stratton wants to get rid of all clubs in Sleepyside High School, including the Bob-Whites! The only way they can save their club is to prove that they help out other people, too. Trixie quickly comes up with a plan to host a benefit antique show and sale. But are the precious antiques in danger from thieves?


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“There are two kinds of people in the world, those who read Trixie and those who don’t. Which are you?”—Merrilee Wilkerson, Book People, Austin, TX

“Parents, be warned: Nostalgic feelings may draw you in, causing a tussle over who’s going to read first.”—The Dallas Morning News


From the Hardcover edition.

From the Inside Flap

Principal Stratton wants to get rid of all clubs in Sleepyside High School, including the Bob-Whites! The only way they can save their club is to prove that they help out other people, too. Trixie quickly comes up with a plan to host a benefit antique show and sale. But are the precious antiques in danger from thieves?


From the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 272 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (May 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375929789
• ISBN-13: 978-0375929786
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,317,200 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Terrible Writing, September 25, 2006

By 

Tina "Malenkaya" (Edmonton) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mysterious Code (Trixie Belden #7) (Hardcover)

I am a big fan of the Trixie Belden series-- while idealistic, they're generally a lot of fun.

However, this is Kathryn Kenny's first book in the series, and it shows. The plotline is fine, but so much of the rest is off that I was frustrated reading it. There are a lot of noticable contrasts in the characters, established facts, and writing itself between this book and, quite honestly, every single one in the series.

A lot of the characters rebounded between being entirely out of character or being way into character to the point where it was unrealistically exaggerated; scenes like Trixie needing to shop for a dress and then attend Diana's party were irritating, as was Mrs. Belden's sudden desire to make Trixie into more of a lady (to the point where she was almost derogatory towards her) because they came out of nowhere.

What irritated me most about this book, however, was the writing itself. It was far too blatant-- Kenny did not rely on anyone who read this book to have read the first few and already have a basic understanding of the established characters. Even with new readers, she seems to assume they lack the intelligence to read between the lines and understand the character's motivation on their own terms, a process which is essential in any decent novel. Phrases like "Jim really liked Trixie because" or "Mart certainly liked Diana" (and I'm paraphrasing, but only in the text itself; the format is the same) made me want to slam the book shut and quit reading because they were so irritating. It's as if every single character's opinions needed to be explained through text rather than actions or dialogue to make them clear, which I thought was completely stupid.

Even scenes like parties at the Belden's house, which were described as "fun" and were, to a point, were again irritating because the characters were off.

To wind this up, I was very dissappointed in this book. I can honestly say I prefer every single other one in the series to it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trixie Belden The Mysterious Code, October 15, 2004

By 

Julie Campbell "S.F." (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mysterious Code (Trixie Belden #7) (Hardcover)

I love this book! It is one of my favorites because it is really exciting and full of adventure! I love this book! I liked the plot and how they made it so exciting! At first, I thought I wouldn't like it because the book had a new author, then after I read the first chapter, I loved it! This book is 5 stars!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chapter 15 is even called 'The Most Fun Ever'!, July 28, 2004

By 

Ellen Etc. (Northern California, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Mysterious Code (Trixie Belden #7) (Hardcover)

Concerned about vandalism at the school, the Sleepyside Junior-Senior High School board threatens to dissolve the Bob-Whites of the Glen and other 'secret societies,' so the kids decide to show how civic-minded they are by holding an antique show as a fundraiser for UNICEF. (Say, how can a school board get away with regulating kids' private activities?! This is America!)

This is a satisfying Trixie Belden story (except that the vandalism theme is forgotten after the first chapters) -- where friends and daily activities are more important than the nominal 'mystery.' The 'code' turns out to be nothing much, but 'Trixie Belden and the Antique Show Fundraiser' wouldn't have had much zing, would it? Still, there's plenty of adventure -- somebody seems intent on sabotaging the BWG clubhouse and stealing the loaned antiques! Blizzards! Faithful dogs! Criminals and critical illness! Games and popcorn around the fireplace! And this time when Trixie dresses up for a party, she means it and even enjoys herself.