8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's not so mysterious, September 28, 2002
Why isn't this book as good as the rest? I hated it when i was little, much as I loved the rest of the original series. Years have passed since then and I read it again and it's not so bad. But the other reviewers are correct in the fact that this is no mystery, really.
As for the purpose of this book in the scheme of the entire series, it's actually very important. This book is the important link between books 3 and the rest of the series. This book introduces Aunt Jane, a very important role in the future of the children, and it sets the groundwork for book 5, "Mike's Mystery", which takes place on the same ranch some time later. And book 5 is the springboard for Mike to be more important in later adventures. So there is a purpose to this book.
I can't really recommend it though. But any child who wants to read the whole series should not skip this book - it's still part of the experience, no matter how dull it may seem, and it's really not THAT bad.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mystery Ranch, December 20, 2006
ISBN 0807553913 - I really like the Boxcar Children series, and because the previous reviews on this one have brought these things up, I thought I'd include my thoughts: Yes, the children travel, etc alone. The book is copyrighted in 1958, when the world was a great deal safer and more innocent. If it's a concern to you, as a parent, take advantage of the chance to point out some of the ways the world has changed in the last 50 years. I also agree there's not a lot of mystery, but it's a kids' book and I have yet to read any kids' book that didn't have an entirely predictable storyline and ending.
The adventure begins when Grandfather gets a letter from his sister's neighbor, who also acts as her nurse. Jane is impossible and Maggie, the neighbor, is going to leave. Grandfather is worried because his sister can't live alone, so when the girls offer to go stay with her, it seems like a perfect - if temporary - solution.
On the train to Centerville, the girls meet a mysterious man who disappears as soon as they get off the train. Taking care of Aunt Jane takes their mind off the identity of the man and the girls settle in happily. Unable to resist her great-nieces, Aunt Jane begins to respond and even starts to be happy! As the end of the summer looms, the whole family is re-united on the ranch in time to save the ranch, solve the riddle of the mystery man and celebrate Aunt Jane's birthday - and her decision to let go of an almost lifelong grudge against her brother.
More sentimental than most of the rest of the series, Mystery Ranch is a good read for lessons in forgiveness, family and love, but if you're looking for true mystery, you might try a more contemporary author. And if you're a Boxcar Children fan, most definitely read this one - it's as good as the rest of the series, just in a different way.
- AnnaLovesBooks
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8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Your child could do worse than read this book,strictly "okay, August 11, 1999
By A Customer
"The Mystery Ranch" is part of the Boxcar Children series. In my opinion,it is not as well thought out as the first book,though my 5you loved the whole thing. The children are still very independent,doing things unsupervised that I would never allow my children to do(travelling alone,cooking,shopping.) Of course,that's part of the fun of the Boxcar series. My daughter so identifies with the girls,she wants to BE like them. So,on a too-hot-to-breathe day I might suggest this book,if your kids have nothing better to do. It's not a waste of time,just not the author's best effort
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