Review: The Boardwalk Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

The Aldens are visiting the New Jersey shore and enjoying the beach and the boardwalk attractions. A family friend has just bought an amusement pier, and the children are excited to help out. But there are rumors that the rides aren’t safe, and someone has stolen a zombie from the haunted house! Can the Boxcar Children find out what’s behind all the trouble? 

MY TAKE:
As a Boxcar Children fan, this one was a must-read for me.

In The Boardwalk Mystery, Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny tag along when their grandfather heads to Oceanside, New Jersey. There they meet Mr. Hanson and his family. Mr. Hanson has just bought an amusement pier, but things aren't going so well because someone is vandalizing the attractions at the pier.

This book stays true to the spirit of the series. The characters, especially Benny, are as lovable and helpful as ever. The idea of amusement park mysteries isn't exactly new, but it's hard not to like this one anyway, because it feels light-hearted and you're transported to a nice, simpler time. The mystery isn't that difficult to solve either, although you might not get it 100% correctly.

This book definitely makes me eager to read the other books, or at the very least, go back and read the very first book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Albert Whitman & Company for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. The kids are lovable.
2. It can make you long for amusement piers and carnivals.
3. It's a nice, quick read.

THE BAD:

1. The mystery isn't that hard to figure out.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Just then Mack delivered a large, hot pizza with bubbling cheese to their table.

READ IT IF:

1. You like The Boxcar Children.
2. Your kid likes reading mysteries.
3. Your kid likes amusement parks.

RATING:


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