Tag: Barney Mysteries

The Secret of Spiggy Holes

The Secret of Spiggy Holes

by Enid Blyton (Basil Blackwell, 1940) [reprinted Armada, 1965]

Book cover: “The Secret of Spiggy Holes” by Enid Blyton (Basil Blackwell, 1940) [reprinted Armada, 1965]

Predating the Barney Mysteries but very much in keeping, distinguished only by the absence of any animal companion and a return to the Secret Island (from the children’s previous adventure). The cover blurb anticipates reader fretfulness by giving away the entire plot.

The Ragamuffin Mystery

The Ragamuffin Mystery

by Enid Blyton; ill. Gilbert Dunlop (Collins, 1959)

Blyton_Ragamuffin Mystery

The final ‘Barney’ mystery is a fast, pleasant read, set in Wales and introducing another memorable animal (a goose named Waddle). Although there’s a sense of adventure, the children trip along rather than detect, and have too much access to adult help.

 

 

The Ring O’Bells Mystery

The Ring O’Bells Mystery

by Enid Blyton; ill. Gilbert Dunlop (William Collins, 1951)

Blyton_Ring O Bells Mystery

This third ‘Barney’ mystery might easily have been written during a languorous English summer. The rustic idyll shines warmly from its pages and the adventure unfolds slowly, picking up pace only in the concluding chapters. A pleasant read enlivened by chaotic animals.

 

 

The Rilloby Fair Mystery

The Rilloby Fair Mystery

by Enid Blyton (William Collins, 1950)

Blyton_Rilloby Fair Mystery

The second ‘Barney’ mystery doesn’t really make good on its potential (in truth rather solving itself in the end) but Blyton lays down clues throughout and the children’s day-to-day adventuring makes for pleasant escapism. Blyton’s integration of animals makes the book memorable.

 

 

Derelict Space Sheep