Haunted Road #25

Judy Bolton Mysteries #25

by Margaret Sutton

The thirty-eight volume Judy Bolton series was written during the thirty-five years from 1932-1967. It is one of the most successful and enduring girls' series ever published. The Judy Bolton books are noted not only for their fine plots and thrilling stories, but also for their realism and their social commentary. Unlike most other series characters, Judy and her friends age and mature in the series and often deal with important social issues. To many, Judy is a feminist in the best light-smart, capable, courageous, nurturing, and always unwavering in her true beliefs; a perfect role model.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Young Adult

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Margaret Sutton was born Rachel Irene Beebe in Odin, Pennsylvania in 1903. She was the daughter of Victor Beebe, a well-known historian, and Estella Andrews Beebe. Being a spirited nonconformist, she dropped out of high school, but in 1920, graduated from the Rochester Business Institute. After graduation, she worked for several years as a secretary and in printing. During that time, she met William Sutton at a church dance in New York City. After a courtship exchanging poems and playing chess, they were married in 1924, and she began writing stories for her husband's daughter, Dorothy. Her first Judy Bolton Mystery was published in 1932 under the pen name Margaret Sutton. Ms. Sutton wove many real events and places into the Judy Bolton stories through the 35-year history of the series. She also wrote numerous stories for children and young adults. She was also active in social causes, joining the historic March on Washington in 1964. In 1965, her husband of more than 40 years died. In 1975, after traveling extensively, she married a long-time family friend, Everett Hunting. They moved to Berkeley, California and made their home there until 1993 when they moved back to Pennsylvania. Mr. Hunting died shortly after they moved. In 2001, at the age of 98, Margaret Sutton died in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, not far from her native Potter County.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Bolton patted his black-haired daughter on the shoulder..."I have a quotation that may help you get through today...It's this: A trouble either can be remedied or it cannot. If it can be, then set about it. If it can not be...bear it so bravely that it may become transfigured to a blessing."
'Today I'm setting about it," Judy said. "I'm not ready to bear it bravely and I'm the one who's transfigured-or disfigured. I can't decide which."

**3 1/2 stars**
I had to take a break from this book because of other commitments, so my memory is a little weak about some of the particulars. This was pretty exciting and suspenseful due to Peter's disappearance while chasing a highjacked truck. At first, there is a real danger that he was buried in a landslide. When we learn that he probably got away from that, we know he is still in danger because he never comes back. Judy is frantic, and can't help but think that the worst has happened. At the urging of Peter's boss, Mr. Trent, she does some undercover work in a factory. The scenes in the factory are interesting, especially dealing with the notorious Twila North. What a piece of work she is!

Judy hides away in a truck, which leads to her finally finding Peter. He has been wrapped up in a sheet for 5 days unable to hardly move with only an occasional drink of water. He hasn't eaten or, as Peter subtly hints, been able to use the bathroom.

Despite the grim proceedings and Peter's life being really feared for, there is some good amusing banter between Judy and Horace including some banter regarding how she looks with her new disguise of black dyed hair and glasses. I also like the brief appearances of Holly, Honey, Lois, and Lorraine.

https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another confusing one, leaps of logic and all. At least Judy is the hero, as usual, and not a damsel in distress. The ghost element was rather whacky.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween and Judy and friends are attending a square dance, when Peter and one of the boys leave to attempt to foil a highjacking attempt. Judy and several friends pile into her brother Horace's car to follow, only to almost run headlong into a landslide. Fearing the worst, they detour around, see a ghost, and are almost caught in a flood! This is the beginning of a worrisome time for Judy, wondering what has happened to Peter, and desperate to do something — anything — to help. Quick-paced and hard to put down.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast moving from the start with plenty of twists. Characters that have been absent in recent novels in the series are back and matured. This novel really centers around Judy as she pieces together clues, goes undercover, sees a landslide and a flood - all while hunting for Peter.

Note - this novel has more than the usual references to previous mysteries in the series, which is quite enjoyable for those who have read from the beginning.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an electronics nerd, especially those that use tubes, I wanted to like this one more, but something just felt off.

For one, there were way too many forced references to previous stories. At one point I suspected her (Sutton's) publisher was trying to push the older books and was inserting the references on their own.

It was also strangely short (about 20-30 pages shorter than usually), and wrapped up very quickly, considering the suspenseful pace of most of the story. It felt like there was a fast approaching deadline to meet, perhaps?

Nonetheless, I prefer the mysteries where Judy doesn't play second fiddle to Peter, and this was one of the best in that regard.

I'm sure I'll read it again someday!

[Carol Hooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was probably one of my least favorite Judy Bolton books so far. The story wasn't very interesting and they kept referencing old cases throughout the book. The characters talked about the same thing over and over again.