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The Mystery Series, Short Story #1
The Mystery of the Missing Money
Are you up for a thrilling adventure?
The seaside village of Smugglers Cove is proving to be anything but quiet for the Mystery Kids as they encounter yet another mystery while exploring Brackness Castle. This ruined fortress sits on the outskirts of the village and, as they soon discover, holds more secrets than they could ever imagine.
Who is hiding in the dungeons? What is in the bag? Where does the secret tunnel lead to?
Set in 1950's Britain, this adventure story will suit anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys or the Famous Five.
The seaside village of Smugglers Cove is proving to be anything but quiet for the Mystery Kids as they encounter yet another mystery while exploring Brackness Castle. This ruined fortress sits on the outskirts of the village and, as they soon discover, holds more secrets than they could ever imagine.
Who is hiding in the dungeons? What is in the bag? Where does the secret tunnel lead to?
Set in 1950's Britain, this adventure story will suit anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys or the Famous Five.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2012
1211 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Paul Moxham
84 books102 followersPaul Moxham hails from Melbourne, Australia. He's best known for his children's mystery series which follows Joe, Amy, Sarah, and Will as they have adventures in 1950's Britain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 7, 2023
Fun mystery/adventure story a la Famous Five. This is a series that is mostly available for free or very inexpensive on Amazon. This is a short story, where the other installments are longer, proper novels for Middle Grade/young YA readers.
May 30, 2016
I love this children's mystery series. I can't wait to read more.
January 3, 2019
Great story!!! It’s really a nice addition to the main series! I think this is good for younger siblings who want to read the main series like their older sibling is, but reading aloud a long story from the main series is too long, so the parent can read one of the short stories! This book has plenty of excitement and adventure. I recommend it for 7-10 year old children (or someone older that wants extra stories along with the main series like me :))
January 7, 2013
I received a free copy of this book from the author, through LibraryThings; an honest review was requested.
“The Mystery of the Missing Money” by Paul Moxham is another cleverly crafted mystery for middle grade readers, similar to The Hardy Boys Mysteries of my youth. Three siblings, Joe, Sarah and Amy are spending summer break in the village of Smuggler’s Cove, where they befriend a local boy, Will. Their naturally inquisitive nature and strong sense of adventure lead them into several mysteries during their vacation. “Missing Money” is just one of the adventures in which the four friends become involved, and ultimately solve for the local police.
Exploring an old castle outside the town, our intrepid explorers soon tire of that activity and decide to go build a sand castle on the beach instead. While at the beach, Will relates a local legend about a pair of twins who allegedly committed a robbery, but hid the money before they were captured and sent to prison. Many locals believe the money is hidden somewhere on the old castle grounds, but no one has ever found it. The four youngsters decide they could find the money if it really was hidden at the castle, so they return to search for it. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, a prison transport vehicle carrying prisoners, including the twin robbers, is involved in a minor accident on a slick road. Police quickly round up all the prisoners, except the two robbers.
As you might well imagine, the robbers are heading for the castle at the same time the kids are discussing doing the same. The two groups meet up, and the children are forced to run for their lives… but not before they manage to get the money away from the robbers. The two groups lead one another on a merry chase, with both groups insistent on keeping the money away from the others. In the confusion, Will slips away and reports everything to the local constabulary, which quickly mobilizes to apprehend the escaped prisoners. Once again the four children have helped solve a local mystery, and earned the further respect of the local police.
This story is well developed, and the participants remain true to character throughout. I heartily recommend this story for not only middle grade readers, but also for older youth and adults who just want to relax with a short mystery for a while. Paul Moxham has written several engaging mysteries starring these four children in Smuggler’s Cove; all of them provide fun entertainment, and are well worth reading.
“The Mystery of the Missing Money” by Paul Moxham is another cleverly crafted mystery for middle grade readers, similar to The Hardy Boys Mysteries of my youth. Three siblings, Joe, Sarah and Amy are spending summer break in the village of Smuggler’s Cove, where they befriend a local boy, Will. Their naturally inquisitive nature and strong sense of adventure lead them into several mysteries during their vacation. “Missing Money” is just one of the adventures in which the four friends become involved, and ultimately solve for the local police.
Exploring an old castle outside the town, our intrepid explorers soon tire of that activity and decide to go build a sand castle on the beach instead. While at the beach, Will relates a local legend about a pair of twins who allegedly committed a robbery, but hid the money before they were captured and sent to prison. Many locals believe the money is hidden somewhere on the old castle grounds, but no one has ever found it. The four youngsters decide they could find the money if it really was hidden at the castle, so they return to search for it. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, a prison transport vehicle carrying prisoners, including the twin robbers, is involved in a minor accident on a slick road. Police quickly round up all the prisoners, except the two robbers.
As you might well imagine, the robbers are heading for the castle at the same time the kids are discussing doing the same. The two groups meet up, and the children are forced to run for their lives… but not before they manage to get the money away from the robbers. The two groups lead one another on a merry chase, with both groups insistent on keeping the money away from the others. In the confusion, Will slips away and reports everything to the local constabulary, which quickly mobilizes to apprehend the escaped prisoners. Once again the four children have helped solve a local mystery, and earned the further respect of the local police.
This story is well developed, and the participants remain true to character throughout. I heartily recommend this story for not only middle grade readers, but also for older youth and adults who just want to relax with a short mystery for a while. Paul Moxham has written several engaging mysteries starring these four children in Smuggler’s Cove; all of them provide fun entertainment, and are well worth reading.
January 5, 2017
Four children have adventures in England during the 1950s. They are very much in the vein of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew adventures.
A couple of small things made me wonder for a bit. The first thing was that this story said it was the first in the series but it was set after another book. It is the first of the short stories but it happens after the first full length book . Just be aware that the novels and the short stories are counted as two series, separate but connected. The second thing was that there was a typo in the first sentence of the second paragraph of the story. Usually, The sooner that yo find a mistake, the more mistakes there are in the story. But I am happy to say that this was the only glitch that I saw in the entire story (The word 'were' was left out of the phrase 'they were going'.)
This story reminded me of the Hardy Boys, Boxcar Kids, and Three Investigators book that I read as a kid. They take you back to a "simpler time". A time were kids weren't attached to electronic devices all of the time. A time where looking at clouds and building sandcastles were fun activities. It definitely will strike a chord of nostalgia with adults.
Kids should be attracted to kids stopping crooks and solving mysteries. Maybe they will also see they can have fun without electronic devices.
A couple of small things made me wonder for a bit. The first thing was that this story said it was the first in the series but it was set after another book. It is the first of the short stories but it happens after the first full length book . Just be aware that the novels and the short stories are counted as two series, separate but connected. The second thing was that there was a typo in the first sentence of the second paragraph of the story. Usually, The sooner that yo find a mistake, the more mistakes there are in the story. But I am happy to say that this was the only glitch that I saw in the entire story (The word 'were' was left out of the phrase 'they were going'.)
This story reminded me of the Hardy Boys, Boxcar Kids, and Three Investigators book that I read as a kid. They take you back to a "simpler time". A time were kids weren't attached to electronic devices all of the time. A time where looking at clouds and building sandcastles were fun activities. It definitely will strike a chord of nostalgia with adults.
Kids should be attracted to kids stopping crooks and solving mysteries. Maybe they will also see they can have fun without electronic devices.
December 29, 2012
4 STARS
Mystery of the Missing Money (the Mystery series) is a short story. It takes place a week after their first adventure in The Mystery of Smugglers Cove. This is a really short story that stands alone but the characters are really introduced and fleshed out in the first book.
The story takes place in the 1950's where the children play outside and explore thier world. Thier is a empty Castle and the four kids explore.
Will tells the story to the three other kids about the bank robbers that were caught in town on his 9th birthday and the money was never found.
While the children go back in the castle to look for a braclet one of the girls lost. They find the two escaped prisoners who came back to retrieve thier stolen money.
I liked the story and would like to read more longer stories in the series.
This one was really short one that I got free on Smashwords.
I will read more books by Paul Moxham in the future. This was an adventure with lots of action for a short story.
Published: May 14, 2012 ISBN: 9781476323237
Mystery of the Missing Money (the Mystery series) is a short story. It takes place a week after their first adventure in The Mystery of Smugglers Cove. This is a really short story that stands alone but the characters are really introduced and fleshed out in the first book.
The story takes place in the 1950's where the children play outside and explore thier world. Thier is a empty Castle and the four kids explore.
Will tells the story to the three other kids about the bank robbers that were caught in town on his 9th birthday and the money was never found.
While the children go back in the castle to look for a braclet one of the girls lost. They find the two escaped prisoners who came back to retrieve thier stolen money.
I liked the story and would like to read more longer stories in the series.
This one was really short one that I got free on Smashwords.
I will read more books by Paul Moxham in the future. This was an adventure with lots of action for a short story.
Published: May 14, 2012 ISBN: 9781476323237
June 22, 2018
A very fun and exciting adventure! This is the second book I've read about Joe and his sisters Amy and Sarah and their friend Will and I loved it! The first one I finished reading was
- also enjoyed it!
The book is set in the 1950s and contains timeless things like helping people. There's danger and having fun exploring the cool castle ruins. The helping people, being nice, family and friends, bravery, never-give-up attitude, doing the right thing, all those things are very relevant to me as a 21st century reader as I read the story and enjoyed it. Those are things that are always important. Castles are just so cool to explore virtually, whether in a book or a game. Plus, building sandcastles and riding bikes - constant fun.
Excellent short summer read! Or any time. :)
- also enjoyed it! The book is set in the 1950s and contains timeless things like helping people. There's danger and having fun exploring the cool castle ruins. The helping people, being nice, family and friends, bravery, never-give-up attitude, doing the right thing, all those things are very relevant to me as a 21st century reader as I read the story and enjoyed it. Those are things that are always important. Castles are just so cool to explore virtually, whether in a book or a game. Plus, building sandcastles and riding bikes - constant fun.
Excellent short summer read! Or any time. :)
October 10, 2015
If you like a real fast page turner story with mystery and adventures!
I enjoyed this mystery and adventures ebook! I found it difficult to set it down even when I had to, so I was able to really finish reading and reviewing this ebook in two evenings! It's a very clean reads ebook that I believe needs a five star eating because of the way the author does such a great job of keeping the reader's attention span going like this. I would recommend this for say second grade and up. I received this ebook for free and here is my honest review in return! Super job Paul! By Angela
I enjoyed this mystery and adventures ebook! I found it difficult to set it down even when I had to, so I was able to really finish reading and reviewing this ebook in two evenings! It's a very clean reads ebook that I believe needs a five star eating because of the way the author does such a great job of keeping the reader's attention span going like this. I would recommend this for say second grade and up. I received this ebook for free and here is my honest review in return! Super job Paul! By Angela
January 29, 2013
good story for 8-12 yr olds.
the young boy has to climb a steep cliff to get help.
not scary or even really a mystery. escaped robbers return to the castle to get money they stashed. the children happen upon them. small chase. and the cops are available just as the boy arrives on his bicycle.
since it was free, I enjoyed it. will read more, if they are free.
the young boy has to climb a steep cliff to get help.
not scary or even really a mystery. escaped robbers return to the castle to get money they stashed. the children happen upon them. small chase. and the cops are available just as the boy arrives on his bicycle.
since it was free, I enjoyed it. will read more, if they are free.
August 31, 2014
I got it for free, as it often happens at Kindle Store. It's a very short story, and I guess it's mostly a promotional one. I enjoyed it, but not enough to make me think about buying a book of the series.
February 4, 2019
It was a short and fun story. It reminded me of the famous 'Famous Five' series.
It feels good to read such books. But I gotta read the main book where the series actually began.
It feels good to read such books. But I gotta read the main book where the series actually began.
January 22, 2017
Favourite book
This book is very interesting. I am 10 years old and I really love this series of books. Thanks Paul moxham!!
This book is very interesting. I am 10 years old and I really love this series of books. Thanks Paul moxham!!
October 2, 2022
This short story is part of a series written by the author on the adventures of 4 children, who because of their quick thinking and resourcefulness (in this book) go on to unravel the mystery of the stolen money and capture notorious felons while facing a rocky adventure.
The writing style of the author is simple and compact. The story moves fast, though there were places where I personally felt that a bit more detail and a smoother flow would have made is pleasant. The idea of the preface was nice but a little more history about the children, woven into the narrative, would have been ideal for a reader like me who is not familiar with the earlier books in the series.
I liked it, though I wouldn’t say I was hooked. I am an Enid Blyton fan and I may have been a bit biased while reading this book. The story reminded me too much of one of her books and I kept making comparisons between the two. Nevertheless, it is a good attempt by the author and children and adults will surely delight reading it.
{I received this book as part of a LibraryThing giveaway, in exchange for a review}
The writing style of the author is simple and compact. The story moves fast, though there were places where I personally felt that a bit more detail and a smoother flow would have made is pleasant. The idea of the preface was nice but a little more history about the children, woven into the narrative, would have been ideal for a reader like me who is not familiar with the earlier books in the series.
I liked it, though I wouldn’t say I was hooked. I am an Enid Blyton fan and I may have been a bit biased while reading this book. The story reminded me too much of one of her books and I kept making comparisons between the two. Nevertheless, it is a good attempt by the author and children and adults will surely delight reading it.
{I received this book as part of a LibraryThing giveaway, in exchange for a review}
June 12, 2016
Good short read to fill in the time between two of the longer novels.
It says it's a good stand-alone read, but it has lots of spoilers for the first book in the Mystery series. It's probably not as fun to read the first book in that series after reading this short story, and finding out a lot of details about that adventure.
It says it's a good stand-alone read, but it has lots of spoilers for the first book in the Mystery series. It's probably not as fun to read the first book in that series after reading this short story, and finding out a lot of details about that adventure.
Read
February 11, 2014Awesome!
This book was amazing I used to hate reading mystery books.Okay books period. But now i love read books! Hint if to make it more interesting read it one night at a time to keep you suspicious
This book was amazing I used to hate reading mystery books.Okay books period. But now i love read books! Hint if to make it more interesting read it one night at a time to keep you suspicious
August 8, 2015
Great Mystery Short
It's hard to find a mystery story as good as the Hardy Boys, let alone in twenty pages! But Paul Moxham has done an excellent job both creating likeable characters and an engaging plot. I will definitely be reading more of the Mystery Series.
It's hard to find a mystery story as good as the Hardy Boys, let alone in twenty pages! But Paul Moxham has done an excellent job both creating likeable characters and an engaging plot. I will definitely be reading more of the Mystery Series.
December 9, 2015
Interesting book!!
Honestly I love this short story, it is very interesting.
The reason why I put 5 stars is because it is so much fun to read and I love mystery books from Nancy Drew and Paul Moxham. Take my word for it and read it
Honestly I love this short story, it is very interesting.
The reason why I put 5 stars is because it is so much fun to read and I love mystery books from Nancy Drew and Paul Moxham. Take my word for it and read it
April 17, 2014
Wonderful,Wonderful!
Short but still exciting! Looking forward to reading all of these adventures. Great job done I look forward to future books!
Short but still exciting! Looking forward to reading all of these adventures. Great job done I look forward to future books!
June 28, 2015
Story was well written but it was predictable and it was not unique. Nothing excellent or outstanding about it. I guess its good for kids, hence, recommended to them.
July 29, 2015
Enjoyed it
My child enjoyed reading this book and he now wants to read more in the series. I would recommend this book.
My child enjoyed reading this book and he now wants to read more in the series. I would recommend this book.
March 1, 2016
To Short
I was looking forward to an adventure like the first mystery, and got a short story. The story was not bad but would have liked it at a deeper level.
I was looking forward to an adventure like the first mystery, and got a short story. The story was not bad but would have liked it at a deeper level.
June 9, 2016
Great book
I'll definitely read others like this.. It was amazing. This is the first short story I have ever read and it set high standards.
I'll definitely read others like this.. It was amazing. This is the first short story I have ever read and it set high standards.
December 5, 2016
Lovely books
A pleasure to read with my 8 year old son. We enjoyed following the children on another of their adventures x
A pleasure to read with my 8 year old son. We enjoyed following the children on another of their adventures x
January 2, 2017
Lisa says: It was a good mystery and my favourite person was Sarah. Joe did a very brave and dangerous thing to save his friends.
June 1, 2020
Paul Moxham – The Mystery Series Short Bk 1 – The Mystery of the Missing Money – Reviewed 9/12/13
How does a picnic on the beach lead to someone hiding in a dungeon? Another great adventure…
Are you up for a thrilling adventure? The seaside village of Smugglers Cove is proving to be anything but quiet for the Mystery Kids as they encounter yet another mystery while exploring Brackness Castle. This ruined fortress sits on the outskirts of the village and, as they soon discover, holds more secrets than they could ever imagine. Who is hiding in the dungeons? What is in the bag? Where does the secret tunnel lead to? Set in 1950's Britain, this adventure story will suit anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, or the Famous Five.
What did I like? I have read the first book in the regular series, but this short story is just as exciting. They are quick so they will hold the attention of even the youngest child in your reading group. Each story is beautifully written at the level of children but can be fascinating for the child in each of us adults.
What will you like? Even though this is short it is an exciting, excellent storyline, great action, unique and unusual characters. The storyline is professionally written with lots of descriptions and details so that you do not get lost. The details are very descriptive so that you can almost feel the wind on your face and the water in your toes. The excitement will keep everyone interested and will not be able to put this book down. A great read for everyone in the family, even you!
• File Size: 432 KB
• Print Length: 36 pages
• Publication Date: 9/12/13
• Updated: June 22, 2014
• ASIN: B0083E6LBM
• Genre: Children’s European Historical Fiction, Children’s Detectives Books
How does a picnic on the beach lead to someone hiding in a dungeon? Another great adventure…
Are you up for a thrilling adventure? The seaside village of Smugglers Cove is proving to be anything but quiet for the Mystery Kids as they encounter yet another mystery while exploring Brackness Castle. This ruined fortress sits on the outskirts of the village and, as they soon discover, holds more secrets than they could ever imagine. Who is hiding in the dungeons? What is in the bag? Where does the secret tunnel lead to? Set in 1950's Britain, this adventure story will suit anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, or the Famous Five.
What did I like? I have read the first book in the regular series, but this short story is just as exciting. They are quick so they will hold the attention of even the youngest child in your reading group. Each story is beautifully written at the level of children but can be fascinating for the child in each of us adults.
What will you like? Even though this is short it is an exciting, excellent storyline, great action, unique and unusual characters. The storyline is professionally written with lots of descriptions and details so that you do not get lost. The details are very descriptive so that you can almost feel the wind on your face and the water in your toes. The excitement will keep everyone interested and will not be able to put this book down. A great read for everyone in the family, even you!
• File Size: 432 KB
• Print Length: 36 pages
• Publication Date: 9/12/13
• Updated: June 22, 2014
• ASIN: B0083E6LBM
• Genre: Children’s European Historical Fiction, Children’s Detectives Books
May 30, 2022
What better way to spend an afternoon than a picnic and investigating an old castle? For siblings Joe, Sarah, and Amy, and their friend Will, there's not much better - unless you count also stumbling across two men who are supposed to be in jail for stealing money. The kids had already investigated the castle and the dungeon for the missing money and had gone down to the beach when Sarah realized that she must have lost her bracelet in the castle. It's when they go back up to the castle that they discover the two men. What are the kids going to do? Will they have time to alert the police before the men get away? And just how did the men end up back at the castle when they're supposed to be in jail?
This was definitely a fun short story and has interested me enough that I want to read more of these detective stories. They are very much in the vein of The Hardy Boys, which I loved as a kid, but I like that there are girls and boys represented in this investigative-crime-fighting group. Even without a detailed introduction to the characters that you would get in a full-length novel, there's enough to connect with the group and become interested in learning more about the kids.
I definitely want to read a full-length novel, though, as I'm sure that will provide more information about the setting of Smuggler's Cove - since all you get in this short story is the castle and a bit of the beach.
This was definitely a fun short story and has interested me enough that I want to read more of these detective stories. They are very much in the vein of The Hardy Boys, which I loved as a kid, but I like that there are girls and boys represented in this investigative-crime-fighting group. Even without a detailed introduction to the characters that you would get in a full-length novel, there's enough to connect with the group and become interested in learning more about the kids.
I definitely want to read a full-length novel, though, as I'm sure that will provide more information about the setting of Smuggler's Cove - since all you get in this short story is the castle and a bit of the beach.
September 12, 2019
The Mystery of the Missing Money (FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS CHILDREN MIDDLE GRADE MYSTERY ADVENTURE) (The Mystery Series, Short Story Book 1) by Paul Moxham
This book starts out with listing of other works by the author-in series format but each can be read as a stand alone. I am reading them in order so I am familiar with the children in the story.
Love the part about being bored and just relaxing it's summer and the girls are lying back looking at the clouds making shapes out of them. I remember doing that when it was in the 60's also, but from RI, they are in the UK.
Joe and Will bring up the bank robbery and how the money was never seen as they head towards the Blacknesh Castle and learn that the twins are still alive and think that's where the money is. They slowly investigate and know they are on target when they hear their voices.
Interesting how short this story is and it gets the job done with all the clues and investigating..
Can't wait for the next mystery.
This book starts out with listing of other works by the author-in series format but each can be read as a stand alone. I am reading them in order so I am familiar with the children in the story.
Love the part about being bored and just relaxing it's summer and the girls are lying back looking at the clouds making shapes out of them. I remember doing that when it was in the 60's also, but from RI, they are in the UK.
Joe and Will bring up the bank robbery and how the money was never seen as they head towards the Blacknesh Castle and learn that the twins are still alive and think that's where the money is. They slowly investigate and know they are on target when they hear their voices.
Interesting how short this story is and it gets the job done with all the clues and investigating..
Can't wait for the next mystery.
January 17, 2022
It's OK for Grand Dad to be a fan, and I am one.
I have a rule -- I must have already read any book I'm going to read with my GrandKids. As a result I've read LOTS of "kid's books". This series certainly passes the test. In fact, now that my youngest Grand Daughter is in middle school her interests have "matured" ( Tee Hee Hee ), but not mine.
Maybe I'm not as old as my grey hair suggests :-) :-) :-)
I have a rule -- I must have already read any book I'm going to read with my GrandKids. As a result I've read LOTS of "kid's books". This series certainly passes the test. In fact, now that my youngest Grand Daughter is in middle school her interests have "matured" ( Tee Hee Hee ), but not mine.
Maybe I'm not as old as my grey hair suggests :-) :-) :-)
January 27, 2022
Simple but nice
Today the books children are asked to read are so frustrating. Just plain bad. This book heralded back to a nicer time when cursed words where not in children’s books and bad guys where not the heroes. A fun read if not a little simple as in knowing what is going to happen next.
Today the books children are asked to read are so frustrating. Just plain bad. This book heralded back to a nicer time when cursed words where not in children’s books and bad guys where not the heroes. A fun read if not a little simple as in knowing what is going to happen next.
May 10, 2022
Amazing book indeed
This is absolutely amazing book with well fleshed character and plot. It's appropriate for young children who like adventures. Surely, I have introduced young children in my family to this series and they are loving it.
This is absolutely amazing book with well fleshed character and plot. It's appropriate for young children who like adventures. Surely, I have introduced young children in my family to this series and they are loving it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews