What Happened to Amy?

by Jane Edwards

When Joyce Farrell takes a summer job typing for a suspense novelist, she discovers that her predecessor in the job has vanished under mysterious circumstances.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

220 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

Reviews

[Robin Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a library sale many years ago because I recognized the cover and title from when I was a kid, maybe junior high. I've now read it, and while I did not remember the story at all, I really enjoyed it. So much, that I'd like to find more of the author's books.

[Meen · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was a girl I LOVED to stay at my Mamaw's house b/c she had HUNDREDS of grown-up paperback books that she would let me read. Even then I loved to be scared, and Mamaw's gothics were my favorites! Mamaw was also my favorite, which is why I carry these old things around. These battered paperbacks are totally worthless, falling apart even, but just looking at the melodramatic scenes on the covers (slim white woman, flowing dark hair, staring aghast over her shoulder, fleeing along the foggy moors in a freaking dressing gown!) brings back a little of the joy of being curled up ALL DAY on the daybed in Mamaw's livingroom, filled with fear from the story, but totally safe (rare for me then) in my body there with Mamaw.

[Chazzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joyce Farrell takes on a summer job as secretary to Miss Penrose, a famous mystery writer. She will be staying at Miss Penrose's home, Pinole Vista, in Pirates' Cove. There won't be much to do but work, but being that it is Miss Penrose, Joyce is delighted.

After Joyce arrives, she finds that the previous secretary, Amy, had disappeared suddenly and no one knew why or where she had gone. Personal possessions and books were not taken or ever called for. And no one is talking much about Amy.

Joyce makes the acquaintance of Barry Randolph, who is staying with his aunt while working on his thesis during the summer. They take a liking to each other and wind up spending time together.

On a picnic they see a small plane flying overhead and watch as it lands nearby. Curiosity draws them to explore who and where the plane went. They meet Giles Stevenson, a tall, handsome gent who seems able to charm the females he meets. Barry isn't happy about him, and Joyce finds a bit of a draw towards him.

While on the picnic, and away from Giles, Joyce confides in Barry about her curiosity about Amy's disappearance. Barry never met Amy, but he is game to join Joyce in solving the mystery.

Reading this book took me back to my years of reading the Nancy Drew series. A young person (Wow! That makes me sound old!) bent on solving a mystery with the help of a friend. Taking on tasks that can put them in jeopardy without the help of the adults.

It was a little choppy in parts, but over all I enjoyed my time reading it.

[Amy Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read. It was fun to recognize the changes that have occurred in technology as well as language since it was written. The mystery was different from current mysteries providing a nice change of pace.

[Greyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grabbed this from an LFL earlier this year, this is a short low-stakes early-60's mystery set in an idyllic California town.

And wouldn't you believe it, we do find out what happens to Amy.

Plot is quick and...fine, but this is almost the definition of dime-a-dozen.

[Gail Cathey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have this book, decades later. I loved it.

[Reese]

mystery and it's so good.You get lost in the characters lif!!

[Nattie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this, but was so let down. It was OK for about 90 pages, but then it just became really lackluster. I no longer cared what had happened to Amy.