The Secret of Stonehouse

by Lynn Hall

Heather is drawn to find out the secret of the deserted Stonehouse.

Genres: Gothic, Mystery, Horses

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Lynn Hall was the author of over fifty novels for juvenile and young adult readers, as well as over two dozen novels for younger readers. Her books focus on coming-of-age stories featuring dogs and horses.

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://kiribeth.blogspot.com/2014/05/...

I picked up this book thinking it was going to be another dull, horse-related mystery. Yet, while the horse does play a big part in the tale, the mystery doesn't revolve around the animal. Truthfully, I'm not a huge fan of horse novels as they tend to be cliche; my only real enjoyment in that genre is Black Beauty, and that's saying a lot for me. However, The Secret of Stonehouse had a different feel to it, and I appreciated that. As a short mystery novel at only 151 pages, it's a nice read to pick up on a lazy afternoon.

Heather is Scottish, and I loved the way the author wove Scottish lingo into the story. It didn't feel overdone, as though Lynn Hall were trying to press the fact that Heather was Scottish, but rather flowed very nicely. The mystery was well thought-out, and the pace kept my interest in the story. I did think Lynn Hall took a bit of time getting around to the actual mystery, but as I read further, I discovered the mystery had been introduced from page one and I didn't pick up on it - a plus, in my opinion. How many authors can make *the* mystery *a* mystery?

Advisory: As Heather uncovers secrets of Stonehouse, someone threatens her life several times, but it's just the normal suspense and action of a mystery novel.

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather arrives in America full of questions - beginning with why, exactly, her and her father left Scotland in such a hurry. Even more mysteriously, the small town they immigrated to feels strangely familiar, as odd a choice as it was for them to settle there. Heather makes friends quickly, despite her best efforts to remain aloof from the locals. Just when she thinks that this life isn't so bad, though, she realizes that what her father is telling her is not adding up to the strange goings on in her home.

This book offers YA content, a lovely horse story, and a thrilling mystery all wrapped up into one small package.

The Secret of Stonehouse is a great YA offering - certainly it provides perspective on just how much of an outsider someone can feel even if they speak the language and have the same interests. Though Heather loves horses, as do her new crowd of friends, what she's grown up with is much different than the horse scene she's confronted with in Wisconsin. And though she speaks English, the American slang has her always feeling like she doesn't get an inside joke. The outsider looking in theme is handled well here, as Heather gingerly maneuvers her way around her new home.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing. The plot was so well thought out.

There is a girl that moves to this new place with her father. She meets this guy that she rides horses with. They go to the beach, and stay in this cabin which is windy. This girl is attracted to this place you have to read the book to find out why that was a good and bad thing.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last, a mystery to rival Pony Hollow! Featuring: ponies & general horsing around (have you ever been to a shodeo? That's a just-for-fun combined horse show and rodeo), an abandoned estate complete with a stable and a still furnished stone mansion, sweet small Midwestern town stuff, and at the heart of it all, an old and unsolved kidnapping/murder mystery.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not first reading (date below): with (above)
May 26, 2006: with (above)

[Patri :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

muy muy ameno