The Yellow Phantom

Judy Bolton Mysteries #6

by Margaret Sutton

Judy Bolton and Irene Lang travel to New York City for a visit with Pauline Faulkner. While on their way into the city, the girls meet a handsome young author named Dale Meredith. The girls, especially Irene, become intrigued with the idea of meeting him again. By a stroke of luck, Judy secures a position in his agent's office.

When Dale's agent, Emily Grimshaw, sees Irene for the first time, she reacts as though she has seen a ghost. Irene clearly looks just like someone from Emily Grimshaw's past, but who? Complicating the situation, a stack of important papers is stolen, and soon after, Irene disappears as well.

Judy, Pauline, and Dale are worried sick about Irene, and it is not until after a long and difficult search that they learn the truth. Irene Lang's life reads like a fairy tale, and like a fairy princess, Irene, now the 'Golden Girl,' receives an inheritance and captures the heart of Dale Meredith.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Childrens, Mystery Thriller

210 pages

First published January 1, 1933

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 5 out of 5]

“Irene, nothing!” she fumed. “That girl’s Johanna Holiday, the wench who made away with her mother’s poetry. I know you!" She pointed a shaking finger at the trembling Irene.

Judy, standing near the old lady, caught a whiff of her breath and guessed that she had taken an overdose from the bottle that she called her tonic. She had noticed how frequently her employer resorted to the stimulant.

Margaret Sutton originally wrote this book as a stand-alone unrelated to the Judy Bolton series. When it didn’t sell, she revamped it into a Judy Bolton book. In many ways, it falls very seamlessly into the series, but it does incorporate some elements that seem a little unusual for a girl’s series book. Judy’s friend, Irene, who is barely 17 and still in high school has a serious romance with and becomes engaged to a man who is well into his 20s. One of the characters is an eccentric literary agent with a drinking problem and some of the situations in which Judy and her girlfriends find themselves seem more appropriate or realistic for older girls.

At the end of The Ghost Parade, Judy’s friend Pauline, the daughter of Dr. Faulkner who made an appearance in The Invisible Chimes, invites Judy and Irene to her home in New York City to finish out their extended summer vacation while Farringdon’s new high school is being built. Dr. Faulkner really gets around. Apparently, every crazy person in New York City was or is a patient of his. Lots of coincidences in this one. On the bus to Pauline’s luxurious home in Gramercy Park, the girls’ attention is caught by a handsome young(ish) man. Irene declares him her “ideal” and the girls hope to meet him in New York. It seems unlikely but Judy discovers he is an author of murder mysteries. She has no trouble getting a job with his agent, the eccentric and gruff Emily Grimshaw, in an effort to pursue their acquaintance. And, indeed, it isn't long before Dale Meredith shows up. When Judy brings Irene along to the office, the formidable tough-as-nails editor takes one look at her, goes into shock, and insists she is someone named “Joy” who we find out is the dead daughter of one of her clients, the poet and recluse, Sarah Glenn. Dale and the 3 girls become friendly but it isn’t long before Dale’s preference for Irene becomes obvious (much to Pauline’s irritation). In fact, it is love at first sight. Meanwhile, some valuable manuscripts of the poet mysteriously disappear and Irene also mysteriously and alarmingly disappears soon after. Is there a connection between Sarah Glenn, her dead daughter, Joy, whom Irene so strongly resembles, Irene, and the stolen manuscripts?

Judy has her work cut out for her in this one. In her desperation to find Irene while fearing the worst, she is also trying to protect her from being suspected of stealing the manuscripts. She is at her wit’s end when Peter, Arthur, and her brother Horace show up to help her with the search, ably supported by New York’s finest.

The Yellow Phantom makes good use of its New York City setting. the girls have a night out on the town, and later, Judy ventures alone into the wilds of Brooklyn following clues to Irene's whereabouts. In addition to the baffling mystery of what happened to Irene and how the manuscripts disappeared from Ms. Grimshaw’s secure office in broad daylight, we have a bonafide serious romance, attempted murder, evil villain, and a sad tale of a tragic romance, fear of insanity, bad poetry, and a yellow phantom in a tower window. Peter and Judy’s relationship is moved forward, and the hapless Irene seems to have fallen into a secure future with an inheritance and Dale. Lord knows she needs someone willing and able to take charge of her. The only quibble I have is the solution to how the manuscripts disappeared is pretty preposterous and somewhat of a letdown.

We can only hope that it will be nothing but smooth sailing ahead for Dale and Irene’s romance. I guess we will find out in The Mystic Ball. Wink, wink.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[Christine B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't yet put my finger on why I enjoy the Judy Bolton series so much. They are dated (1930s), often full of plot holes and improbable leaps of reasoning -- not unlike the early Nancy Drews, actually, which were being published at the same time. But while Nancy tends to perform as a solo artist, Judy comes with a backup band, and perhaps that is what, for me, makes the books so addictive. Judy's various friends are important in her adventures -- and many have their own story arcs. So picking up the next book in the series is like catching up with old friends.

Much of the joy in vintage popular fiction is simply letting yourself get caught up in all the trappings of the past. For me, it's the atmosphere that appeals -- the awareness that these books were written in a reality very different from ours -- 20 years before television, nearly a century before cell phones. Sure, there are plenty of gender, and other, stereotypes and outdated attitudes. But what is the point in expecting a book published in 1932 to read like one written in 2021? I like the fact that Judy Bolton's reality, idealized and naive though it is, still provides a peek into the amusements and dreams of real kids growing up during my parents' and grandparents' time. And unlike Nancy Drew (whom I also love) Judy has not only mysteries to solve, but school and homework and sibling rivalry and mean girls at school to contend with. (And let's face it, Judy has the better boyfriend. Ned Nickerson only weighs Nancy down. Peter Dobbs actually helps Judy out!)

Anyway, as long as the supply holds out, I will no doubt continue to gobble up these engaging books. This particular title was extra fun for the writing/publishing angle to the mystery -- and the eccentric character of "Her Majesty" Emily Grimshaw.

[Randy Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th Judy Bolton mystery, and the first in which she ventures to New York City (and she has a much better time of it than the Hardy Boys, who a couple of years earlier, stumbled into NYC like a couple of hayseeds, got pick-pocketed and had to sleep in Central Park). Judy, Pauline, and Irene take a bus, and take Blackberry, Judy’s cat along! They meet a novelist on the bus, get embroiled in some odd business right off the bat, and stay at Dr. Faulkner’s swank Gramercy Park townhouse. In order to get to the bottom of the new mystery, Judy gets a job with an odd literary agent who enjoys a little “medicine,” gets involved with poets, and eventually ventures deep into Brooklyn. This is a pretty crazy story, by the end of it, but I won’t give any more away. It’s not my favorite of the Judy Bolton books I’ve read, but it’s good—and like I said before—it’s much better if you read the Judy Bolton books in order, from number one—as it is, so far at least, like one continuous story. Was there ever a Judy Bolton movie or TV series? There should have been!

[James Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

1933

This is another Judy Bolton book. The main plot centers on some poetry that has been written and apparently some of which has been stolen. Judy is the main character but there is also Dale, who is a mystery writer, Irene, a young girl and Emily Grimshaw, a book agent that hires Judy to help go through some bad poetry to get it into proper shape to be published.

Some poetry goes missing and so Irene herself goes missing. There's also a major villain, of course. There's an old tower that becomes important and Irene's background is cleared up. It may be an old story but it's still a good one.

[J. Boo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hadn't read any of the other mysteries featuring Judy Bolton -- a girl detective in the vein of Nancy Drew. If I was a pre-teen girl, I'm sure I would have liked it quite a bit. Romance! An adult job, but a fun one, in pursuit of the romance! Poetry! Exploring the wonders of New York City!

Anyway, a fairly obvious mystery, where the guy who spends all his scenes practically twirling his mustache was the villain. As it is, two and a half stars, but rounded up in sympathy to pre-teen girls everywhere.

Available on Gutenberg.

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I re-read this book last month. What a good story. Judy and Irene go to New York to stat with Pauline. They are plunged into adventure when they meet a mysterious young man on the bus...he seems quite attracted to Irene. Later, Irene disappears and Judy does her best to locate her. Peter, Horace and Arthur have to come to New York to help solve the mystery...oh and Judy gets a job working for an author's agent...

[Deana David Lissenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series. It is VERY light reading, but full of atmosphere and period language. Very gentle, dated stories with surprising twists and moments of great suspense!

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written over a hundred years ago about a girl detective, this book is cute in the way that early feminist works often are. That is, they are fairly misogynistic and rather insulting, but the author meant well. The boys even cook dinner (surprisingly well) for a "special event" and Judy is an independent girl of 16 who wants to challenge the NYPD to hire her on as a detective.

The mystery, unfortunately wasn't very interesting. Irene goes missing, but it turns out she was just visiting her long-lost-dying Grandma (and this was obvious). The convenience of characters is also surprising and rather odd (Pauline's Dad knows both Miss Grimshaw and Ms. Glenn; the girls meet a random man on the train and his agent turns out to also be Ms. Glenn's agent...really it reads as if there are only about 15 people in all of NYC.

Not to mention that Judy and Irene go job hunting when they will only be in town for 2 or 3 weeks; and after only a week on the job Miss Grimshaw trusts Judy with a key and to handle all the work. As an employer, I've learned it takes almost 6 months before I feel an employee is even close to trained.

Overall it was an interesting period piece and rather short, but really nothing spectacular.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite novels in the series as Judy goes to New York City where she meets a literary agent, an author, and - of course- finds a mystery. This novel is an important one in the series as there is a major development for Judy's friend, Irene. With the standard friends not around, there is an opportunity to get to know Irene and Pauline better - and Peter (and Arthur) do make an appearance.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps ’yellow’ shouldn't be used in titles as I believe both this book and Doyle's Sherlock Holmes story The Adventure of the Yellow Face are far from the best work of their authors. I found the plot more far fetched than other Judy Bolton and rather Gothic. Some of the logic and choices seemed strange and conversations didn't flow. I found the use of poetry clever.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, goodreads needs to start doing half stars. This book was three and a half stars for me. The storyline was okay, but I felt like all the girls were a bit shallow in this book; only letting their emotions guide them. I did like Peter in this book. I am sure he just gets better in every book.
I can't quiet put my finger on the main thing that bothered me, but I came out unimpressed.

[Maureen]

These books are ones I read as a teen. Loved them then and now just as much. Judy and Irene travel to NY. As a mystery Judy finds herself at a publisher office and ends up getting a job. While trying to get information out of her boss she ends up with another mystery of missing script. It all comes out in the end and Irene ends up with inheriting a house and a lot of money and a fiance'.

[Jessica Dudenhofer Beery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm waiting to not like one of these books.
Another fun read about Judy and her friends...this time they are in New York, uncovering mysteries while working a fun job with a literary agent. Sweet Irene falls in love, while the rest of the gang gets wrapped up in tower rooms, disappearing manuscripts and yellow phantoms.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to lay off the Judy Bolton's for awhile. She is getting tiresome.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Judy Bolton books

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute vintage YA read.

[emma southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books

I have loved reading this book as I have all the others written by her. It stands the test of time

[Anna O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 6
Judy and irene (who was introduced in book 2), are off to New York for a visit to an old friend. While on the way, Irene meets a young author named Dale Meredith. When Irene wants to meet with him again, they plan a surprise meeting, when Dales agent Emily, sees Irene she reacts strangely as if she's someone she might have seen before. Dumbfounded by the agents response, Judy and Irene attempt to solve the mystery behind this strange encounter. To complicate matters, there's a stack of papers that have gone missing and Irene goes missing in the process. What's Irenes connection to this Golden Girl? Why was Irene taken? Will Judy and Dale be able to find Irene?

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe the best part of this installment in Judy Bolton's exciting life is when she, at age 16, gets a part-time gig with a literary agent and is responsible for reading and critiquing manuscripts from hopeful authors. Judy, after a tough day of perusing boring and poorly written works muses on the would-be authors' inadequate plot and character development. Funny, I was pondering the same thing about the herky-jerky narrative in this edition of what should have been a much better book.

[Honore · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book does not age well when it comes to plot/ character development. Also, by today's standards, this is most definitely not a mystery. There really isin't a way for the reader to solve the mystery before it is reveled. . This book is just a story with lots of "dramatic action". Why were celery and raisins such a big food thing before the 1960's?

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one quite a lot but I have to say I hope this isn't going to be a recurring theme in the Judy Bolton books but this is the second time now we are given a back story where a very young woman marries has a child and then dies -in both cases by the time they are 20!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was much better than the other judy bolton book i read, the mystery was actually interesting this time
i still don't like the peter comes in in the end to save the day!!1 stop it.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Judy and Irene travel to New York City to visit their friend Pauline, little do they think they will soon be in the midst of a mystery that will change Irene's life.

[Phair · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Found my 1962 diary with a list of books read and ratings! Alas, no comments though...)