The Forbidden Chest

Judy Bolton Mysteries #24

by Margaret Sutton

Judy helps Holly Potter pick up her things from her Cousin Cleo's house, including a chest that Holly refuses to open because it is "forbidden." Cousin Cleo is not at home when Judy and Holly arrive, but since Holly does not care to wait, they leave without seeing Cousin Cleo.

The next day Cousin Cleo accuses Holly of theft because all of her valuable antiques have been stolen. Judy knows that Holly did not take the antiques since Judy was with Holly at Cousin Cleo's home. Cousin Cleo is convinced that Holly has hidden her antiques inside the locked forbidden chest, but Holly refuses to open the chest to prove her innocence.

Holly's mother's last words before she died were "Don't open it!" and so Holly will not open the chest. Unfortunately, Cousin Cleo continues to suspect Holly of the theft. Judy must prove Holly's innocence and the only way is to find the real thief, even though Judy has very few clues.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Childrens

210 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

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]

Judy sets out to prove that her new friend Holly did not steal some valuable glassware from her aunt Cleo and Uncle Fred. Along the way, she meets a "poor little rich boy," Harold Wilson, who is the Number One suspect. Once Judy meets his abominable parents Judy's heart is touched and she does what she can to prove both suspects innocent. We are treated to a secret underground fort, a forbidden chest that disappears seemingly into thin air, a cross-country train ride (with prisoners headed to "The Rock!"), and a visit to a horse ranch arranged by the FBI.

We also see some charming glimpses of Peter and Judy together and are re-introduced to people we met in The Black Cat's Clue, including Aunt Cleo the Drama Queen, and her phlegmatic husband. When we learn why Holly's dead mother made her promise never to open it, it is quite poignant. Once the chest is opened it is quite the shocker! No body parts though, I promise!

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[LuAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I had trouble getting into this, being so annoyed at a 15 year old character who refused to open the chest her mother willed to her but had forbidden her to open--what's the point? But, naturally, this just gives Judy something to eat away at her curiosity throughout the book. And, of course, her missing antiques and Peter's missing person mysteries dovetail. That Judy hopped a train and sped off across the country in pursuit of a "person of interest" seems ridiculous; for a gal from 1930s/40s/50s rural PA she sure gets around, but the relationship she develops with the person while traveling is touching, and over all, the book held my interest. Judy's near equality with her FBI agent husband and his faith and reliance on her in his job is refreshing for the time period.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Judy helps her young friend and neighbor Holly to pick up her belongings from her cousin's house, she doesn't expect it to lead to another mystery. But one item is an antique chest, that Holly's mother forbid her from opening when she was young. This made such an impression on her, that Holly still won't open it. But then Holly's cousin Cleo accuses her of stealing some of her antiques, and somehow the chest vanishes. In the meantime, Peter is investigating a case of a missing boy — a boy Judy and Holly saw selling eggs at Cousin Cleo's house. But why would a rich man's son take a job like that, and where is he living? And is he somehow involved with the missing antiques? Together Judy and Peter must unravel this convoluted case. Enjoyable.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some of the books in the series involve a lot of characters, many actually helping Judy solve the mystery, this one spends a lot of time with just Judy. While some of the "usuals" show up briefly or are mentioned, Judy spends her time with or helping her neighbor, Holly, and her husband, Peter. His work and her mystery send her on a fun train trip. The reader would do well to remember that despite her marriage, Judy is still quite young - and ready for adventure. An enjoyable read with emphasis on family love.

[Pam · Rating 1 out of 5]

I LOVE Judy Bolton. L(OVE them. I will be sad when I reach the end of the series.

Having said that -- this was an odd book. I enjoyed it for certain aspects -- the cross-country train trip, the scenery, etc. I LOVE Judy and I love the author's characters. But this was not her best work.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of Judy Bolton. I re-read this book for a trivia contest and came in third place. It's a tantalizing mystery when valuable antiques are stolen from various collectors around Pennsylvania. Judy, as the wife of an FBI agent goes "undercover" when she boards a train to follow a boy who is a main suspect in the case, although Judy hopes he isn't guilty. The train journey takes her all the way to California, without funds or knowing where she is going or what to do when she gets there. Meanwhile, her friend Holly Potter has a chest that her now deceased mother forbid her to open and even though Holly is accused of hiding stolen antiques inside, she refuses to disobey her mother's command.

This is a great Judy Bolton mystery.