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The Boxcar Children #71
The Ghost Town Mystery
Grandfather has just bought a plot of land in the Rocky Mountains — complete with a ghost town! When the Aldens hear their land is haunted, they don’t believe it. But when they see a ghostly figure on the main street, they know something’s up. There’s a mystery here and the Aldens are determined to solve it!
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1999
About the author
Aimee Lilly
308 booksAimee Lilly has been involved in radio drama and recording work since 1989. Aimee has recorded audio books by many best-selling authors. She portrayed Hattie Durham in the Dramatic Audio Version of the best-selling Left Behind series, and was part of the dramatic, multi-voice recording of the New Living Translation. She has played nurses, mothers, teachers, teenagers, reporters, chambermaids, a puzzle piece, a Bitsy Smoochums doll, and even a piece of fruit - but Liz is her first reptile. Aimee and her husband Scott live in the northern suburbs of Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 22, 2009
great when ur little
December 3, 2016
Bad adults doing bad things to get their way, kids happen to be there and they don't believe in no ghost.
October 7, 2019
Definitely enjoy reading Boxcar children books with my kiddo. It’s fun to revisit the Alden’s.
March 31, 2026
"The Ghost Town Mystery," penned by Gertrude Chandler Warner, invites readers into a classic blend of mystery and adventure, set against the evocative backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The novel intricately weaves together themes of family, courage, and the thrill of unraveling secrets, all while maintaining a tone that is both suspenseful and comforting.
At the heart of the story are the Alden children: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. Henry, the eldest, is the natural leader, possessing a strong sense of responsibility and bravery. His level-headedness often guides the group through tricky situations. Jessie, the second oldest, is the practical one, with a knack for organization and a keen eye for detail, which proves invaluable in piecing together clues. Violet, gentle and artistic, brings a sensitive perspective to their investigations, often noticing things that others overlook. Benny, the youngest, adds a touch of innocence and enthusiasm, his boundless energy and curiosity often leading the others down unexpected paths. Their relationships with each other are the bedrock of their success; they function as a cohesive unit, each sibling compensating for the others' weaknesses. Their grandfather, Mr. Alden, serves as a supportive figure, trusting their judgment and encouraging their independence, which allows them the freedom to explore and solve the mystery.
The plot thickens as the Aldens investigate strange occurrences in Tincup, the ghost town on their property. The ghostly figure they encounter is not what it seems, setting off a chain of investigations that reveal hidden motives and long-buried secrets. Subplots involving the ranch's unreliable utilities and suspicious locals add layers of complexity to the main mystery, keeping the readers guessing. Secondary characters, such as the enigmatic caretaker and the overly helpful neighbor, each play a crucial role, either aiding or hindering the Aldens' progress. The Aldens must navigate a web of deceit and misdirection, relying on their collective intelligence and bravery to uncover the truth.
One of the prominent themes in "The Ghost Town Mystery" is the power of family. The Alden children's unwavering loyalty and support for one another enable them to overcome obstacles that would be insurmountable alone. Their ability to work together, trust each other's instincts, and combine their unique skills highlights the strength that comes from familial bonds. Another significant theme is the triumph of courage over fear. Despite facing eerie and potentially dangerous situations, the Aldens never back down from their quest to uncover the truth. Their bravery is not reckless but is tempered by caution and a commitment to justice, demonstrating that even in the face of fear, one can stand firm and do what is right. The book also explores the theme of appearances versus reality. The ghostly figure and the strange events in Tincup initially seem supernatural, but as the Aldens dig deeper, they discover human motives behind the mysterious occurrences. This theme encourages readers to look beyond the surface and question assumptions, promoting critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world.
The tone of the novel is a delightful mix of suspense and warmth, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Warner masterfully creates an atmosphere of intrigue without resorting to overly frightening or graphic content, ensuring that the story remains engaging and appropriate for young readers. The plot twists are cleverly woven into the narrative, keeping the suspense high and the revelations satisfying.
In closing, "The Ghost Town Mystery" is a captivating read that celebrates the values of family, courage, and perseverance. Simon, if you enjoyed this book, you might also like "The Mystery of the Hidden Treasure" by Franklin W. Dixon, which offers a similar blend of adventure and suspense, or "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which explores themes of discovery and transformation in a charming and engaging way.
At the heart of the story are the Alden children: Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. Henry, the eldest, is the natural leader, possessing a strong sense of responsibility and bravery. His level-headedness often guides the group through tricky situations. Jessie, the second oldest, is the practical one, with a knack for organization and a keen eye for detail, which proves invaluable in piecing together clues. Violet, gentle and artistic, brings a sensitive perspective to their investigations, often noticing things that others overlook. Benny, the youngest, adds a touch of innocence and enthusiasm, his boundless energy and curiosity often leading the others down unexpected paths. Their relationships with each other are the bedrock of their success; they function as a cohesive unit, each sibling compensating for the others' weaknesses. Their grandfather, Mr. Alden, serves as a supportive figure, trusting their judgment and encouraging their independence, which allows them the freedom to explore and solve the mystery.
The plot thickens as the Aldens investigate strange occurrences in Tincup, the ghost town on their property. The ghostly figure they encounter is not what it seems, setting off a chain of investigations that reveal hidden motives and long-buried secrets. Subplots involving the ranch's unreliable utilities and suspicious locals add layers of complexity to the main mystery, keeping the readers guessing. Secondary characters, such as the enigmatic caretaker and the overly helpful neighbor, each play a crucial role, either aiding or hindering the Aldens' progress. The Aldens must navigate a web of deceit and misdirection, relying on their collective intelligence and bravery to uncover the truth.
One of the prominent themes in "The Ghost Town Mystery" is the power of family. The Alden children's unwavering loyalty and support for one another enable them to overcome obstacles that would be insurmountable alone. Their ability to work together, trust each other's instincts, and combine their unique skills highlights the strength that comes from familial bonds. Another significant theme is the triumph of courage over fear. Despite facing eerie and potentially dangerous situations, the Aldens never back down from their quest to uncover the truth. Their bravery is not reckless but is tempered by caution and a commitment to justice, demonstrating that even in the face of fear, one can stand firm and do what is right. The book also explores the theme of appearances versus reality. The ghostly figure and the strange events in Tincup initially seem supernatural, but as the Aldens dig deeper, they discover human motives behind the mysterious occurrences. This theme encourages readers to look beyond the surface and question assumptions, promoting critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world.
The tone of the novel is a delightful mix of suspense and warmth, making it accessible to readers of all ages. Warner masterfully creates an atmosphere of intrigue without resorting to overly frightening or graphic content, ensuring that the story remains engaging and appropriate for young readers. The plot twists are cleverly woven into the narrative, keeping the suspense high and the revelations satisfying.
In closing, "The Ghost Town Mystery" is a captivating read that celebrates the values of family, courage, and perseverance. Simon, if you enjoyed this book, you might also like "The Mystery of the Hidden Treasure" by Franklin W. Dixon, which offers a similar blend of adventure and suspense, or "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, which explores themes of discovery and transformation in a charming and engaging way.
April 17, 2023
Book 71 of The Boxcar Children series. The Alden children are at it again. This runs along the same vein as the others. We have a couple of suspicious characters and a lot of bad cooking and bad hotel service. The is something rotten in Denmark and it ain’t just the cooking. Well thought out motivation with a silly repercussion. All in all it was a good quick read.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com
May 7, 2022
Most Boxcar Children books are very predictable. This one is to a certain extent but there are some unexpected twists. It's definitely more surprising than the others.
The only criticism I have is a "ghost town" story would be way better without an actual ghost. It kind of messes up the whole ghost town concept.
The only criticism I have is a "ghost town" story would be way better without an actual ghost. It kind of messes up the whole ghost town concept.
February 13, 2024
This Boxcar Children book is more of a real mystery. The reader is not sure of who is doing all of the weird stuff around Tincup Creek and the motive for why they are doing them until the end of the book. The plot is very predictable, especially if you read a lot of Boxcar Children books. It is good, but not remarkable.
October 10, 2024
(4☆ Would recommend)
I loved these books as a kid & I'm really enjoying reading through the series again. I liked the mystery & the suspense. I like how there is more than one possible suspect, who each have reasonable motive. Would recommend.
I loved these books as a kid & I'm really enjoying reading through the series again. I liked the mystery & the suspense. I like how there is more than one possible suspect, who each have reasonable motive. Would recommend.
November 24, 2025
I mean it’s a children’s book from the late 90s that was number 71 in a series. Formulaic as intended with a predictable resolution. But the quality of the audiobook was really good. Not fully casted (that I can see) but great voice work and lots of backing noise. Would be a great listen for kids.
June 13, 2023
76%
What year are these children in anymore??
What year are these children in anymore??
July 12, 2024
I loved the information about the Gold Rush. An interesting mystery also.
March 4, 2013
The Boxcar children:#71 - the ghost town mystery
This book - like any other boxcar book - has a great mystery. Its a short book, and I reccomend it for kids third grade through fifth grade.
In this book, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny go to a town their grandfather owns for a visit. Its a small town, but everyone likes it.Then, one night, the kids see a ghost! everyone knows ghosts aren't real, but the kids saw it. They are determined to find out the mystery of the ghost!
September 20, 2007
I haven't read it yet.
April 20, 2023
Scooby Doo esgue tales
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews