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The Boxcar Children #142
The Legend of the Irish Castle
The Aldens visit Ireland and stay in a beautiful castle that's now a hotel! But the caretaker seems very superstitious, and at night they see a mysterious figure who walks the halls carrying a lantern. Could it be one of the banshees of ancient legend? The Boxcar Children must discover the secret that Duncarraig castle is hiding!
94 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
10 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Gertrude Chandler Warner
534 books771 followersGertrude Chandler Warner was born in Putnam, Connecticut, on April 16, 1890, to Edgar and Jane Warner. Her family included a sister, Frances, and a brother, John. From the age of five, she dreamed of becoming an author. She wrote stories for her Grandfather Carpenter, and each Christmas she gave him one of these stories as a gift. Today, Ms. Warner is best remembered as the author of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN MYSTERIES.
As a child, Gertrude enjoyed many of the things that girls enjoy today. She loved furnishing a dollhouse with handmade furniture and she liked to read. Her favorite book was ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Often on Sundays after church, Gertrude enjoyed trips to visit her grandparents' farm. Along the way, she and Frances would stop to pick the wildflowers they both loved. Gertrude's favorite flower was the violet.
Her family was a very musical one. They were able to have a family orchestra, and Gertrude enjoyed playing the cello. Her father had brought her one from New York ---a cello, a bow, a case and an instruction book. All together, he paid $14. Later, as an adult, she began playing the pipe organ and sometimes substituted for the church organist.
Due to ill health, Ms. Warner never finished high school. She left in the middle of her second year and studied with a tutor. Then, in 1918, when teachers were called to serve in World War I, the school board asked her to teach first grade. She had forty children in the morning and forty more in the afternoon. Ms. Warner wrote, "I was asked or begged to take this job because I taught Sunday School. But believe me, day school is nothing like Sunday School, and I sure learned by doing --- I taught in that same room for 32 years, retiring at 60 to have more time to write." Eventually, Ms. Warner attended Yale, where she took several teacher training courses.
Once when she was sick and had to stay home from teaching, she thought up the story about the Boxcar Children. It was inspired by her childhood dreams. As a child, she had spent hours watching the trains go by near her family's home. Sometimes she could look through the window of a caboose and see a small stove, a little table, cracked cups with no saucers, and a tin coffee pot boiling away on the stove. The sight had fascinated her and made her dream about how much fun it would be to live and keep house in a boxcar or caboose. She read the story to her classes and rewrote it many times so the words were easy to understand. Some of her pupils spoke other languages at home and were just learning English. THE BOXCAR CHILDREN gave them a fun story that was easy to read.
Ms. Warner once wrote for her fans, "Perhaps you know that the original BOXCAR CHILDREN. . . raised a storm of protest from librarians who thought the children were having too good a time without any parental control! That is exactly why children like it! Most of my own childhood exploits, such as living in a freight car, received very little cooperation from my parents."
Though the story of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN went through some changes after it was first written, the version that we are familiar with today was originally published in 1942 by Scott Foresman. Today, Albert Whitman & Company publishes this first classic story as well as the next eighteen Alden children adventures that were written by Ms. Warner.
Gertrude Chandler Warner died in 1979 at the age of 89 after a full life as a teacher, author, and volunteer for the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations. After her death, Albert Whitman & Company continued to receive mail from children across the country asking for more adventures about Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny Alden. In 1991, Albert Whitman added to THE BOXCAR CHILDREN MYSTERIES so that today's children can enjoy many more adventures about this independent and caring group of children.
Books about Gertrude: https://www.goodreads.com/characters/...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 14, 2020
The Legend of the Irish Castle.
The Boxcar children “Henry”, “Jessie”, “Violet”, “Benny” along with “James” their grandfather are visiting Ireland to see Erin one of their grandfather’s friend. Erin was the owner of the place they were staying at.
For lunch they went to the lake and ate fish and chips. Then Jessie took her book from her backpack and was reading it.
She found a page that said banshee and read it out loud “A banshee is a female she is mostly seen wearing a gray cloak or a black cloak. her cry can sound like a woman wailing or an owl moaning”.
Then they went to the place where they were staying and went into their room and unpacked.
Soon a guy named Fergus came into the room and said he was fixing the window because the last people who were there said that the window wouldn’t open.
When he finished he saw Benny’s shoes on the table and moved them off. The kids then settled in for bed.
When they woke up it was midnight and they heard a light moaning coming from out side Jessie got out of bed and went to the window it was open she closed it and looked out the window and saw what seemed to be a spirit.
The next day they told Erin what they had discovered when she heard the word Banshee she almost fainted.
They went to the library to see what they could find Jessie was almost done with her book. Benny found a book called bad luck and looked inside and found that putting shoes on a table brings bad luck and bringing lilacs inside also brings bad luck.
They go out to the meadow to get some fresh air and as their walking through the forest a big dog comes out of the brush and goes “awwwwwooooo” and something from farther away calls “awwwwwooooo”.
Then they go back to the library and find that Jessie’s book is missing they go to Erin and ask her where Fergus is and she said that he was out side looking for you.
They found him walking down a path that lead to a small house with a big dog in front of it. Jessie knocked on the door and a old woman came out with Fergus the old woman’s name was Rowe McCarron Ms McCarron wrote the book that Jessie was reading.
The kids asked her if she liked walking around at night and she said she did.
The Boxcar children “Henry”, “Jessie”, “Violet”, “Benny” along with “James” their grandfather are visiting Ireland to see Erin one of their grandfather’s friend. Erin was the owner of the place they were staying at.
For lunch they went to the lake and ate fish and chips. Then Jessie took her book from her backpack and was reading it.
She found a page that said banshee and read it out loud “A banshee is a female she is mostly seen wearing a gray cloak or a black cloak. her cry can sound like a woman wailing or an owl moaning”.
Then they went to the place where they were staying and went into their room and unpacked.
Soon a guy named Fergus came into the room and said he was fixing the window because the last people who were there said that the window wouldn’t open.
When he finished he saw Benny’s shoes on the table and moved them off. The kids then settled in for bed.
When they woke up it was midnight and they heard a light moaning coming from out side Jessie got out of bed and went to the window it was open she closed it and looked out the window and saw what seemed to be a spirit.
The next day they told Erin what they had discovered when she heard the word Banshee she almost fainted.
They went to the library to see what they could find Jessie was almost done with her book. Benny found a book called bad luck and looked inside and found that putting shoes on a table brings bad luck and bringing lilacs inside also brings bad luck.
They go out to the meadow to get some fresh air and as their walking through the forest a big dog comes out of the brush and goes “awwwwwooooo” and something from farther away calls “awwwwwooooo”.
Then they go back to the library and find that Jessie’s book is missing they go to Erin and ask her where Fergus is and she said that he was out side looking for you.
They found him walking down a path that lead to a small house with a big dog in front of it. Jessie knocked on the door and a old woman came out with Fergus the old woman’s name was Rowe McCarron Ms McCarron wrote the book that Jessie was reading.
The kids asked her if she liked walking around at night and she said she did.
March 21, 2017
I am a sucker for books I red as a child and though this book was not published at the time the Boxcar Children series of course was. These books were another one of my Mother's garage sale finds along with classic Nancy Drew. I was offered this at a good price from Amazon and since St. Patrick's Day was approaching I decided to relive my childhood.
The story was a nice, little, innocent mystery which was fun and of course easy to figure out. I liked the little added facts about Ireland at the end. If I had children I would most certainly read this to them. I have such fond memories of reading these books with my Mother. Always such fun!
The story was a nice, little, innocent mystery which was fun and of course easy to figure out. I liked the little added facts about Ireland at the end. If I had children I would most certainly read this to them. I have such fond memories of reading these books with my Mother. Always such fun!
June 15, 2024
Another in the classic series "The Boxcar Children." In this one, the Alden children visit Ireland with their grandfather, and find themselves in the middle of a mystery at the castle turned hotel where they are staying.
Quick, enjoyable read appropriate for ages 9 to 11.
Quick, enjoyable read appropriate for ages 9 to 11.
April 25, 2018
This is my first Boxcar Children that I have read. I enjoyed the book which involves the children traveling to Ireland with their grandfather. Henry, Jessie, Violet, Benny and Grandfather Alden board a jet to Ireland where they will be staying at Duncarraig Castle. Upon arrival at the Castle, the children learn there is much to explore on the castle grounds and in the castle itself, even a library is located in the castle. Jessie is enthralled over a book she is reading by an Irish author which tells of the mythical creatures of Irish legends. Upon arriving at the castle, they meet Fergus the caretaker who greets them in a gruff, unsmiling manner. The Alden children find his behavior mysterious and rude. The hotel's owner, Erin says her uncle has moved from his small cottage into the hotel and dislikes being around so many people. As the story ensues, the children think they hear a banshee screaming and note a hooded figure walking on the path away from the castle. This causes them to become curious as to who or what could be lurking around the castle and then they begin asking questions. Fergus, the caregiver tells them they are asking too many questions. As the story evolves, Fergus is hiding something, and exactly what he is hiding is a national treasure. The author of the book Jessie is reading is written by Maeve Rowe McCarron. Turns out Fergus has surrendered his castle to the writer so she can actually write. The children decided to follow a huge dog on the path and make this discovery and meet the beloved author. The book ends with lots of facts about the country of Ireland so the reader is more acquainted with the country. This is likely my last Boxcar Children book, it does not implore me to choose another
May 15, 2016
I liked picturing the beautiful countryside of Ireland. Getting there and the excitement of seeing it was cool. I love lighthouses. The Alden family, the main characters, siblings Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, and their grandfather, are all good characters I like.
The mystery's interesting. I'm glad they didn't actually believe in the superstitions, ghosts, banshees, and that it was shown as logical explanations. Also, I like that it was pointed out that the legends, superstitions, myths are all fanciful, made-up stories that aren't actually real, but instead tell stories, sometimes symbolically referring to things in history. Some things are obvious about the bad luck - such as putting your shoes on furniture, in other words, you'll get in trouble with your mother = not good = a bad thing i.e. bad luck.
Totally agree with the Alden siblings about how ANNOYING Mrs. Davison was with the way she talked to them and about them - in an airheaded, patronizing way. I've never liked that either!
The fish and chips made me soo hungry and that's a great Irish food tradition with Irish connections. But NOT the black pudding or rashers - ewwww ewwww ew! - wouldn't touch that at all. Irish stew is the national dish and Irish soda bread is very popular in Ireland and many other places around the world! :)
Overall, it was an okay read. The cover is cool and so are the internal illustrations. I have to say, what I imagined the book to be like and the anticipation of reading it was better than the book itself.
The mystery's interesting. I'm glad they didn't actually believe in the superstitions, ghosts, banshees, and that it was shown as logical explanations. Also, I like that it was pointed out that the legends, superstitions, myths are all fanciful, made-up stories that aren't actually real, but instead tell stories, sometimes symbolically referring to things in history. Some things are obvious about the bad luck - such as putting your shoes on furniture, in other words, you'll get in trouble with your mother = not good = a bad thing i.e. bad luck.
Totally agree with the Alden siblings about how ANNOYING Mrs. Davison was with the way she talked to them and about them - in an airheaded, patronizing way. I've never liked that either!
The fish and chips made me soo hungry and that's a great Irish food tradition with Irish connections. But NOT the black pudding or rashers - ewwww ewwww ew! - wouldn't touch that at all. Irish stew is the national dish and Irish soda bread is very popular in Ireland and many other places around the world! :)
Overall, it was an okay read. The cover is cool and so are the internal illustrations. I have to say, what I imagined the book to be like and the anticipation of reading it was better than the book itself.
May 20, 2022
One of my most favorites of the BCC series. Love the setting and the storyline of this one. A super fun read for me.
September 17, 2025
Another great one in the series. I really enjoyed the location of Ireland and the castle, as well as learning a few things about the traditions and foods they eat. I love going to all these different places in the books. My only dislike for this one was the talk of email. These books being written from the 1930s to now, but having the kids be the same ages, makes me feel like they should not be written in modern times, even if the book was written in modern times. When you don't have technology in it, or just a camera, it leaves it open to the imagination to picture the books taking place years ago when they were written or, as I had thought as a child, that they were in the late 80s, early 90s. Because I read them in the 90s and had thought back then as an 8 year old that the books had been written around that time, I always pictured them around that time. Having the kids be the same age but placed in modern times is just weird to me, and I just wish any technology or modern talk was left out of it.
June 21, 2024
I was looking for a book written by a Ghostwriter for prompt #21 of the 52 Book Challenge 2024.
I was surprised that the Boxcar Children books were on the Goodreads Listopia list. I googled it and found that she only wrote the first 19 books before her death. I also found that no one claims to have written any of the following books. They all say "Created by Gertrude Chandler Warner", not written by XXXXXX.
So they are working together, whomever "they" are, to do these books in her memory and they're not claiming any credit from their additions. That makes me feel good about the whole thing.
This book is just as enjoyable as the rest of the books I've read. The mystery of the Banshee is quite a good one. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!!!
I was surprised that the Boxcar Children books were on the Goodreads Listopia list. I googled it and found that she only wrote the first 19 books before her death. I also found that no one claims to have written any of the following books. They all say "Created by Gertrude Chandler Warner", not written by XXXXXX.
So they are working together, whomever "they" are, to do these books in her memory and they're not claiming any credit from their additions. That makes me feel good about the whole thing.
This book is just as enjoyable as the rest of the books I've read. The mystery of the Banshee is quite a good one. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!!!
April 3, 2018
Not my favorite Boxcar children story which was a disappointment! But I still like the characters because of their creativity and problem solving attitudes. The story does dhow the importance of unity and family connections. Also it discusses friendship and how to repair damaged relationships. I'd recommend The Boxcar Children books for young kids up to middle school because they are easy to read and teach good concepts. Also the mystery aspect is fun too!
April 23, 2020
I haven’t read anything about The Boxcar Children in a very, very long time. I really enjoyed these books growing up and when I saw this featured as limited time deal from Chirp Books Audiobooks for only $1, I figured why not!
It’s a very short listen(obviously it’s made for kids) but I was drawn into from the beginning. I love Ireland and I hope to their visit someday. I liked being able to picture it all in my head. There was also cool sound effects, especially for the howling.
I actually didn’t guess anything that was going to happen, ha. That’s always a good thing.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this. I think my daughter will also enjoy it as she gets older and it will do nicely when we travel to visit family.
It’s a very short listen(obviously it’s made for kids) but I was drawn into from the beginning. I love Ireland and I hope to their visit someday. I liked being able to picture it all in my head. There was also cool sound effects, especially for the howling.
I actually didn’t guess anything that was going to happen, ha. That’s always a good thing.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to this. I think my daughter will also enjoy it as she gets older and it will do nicely when we travel to visit family.
November 17, 2024
The Boxcar Children land in Ireland for a family vacation. They are staying at a castle and so very exited to learn the history of this building. A book that goes missing and a caretaker that is oddly behaving increase the motivation of the kids to find out why they feel like the castle is haunted.
This would be a great mystery for 2nd - 4th grade students who like the genre. The ghost is not particularly scary, so this is for true mystery lovers, not scary story lovers.
This would be a great mystery for 2nd - 4th grade students who like the genre. The ghost is not particularly scary, so this is for true mystery lovers, not scary story lovers.
October 15, 2023
The Alder children and their grandpa are off to Ireland. Violet has a book of Irish myths and lore. The children think they see a banshee in the forest on their first night. They must investigate the banshee and ensure nothing is wrong at the castle. The mysteries in the Boxcar Children books are always sweet. Their solutions are so wholesome. I enjoyed listening to this.
June 16, 2025
Book 142 of the Boxcar Children series. This time the children are in Ireland. A fun mystery with no real bad guy. This book dives into the culture and history of Ireland. Overall this was less mystery and more learning about the island. Still a fun read with a small twist.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
December 11, 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.
October 28, 2017
AWSOME!
April 8, 2022
Not my favorite out of this series
August 20, 2022
I did the Audio and enjoyed the narration. Did not know there were over 100 Boxcar books!
January 15, 2023
Mystery, Ireland, fairy tales, cozy, castle
February 15, 2023
Mysterious and fun!
June 17, 2023
82%
Ireland is cool!
Ireland is cool!
November 7, 2023
1. recommended by my eldest
2. takes place in Ireland
3. boxcar kids
What's not to like?
2. takes place in Ireland
3. boxcar kids
What's not to like?
May 2, 2024
I give it 4 stars because it talked too much about Ireland and also I kind of think it's cool because the author knows a lot about Ireland. I liked the English accents too.
November 22, 2017
I've been aware of this series of the Boxcar Children for too many years of my life, but until now I never read any of them, or knew anything about the series. The Boxcar Children phrase plays a role because four children (Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny) were left with no parents following their death. They were scared of their grandfather (reason unknown by this writer) and ran away into the woods, where they discovered an empty boxcar to protect themselves. Eventually the children were reunited with their grandfather, who moved this boxcar to his yard as a club house.
I don't like giving stars or a review to a children's book at all, especially since I'm not a child who reads so many that I have a breadth of current experience for comparison. In honesty, if I didn't need to post the book as read in order to meet a challenge, I would ignore.
The four Alden siblings travel to Ireland and a castle becomes the center of a mystery they are eager to solve.
I don't like giving stars or a review to a children's book at all, especially since I'm not a child who reads so many that I have a breadth of current experience for comparison. In honesty, if I didn't need to post the book as read in order to meet a challenge, I would ignore.
The four Alden siblings travel to Ireland and a castle becomes the center of a mystery they are eager to solve.
April 4, 2017
Well...... I have never read anything like it. I saw the ending by the 2 chapter.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews