What do you think?
Rate this book
The Five Find-Outers #12
The Mystery of Tally-Ho Cottage
An adventure for the Five Find-outers.
248 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
42 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Enid Blyton
5,132 books6,299 followersSee also:
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)
Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.
Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.
Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.
According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.
See also her pen name Mary Pollock
Ένιντ Μπλάιτον (Greek)
Enida Blaitona (Latvian)
Энид Блайтон (Russian)
Inid Blajton (Serbian)
Інід Блайтон (Ukrainian)
Enid Mary Blyton (1897–1968) was an English author of children's books.
Born in South London, Blyton was the eldest of three children, and showed an early interest in music and reading. She was educated at St. Christopher's School, Beckenham, and - having decided not to pursue her music - at Ipswich High School, where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. She taught for five years before her 1924 marriage to editor Hugh Pollock, with whom she had two daughters. This marriage ended in divorce, and Blyton remarried in 1943, to surgeon Kenneth Fraser Darrell Waters. She died in 1968, one year after her second husband.
Blyton was a prolific author of children's books, who penned an estimated 800 books over about 40 years. Her stories were often either children's adventure and mystery stories, or fantasies involving magic. Notable series include: The Famous Five, The Secret Seven, The Five Find-Outers, Noddy, The Wishing Chair, Mallory Towers, and St. Clare's.
According to the Index Translationum, Blyton was the fifth most popular author in the world in 2007, coming after Lenin but ahead of Shakespeare.
See also her pen name Mary Pollock
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 11, 2018
Findouters challenge: book 12. I started the Findouters challenge last October and have been reading these books in order since. Last month I took a bit of a ‘break’ from it as I was reading mainly historical fiction. But now I’m back to it, and plan to finish the series this month. The Mystery of Tally-ho Cottage was a book I last read many years ago, probably still in school, but not after unlike some of the other books in the series so all I really remembered about it was that it had the Larkins and the Lorenzos but who they were or what the mystery was about I didn’t remember at all. When I began reading though, the solution came back to me, and is certainly among the more creative and fun ones in the series. The story begins more or less the same, though this time Pip and Bets, Larry and Daisy are all in Peterswood while Fatty has been away for two weeks of the Christmas holiday. So, the opening is of course, the four and Buster (who Pip and Bets have been dog-sitting) setting out to the railway station to meet Fatty, due to arrive that day. There they or rather Buster get into a quarrel of sorts with a couple they later learn are the Lorenzos (tenants at Tally-ho Cottage)―the latter having accused Buster of ‘attacking’ their poodle Poppet. The matter settles down as the Lorenzos are leaving town and Poppet is to stay with the rather nasty caretakers of the cottage, the Larkins. Soon it emerges that the Lorenzos have stolen a valuable painting and taken off, and there is once again a mystery to solve. Meanwhile Ern is back in Peterswood staying with his other relatives the Wooshes, who happen to live just next to Tally-Ho giving him an opportunity to keep an eye on Tally-ho for Superintendent Jenks has forbidden Fatty to get involved.
This was another fun entry in the series with, as I wrote already, a pretty creative solution. As far as the ‘investigations’ are concerned, Ern takes a bit of a lead, building a tree- house and involving his twin cousins Liz and Glad in the process. (While the children are friendly to him, their attitude but for Bets is once again the same as ever Pip (who won’t make a noise in his house for fear of his strict parents) accusing Ern of not being brave, and almost all the children believing him to be loose lipped). Still, he catches on to some important things though it is Fatty and the others who interpret them. Also as usual, it is Bets who points to the all-important clue, unwittingly though in this one and Fatty catches on putting all the pieces into place as a result. But none of this before a couple of adventures in ‘disguise’, including as an ‘Indian’ (these bits are a bit exaggerated and stereotypical, but in good fun) to lead Goon a merry dance, as well as a midnight adventure. But yes, none of the planting of false clues and such, only playing tricks on Goon a little. Fatty also uses his mimicry and ventriloquism skills but to entertain rather than to ‘detect’. On the foodmeter, this one rated just ‘ok’―there was eating and drinking (scones, cocoa, gingerbread, cake) but it didn’t seem overflowing with food as some of their adventures are. A fun and entertaining read overall which I quite enjoyed.
A few of the original illustrations are available on the Blyton Society Page here: http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/bo... (but it has a review with spoilers so avoid that if you haven’t read the book but plan to).
This was another fun entry in the series with, as I wrote already, a pretty creative solution. As far as the ‘investigations’ are concerned, Ern takes a bit of a lead, building a tree- house and involving his twin cousins Liz and Glad in the process. (While the children are friendly to him, their attitude but for Bets is once again the same as ever Pip (who won’t make a noise in his house for fear of his strict parents) accusing Ern of not being brave, and almost all the children believing him to be loose lipped). Still, he catches on to some important things though it is Fatty and the others who interpret them. Also as usual, it is Bets who points to the all-important clue, unwittingly though in this one and Fatty catches on putting all the pieces into place as a result. But none of this before a couple of adventures in ‘disguise’, including as an ‘Indian’ (these bits are a bit exaggerated and stereotypical, but in good fun) to lead Goon a merry dance, as well as a midnight adventure. But yes, none of the planting of false clues and such, only playing tricks on Goon a little. Fatty also uses his mimicry and ventriloquism skills but to entertain rather than to ‘detect’. On the foodmeter, this one rated just ‘ok’―there was eating and drinking (scones, cocoa, gingerbread, cake) but it didn’t seem overflowing with food as some of their adventures are. A fun and entertaining read overall which I quite enjoyed.
A few of the original illustrations are available on the Blyton Society Page here: http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/bo... (but it has a review with spoilers so avoid that if you haven’t read the book but plan to).
April 23, 2023
Definitely one of the best mysteries of the series! A large empty house, a cottage with two unfriendly caretakers who seem to change personality mid story and a little poodle are providing the mystery for the Five. Ern, Mr Goon's nephew, is here again and giving a helping hand to the Five while trying to avoid his Uncle. There's a real puzzle here and it takes the Five quite a while to work it out.
A great read.
A great read.
September 13, 2021
I think I have read too much mysteries. I can spot the solution right from the beginning.
The Five-Find-Outers (and Dog) mysteries lately has become more and more Fatty's. The others did assist, but all the important acts seemed to come from Fatty. He's brilliant, very brave and not afraid to investigate and try many unconventional things (these were mostly the things that put him above average boy his age) and I have to say a great leader. And others seemed to fade away as sidekicks only.
And I'm really glad that the Five Find-Outers has accepted Ern as one of them. Not mocking him like the first time.
The Five-Find-Outers (and Dog) mysteries lately has become more and more Fatty's. The others did assist, but all the important acts seemed to come from Fatty. He's brilliant, very brave and not afraid to investigate and try many unconventional things (these were mostly the things that put him above average boy his age) and I have to say a great leader. And others seemed to fade away as sidekicks only.
And I'm really glad that the Five Find-Outers has accepted Ern as one of them. Not mocking him like the first time.
April 26, 2018
When the Hiltons and the Daykins go to the station to meet Fatty, they encounter a gang of people and a dog. Looks like the couple is going away leaving the dog behind with the servants. Later on, the five find out that there is a missing painting and the couple who just left are prime suspects. But where are they? And where is the painting hidden?
Ern makes an appearance in this one, which always is more enjoyable. He is packed off to his aunt's place, which is right next door to the couple's home! This gives the five a lookout right on the spot. Ern's twin cousins, another pair this time, assist him in keeping an eye out.
The fun element is pretty decent in this book too.
Ern makes an appearance in this one, which always is more enjoyable. He is packed off to his aunt's place, which is right next door to the couple's home! This gives the five a lookout right on the spot. Ern's twin cousins, another pair this time, assist him in keeping an eye out.
The fun element is pretty decent in this book too.
August 11, 2019
"A very fine mystery - there's more than meat on this rubber bone!"
Book twelve in this series was first published in 1954, and for me, it stands the test of time!
The Five Find-Outers: Fatty, Pip, Daisy, Larry and Bets - along with Buster, the dog, are soon on the trail of the thieves! The Lorenzos, tenants of Tally-Ho cottage, have vanished - just leaving behind their precious poodle, Poppet, with Mr and Mrs Larkin.
A priceless old picture is discovered to be stolen from a famous gallery.
Fatty needs to use all of his skills in the art of disguise, in order to find out information, clues and possible suspects! There are some really good characters in this story. Goon, the hapless village policeman, is once more struggling to keep up with the shrewdness of Fatty, and the other find-outers!
After some interesting and amusing encounters, the breakthrough finally comes when Bets makes an innocent and off-the-cuff remark about the sudden change in the behaviour of Mrs Larkin, in respect of dear Poppet! From that moment, going forward, there's no stopping Fatty, as he finally figures it all out - with the aid of a relaxing and thoughtful soak in the bath!
I found this story quite clever. It was not obvious to me, until quite close to the end, who the real perpetrators were! A very enjoyable read. A very good book for children that love to read an entertaining mystery. Recommended.
Book twelve in this series was first published in 1954, and for me, it stands the test of time!
The Five Find-Outers: Fatty, Pip, Daisy, Larry and Bets - along with Buster, the dog, are soon on the trail of the thieves! The Lorenzos, tenants of Tally-Ho cottage, have vanished - just leaving behind their precious poodle, Poppet, with Mr and Mrs Larkin.
A priceless old picture is discovered to be stolen from a famous gallery.
Fatty needs to use all of his skills in the art of disguise, in order to find out information, clues and possible suspects! There are some really good characters in this story. Goon, the hapless village policeman, is once more struggling to keep up with the shrewdness of Fatty, and the other find-outers!
After some interesting and amusing encounters, the breakthrough finally comes when Bets makes an innocent and off-the-cuff remark about the sudden change in the behaviour of Mrs Larkin, in respect of dear Poppet! From that moment, going forward, there's no stopping Fatty, as he finally figures it all out - with the aid of a relaxing and thoughtful soak in the bath!
I found this story quite clever. It was not obvious to me, until quite close to the end, who the real perpetrators were! A very enjoyable read. A very good book for children that love to read an entertaining mystery. Recommended.
August 1, 2020
Fatty does have brains!!
August 29, 2023
This book was fantastic like every Enid Blyton book but it was a bit predictable.Though there was a awesome twist in the end which made me give this 5 star rating.
April 16, 2019
The twelfth in Enid Blyton's fifteen-book Five Find-Outers and Dog series, in which a group of British schoolchildren play detective on their holidays, The Mystery of Tally-Ho Cottage sees Fatty, Larry, Daisy, Pip, and Bets (along with Buster the dog) engaged in a case involving a stolen painting and a couple of thieves on the run. When the elegant Lorenzos disappear from their rented home at Tally-Ho House, the entire country is put on the alert, and the Find-Outers keep watch at the cottage of their groundskeeper, Mr. Larkin. Could the Larkins be hiding the Lorenzos? And what can Poppet, Mrs. Lorenzo's beloved pet poodle, reveal about the case?
Read as part of a project to familiarize myself with the work of Enid Blyton, who, despite being virtually unknown in the United States, is the sixth most popular author in the world, the Five Find-Outers and Dog series has thus far confirmed some of the criticism I have read, that her writing is rather bland, her stories formulaic, and many of her social ideas outdated. For all that, I can understand why her work remains popular, as young readers often gravitate to series work, as a means of reinforcing reading skills, while being entertained. This particular title was fairly innocuous, despite the presence of Ern Goon, whose characterization in previous titles revealed some rather obnoxious classism. Somehow, his interaction with the Find-Outers was less irritating this time around, probably because there wasn't any ridicule of his pronunciation.
Read as part of a project to familiarize myself with the work of Enid Blyton, who, despite being virtually unknown in the United States, is the sixth most popular author in the world, the Five Find-Outers and Dog series has thus far confirmed some of the criticism I have read, that her writing is rather bland, her stories formulaic, and many of her social ideas outdated. For all that, I can understand why her work remains popular, as young readers often gravitate to series work, as a means of reinforcing reading skills, while being entertained. This particular title was fairly innocuous, despite the presence of Ern Goon, whose characterization in previous titles revealed some rather obnoxious classism. Somehow, his interaction with the Find-Outers was less irritating this time around, probably because there wasn't any ridicule of his pronunciation.
October 30, 2025
This is my favourite book so far of the five find outers series. Good to see Ern back as well! An enjoyable and lighthearted mystery, a nice easy read.
December 16, 2018
It was good but since not a lot was happening in the middle, i got bored while reading it. These mysteries are definitely Blyton's more mature and complicated ones.
Though I don't like the fact that only one character does all the work. And he's a bit annoying too. I'd have liked it more had Blyton allowed the other 4 to do more than marvel at Fatty's brain.
Though I don't like the fact that only one character does all the work. And he's a bit annoying too. I'd have liked it more had Blyton allowed the other 4 to do more than marvel at Fatty's brain.
Read
May 22, 2022this was like.. the book that got me into reading as a child and i never realized how blatantly racist it was? i mean i was five but still! never trusting white middle grade authors again
June 16, 2022
Cool amazing book great mystery but I called the twist but a hard mystery great book
April 7, 2024
Back to the great adventure stories good to see another dog poppet
February 20, 2021
It is always enchanting to revisit our infancy, through the menas of these Blyton adventures!
And it is also refreshing the way the Author manages to pass sound, lovely humor!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 20 February 2021.
And it is also refreshing the way the Author manages to pass sound, lovely humor!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon 20 February 2021.
August 2, 2013
A pretty decent MYSTERY book for MYSTERY lover! Would recommend this book for children's of all ages!
October 17, 2014
A goodread for children or the beginner-of-whodunits.
October 7, 2024
loving the villains' eccentric personality! and poppet!
April 23, 2013
good one :-) my first one in 5 find-outer series i guess :-) fatty's disguise is nice :-)
October 2, 2021
I think this is a good Five-Outer mystery. But as I have commented in some previous reviews, I'm getting a little tired of this series. They are detective stories, and they don't capture my inner-child's imagination as much as Blyton's adventure stories. I thought the mystery in this one was pretty interesting, although unfortunately I guessed it quite early, so that spoils a lot of the fun of reading a mystery story. I'm sure that younger readers, who are the target audience, after all, will find this story thrilling.
One problem I have with this series is that even though it's about a group of children, it's really Fatty's show. Fatty is a great character, no doubt, but it's a pity that the others are just glorified extras. Well, Bets has a bit more to do, being the one who usually makes the innocent observation that allows Fatty to solve the mystery, but Pip, Larry, Daisy... they are just there. It's funny, because at this point in the series Ern has basically become one of the gang. Not that I dislike that: it's nice that the children become friends with someone from a different social class, but it's strange that Ern is always given a more important role than the titular Find-Outers, other than Fatty.
I have to say that Mr. Goon is a very good villain and comic relief. It's always satisfactory seeing how Fatty outsmarts him, and when it's time for the final revelation in front of Inspector Jenks it's always funny seeing Goon looking like a fool, as once more the children have managed to solve the case under his nose.
One problem I have with this series is that even though it's about a group of children, it's really Fatty's show. Fatty is a great character, no doubt, but it's a pity that the others are just glorified extras. Well, Bets has a bit more to do, being the one who usually makes the innocent observation that allows Fatty to solve the mystery, but Pip, Larry, Daisy... they are just there. It's funny, because at this point in the series Ern has basically become one of the gang. Not that I dislike that: it's nice that the children become friends with someone from a different social class, but it's strange that Ern is always given a more important role than the titular Find-Outers, other than Fatty.
I have to say that Mr. Goon is a very good villain and comic relief. It's always satisfactory seeing how Fatty outsmarts him, and when it's time for the final revelation in front of Inspector Jenks it's always funny seeing Goon looking like a fool, as once more the children have managed to solve the case under his nose.
December 29, 2023
I stumbled upon this book in a charity shop and the Enid Blyton nostalgia made me buy it! This was a jolly old mystery but it didn’t stretch the brain too much. I’ve read other mysteries in the 9-12 age range and thought they’ve been better constructed if I’m being honest, but you can’t deny Enid Blyton is the OG of children’s mystery and adventure, perhaps excepting Carolyn Keene and Nancy Drew!
Fatty certainly did the heavy-lifting and there were some, shall we say, interesting phrases used when he decided that his newly acquired holiday tan would help out with his range of disguises. Overall a cute little mystery, neat and concise.
Fatty certainly did the heavy-lifting and there were some, shall we say, interesting phrases used when he decided that his newly acquired holiday tan would help out with his range of disguises. Overall a cute little mystery, neat and concise.
July 28, 2019
I have always loved an Enid Blyton book, and this one was no exception. I love being able to work out the mystery with the Find-Outers, and I did manage to figure out two things before them in this book. I would recommend this book to all ages - including adults who like Enid Blyton. It’s a very quick and easy read, and you don’t really need to read the previous books. I hope anyone who reads it enjoys it.
April 24, 2021
For young minds, these books proved to be so thrilling, the zest, the tumble into adventures, cracking puzzles, finding clues and finally putting criminals and robbers behind bars!
The mystery series were one of the best series in the Enid Blyton collection. The English highlands, and moors, the prolific city life and the extremely enigmatic children finding their way around, made for some of the best reads as a kid.
The mystery series were one of the best series in the Enid Blyton collection. The English highlands, and moors, the prolific city life and the extremely enigmatic children finding their way around, made for some of the best reads as a kid.
October 6, 2021
On the trail of con artists and thieves, the FFO enlist Ern and his cousins to keep watch on the neighbouring Larkins to find out all he can. Why are there arrange noises in the night? Why are the once cruel Larkins suddenly so kind to their mistresses little poodle, and where on earth is the missing painting.
Hysterical moment when Fatty disguised as Larkin comes across the REAL Larkin, and they are both discovered by Goon😂
Hysterical moment when Fatty disguised as Larkin comes across the REAL Larkin, and they are both discovered by Goon😂
June 1, 2022
Another amazing mystery
A large house and a small cottage on the grounds of Tally-Ho.
An old couple live in Tally-Ho cottage and a rather mysterious couple live the large house.
Rather unexpectedly the large house becomes empty, the question is,why?
A framed picture worth £500,000 goes missing at the same time.
So, what is happening with these strange events going on?
The Find Outers make it their business to find out just what is going on!
A large house and a small cottage on the grounds of Tally-Ho.
An old couple live in Tally-Ho cottage and a rather mysterious couple live the large house.
Rather unexpectedly the large house becomes empty, the question is,why?
A framed picture worth £500,000 goes missing at the same time.
So, what is happening with these strange events going on?
The Find Outers make it their business to find out just what is going on!
September 16, 2024
This series never disappoints. Funny, hijinks, a mystery (though the solution was fairly obvious early on—a rarity for the find outers, perhaps surpsingly, given it’s a children’s series—or perhaps I’m just a bit thick 😂.
This one is the Ern & Fatty show, to be sure—the other kids are barely involved. Goon is a perfect foil, the bumbling dim policeman, and Fatty’s disguises are a reliable, but never tired, device.
This one is the Ern & Fatty show, to be sure—the other kids are barely involved. Goon is a perfect foil, the bumbling dim policeman, and Fatty’s disguises are a reliable, but never tired, device.
August 24, 2025
Fun. I loved Fatty, the methods he used to navigate awful adults, and the descriptions of food. Buttered scones, hot cocoa, minced pies, gingerbread (whatever is it?), biscuits. You name it.
What I'd do to live in a quiet village with fields, rivers, and low-stakes mysteries to solve. A girl can dream.
PS:
1. I saw the end coming but the read was still enjoyable.
2. I didn't spot sexism here but it is racist and fat people are almost always described condescendingly. Tch.
What I'd do to live in a quiet village with fields, rivers, and low-stakes mysteries to solve. A girl can dream.
PS:
1. I saw the end coming but the read was still enjoyable.
2. I didn't spot sexism here but it is racist and fat people are almost always described condescendingly. Tch.
Read
April 30, 2020It is a story of five friends named Fatty, Pip, Larry, Bets, Daisy and Ern
In this story the five find outers try to solve the mystery of a very costly painting stolen by the Lorenzos. They do not get any clue in the starting but at least because of Ern's tree house one night Ern got a clue and the five find outers started the trailing again and at last Fatty solved the mystery.
In this story the five find outers try to solve the mystery of a very costly painting stolen by the Lorenzos. They do not get any clue in the starting but at least because of Ern's tree house one night Ern got a clue and the five find outers started the trailing again and at last Fatty solved the mystery.
March 21, 2022
4,3/5. The more I red it, the more I knew how the culprit disguise as the other characters. I quite enjoyed reading this series, but the only thing that bother me is when I found harsh words among the stories. I know that this is Enid Blyton’s style and it was okay in that period when she wrote it. I don’t think it’ll be well-received nowadays tho.
January 30, 2020
The more I re-read these books the more I love them. A good old fashioned mystery which brings back so many childhood memories. I love that they are still being published in new styles so new generations of readers have the pleasure of discovering them!
February 6, 2022
A rather sombre mystery. Blyton rehashes several familiar plot devices but scripts little investigation and few hijinks. Goon is at his least likeable and Fatty his most fallible, while the other Find-Outers contribute virtually nothing (save yet another epiphany-inducing comment from Bets).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews