The Mystery at Peacock Hall

The Boxcar Children #63

by Gertrude Chandler Warner (Creator)

The Aldens hope to find the treasure hidden at Peacock Hall. But when a face appears in a window, they realize there may be more than just one mystery to the mansion!

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Chapter Books, Family

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Gertrude 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/...

Reviews

[Jessica Woodring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Southern Cousin Althea might have lost her huge home - that she doesn’t like or need, but will not consider selling - if it hadn’t been for the meddling Boxcar children and their mystery-loving shenanigans.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Mystery at Peacock Hall" takes the Alden children to a grand, old mansion rumored to house a hidden treasure, but they soon discover a web of secrets far more intriguing than gold. Warner masterfully blends classic mystery elements with the heartwarming family dynamics that define the Boxcar Children series, creating a compelling read that keeps you guessing until the very end.

The Alden children, each with their unique strengths and flaws, are the heart of this novel. Henry, the eldest, is the responsible and level-headed leader, always looking out for his younger siblings. His practicality is both an asset and a hindrance, as it sometimes makes him hesitant to embrace the more imaginative theories. Jessie, the caretaker of the family, is intelligent and resourceful, with a keen eye for detail. Her nurturing nature often puts her in a protective role, but she also struggles with self-doubt. Violet, the gentle artist, brings a creative perspective to their investigations, noticing clues that others overlook. However, her shyness can sometimes prevent her from sharing her insights. Benny, the youngest, is enthusiastic and observant, with an uncanny ability to connect with people. His naiveté occasionally leads him into trouble, but his genuine curiosity often uncovers crucial information. The Aldens' relationships with each other are the bedrock of their success. Their unwavering loyalty and willingness to support each other allow them to overcome obstacles and solve the mystery together.

One of the central themes in "The Mystery at Peacock Hall" is the importance of family. The Alden children's unwavering loyalty and support for one another are constantly tested as they navigate the challenges of Peacock Hall. They face external obstacles, such as suspicious caretakers and hidden passageways, but also internal conflicts as their individual flaws and insecurities come to light. Ultimately, it is their ability to work together, to leverage their strengths and support each other's weaknesses, that allows them to succeed. This theme resonates throughout the novel, reminding readers of the power of familial bonds in overcoming adversity. Another prominent theme is the exploration of perception versus reality. The face in the window, the rumors of hidden treasure, and the eerie atmosphere of Peacock Hall all contribute to an environment where things are not always as they seem. The Alden children must learn to look beyond the surface, to question their assumptions, and to rely on their own observations and intuition to uncover the truth. This theme encourages readers to think critically and to consider different perspectives before forming conclusions.

The plot thickens with several unexpected twists, including the discovery of secret passages, a hidden room, and a long-lost family history. The tone of the novel is suspenseful yet comforting, balancing the thrill of the mystery with the warmth of the Aldens' familial bond. The expressive character development allows readers to connect with each child on a personal level, rooting for them as they unravel the secrets of Peacock Hall.

In closing, "The Mystery at Peacock Hall" is a delightful blend of suspense and heart, perfect for young readers and anyone who enjoys a classic mystery with endearing characters. If you enjoyed this book, you might also like "The Secret of the Old Clock" by Carolyn Keene or "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros.

[fanboyriot · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I saw it on Libby and thought it seemed a bit interesting. It was entertaining but I don’t think I’d have to read it again.

Read For
✓ Classics
✓ Short Story
✓ Middle Grade
✓ Light Mystery
✓ Realistic Fiction

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Sad Level: 💧

Plot: 5/10
Pace: 8/10
Ending: 6/10
Characters: 5/10
Enjoyability: 5/10
Writing Style: 6/10
Would I Recommend? Maybe
Favorite Character: n/a

Favorite Quote: ❝Their parents had died and they were afraid their grandfather was mean. But then he had found them and the children had learned that James Alden was a kind and loving man. ❞

POV: Third Person
Pages: 128
Format: Audiobook
Language: English
Release Date: 01, January 1998

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The children visit their grandfather's relative at Peacock Hall. She is about to lose the house for back taxes, and has a couple of shady people who are trying to get her to sell it. But the children help her clean up, Grandfather gets her an extension, and they finally discover a "treasure" which can be sold to pay the taxes and more. Not one of the better ones.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 63 of the Boxcar Children. Peacock Hall is in trouble. Tax trouble and it will be taken by the county if the Aldens ​cannot figure out the secret treasure of Peacock Hall. Shady figures are everywhere offering money to buy the property and tear it down. Benny to the rescue. This is a fun quick read.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.Josephmcknight.com

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is apparently some confusion about the title for this book. I've seen editions with the title The Mystery OF Peacock Hall (including the version I read that has this same cover) but I've also seen editions with the title The Mystery AT Peacock Hall. It's a great book with a lot of history about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello in it.

[Cherish Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

(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.

[Katie]

, ,.....

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just your average Alden adventure but this time we learn their paternal grandmother's name: Celia.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several mysteries for the Aldens to solve when they answer a distress call from cousin Althea!

[Charles Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

67%

Mystery Inc. Solves the estate from the conmen!

[Adam Carman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid mystery including some fun historical details involving northern Virginia and particularly Thomas Jefferson. The Aldens help a family member save her ancestral home.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to always read the Boxcar Children Series. It was my favorite series, and still is. Well one of them. They're easy to understand and has very twisting endings sometimes. It's a fun book to read when you're in the mood for something easy and fun. I'd recommend it still though. :) It's a good book, and Gertrude Chandler Warner is a great author.

[Partridge Public]

Warner, Gertrude C. PB

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

great when ur little

[Kaetlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like when the Aldens go to peacock hall. I like when they find the secret of peacock hall. I don't like that Roseaca Jenny is trying to take peacock hall and turn it into a golf course.

[Rebecca]

One of my favorite childhood series. I read over a hundred of them. The first 50 or so were in order; after that I read whatever book I could get my hands on :)