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Barney Mysteries #2
The Rilloby Fair Mystery: Barney Mysteries #2
Barney, Roger, Diana and Snubby love solving mysteries and when some rare and valuable papers are stolen, it seems there might be a connection with a fair travelling in the area. The children start to investigate and soon get into danger. Age 8+
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1950
22 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Enid Blyton
5,132 books6,309 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 16, 2021
At 78 I’m not in a position to say that it’s a very enjoyable book for young people. However I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 8, 2022
The rare book whose rating rose from 3 to 4 on re read. A childhood favorite . Read again just on a whim.
February 6, 2017
Adorei esta leitura, gosto bastante dos livros da Enid Blyton e este não foi exceção.
April 11, 2013
This was my most favorite book as a child. and read it oer and over again.
March 23, 2018
I enjoyed the second book in the Barney Mysteries series a lot. More than the first, even though that one was also good. It's a fine adventure, but what made it special for me is that Enid Blyton is at her humorous best. When it comes to humor Snubby is the star, of course, along with his wonderful and lunatic dog Loony. Snubby is my favorite character in the series, always irrepressible, cheeky and entertaining. When you put him together with the stuffy and proper Great-uncle Robert, you have comedy gold. Great-uncle Robert reminded me of the kind of visitor William Brown's family receives in the Richmal Crompton's Just William series, and Blyton uses him to the same effect.
That's not the only source of humor, though. Unexpectedly, the seemingly ferocious Old Ma from the fair has great chemistry with Snubby, teasing him in a funny way by always confusing the boy's name with his dog's. We also have the banter between the cook and Snubby (I love when she promises to eat her hat if what Snubby says about monkeys riding bicycles at the fair is true). Even Roger, the most square of the children, has some nice cheeky moments teasing his stern father. Everyone seems to be in good humor, and it's a delight to read.
The mystery is fine, but was not particularly original. It's a typical Blyton plot. The adventure with the people from the fair reminded me of Famous Five books like Five Go Off in a Caravan and Five Have a Wonderful Time, and an important plot point would be used again in the last Famous Five book (Five Are Together Again). Like in the first Barney mystery, however, the children (except the orphan Barney) are at home instead of going on holiday on their own like the Famous Five might do. That makes the book seem more like mysteries with an adventure component, rather than full-blown adventures.
Also, the mystery is more in how the robberies are done, rather than in who the culprit is. Often adult readers can tell in her books who the culprit might be. Enid Blyton is not Agatha Christie and she's not trying to be. Christie always have plenty of likely suspects and very clever red herrings, while Blyton is writing for children, making sure to capture their imaginations with freedom, friendship, fun and adventures. The mystery and misdirecting her readers is not the only focus of her stories.
That's not the only source of humor, though. Unexpectedly, the seemingly ferocious Old Ma from the fair has great chemistry with Snubby, teasing him in a funny way by always confusing the boy's name with his dog's. We also have the banter between the cook and Snubby (I love when she promises to eat her hat if what Snubby says about monkeys riding bicycles at the fair is true). Even Roger, the most square of the children, has some nice cheeky moments teasing his stern father. Everyone seems to be in good humor, and it's a delight to read.
The mystery is fine, but was not particularly original. It's a typical Blyton plot. The adventure with the people from the fair reminded me of Famous Five books like Five Go Off in a Caravan and Five Have a Wonderful Time, and an important plot point would be used again in the last Famous Five book (Five Are Together Again). Like in the first Barney mystery, however, the children (except the orphan Barney) are at home instead of going on holiday on their own like the Famous Five might do. That makes the book seem more like mysteries with an adventure component, rather than full-blown adventures.
Also, the mystery is more in how the robberies are done, rather than in who the culprit is. Often adult readers can tell in her books who the culprit might be. Enid Blyton is not Agatha Christie and she's not trying to be. Christie always have plenty of likely suspects and very clever red herrings, while Blyton is writing for children, making sure to capture their imaginations with freedom, friendship, fun and adventures. The mystery and misdirecting her readers is not the only focus of her stories.
February 7, 2021
07 Feb 2021
CW: Era-typical Racism
Expanded Plot Summary: The kids are staying at Roger and Diana's house. Barney is working with a travelling fair. There are a bunch of mysterious burglaries from locked rooms the kids try to solve.
1. That was actually a puzzling mystery and we had some competent detective work by the kids. Also, Blyton is really good at describing scenes with animal being adorable and there were a lot of animals in here.
2. I also really liked the inclusion of the stodgy great-uncle. He serves as both exposition and foil and blended in with the story.
3. Less thrilled about the general "carnival people have no real moral fibre to speak of and will casually steal stuff" themes and all the kids being very shocked about it and advising the carnival kid to not do anything of the sort. Barney of course, is the exception- and the kids mom is pleased to see he wasn't a "gipsy-looking boy, sly and shrewd" but a blond, blue-eyed boy with a fearless look. There's also the whole thing with untrustworthy foreigners which is suuuch a 1950s British thing to do I s2g.
Most of the time I manage to forget how if I was in a Blyton story I'd be a well meaning supporting caricature at best. Then something like this makes me sigh and remember it.
4. Diana still gets stuck with a lot of the busywork but at least she's with the boys for all of it and her contributions are valuable, if tedious to carry out.
5. The parents are hilarious. Adults in this book are good, generally.
Subjective & Objective Rating (4 Stars): The compelling mystery, creative use of animals, and the many funny scenes involving people going wtf at them all really made this book enjoyable.
CW: Era-typical Racism
Expanded Plot Summary: The kids are staying at Roger and Diana's house. Barney is working with a travelling fair. There are a bunch of mysterious burglaries from locked rooms the kids try to solve.
1. That was actually a puzzling mystery and we had some competent detective work by the kids. Also, Blyton is really good at describing scenes with animal being adorable and there were a lot of animals in here.
2. I also really liked the inclusion of the stodgy great-uncle. He serves as both exposition and foil and blended in with the story.
3. Less thrilled about the general "carnival people have no real moral fibre to speak of and will casually steal stuff" themes and all the kids being very shocked about it and advising the carnival kid to not do anything of the sort. Barney of course, is the exception- and the kids mom is pleased to see he wasn't a "gipsy-looking boy, sly and shrewd" but a blond, blue-eyed boy with a fearless look. There's also the whole thing with untrustworthy foreigners which is suuuch a 1950s British thing to do I s2g.
Most of the time I manage to forget how if I was in a Blyton story I'd be a well meaning supporting caricature at best. Then something like this makes me sigh and remember it.
4. Diana still gets stuck with a lot of the busywork but at least she's with the boys for all of it and her contributions are valuable, if tedious to carry out.
5. The parents are hilarious. Adults in this book are good, generally.
Subjective & Objective Rating (4 Stars): The compelling mystery, creative use of animals, and the many funny scenes involving people going wtf at them all really made this book enjoyable.
December 6, 2019
... reading with my 11 year old daughter...
Wasn't as entertaining as we'd hoped.
Wasn't as entertaining as we'd hoped.
October 3, 2023
I read this book at age 7 and enjoyed it, but found it rather scary. it wasn't so scary this time round as I'm rather older than 7 now! Great fun though.
August 19, 2020
The second ‘Barney’ mystery doesn’t really make good on its potential (in truth rather solving itself in the end) but Blyton lays down clues throughout and the children’s day-to-day adventuring makes for pleasant escapism. Blyton’s integration of animals makes the book memorable.
January 27, 2023
Hillarious like the first
March 21, 2020
Loved this one as a kid and its very nostalgic. Fun to read :)
February 20, 2025
Good story and I like this group of characters. A bit different to the Famous Five & Five Find-outers .
January 10, 2022
Delightful read. Mystery was a bit predictable, as the modus operandi is quite common and has been used in other Blyton books and also in one Tintin book. Snubby's and Uncle Robert's banter is hilarious.
December 30, 2020
A fairly unimpressive line-up of villains, it's very easy to make the baddie the hot-tempered bad guy who the kids suspect as soon as they meet him. He had monkeys for accomplices but I think we all saw that one coming! No we need to rewrite this one... how about the uncle is the bad guy and he's been the ring-leader of the Green Hands Gang all along! That would be a plot twist.
December 8, 2018
I really like Blyton's style of writing and the breeziness of her books. Her books allow you to glide through the story. The characters are perfectly charming as well as intriguing. For young adults parts of the plot are quite predictable yet, I think that they shall enjoy the story. Blyton's use of simple and comprehendible English gives a unique air to her books. The characters are quite indigenous and have been portrayed beautifully. It is a must-read for all children and young adults who love an airy and adventurous story.
July 20, 2015
i really liked it, obviously because i love mystery
August 30, 2023
This book had lots of suspense in it and that’s I gave it a star rating because I love suspense books.
March 11, 2023
»»» A compra:
Adquirido numa feira de usados, pela ilustre autora e pela capa esteticamente muito apelativa. Um achado fantástico.
»»» A aventura:
Os jovens Rogério e Diana estão de férias e vão ter a companhia, na casa dos seus pais, do animado primo João, companheiro de muitas aventuras, que vem com o seu cão Loony.
Ao mesmo tempo chega também o tio Roberto, um antiquário empertigado que precisa de um bom descanso devido aos escândalos que têm afetado o seu meio profissional, ligados a misteriosos desaparecimentos de peças históricas valiosas, levados de casas onde se pensavam a salvo, em salas fechadas e com todas as medidas de segurança.
Quando os miúdos começam a ver uma ligação entre os locais dos assaltos e os locais por onde vai passando a feira ambulante, não perdem tempo a lançar-se no encalço das pistas, a começar pela feira, que, por surpresa, vai estar agora na sua zona.
Aproveitam também para ir com o tio Roberto visitar a grandiosa casa local onde existem peças que tentariam os ladrões, mas as medidas de segurança são tantas que pensam impossível que elas sejam roubadas… até isso acontecer mesmo.
»»» Sentimento final:
Fantástico.
As descrições fabulosas levam-nos para o local, como se estivéssemos com os miúdos nas bicicletas de um lado para o outro atrás das pistas e com eles ao pequeno-almoço.
Os acidentes entre João, um miúdo muito descontraído e algo descuidado, e o excessivamente composto e formal tio Roberto são dos momentos mais engraçados da história.
»»» Nota final (capa e outras considerações):
--- [Capa] – Com um design e composição bem conseguido, como muitas das outras capas da mesma coleção desta editora na altura (1970s). Vendo as capas de edições internacionais deste livro posso dizer que é talvez a melhor de todas.
--- [Ilustrações] – O livro contém algumas ilustrações dispersas, de traço clássico bem conseguido.
»»» Uma espreitadela:
Adquirido numa feira de usados, pela ilustre autora e pela capa esteticamente muito apelativa. Um achado fantástico.
»»» A aventura:
Os jovens Rogério e Diana estão de férias e vão ter a companhia, na casa dos seus pais, do animado primo João, companheiro de muitas aventuras, que vem com o seu cão Loony.
Ao mesmo tempo chega também o tio Roberto, um antiquário empertigado que precisa de um bom descanso devido aos escândalos que têm afetado o seu meio profissional, ligados a misteriosos desaparecimentos de peças históricas valiosas, levados de casas onde se pensavam a salvo, em salas fechadas e com todas as medidas de segurança.
Quando os miúdos começam a ver uma ligação entre os locais dos assaltos e os locais por onde vai passando a feira ambulante, não perdem tempo a lançar-se no encalço das pistas, a começar pela feira, que, por surpresa, vai estar agora na sua zona.
Aproveitam também para ir com o tio Roberto visitar a grandiosa casa local onde existem peças que tentariam os ladrões, mas as medidas de segurança são tantas que pensam impossível que elas sejam roubadas… até isso acontecer mesmo.
»»» Sentimento final:
Fantástico.
As descrições fabulosas levam-nos para o local, como se estivéssemos com os miúdos nas bicicletas de um lado para o outro atrás das pistas e com eles ao pequeno-almoço.
Os acidentes entre João, um miúdo muito descontraído e algo descuidado, e o excessivamente composto e formal tio Roberto são dos momentos mais engraçados da história.
»»» Nota final (capa e outras considerações):
--- [Capa] – Com um design e composição bem conseguido, como muitas das outras capas da mesma coleção desta editora na altura (1970s). Vendo as capas de edições internacionais deste livro posso dizer que é talvez a melhor de todas.
--- [Ilustrações] – O livro contém algumas ilustrações dispersas, de traço clássico bem conseguido.
»»» Uma espreitadela:
July 27, 2021
‘Doors were locked. Windows were fastened. There was no skylight or other way into the room where these papers were kept. And yet one night thieves got in, took the whole lot, and vanished the way they came.’ Great-Uncle Robert brings a mystery when he comes to stay, but Roger, Diana and Snubby are determined to solve it. And of course Barney is going to help...
The first Barney book was a holiday adventure, but in this book the children are at home - and the theme of family takes on a new dimension. Family includes Snubby, disruptive but lovable, fussy Great-Uncle Robert, and parents who are strict but caring. The scene where we see Barney’s nerves when he is introduced to them and their recognition of him as someone who is both admirable and in need of care is very well done.
A fair, with performing animals and stereotyped foreigners and travellers, is also at the centre of the plot, and this makes this book less suitable for children today, though by Blyton’s standards it’s far from a crude depiction. As with the first book, there is also a real sense of danger, with some genuinely frightening adults who wouldn’t hesitate to do a child serious damage, as well as some moments where Snubby very believably builds up his fears into mountains the way children do.
The mystery in this book is a proper one, as opposed to the more thriller-like adventure of the first book, and it unfolds in an elegant way, with one of the biggest and most obvious red herrings turning out to be central to the case.
The first Barney book was a holiday adventure, but in this book the children are at home - and the theme of family takes on a new dimension. Family includes Snubby, disruptive but lovable, fussy Great-Uncle Robert, and parents who are strict but caring. The scene where we see Barney’s nerves when he is introduced to them and their recognition of him as someone who is both admirable and in need of care is very well done.
A fair, with performing animals and stereotyped foreigners and travellers, is also at the centre of the plot, and this makes this book less suitable for children today, though by Blyton’s standards it’s far from a crude depiction. As with the first book, there is also a real sense of danger, with some genuinely frightening adults who wouldn’t hesitate to do a child serious damage, as well as some moments where Snubby very believably builds up his fears into mountains the way children do.
The mystery in this book is a proper one, as opposed to the more thriller-like adventure of the first book, and it unfolds in an elegant way, with one of the biggest and most obvious red herrings turning out to be central to the case.
July 13, 2021
Enid Blyton was a popular author of books for children. This book has all the elements for a good story. There are the children Roger and Diane and Snubby with his dog Looney. Looney comes from the word lunatic and Snubby is just as looney as Looney. And then there is Barney with his monkey Miranda. And we must not forget Ginger the cat. There are also lots of comedy.
As usual there is the mystery the children try to solve. This time it is an impossible crime. Blyton also wrote two other impossible crime stories as well as one story with an impossible element, but not an impossible crime.
It is nice to return to the children’s world of Blyton. It is a sort of fairy tale world where children have much more freedom and safety than today. Blyton had a big influence on my love for detective stories. And I will return for here other mysteries. After all, someone said it very nicely: “It is never to late to have a happy childhood.” It is never too late to return to your happy childhood years.
As usual there is the mystery the children try to solve. This time it is an impossible crime. Blyton also wrote two other impossible crime stories as well as one story with an impossible element, but not an impossible crime.
It is nice to return to the children’s world of Blyton. It is a sort of fairy tale world where children have much more freedom and safety than today. Blyton had a big influence on my love for detective stories. And I will return for here other mysteries. After all, someone said it very nicely: “It is never to late to have a happy childhood.” It is never too late to return to your happy childhood years.
June 7, 2018
This book got me to read it till the end with a willing heart. This is seriously a fun journey for the kids to embark on. Compared to the first book, I find myself laughed to their sense of humour which is for me very laughable.
The interesting story is Snubby isn't as annoying as he is in the first book in Barney series. He got a bit sense for this book and he actually helped a lot in this investigation of the mystery of the theft in Rilloby.
Reading this till the second book, I still can't guess who's the culprit which for me is a very good sign that this is a great mystery book. I have one last book of this author for this series and I'll make sure to read it till the end, The Ring O'Bells Mystery.
The interesting story is Snubby isn't as annoying as he is in the first book in Barney series. He got a bit sense for this book and he actually helped a lot in this investigation of the mystery of the theft in Rilloby.
Reading this till the second book, I still can't guess who's the culprit which for me is a very good sign that this is a great mystery book. I have one last book of this author for this series and I'll make sure to read it till the end, The Ring O'Bells Mystery.
February 4, 2021
A feel good 'locked room' type mystery.
The four children, Roger, Diana, Snubby and their friend Barney investigate a mystery of old papers being stolen from old houses with locked windows and doors.
Rilloby fair happens to be in town at the same time as the thefts. The fierce Tonnerre is the chief suspect but how does he get in and out without triggering the alarms.
One of the best books in this series which I will complete in the next year or so.
The four children, Roger, Diana, Snubby and their friend Barney investigate a mystery of old papers being stolen from old houses with locked windows and doors.
Rilloby fair happens to be in town at the same time as the thefts. The fierce Tonnerre is the chief suspect but how does he get in and out without triggering the alarms.
One of the best books in this series which I will complete in the next year or so.
April 20, 2020
Are there really reviews from adults who say it was too easy to solve the mystery? Really?? It is a childrens book, not Agatha Christie! I always preferred this not-so-famous 6 (4 kids, a dog and a monkey) to the Famous Five, mostly because I had a crush on Barney.
September 30, 2017
Domestic violence, giving cigarettes as prizes to children, foul language. Books for children? 😁
October 29, 2017
3rd installment of Barney Mystery Series. A must read for all Enid Blyton readers
March 22, 2018
I found it incredibly hard to believe.
October 22, 2018
Man sāk šitie apnikt - vienmēr kaut kas tāds gaužām vienkāršs, ko bērni savelk kopā, bet pieaugušie nē, bet nu mans puika noklausījās līdz galam :D
January 5, 2020
Något som kan bli bättre?
- Ingenting, den var både rolig och spännande. Det är lite nytt för mig, men det är bara bra! 5/5 Stjärnor.
- Ingenting, den var både rolig och spännande. Det är lite nytt för mig, men det är bara bra! 5/5 Stjärnor.
April 20, 2020
Ennalta arvattava lastenkirja. Sopii alakouluikäisille.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews