O Clube dos Sete

The Secret Seven #1

by Enid Blyton, Maria da Graça Moctezuma (Translator)

Na sua primeira aventura, os membros do Clube dos Sete seguem umas estranhas pistas que os levarão, disfarçados pela neve, até ao mistério da velha casa desabitada.

Genres: Childrens, Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Classics, Middle Grade, Young Adult

122 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

About the author

See 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

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to hubby, for spending an age up in the loft sifting through boxes to find my treasured childhood copy of ‘The Secret Seven’.

Re-reading it through adult eyes made me realise, that it is books and authors such as Enid Blyton, who fired my imagination, and left me with a lifelong love of books. Re-reading this was unadulterated joy!

[Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If someone asks me what is the most precious possession in my life, my answer will be a few books by Enid Blyton, a few first-edition comic books, and the first edition of all the Harry Potter books. I have lost many valuable things during multiple home shiftings I had to go through in my life. The first thing that I always ensured safe was this small book collection.

Enid Mary Blyton was one of the first few authors that introduced me to the world of fiction. One of the most challenging phases in my life was when I was young and my parents were doing their residencies. I was transferred from a village/suburban-like place with many young friends and open areas and grounds for playing various sports to an urban city where there was not even enough space for walking when our family relocated for my parent's residency. It is also, interestingly, one of my favorite phases in my life, as it was the time I discovered the beauty of fiction. Authors like Enid Blyton helped me to enjoy fiction and enjoy solitude.

Secret Seven is one of my favorite series written by Enid Blyton. When it comes to mystery books, we enjoyed during our childhood, Secret Seven, Famous Five, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew are those that come to most readers' minds. Peter, Janet, Pam, Barbara, Jack, Colin, and George all became my friends in no time. Each character has their own unique characteristics and personality, which the author vividly describes. The silly fights between them and the meetings they held in their old shed using secret passwords are all entertaining things for any kids to read.

I still love to reread these books every once in a while. Rereading them as adults will help us appreciate the beauty of these books and our childhood. These are also good choices to remove your reading slump.

This first book is the one where all the adventure began. Jack becomes suspicious when he witnesses something strange in the large house. He was there searching for his missing badge when this predicament happened. Is the caretaker hiding someone in this house? The seven embark on an exciting, adventurous journey that will entertain all readers.



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[Kelly-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 🌟

Also rant down further as I don’t like reading reviews that bash a book for ridiculous reasons!

These books are so cute, honestly love the little mysteries they solve. Perfect for children as they are short as well and the writing style has a way of making the reader feel included amongst the children.

The fact that people try bashing these books is ridiculous they were written in 1940s for kids and your adults saying the language or style is poor and they are really short books but that’s the whole point meant for 7 year olds and many 7 year olds are not going to sit down and want to read 200+ page books! She uses easy language so it’s readable for children!

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my second oldest daughter (aged 7), here's her review: Dad helped me to choose it...well, I was the one that thought of it! I liked the title but it wasn't my favourite part! My favourite part of the story is that the Secret Seven was amazing and very important. You will get a HUGE surprise when you find out the full mystery! But thanks to Jack and Peter, Kerry Blue was saved.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Secret Seven Series (although Peter and Janet had appeared in an earlier book called “At Seaside Cottage” in 1947 and the formation of the Secret Seven was told in “Secret of the Old Mill” in 1948).

The Secret Seven consists of Peter and his sister Janet, and their friends Jack, Colin, George, Pam and Barbara . Peter and Janet’s spaniel Scamper is an unofficial member of the Seven and helps warn them when Jack’s annoying little sister, Susie, is creeping about spying on them. Their meeting place is the shed at the bottom of Peter and Janet’s garden and there is no entry unless the children are wearing their club badges and remember the password. When the children meet up in the Christmas holidays, Jack first forgets the password and then loses his badge in the field opposite a spooky old house, where the children were making snowmen. Banned from going out after lunch, Jack decides to creep out of the house and go and see whether he can find his missing badge at night and discovers a mystery worth investigating...

I have really enjoyed re-reading this book to my daughter at bedtime and look forward to sharing the entire series with her. Slightly shorter than the Famous Five books, these are a great introduction to Enid Blyton’s adventure stories and will appeal to both boys and girls. Great to read alone from approx 5+ or to read together at any age! In order, these are:

1. The Secret Seven (1948)
2. Secret Seven Adventure (1950)
3. Well Done Secret Seven (1951)
4. Secret Seven On The Trail (1952)
5. Go Ahead Secret Seven (1953)
6. Good Work Secret Seven (1954)
7. Secret Seven Win Through (1955)
8. Three Cheers Secret Seven (1956)
9. Secret Seven Mystery (1957)
10. Puzzle for the Secret Seven (1958)
11. Secret Seven Fireworks (1959)
12. Good Old Secret Seven (1960)
13. Shock for the Secret Seven (1961)
14. Look Out Secret Seven (1962)
15. Fun For the Secret Seven (1963)

[Katey Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Seven is the first book in the series. First published in 1949 there are definitely parts of it that seem dated, especially some turns of phrase that are used (particularly by straight laced Janet). However they were probably also outdated in the mid 1980s when I read these books the first time, and I was never aware that they were so old fashioned through my childhood eyes. The same could well be true for children in modern society, infact I would go as far as to assume that it IS true, or the books would surely have gone out of print-nostalgia alone is not enough to keep publishers printing books, they have to actually sell too.

I whizzed through the story, and recalled many of the key moments throughout. It was almost like being transported back to my own childhood, a sense of deja vu. I loved reliving the adventure, particularly the sense of being tucked away in the shed sat on a flowerpot in the meetings the children have. Passwords and disguises abound as the seven set off to find out who the stealthy men sneaking around a spooky old house are. What are they doing, and why? Of course the Secret Seven come up trumps, I don't think that is a spoiler, and as an adult I finished the book with the same sense of satisfaction that I did the first time around. This surely shows the power a good book has, it can stand the test of time and be read at varying stages in life and still be appreciated.

The Hodder edition I had to review was illustrated by Tony Ross, which is obviously an attempt to make the books as visually appealing as possible to the young audience of the twenty-first century. Whilst I liked the illustrations I didn't feel they gelled especially well with the text, but this may just be because they are not what I would traditionally associate with Blyton.

Don't overlook Blyton thinking her work outmoded and irrelevant for children today. Any child seeking high adventure and a story about true friendship and teamwork will find plenty in the Secret Seven books to appeal to them.

I have already decided that I'm going to buy all the books in the series to reread and review. They will then remain on my son's bookshelf to hopefully be enjoyed again and again-they are classics, pure and simple.

[Katie.dorny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved it. I always have and always will.
The story consists of 7 children who are friends and live locally - Peter, Janet (siblings), Jack, Barbara, Pam, Colin, George and the family dog Scamper.
Each book takes them on an adventure whilst they solve a mystery.
They are a little dated, but if you love kids books or have children if your family yourself i highly recommend.

[Nelina Kapetsoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I never made the connection of the badge SS with fascist Germany, probably because I've read the Greek translation of the books (and there it's ME). It does make sense however, and since Blyton wrote so soon after WWII the initials are distasteful. Anyway, for me this series is the weakest of all adventure series written by Blyton. The protagonist, Jack, is actually a bossy, arrogant and sexist male in the disguise of a boy. And unlike Fatty from the Five Find-Outers (another series by Blyton), he's not even funny. Even as a child I hated the guy! The female characters are described as stupid, passive or annoying and although Blyton is known for her sexist comments in all of her books, I feel that nowhere is this more prominent than in this series. However, I still give this book -and the series as a whole- 3 stars. The plots are clever (remember this is a children's book) and most children dream to be able to do adventurous, exciting things in an adult-dominated world.

[James Hartley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-reading the Secret Seven with my eight year old girl and it´s amazing how much I can remember more than thirty-five years after originally reading the books. The characters are clear in my mind, as our the original drawings (not sure if they appear in this edition - certainly not the cover) - what really shocked me was how much of the plot I remembered. There are various bits and pieces of text which have been updated and changed, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn´t, and the world it describes is very quaint and post-war Britain, but the pacing and characterisation is dead on. For my money, the Secret Seven adventures wipe the floor with the Famous Five tales.

[Srividya Vijapure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what a wonderful adventure! And how lovely it was to take this trip with the Seven :D :D

Childhood memories of curling up with their books come back to me as I read this one. Nostalgia is at its peak right now. I remember how much I loved the idea of having a secret society and creating adventures of my own as a child. Reading this book brought back memories of sitting atop a wall with my friends, talking about adventures and queer happenings in our society while going off to 'investigate'. Of course, there were none to match this league but it was a time of true pleasure and fun for me and my friends. I don't know about you but we did have our own password and badges, we recreated the fun of the Seven right at our own homes. Frivolous, you might think today, but at that time, it was exciting.

After that trip down memory lane, lets get to the business of reviewing this book itself shall we? :)

The first book of the series, it brought together the seven friends; Peter, Janet, Barbara, Pam, George, Jack and Colin and of course Scamper the dog. The Secret Society had already been formed earlier in another book but they were meeting after a long time and this time to solve a mystery. Strange noises and occurrences were heard and witnessed by Jack, when he goes to search for his lost badge. After reporting it to the others in their next meeting, they decide to investigate and what follows is one of the sweetest investigations that a child can undertake and another can enjoy.

Despite me being a lot older today, I really enjoyed their 'clever deductions' and steps taken to solve it.

Kudos to the Seven as usual and thank you Enid Blyton for giving me an enjoyable read :)

[Tammi Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this first installment of Blyton's Secret Seven series to my children, aged 5 and 7, after having read 5 Famous Five books to them previously. I thought it would bore them because the content is tamer, less thrilling. In fact, they appeared to engage more with the Seven than they did with the Five and I guess it's because the Seven are more age appropriate. How disappointing! Half the joy of reading to your children is it legitimately allows you the indulgence of children's literature that you would otherwise consider yourself too old for, and frankly I'd prefer to spend my kid-lit time with the more exciting Five. But it's not all about me. Is it?

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked it with this book and adventurous!! Enid Blyton is amazing author!

[Nola Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While searching for his badge in a snowy field late one night, Jack witnesses a strange van approaching an old house whose only occupant is a deaf and cranky caretaker. Why are two men going to the old house and what is that strange noise coming from inside the van? Is a prisoner being kept in the house against his will? This calls for The Secret Seven to spring into action and solve the case.

This is the first of Enid Blyton's Secret Seven books. Originally published in 1949, it seems quite dated now. There are lots of 'Oh bothers' and head hopping, and it probably won't win too many fans among feminists (though at least the girls get to help solve the mystery, unlike some earlier books such as Emil and the Detectives). In hindsight, it seems strange that British children are keen to wear S.S. badges so soon after World War II, and where on earth are the parents when these pre-teens are traipsing round the countryside at night? In fact, why am I even reading it?

Well one reason is that I'm doing the Pop Sugar reading challenge and I thought one of the categories was 'a book you haven't read since school'. As it turns out, it was supposed to be a book I hadn't read since high school. Whoops. But I'm still glad I re-read it because it actually did have a big impact on my life. I first came across the Seven when I was in Grade 6 or 7 and it started my love of mysteries. I so wanted to be a member of the Secret Seven and solve mysteries in my own back yard. I even remember looking through my front window one day, pen and notebook in hand, so that I could jot down suspicious happenings in my neighbourhood. I gave up after half an hour because the only thing that had happened was that someone went into the corner store across the road holding a shopping bag. Mmm ... big mystery there!

It may be old-fashioned, a bit daggy, and a bit 'jolly hockey sticks', but it's also a product of its times and good fun. It shows that children can do valuable things on their own initiative. Thank you for inspiring my imagination, Enid Blyton. As the last line in the book says, 'Hurrah for the Secret Seven'.

[Anvesha ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was probably the book that I purchased for the first time in my life. Before this, I bought books from my school library and used to return it after a week or two but this is where my obsession with books started fr. I loved this whole entire series at that time and I still have the copies of these tiny books but I think I loved it because I had not rlly read manyy books at that time or maybe I did not have that sense which could tell me if the writing style or the plot and everything is good or not. (I was probably 7 or 8 at the time). But now, as I have read many books, I feel like there's nothing in front of the books I read now.
Keeping everything aside, this book will forever have a special place in my heart because this was my first one 🩷

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine little mystery, the first book in the Secret Seven series. I never really liked this series as much as the Famous Five, because time and time again the girls get left out, or comments are made like it's suprising they could solve mysteries. Even child Kirsti preferred George and her stubborn wish to be 'as good as a boy'. Janet always tries her best, but Peter gets the final word and often makes the girls stay out of things. Annoying.

While looking through my read lists I realized I hadn't read this series since joining Goodreads, so a read was in order. They're quick and fun, if not quite as good as some of her other stories.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Enid Blyton and her books that drew me into this wonderful world of reading. Before Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, were Enid's mystery series, one of which were led by the Secret Seven (the other was the Famous Five). I felt bummed I had no recall of the story, but I still knew all 7 members. Originally published in the 1950's, children's idea of friendship, things to do/enjoy in the story are way different now -- like comparing the period when my father was boy to the era where his grandson is now. Overall, I did solve they mystery chapters before, but who cares, I once more, enjoyed this novelty trip... (picked up a book on sale,again,while waiting for my son).

[Francie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of my childhood reading involved mass produced children's mysteries -- started with The Secret Seven, graduated on to The Famous Five (also Enid Blyton) and then hit Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew. What a way to spend a childhood!

[Dev Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's the first part of secret seven there are 7 childrens i it peter, janet, jack, barbara, pam, colin and george it's a good book for childrens above age of 6

[Anushka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A childhood favorite that I'll always love. Enid Blyton's mysteries were the first I read in the mystery genre. I used to love the simple yet engaging writing style, the adventures the characters had and of course the detective work they did!

I reread this book a few days ago when my younger sister brought it from the library. The reread really made me nostalgic of the time I only read Blyton and Roald Dahl. It was fun having those childhood memories refreshed. Even though the mysteries would feel disappointing if I read them now, I really liked them as a kid.

Enid Blyton is one of those authors I never get bored of!

[Milo Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is really called, I think, The Stupid Seven. I mean, come on!! These guys have peas for brains. I have never heard of kids like this. It's like, "Huh! Here's some tire tracks! I wonder if I should copy them down!" Other person: "No, no, they couldn't be useful at all!"

Beware this book. And especially all the other books that follow it in the series. It may cause serious brain damage. BEWARE!

[biblioceraptor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of her better mystery novels, to be frank. [edit: oh dear god I just realised 'Frank' was a rally bad unintentional pun here on my part.]
And wearing badges with 'SS' on it is a brilliant idea after WWII. Maybe they should also shave their heads and bleach their hair blonde as well.

[liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure nostalgia. Storytelling at it's best.

[Shashwat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story about seven friends and their dog, Scamper who form a secret club and solve the first mystery they encounter. I really liked the book and will be reading more from the series.

[Luna fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures are super cool and fun 🤩 also the story’s are so short so you can read it quickly.

[Minna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarjassamme luetaan Blytoneita uudestaan. Henkilöiden nimet olivat outoja eikä mieleen ole jäänyt kukaan erityisesti, ei edes koira, mikä on esim. Viisikkoihin verrattuna poikkeuksellista, koska heidät muistaa kaikki! Itse tarina taas on niiiiiin tuttu niin kuin eilen olisin lukenut viimeksi, vaikka välissä on ehtinyt muutama vuosikymmen vierähtää. Eivät nämä koskaan ole yhtä paljoa vedonneet kuin Viisikot, Salaisuudet ja Seikkailut, mutta taattua perus-Blytonia nämäkin. Jotkut jutut hiukan ärsyttää ja samaan törmää paikoin Viisikoissakin, että "me pojat mennään nyt tutkimaan asiaa kun se on niin vaarallista ja te tytöt jäätte kotiin nukkumaan". Aikansa lapsia...

[Steve Hornsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this for my seven year grandchild for Xmas. And thought why not read it again. I devoured Blyton as a child, and I’m sure that led to my love of reading generally and mystery novels. I finished it in 2 hours! It must be 55 years since I read this, maybe in the late 60s. Interestingly I could not remember many details compared with say the Famous Five.

Of course it’s dated and of it’s time and the SS is unfortunate but it’s a rollicksome adventure that cracks along. It’s pretty short and simple to read which is great for the target readers. I know it’s dated but actually I couldn’t seen anything too offensive, it gave a good kick of nostalgia for innocent childhood days.

[Amelia Galluzzo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, but I think this book is more for ages 7-10 of interest, and I didn’t find it all that engaging. It took me over a month to read this because I got bored and read something else after a while.

Though I think it is a good book, just not for my age so much.

The mystery wasn’t very entertaining.

Still good for younger readers. (I did get this book a couple years ago).

[Cruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author: Enid Blyton
Illustrator: George Brook
First Published: 1949

I remember, when I first read these, one was either a Famous Five or a Secret Seven fan. I can't remember which side I fell.

Having now read the first of each with my 7yo I find myself in the Secret Seven camp.

First up, they're shorter. (*grin*)

But also I found the adventure better developed, the characters more intelligent, the problem to be solved less selfish, and the adults (they're parents) more approachable.

On the negative, the girls have more of a background role in active tasks (eg they don't go on the night surveil) but they accomplish as much and are included in the solving of the mystery. They are also girls - George in Famous Five would rather be a boy - they giggle, sew, and keep the home fires burning. This I find conflicting; there's nothing wrong with being a girl and liking girl things, but it should be inclusive not restrictive. Your gender shouldn't hold you back.

And my 7yo said the series titles were dull and uninformative.

In the end, we liked it. "Secret Seven" was funny, clever, and approachable. The mystery had sufficient depth the 7yo appreciated the logical procession to solution. The characters were appealing. While the time and language has aged, it isn't as problematic as it was with Five on a Treasure Island.

It's still a series that has appeal to the next generation of young readers.

References:
w'pedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secr...
Enid Blyton .net: http://www.enidblyton.net/secret-seven/

The Secret Seven Society:
Peter - leader
Janet - Peter's sister
Jack
Barbara
George
Pam
Colin
Scamper (the dog)

Series:
Book 1 The Secret Seven (1949)
Book 2 The Secret Seven Adventure (1950)
Book 3 Well Done, Secret Seven (1951)
Book 4 Secret Seven on the Trail (1952)
Book 5 Go Ahead Secret Seven (1953)
Book 6 Good Work, Secret Seven (1954)
Book 7 Secret Seven Win Through (1955)
Book 8 Three Cheers, Secret Seven (1956)
Book 9 Secret Seven Mystery (1957)
Book 10 Puzzle for the Secret Seven (1958)
Book 11 Secret Seven Fireworks (1959)
Book 12 Good Old Secret Seven (1960)
Book 13 Shock for the Secret Seven (1961)
Book 14 Look Out, Secret Seven (1962)
Book 15 Fun for the Secret Seven (1963)
Secret Seven Short Story Collection: 6 Stories (1948-1957, collected in 1998)

Age:
Read aloud - 5+
Read yourself - 7+

(ISBN 9780340680919)

-CR-

[Richie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy to read book. Although I find the "Secret Seven" constant requirement of a password to their "secret meetings" rather silly.