Robin Kane: The Mystery of Glengary Castle

Robin Kane #3

by Eileen Hill

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Young Adult, Mystery Thriller, Juvenile, Fiction

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

A pseudonym used by Nicolete Meredith Stack.

Stack is thought to be the first author to tackle the Trixie Belden series, although there is much debate about which books were actually written by her. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1896 but lived in Webster Groves in St. Louis, Missouri for most of her adult life. Stack wrote other children's books under her own name and various pen names, including the Robin Kane series by Eileen Hill for Whitman between 1966 and 1971.

Stack is said to have written five books in the Trixie Belden series between 1961 and 1971, but Who's Who in the Midwest claims that she wrote eight titles between 1961 and 1966. There were eight Trixie Belden titles published between 1961 and 1966, but it is doubtful that she wrote them all.

James Keeline in his article, Trixie Belden "Schoolgirl Shamus", believes that books 7, 9 and 16 can be attributed to Stack but there are others that may have been written by her.

Reviews

[WhatShouldIRead]

For the most part I really enjoyed this story. parts of it aged a bit but the story had a gentler tone than modern ghost stories. And as for the ghostly parts, they weren't corny or silly but added atmosphere to the story.

But, one thing. One of the characters got on my nerves pretty quick. She jumped, screamed, whimpered, shook and was a nervous wreck at the slightest noise or visual in the castle. Every time. Throughout the story.

Anyway, if you are able to find a copy of this book I would suggest a read. Apparently this author also penned some Trixie Belden books as well.

[Judy Hall]

I read this book when I was much younger and it, very briefly, ignited a passion for puppets.

[Daniel]

Not a bad story for what it is. Definitely some unexpected twists and turns. The story holds up after 50+ years. Also interesting to see the Brand name Coke used multiple times, doubt that could be done today without a trademark sign added lol.

[Sharanya]

Book: The Mystery of Glengary Castle

One night, at a party, a group of friends were sharing horror stories about a place; which is now Glengary Castle (aka a haunted castle). Robin shared a story about a drowning girl, and about her family. No one lives in the Glengary Catle anymore due to tragic events. The gang want to investigate the castle and use the place as a scene for a movie. Robin's dad was a movie director and thought that that house would make a money making movie. The group of kids' were also planning to have a Fair. When they start investigating the castle, they find a group of chinese puppets and planned to use it as a puppet show for the fair. Will they ever solve the whole mystery about the tragic events? Is the castle really haunted? Will their Fair become a success? Or, will they keep the haunted house a mystery legend forever?

[Milley]

3.5

this is a nice gentle mystery. It reminds me of Judy Bolton a little bit in that they live in a small setting and the kids (including teenagers) still welcome the adults in their lives. Judy is better; it has better natural criticism between the young characters.

this is a bit dated. it pointed out ham fistedly how a group of chinese americans were really like the white main characters and that people shouldn't be afraid or make up stereotypes. it was okay though and in fact based on what i have seen about kids growing up in the big city now a days..where they go into racial or cultural cliques and don't take advantage of the diversity..it is a lesson that can be learned again and again...

[Katlin]

This one is the third in the Robin Kane series and I think it actually felt like a mystery at parts. While the other two were more like action/adventure with a few mysterious elements this one was a mystery and even had a few clues to help the reader mentally join in on trying to solve the mystery. I still think Robin needs some work as a team player, but she has grown in the area of being more considerate of others (yay!) which makes her more endearing to the reader.

[Rich]

Again, strictly nostalgia. I am enjoying revisiting this part of my past. When I was young, this was my favorite of the series: castles, puppets, everything I pursued at that time. I'm so glad to have this series back in my library.

[Dina]

Read 9/14/08

[Theresa]

This is the third in the series. I didn't get this until later in life, but I enjoyed it just as much as the first two.

[Carol]

This is a children’s series book from the sixties. This is the third out of six and I have the complete set.
When I was trying to decide which book from my vintage collection to read, I was torn between Nancy Drew’s Ghost Stories and this one. I was drawn to the ghost story because Margaret Atwood’s “Other Worlds” book is still on my mind. Nancy Drew seemed the logical choice. I was somewhat disappointed in the previous Robin Kane story but I wanted to give her another chance so I decided upon this one.
I was happy to find that Robin and her friends encountered ghosts at Glengary Castle. This was perfect!
Robin’s friends, Michael and Mindy, her brother Kevin, and two new additions to the crowd, Brenda and Ted, are planning an event for the school’s Fall Fair when eerie happenings disrupt their plans. There was a good twist to this juvenile mystery. I quite enjoyed the book. It was a fun read.

[Sarah]

The ghosty stuff was not my cup of tea, but there at least was some mystery that wasn't predictable.

[Piper]

This is the third book in the series and the second one that I've read. This book definitely had a creepier vibe to it and I wouldn't give it to younger children. I found the story interesting if a little unbelievable. I enjoyed the nostalgic aspect of it and the language "keeno", "fiddlesticks", "it's darling".

This book was reviewed on the Literary Club Podcast episode 85
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1984185