Penny Parker was one of the great series in young adult literature. Mildred Wirt wrote them, and with a much freer hand than she had writing the Nancy Drew series, she wrote Penny as she wanted to write Nancy. Perhaps for that reason, this was the series that Wirt preferred, and since I have nearly all of them, I can say they're pretty terrific.

An exciting opening and a thrilling and suspenseful conclusion make up for a smaller role played by Penny's pal Louise in this one, the final Penny Parker. The mystery deals with an old monastery and a strange cult leader who may be fleecing his flock.

A young girl apparently running away from home whom Penny and Jerry give a ride to ends up playing a pivotal part in the mystery, which involves an expensive sapphire. This entry is very wintery, with a lot of skiing, giving it atmosphere. Penny even gets trapped in the snow after an accident on the slopes.

The villain has some real menace in this final Penny Parker, as does his henchman. A local artist attempting to finish painting the grounds of the monastery adds some humor and color to the proceedings. Since this turned out to be the last entry in one of the great series for young adults, it's a shame Penny's pal Louise wasn't around more. But it's a quick, fun read, and very exciting. A fine entry in the series, and a nice way to say goodbye to Penny Parker, one of the most enjoyable series for young adults from a bygone era. ( )