International Pine wants to build a new plant on Matt Wheeler's land, and while Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Belden are all for it, thinking of the jobs it will bring to economically depressed Sleepyside, Mr. Maypenny is against ruining the beauty and nature of the preserve. It seems the whole town is divided on just what should be done. Throw in an aggressive environmentalist, some dead ducks, and an impostor posing as Mr. Maypenny's nephew and you have a mystery! Of course it all works out in the end when International Pine is able to find the perfect location for their new factory closer to town, leaving the Wheeler's preserve intact. ( )

A childhood favorite re-visited.

Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes

What ages would I recommend it too? – Ten and up.

Length? – Most of a day’s read.

Characters? – Memorable, several characters.

Setting? – Real world, pre - computer, pre - air conditioning, pre - cell phone.

Written approximately? – 1980.

Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Ready to read more.

Any issues the author (or a more recent publisher) should cover? Yes. A slight mention of the time frame of the story - as the teens are given far more freedom to come and go as they please than would be safe today. Also, the absence of computers and cell phones.

Short storyline: The International Pine Company, who showed up in a far earlier novel, want to buy more land. Part of it belongs to Mr. Maypenny, and part to Mr. Wheeler. Soon, the town is divided on the issue of allowing the sale of the wildlife preserve. Everyone is sure of who the culprit of the dead ducks is. It's what they don't know that will cause the danger for Honey and Trixie.


Notes for the reader: A great mystery! No violence and no murder. ( )