THE MYSTERY HOUSE

by Polly Hobson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 14, 1964

Marilyn Hickey, the 11-year-old daughter of a famous dress designer called Madame Evelyn, dislikes her fashionable London life which includes frequent modelling and dreams of having a reunited family (her father has been in Africa for as long as she can remember). Expecting to spend a quiet Christmas holiday from boarding school at her Nanny's country home, she is delighted to find that the long deserted vicarage next door has just been inhabited by a professor friend of her father's and his four nephews and nieces. For the first time in her life Marilyn has the opportunity to go adventuring with other children. They discover the inevitable hidden room where they find five marbeles--one for each to wish upon. As their wishes all come true they become involved in a variety of escapades, including digging up some antique silver and chasing a robber. Marilyn's wish, which of course is the return of her father, is fulfilled when her parents become reconciled and her mother gives up the role of Madame Evelyn and takes to wearing sturdy British tweeds. The story is overly complex and contrived, but the characters have some life, and Marilyn's rebellion against her unnatural home conditions is convincing.

Pub Date: Oct. 14, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lippincott

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: FICTION