THE CHATEAU HOLIDAY

Another year brings another mystery to the attention of the children who have already been featured in The Hiding Place (1963) and Tinker's Castle (1964). Like the others, this book is strongest in its depiction of the children as a collective bunch with their well-delivered dialogue. There are some moments of suspense, too, with an apparent kidnapping, a chase, a temporary incarceration. The mystery itself, however, is amorphous and incohesive. Julia Westcott and Norman and Clare Lester are staying at St. Pierre-Castl where they become friendly with Michel Roche and Danielle Cappette. Michel hints that Danielle is in danger, only he's just bluffing. Than Danielle is kidnapped, only it was really Clare, mistaken for the other girl. And she wasn't really kidnapped, only Danielle's grandmother wanted to speak to her alone. Along the way they all happen to sue an arsonist in the act of setting the woods on fire, but that's of only minor interest to them... Too many ifs, ands, and buts to this story.