Created by Gertrude Chandler Warner. This volume is geared toward a slightly younger audience than the original Boxcar Children stories. This shorter, less-detailed installment involves the Alden children's unraveling of a mystery set up for them by famous children's mystery writers. The story is slight and lacks much adventure or suspense.

Gr 2-4 Bennie, Jessie, Violet, and Henry Alden are helping a neighbor remove some slippery stones when they discover a strange inscription. The mystery-solving siblings jump at the chance for another adventure and discover right away that Amanda has a secret of her own. They dont press her to reveal it and instead pursue additional clues. Hoping to find the mysterious gold mentioned on the stone, the busy sleuths unearth even more questions. Everything seems to be coming together when they overhear conversations that lead the children to believe that Amandas friends are trying to steal the treasure from her. Red herrings abound, which are sure to keep readers interested and on their toes. The story is wrapped up neatly, with a few surprises. A few full-page drawings are scattered throughout. A quick read, with special appeal for reluctant readers. Julie Shatterly, South County Regional Library, Charlotte, NC