The Mystery of the Strange Messages facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Enid Blyton |
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| Illustrator | Lilian Buchanan |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Five Find-Outers |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Methuen (1st edition) |
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Publication date
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1957 |
| Preceded by | The Mystery of the Missing Man |
| Followed by | The Mystery of Banshee Towers |
The Mystery of the Strange Messages is an exciting children's novel written by the famous author Enid Blyton. It was first published in 1957. This book is the fourteenth adventure in the popular Five Find-Outers series. It features a group of clever young detectives: Fatty, Pip, Larry, Daisy, and Bets, along with their loyal dog, Buster. Of course, the grumpy local policeman, Mr. Goon, and his nephew Ern also appear in this thrilling story.
Contents
About the Book
This book takes readers on a journey filled with secrets and puzzles. The Five Find-Outers are always ready for a new challenge. In this adventure, they stumble upon some very unusual messages. These messages lead them into a mystery that tests their teamwork and detective skills.
Who Wrote It?
Enid Blyton was a British author who wrote hundreds of books for children. She is one of the most beloved children's writers of all time. Her books have sold more than 600 million copies around the world. Blyton was known for her adventure stories, mystery series, and fantasy tales. She created many famous characters, including Noddy, the Famous Five, and, of course, the Five Find-Outers. Her stories often feature children having exciting adventures without adults. They solve mysteries and explore hidden places.
Meet the Find-Outers!
The Five Find-Outers are a group of friends who live in the village of Peterswood. They love to solve mysteries that baffle the local police.
- Fatty (Frederick Algernon Trotteville): He is the leader of the group. Fatty is very clever and good at disguises. He often uses his brain to figure out difficult clues.
- Pip (Philip Hilton): Pip is brave and always ready for action. He is good at climbing and exploring.
- Larry (Laurence Daykin): Larry is Pip's older brother. He is also very keen on solving mysteries.
- Daisy (Margaret Daykin): Daisy is Larry's younger sister. She is practical and helps the group stay organized.
- Bets (Elizabeth Hilton): Bets is Pip's younger sister. She is the youngest of the group and often notices small details that others miss.
- Buster: Fatty's loyal Scottish Terrier dog. Buster is very smart and often helps the children in their investigations.
- Mr. Goon: The local village policeman. He is often annoyed by the children. He tries to solve mysteries himself but usually fails, while the Find-Outers succeed.
- Ern: Mr. Goon's nephew. He sometimes helps the Find-Outers, often against his uncle's wishes.
What's the Mystery?
In The Mystery of the Strange Messages, the Find-Outers are enjoying their holidays when a peculiar event catches their attention. Mysterious notes start appearing in unusual places. These messages are not easy to understand. They seem to be written in a code or a secret language.
Strange Clues Appear
The first message appears unexpectedly, leaving the children puzzled. It's not a simple note; it's a series of strange symbols or words that don't make sense at first. The Find-Outers, especially Fatty, are excited by the challenge. They know that these messages must mean something important. They begin to collect every strange message they find, trying to piece together the puzzle.
Following the Trail
As more messages appear, the children realize they are part of a bigger secret. They use their detective skills to decode the messages. This leads them on a thrilling chase around Peterswood. They might have to follow suspicious characters, sneak into forbidden places, or even use disguises to get closer to the truth. Mr. Goon, as usual, tries to stop them. He believes children should not be involved in police work. However, the Find-Outers are too clever for him.
Solving the Puzzle
The children work together, combining their different skills. Fatty's brainpower, Pip's bravery, and Bets's sharp eyes all help. They slowly start to understand what the strange messages mean. The mystery might involve a hidden treasure, a secret plan, or even a missing person. The climax of the story sees the Find-Outers finally cracking the code and uncovering the truth. They often manage to solve the mystery just before Mr. Goon, much to his frustration!
Why This Book is Fun
The Mystery of the Strange Messages is a great read for anyone who loves adventure and puzzles. It shows the importance of friendship and teamwork. The Find-Outers always stick together, even when things get difficult. The book teaches readers about problem-solving and thinking outside the box. It's full of suspense and excitement, making you want to read just one more chapter to find out what happens next. Enid Blyton's stories are known for their fast pace and exciting plots, and this book is no exception.
