ISBN 0807553913 - I really like the Boxcar Children series, and because previous reviews on this one have brought these things up, I thought I'd include my thoughts: Yes, the children travel, etc alone. The book is copyrighted in 1958, when the world was a great deal safer and more innocent. If it's a concern to you, as a parent, take advantage of the chance to point out some of the ways the world has changed in the last 50 years. I also agree there's not a lot of mystery, but it's a kids' book and I have yet to read any kids' book that didn't have an entirely predictable storyline and ending.

The adventure begins when Grandfather gets a letter from his sister's neighbor, who also acts as her nurse. Jane is impossible and Maggie, the neighbor, is going to leave. Grandfather is worried because his sister can't live alone, so when the girls offer to go stay with her, it seems like a perfect - if temporary - solution.

On the train to Centerville, the girls meet a mysterious man who disappears as soon as they get off the train. Taking care of Aunt Jane takes their mind off the identity of the man and the girls settle in happily. Unable to resist her great-nieces, Aunt Jane begins to respond and even starts to be happy! As the end of the summer looms, the whole family is re-united on the ranch in time to save the ranch, solve the riddle of the mystery man and celebrate Aunt Jane's birthday - and her decision to let go of an almost lifelong grudge against her brother.

More sentimental than most of the rest of the series, Mystery Ranch is a good read for lessons in forgiveness, family and love, but if you're looking for true mystery, you might try a more contemporary author. And if you're a Boxcar Children fan, most definitely read this one - it's as good as the rest of the series, just in a different way.

- AnnaLovesBooks

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I loved this book! I couldn't wait to finish it so that they could solve the mystery. I love this whole series.

An excellent book for kids. I read the whole series to my children.

The boxcar children are spending the summer out west on their Aunt Jane's ranch. She is a very unhappy woman who hasn't spoken to her brother in years. The Boxcar children try to help her but they don't learn her secret until the end of the summmer - whem they make a surprising discovery.

Level P reading Level

My children enjoy the simple reading this series provides.

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