The first of Enid Blyton's "Barney" mysteries, in which we are introduced to Roger, his sister Diana, their orphaned cousin Snubby (Peter) and his black spaniel Looney. The children head off on holiday, with their mother's old governess Miss Pepper and the first section of the book is a rather idyllic description of picnicking (all that food, must've been a dream in post war food rationed Britain!), boating, riding and walking. They meet Barney, an itinerant circus boy and his monkey Miranda and make instant friends. They break into an abandoned mansion to find a place for Barney to sleep and are soon involved in a mystery involving smugglers, secret passages and an undercover policeman. Rather good fun though the casual breaking and entering is a bit alarming! ( )

9788423998982

1977 poor condition