Judy Bolton #26 Clue in the Ruined Castle and #27 Trail of the Green Doll

In Judy Bolton #26, The Clue in the Ruined Castle, Judy and Peter go on a picnic near an old, ruined castle.  The castle is owned by John Dent, who is in a feud with Granny Joerg over some missing money.  John Dent hasn't been seen in some time, and rumors abound that he might be deceased.  The Joerg grandchildren disappear, and Judy helps search for them.

All of the story except for the last 18 pages occurs in just one day.  The story is paced well and is quite interesting.  This is a very good to excellent book.

In Judy Bolton #27, The Trail of the Green Doll, Judy decides to take in boarders, which leads to her becoming acquainted with the Riker family.

Judy learns that some type of green doll was stolen from Mrs. Riker and that the Rikers were planning to visit old Uncle Paul Riker.  Uncle Paul has disappeared, and his house has burned down.  Judy is puzzled by the seemingly disconnected events.

I found it odd that Judy decides to open her home to tourists without asking Peter's opinion.  He lives in the home as well, and he should have input into such an important decision.

This book would not have been a mystery at all if the characters had actually revealed what they knew.  I had read the book before, so I knew the big secret.  The magician is constantly called the "magician" throughout the text, and Margaret did that to hide the truth from the reader.  Also, Peter knows the secret and keeps it from Judy.  I find the whole thing to be obnoxious.  The story is also boring.

I do not like this book.