The Happy Hollisters (Volume 1)

AUTHOR: Jerry West
ILLUSTRATOR: Helen S. Hamilton

From the Publisher:

The Happy Hollisters: America’s Favorite Classic Mystery Series for Young Readers
The Happy Hollisters was the best-selling mystery/adventure series for children aged 6-12 in the 1950s and 60s with over 16 million copies sold. The complete 33-book series has now been reissued in paperback format for the very first time. The books are clean, wholesome, cheerful, and exciting action-packed mysteries for boys and girls. The Happy Hollisters, volume 1, has more than 600 five-star ratings on Amazon and more than 2,000 5-star ratings on Goodreads!
“. . . the love between family members, the resourcefulness, the eagerness to find the answers to the problems . . . all make for a fun and positive read.”~Julie, Goodreads

This classic, family-oriented 33-book series has been faithfully reissued in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats by the author’s family for a new generation of young readers, with a timeless accent on humor and good, clean fun. Integrity always pays off, and right wins over wrong. Parents, grandparents, and teachers love these books for their celebration of life in simpler times and family discussions that may ensue. Kids love the fast-paced action and will not want to put them down. This is a perfect gift for the young reader in your life!

Volume 1: The adventures for the Hollisters begin as soon as they move into their new house on the shore on Pine Lake in Shoreham. First, the moving van carrying their toys and their father’s important new invention disappears. Next, they learn that their house may be haunted, with a treasure hidden somewhere inside! Right away they all set out to solve these mysteries.

Each one of the Hollister children – Pete (age 12), Pam (10), Ricky (7), Holly (6) and Sue (4) – plays an important role in finding clues, along with their parents, who are always ready to join in on the excitement. Even Zip, the collie, and White Nose, the cat, are part of the family and find thrilling adventures of their own.

As the Hollisters explore their new town and make friends, they discover what happened to the moving van and learn more about the mystery surrounding their new home. Excitement abounds when a secret stairway is discovered. Then, on the trail of a mysterious intruder, their chase leads them to a deserted hut on nearby Blackberry Island.

Leah’s Thoughts:

This is old-school family fun, and I love this series so much! The stories moves quickly, and the Hollister kids work together to solve mysteries while still feeling like a real, lively family. It’s great for fans of gentle, classic reads with lots of action and strong sibling dynamics.