The Story

When the Girl Scouts‘ Captain Eleanor and her troop head to Lake Honor for their summer camping trip, they expect cookouts, swimming, and badge-earning fun. But from the moment they arrive, things feel off. A ragged stranger is seen sneaking around their campsite, and later, a mysterious man shows up with questions about a local family long thought gone. At the same time, a new Scout named Flora acts strange and jittery, like she‘s scared of her own shadow. The troop quickly spins into detective mode. It turns out, someone important is missing in the woods nearby, and these scrappy Scouts might be the only ones who can uncover the truth before it‘s too late.

Why You Should Read It

Even though this book was written a long time ago (think 1920s camping gear and chaperones with parasols), it still feels fresh. Why? Because Edith Lavell knows how to mix real emotions with a solid puzzle. This story isn’t just about solving a riddle—it‘s about what makes a good leader, why being brave when you're scared matters, and how real friendship can outlast any trouble. The Scout troop feels like a bunch of kids you'd actually want to hang out with. Plus, the “old-timey” details—like packing your own cooking gear and using Morse code by the campfire—make it wonderfully charming today. There is no boring paragraph here; every chapter either teaches you something fun or pushes the mystery along.

Final Verdict

💭 Without giving away spoilers—let‘s just say the treasure at the end isn’t gold, but something way cooler. This book belongs on the shelf of: mystery fans curious about vintage children‘s stories; Scout troops or homeschoolers looking for a fictional character who screams ‘resourcefulness‘; bedtime read-aloud players. Perfect for lovers of sisters, open skies, and a good riddle. Honestly, even somebody who thought all Scout books were instruction manuals and how-to folds those stories now enjoy secrets. Buy it for dry-read vacations for old forests.