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Mandie #18
Mandie and the Jumping Juniper
When Mandie and Celia left the United States to spend the summer traveling with Mrs. Taft through Europe, they didn't expect that each new place they visited would have a mystery and adventure all its own. But since boarding the Queen Victoria, it's been one episode after another.
Traveling from Switzerland to Germany with Jonathan, Uncle Ned, and Senator Morton, they arrive at the medieval stone castle of Baroness Geissler. None of them know much about the castle, but with its many turrets, long narrow slits for windows, a drawbridge and moat, it's not a surprise when they discover there's a mystery surrounding it. A very old juniper tree that's located on the property is said to "jump" sometimes, and no one knows why.
What is the secret of the jumping tree? And why is the baroness's grandson so rude and unlikeable?
Will Snowball help them solve the mystery?
Traveling from Switzerland to Germany with Jonathan, Uncle Ned, and Senator Morton, they arrive at the medieval stone castle of Baroness Geissler. None of them know much about the castle, but with its many turrets, long narrow slits for windows, a drawbridge and moat, it's not a surprise when they discover there's a mystery surrounding it. A very old juniper tree that's located on the property is said to "jump" sometimes, and no one knows why.
What is the secret of the jumping tree? And why is the baroness's grandson so rude and unlikeable?
Will Snowball help them solve the mystery?
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1991
About the author
Lois Gladys Leppard
116 books260 followersLois Gladys Leppard was the ever-popular and prolific writer of Mandie Books. She was also a professional singer, actress, and playwright. Lois studied at the New York School of Music and the Voice Beautiful Institute in New York under Glenn Morris Starkie. Additionally, she and her two sisters, Sibyl and Louise, sang professionally as the Larke Sisters and appeared in the operetta Bohemian Girl and were presented at Carnegie Hall. As a drama student, she was in the group that organized The Little Theater in her home town. She has written several plays and was employed with Columbia Pictures.
She wrote the first Mandie book, Mandie and The Secret Tunnel, when she was eleven years old. However, the book was not published until many years later.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 30, 2016
About this book:
“When Mandie and Celia left the United States to spend the summer traveling with Mrs. Taft through Europe, they didn't expect that each new place they visited would have a mystery and adventure all its own. But since boarding the Queen Victoria, it's been one episode after another.
Traveling from Switzerland to Germany with Jonathan, Uncle Ned, and Senator Morton, they arrive at the medieval stone castle of Baroness Geissler. None of them know much about the castle, but with its many turrets, long narrow slits for windows, a drawbridge and moat, it's not a surprise when they discover there's a mystery surrounding it. A very old juniper tree that's located on the property is said to "jump" sometimes, and no one knows why.
What is the secret of the jumping tree? And why is the baroness's grandson so rude and unlikeable? Will Snowball help them solve the mystery?”
Series: Book #18 in “Mandie” series. (To read the reviews of the previous books in this series, click the number to be taken to that review: #1! #2! #3! #4! #5! #6! #7! #8! #9! #10! #11! #12! #13! #14! #15! #16! #17!) {There also is the “Young Mandie Mystery” series, (Book #1 review Here and Book #2 review Here!) but they do not connect together well}
Spiritual Content- Leviticus 19:16 at the beginning; Prayers & Thanking God; A Scripture is quoted & prayed; A few mentions of God; A couple mentions of praying; A couple mentions of miracles.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘stupid’s; A bit of eye rolling; Rupert can be rude & have a bratty attitude; Mentions of blood & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of murders, duels, a dungeon & disposing of the bodies (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a drunk.
Sexual Content- Mandie & Celia talk a bit about boys & marrying them; A mention of Rupert (who’s engaged) kissing another girl; A couple mentions of Rupert’s flirtatious ways; A couple mentions of Rupert’s lady friends; A few mentions of boy having a girlfriend, being old enough for one & them being sweet on each other.
-Amanda “Mandie” Shaw, age 13
P.O.V. of Mandie
Set in 1901
160 pages (also available in a collection with four other Mandie books.)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Yet another good Mandie mystery! The ending did feel a bit rushed & quick, though, which can make a Mandie fan eager to read the next one. ;)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“When Mandie and Celia left the United States to spend the summer traveling with Mrs. Taft through Europe, they didn't expect that each new place they visited would have a mystery and adventure all its own. But since boarding the Queen Victoria, it's been one episode after another.
Traveling from Switzerland to Germany with Jonathan, Uncle Ned, and Senator Morton, they arrive at the medieval stone castle of Baroness Geissler. None of them know much about the castle, but with its many turrets, long narrow slits for windows, a drawbridge and moat, it's not a surprise when they discover there's a mystery surrounding it. A very old juniper tree that's located on the property is said to "jump" sometimes, and no one knows why.
What is the secret of the jumping tree? And why is the baroness's grandson so rude and unlikeable? Will Snowball help them solve the mystery?”
Series: Book #18 in “Mandie” series. (To read the reviews of the previous books in this series, click the number to be taken to that review: #1! #2! #3! #4! #5! #6! #7! #8! #9! #10! #11! #12! #13! #14! #15! #16! #17!) {There also is the “Young Mandie Mystery” series, (Book #1 review Here and Book #2 review Here!) but they do not connect together well}
Spiritual Content- Leviticus 19:16 at the beginning; Prayers & Thanking God; A Scripture is quoted & prayed; A few mentions of God; A couple mentions of praying; A couple mentions of miracles.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘stupid’s; A bit of eye rolling; Rupert can be rude & have a bratty attitude; Mentions of blood & pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of murders, duels, a dungeon & disposing of the bodies (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of a drunk.
Sexual Content- Mandie & Celia talk a bit about boys & marrying them; A mention of Rupert (who’s engaged) kissing another girl; A couple mentions of Rupert’s flirtatious ways; A couple mentions of Rupert’s lady friends; A few mentions of boy having a girlfriend, being old enough for one & them being sweet on each other.
-Amanda “Mandie” Shaw, age 13
P.O.V. of Mandie
Set in 1901
160 pages (also available in a collection with four other Mandie books.)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Yet another good Mandie mystery! The ending did feel a bit rushed & quick, though, which can make a Mandie fan eager to read the next one. ;)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
September 17, 2019
love this one !
October 9, 2019
Title: Mandie and the Jumping Juniper
Author: Lois Gladys Leppard
Series: Mandie, 18
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: When Mandie and Celia left the United States to spend the summer traveling with Mrs. Taft through Europe, they didn't expect that each new place they visited would have a mystery and adventure all its own. But since boarding the Queen Victoria, it's been one episode after another.
Traveling from Switzerland to Germany with Jonathan, Uncle Ned, and Senator Morton, they arrive at the medieval stone castle of Baroness Geissler. None of them know much about the castle, but with its many turrets, long narrow slits for windows, a drawbridge and moat, it's not a surprise when they discover there's a mystery surrounding it. A very old juniper tree that's located on the property is said to "jump" sometimes, and no one knows why.
What is the secret of the jumping tree? And why is the baroness's grandson so rude and unlikeable?
Will Snowball help them solve the mystery?
Favourite character: Jonathan
Least favourite character: Mandie
Mini-review: Reading this book I realized how incredibly racist this series is. That's a rant for another time (probably once I finish the series and can jot down some examples). As I'm sure you can tell, I wasn't impressed with this book. It felt more scandalous than past Mandie books. Glad Jonathan seems to be able to talk some sense into Mandie. But they probably should've reported Rupert.
Fan Cast:
Amanda "Mandie" Shaw - Emma Rayne Lyle
Celia Hamilton - Sadie Sink
Jonathan Lindall Guyer III - Louis Hynes
Grandmother Taft - Meryl Streep
Senator Morton - Donald Sutherland
Uncle Ned Sweetwater - Zahn McClarnon
Rupert Geissler - Kodi Smit-McPhee
Dorothy McSwain - Alisha Newton
Catherine - Ella Purnell
Strange Woman - Linda Hunt
Author: Lois Gladys Leppard
Series: Mandie, 18
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: When Mandie and Celia left the United States to spend the summer traveling with Mrs. Taft through Europe, they didn't expect that each new place they visited would have a mystery and adventure all its own. But since boarding the Queen Victoria, it's been one episode after another.
Traveling from Switzerland to Germany with Jonathan, Uncle Ned, and Senator Morton, they arrive at the medieval stone castle of Baroness Geissler. None of them know much about the castle, but with its many turrets, long narrow slits for windows, a drawbridge and moat, it's not a surprise when they discover there's a mystery surrounding it. A very old juniper tree that's located on the property is said to "jump" sometimes, and no one knows why.
What is the secret of the jumping tree? And why is the baroness's grandson so rude and unlikeable?
Will Snowball help them solve the mystery?
Favourite character: Jonathan
Least favourite character: Mandie
Mini-review: Reading this book I realized how incredibly racist this series is. That's a rant for another time (probably once I finish the series and can jot down some examples). As I'm sure you can tell, I wasn't impressed with this book. It felt more scandalous than past Mandie books. Glad Jonathan seems to be able to talk some sense into Mandie. But they probably should've reported Rupert.
Fan Cast:
Amanda "Mandie" Shaw - Emma Rayne Lyle
Celia Hamilton - Sadie Sink
Jonathan Lindall Guyer III - Louis Hynes
Grandmother Taft - Meryl Streep
Senator Morton - Donald Sutherland
Uncle Ned Sweetwater - Zahn McClarnon
Rupert Geissler - Kodi Smit-McPhee
Dorothy McSwain - Alisha Newton
Catherine - Ella Purnell
Strange Woman - Linda Hunt
April 6, 2022
While on a summer trip to Europe with her grandmother, her friends Celia and Jonathan, Senator Morton, and Uncle Ned, her old Indian friend, Mandie runs into nothing but trouble! A rumor of a juniper tree that is supposed to jump up and down is too much for Mandie's curiosity and she's determined to find out why it happens before they leave Germany. Throw in a arrogant young man who seems to have something to hide and Mandie's really got her hands full!
See more of my reviews on my blog!
filesofacountrybookworm.wordpress.com
See more of my reviews on my blog!
filesofacountrybookworm.wordpress.com
January 8, 2010
The theory behind the Jumping Juniper was good, but the overall plot itself was just silly. It seamed that Lois Gladys Leppard got writers block and didn't know what to write about.
July 24, 2020
I really wanted to like this book, but it was a disappointment. In "Mandie and the Jumping Juniper" Mandie and her gang are in Germany! The book starts out with a bang, as they have a really bad carriage accident, mildly injuring everyone. Eventually they all safely make it to the Baroness's castle, who they had met before in Rome. Rupert, the Baroness's grandson has been acting very suspicious and rude. Mandie hears rumors of a strange "jumping" juniper tree on the castle property, and she is (as always) determined to find out what is behind it!
Despite my lower rating, I still found this book enjoyable. It had a good progressing plot, and the action was pretty good. Some action moments included: Spying (of course, as always), going down a drain pipe, and falling into a lake. Most of the characters had complex personalities. My favorite character in this book was Celia, who fights some of Mandie's stupidity. The best aspect of this book was the comedy- I love laughing at the kid's adventures and their stupidity (at times).
There were many negative parts of this book, the biggest being the "Jumping Juniper" itself! To be completely honest, the whole topic was just kind of stupid. Mandie is OBSESSED with the idea and literally spends all her free time just because of a unproven rumor mentioned by a servant. Anybody reading already knew it wouldn't be anything big, and I wasn't surprised when I learned the "reason" for the jumping, which was also stupid. Like the last book, there is a HUGE build up to find out what solution is for the mystery, which turns out to be, well, nothing. The difference in "Mandie and the Jumping Juniper" from "Mandie and the Singing Chalet" is that in the latter, the build up actually included clues and various hearings of the singing. In the former, they only see the tree "jump" once. The true mystery of the book was really just Romantic Drama and gossip. Mandie makes tons of theories about Rupert and his "mysterious" girl. Jonathan, Celia, and Mandie all snoop on him to try to find out information. Mandie even suggests snitching on him, but thankfully, Celia and Jonathan, and Uncle Ned decide to not! I was like "hallelujah!" when Mandie actually met opposition. The creepy lady turns up again, and of course Mandie seems not to care. I would honestly just tackle her with my friends, she is scary!!!
I gave "Mandie and the Jumping Juniper" 3 stars, a lower score for a Mandie book, because of the uninteresting mystery. A "Jumping Juniper" is just unrealistic and boring to me. And, like the last book, the build up to solve the mystery was just way too big for the actually boring outcome. The Romantic Drama was interesting, but not really fit for a Mandie book. Yes- it was a mystery, but more drama than mystery to be completely honest! I think the book would have been better if the author focussed more on creating more mystery with Rupert, rather than romance. We were never explained why Rupert payed to have Mandie's carriage crash- the only explanation was that "he hated Americans". What?!
I still recommend this book, but if you are starting out with the Mandie series, choose a different one to start with, better yet, choose the first book "Mandie and the Secret Tunnel". The Mandie books really build on one another, so reading them in order is best for complete understanding.
Favorite quote: "A lantern partially illuminated the room, and to their amazement there was Rupert- holding Lady Catherine in his arms and kissing her! 'My goodness!' Mandie exclaimed, shyly backing away from the window."
Despite my lower rating, I still found this book enjoyable. It had a good progressing plot, and the action was pretty good. Some action moments included: Spying (of course, as always), going down a drain pipe, and falling into a lake. Most of the characters had complex personalities. My favorite character in this book was Celia, who fights some of Mandie's stupidity. The best aspect of this book was the comedy- I love laughing at the kid's adventures and their stupidity (at times).
There were many negative parts of this book, the biggest being the "Jumping Juniper" itself! To be completely honest, the whole topic was just kind of stupid. Mandie is OBSESSED with the idea and literally spends all her free time just because of a unproven rumor mentioned by a servant. Anybody reading already knew it wouldn't be anything big, and I wasn't surprised when I learned the "reason" for the jumping, which was also stupid. Like the last book, there is a HUGE build up to find out what solution is for the mystery, which turns out to be, well, nothing. The difference in "Mandie and the Jumping Juniper" from "Mandie and the Singing Chalet" is that in the latter, the build up actually included clues and various hearings of the singing. In the former, they only see the tree "jump" once. The true mystery of the book was really just Romantic Drama and gossip. Mandie makes tons of theories about Rupert and his "mysterious" girl. Jonathan, Celia, and Mandie all snoop on him to try to find out information. Mandie even suggests snitching on him, but thankfully, Celia and Jonathan, and Uncle Ned decide to not! I was like "hallelujah!" when Mandie actually met opposition. The creepy lady turns up again, and of course Mandie seems not to care. I would honestly just tackle her with my friends, she is scary!!!
I gave "Mandie and the Jumping Juniper" 3 stars, a lower score for a Mandie book, because of the uninteresting mystery. A "Jumping Juniper" is just unrealistic and boring to me. And, like the last book, the build up to solve the mystery was just way too big for the actually boring outcome. The Romantic Drama was interesting, but not really fit for a Mandie book. Yes- it was a mystery, but more drama than mystery to be completely honest! I think the book would have been better if the author focussed more on creating more mystery with Rupert, rather than romance. We were never explained why Rupert payed to have Mandie's carriage crash- the only explanation was that "he hated Americans". What?!
I still recommend this book, but if you are starting out with the Mandie series, choose a different one to start with, better yet, choose the first book "Mandie and the Secret Tunnel". The Mandie books really build on one another, so reading them in order is best for complete understanding.
Favorite quote: "A lantern partially illuminated the room, and to their amazement there was Rupert- holding Lady Catherine in his arms and kissing her! 'My goodness!' Mandie exclaimed, shyly backing away from the window."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
Such a missed opportunity in this book. No one dares to distinguish “tattling” in Mandie telling the host of a German castle that her grandson is kissing girls other than his fiancée vs the same grandson hired a man to overturn the carriage and risk the deaths of 5 people.
Like… what?
Also, these are not mysteries as much as a 13-yo girl who doesn’t listen to anyone acting like a brat and doing what she wants.
Like… what?
Also, these are not mysteries as much as a 13-yo girl who doesn’t listen to anyone acting like a brat and doing what she wants.
October 31, 2022
This one was alright, but not my favorite. There were good parts, but there were some questionable parts as well - a man kissing a woman when he is engaged to someone else is the main one. Mandie's cat running away - this is not a huge deal. I understand that by running away, Snowball uncovers various things, but it seems a bit repetitive. Also, the ending seems kind of slapped on there quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love the Mandie books, but this one was not as good as some of the others.
August 4, 2023
I was so excited to find a stash of these in a used bookstore recently. I think I would have rated this higher the first go around, but re-reading this one so many years later it just doesn’t pass the time test. Other re-reads I’ve done over the last few years have, so perhaps my expectations were too high.
November 7, 2017
Another great Mandie book! 5 stars!
May 31, 2018
I adore books that teach - this I get to learn about Old Europe & botany.
June 15, 2019
Hmm this book ended weird. It almost seemed like the author ended it abruptly intending to go back and maybe right another chapter but never did.
February 4, 2020
Perpetually rating Mandie books 2-stars. Not awful enough for 1. Not good enough for 3. Just okay. Mandie gets annoying at times, plus the characters say the same thing in the same way every book.
September 19, 2012
I admit it: I am reviewing these books years after reading them. However, do not even suggest that I'm no longer qualified, that too many years have passed to remember. My battered and faded copies of these books testify to how many times I read them growing up and plots and entire passages are seared in my memory forever.
Snowball always ran away, Mandie always got in trouble, Uncle Ned always rescued her, and Joe and Tommy bristled at each other. I myself prefered Joe, but Tommy's cosmopolitan airs nearly tipped the balance a time or two. I recall- fondly and as though it were yesterday- my glee when Mandie went off to Europe, my disgust at the new baby, my delight in Mandie's wardrobe of sky blue frocks, my puzzlement at all her near escapes and handy school vacations, my terror during the daring midnight adventures. Ah me, to be young and silly again...
If I had written goodreads reviews at the age of eleven, all Mandie books would've received automatic five-star ratings and gushing descriptions. As an adult, I will honestly give them all three stars, except for my special pets. And if I ever have a little girl, I will buy her the entire set. Oh, and did you know there are more than forty books in the series by now? And I'm guessing Mandie never grows up, either.
Snowball always ran away, Mandie always got in trouble, Uncle Ned always rescued her, and Joe and Tommy bristled at each other. I myself prefered Joe, but Tommy's cosmopolitan airs nearly tipped the balance a time or two. I recall- fondly and as though it were yesterday- my glee when Mandie went off to Europe, my disgust at the new baby, my delight in Mandie's wardrobe of sky blue frocks, my puzzlement at all her near escapes and handy school vacations, my terror during the daring midnight adventures. Ah me, to be young and silly again...
If I had written goodreads reviews at the age of eleven, all Mandie books would've received automatic five-star ratings and gushing descriptions. As an adult, I will honestly give them all three stars, except for my special pets. And if I ever have a little girl, I will buy her the entire set. Oh, and did you know there are more than forty books in the series by now? And I'm guessing Mandie never grows up, either.
January 13, 2013
Mandie and her Europe-traveling friends/family are visiting Baroness Geissler's castle in Germany. From one baffling incident to another, no one can quite figure out what's going on.
I quite enjoyed reading this book--What with the secret of that jumping tree, and why the Baroness's son acts so rudely towards Mandie and her friends, plus a surprise visit from that mysterious lady who was on the Queen Victoria ship, who keeps stalking Mandie.
This is recommended for all Christian & Mystery Bookworms--You're in for a real treat!
I quite enjoyed reading this book--What with the secret of that jumping tree, and why the Baroness's son acts so rudely towards Mandie and her friends, plus a surprise visit from that mysterious lady who was on the Queen Victoria ship, who keeps stalking Mandie.
This is recommended for all Christian & Mystery Bookworms--You're in for a real treat!
June 11, 2020
The Mandie books are fun Christian mysteries for children, but I still love reading them. Even though she doesn't age very quickly and seems to get far too many breaks from school during the year, she's a lot of fun.
September 1, 2012
If I was going to skip a book in this series it would be this one. It's not inappropriate but I would read it before I let a child under my care read it. (It deals with an engaged man who is having secret meetings with another woman).
Read
September 20, 2007Leppard, Lois G. PB
May 8, 2011
I was sorry to learn of the author's passing. http://mandie.com/
May 13, 2013
Love it!
May 2, 2014
I admit, I read this book in elementary school, so I really don't remember anything about it anymore except that I absolutely loved it!
January 18, 2024
Another fun European adventure!
Read
January 22, 2009JMAR5-Lep
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews