Enid Blyton’s The Mystery of Spiteful Letters is a tiny example of how gossip in small towns can grow into a full-blown whodunnit and of how five children determined to solve the problem with the help of their very clever dog can use wit, disguise, and their talents as amateur detectives to solve it all. Published in 1946, this book is the fourth in the adventures of the Five Find-Outers and Buster; it represents Enid Blyton at her most entertaining and fast-paced.
At the centre of the story is an evil yet perfectly human force: anonymous ‘nonnimous’ letters delivered to neighbours, damaging the reputations of the people who receive them. These letters are apparent at first glance — block letters, cheap paper, and local knowledge — but the effects can devour all the good that has ever existed in the village: a timid housemaid named Gladys finds herself in tears; other villagers are bitter with each other; and the village police officer, Mr Goon, was a man who seemed to become redder as he tried his best to figure out what he perceived as a puzzle that could only be solved from within the boundaries of his town. The Five Find-Outers, a group of children led by Frederick “Fatty” Trotteville, each have their individual approaches to solving the mystery of the letters and what they mean. They use ordinary things from the village (like the postmark on letters, their own unique styles of writing, and which people catch the bus on Monday mornings) to help decipher the mystery.
What makes this episode sparkle is how Blyton has condensed detective work into concrete, easily understood actions. Fatty wears disguises (a continuing joyous element); the children do stakeouts; and there are some really clever practical tricks, including how to get out of a locked room, which can be read as a miniature magic act, all contributing to the feeling the reader receives about a plan coming together. They are not only gimmicky but also demonstrate to the reader observational ability, lateral thinking and bravery, all characteristics which Blyton valued in her young protagonists.
The tone is cheerful and humorous; Mr Goon’s pompousness acts as a cartoon-like foil for Bets’ serious demeanour, and Buster, the dog, provides comic relief and emotional attachment; Blyton’s dialogue has an energetic pace, chapters fly by quickly, and even the domestic interludes on the way to the park, such as having tea at Fatty’s house or going for a walk to the park at the end of the chapter, create atmosphere while keeping the story at an increased pace.
The story also possesses a moral core. Blyton shows that ensuring that people do not write nasty things, like a spiteful letter, is not only wrong socially, but it can also go against loyalty and show that children will try to protect someone, such as Gladys. Children will use their instincts to protect someone, and they won’t allow rumours that haven’t been proven to exist affect their loyalty to him. In simple terms, young readers will gain an understanding of empathy and justice while reading this book, which is presented within a mysterious context.
Readers today will see all the period language and attitudes used throughout the book and will find that they show how people in villages lived during the mid-20th century, much like detectives in stories from that time.
Originally illustrated by Joseph Abbey and very well written, The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters is an old children’s mystery story that will still encourage children to use their curiosity and find out what is going on in the world around them. It is a perfect book for middle schoolers that enjoy solving riddles, and it’s a great book for adults who are looking for a book to read that reminds them of their favourite Golden Age authors. Elliot and Blyton’s latest book is filled with all of the things you love: being clever, having friends and being a bit mischievous.
