A missing sword, a large cat, an impoverished family, and an ancestral pile and lots of intrigue makes for a somewhat dated, but still readable story. Norton, as always, does better with familiial relationships than with romantic ones, but this story definitely shows its age in terms of language and lack of... political correctness. If you're offended by Huckleberry Finn you should probably avoid this one . ( )

1930s pulp novel which was contemporary fiction in its day and period fiction now. Two brothers and a sister, almost the last of a titled family descended from an English aristocrat who turned pirate and fled to the New Orleans area. The once-wealthy family fell on hard times a couple of generations back, but the siblings feel that if they can find the Ralestone Luck, luck will return to the Ralestones. It was apparently the first novel she wrote (though the second published), and it shows. It’s definitely Norton’s style, and the writing is competent enough for it to be readable, but it *is* a 1930s pulp YA with some flaws in the execution. There’s a touch of white privilege which made me twitch, probably the more so because I don’t expect that from Norton. I’m glad I read it, but I’m also glad I didn’t pay to read it. ( )

It could almost be Gothic, if it weren't as light hearted as the Boxcar Children. The last scions of the Ralestone family, penniless and uprooted, return to their old family home in the States. There's all sorts of intrigue and mystery and sass. ( )

Great for kids. I believe this was the first book Ms. Norton published. Hard to find an original hardcover from the 40s.

Don't remember this one at all. Old book. ( )