Kay Tracey Series by Frances K. Judd
The Kay Tracey series is a delightful collection of mystery novels featuring a clever and courageous teenage sleuth. Written under the pseudonym Frances K. Judd, the series was created as a response to the popularity of Nancy Drew. Kay Tracey, a 16-year-old amateur detective, solves mysteries in her hometown of Brantwood with the help of her two best friends, Betty and Wilma Worth. With its engaging plots and charming characters, the series has entertained readers since its debut in the 1930s.
Publication Order of Kay Tracey Books
- The Secret of the Red Scarf (1934)
- The Strange Echo (1934)
- The Mystery of the Swaying Curtains (1935)
- The Shadow on the Door (1935)
- The Six-Fingered Glove Mystery (1936)
- The Green Cameo Mystery (1936)
- The Secret at the Windmill (1937)
- Beneath the Crimson Brier Bush (1937)
- The Message in the Sand Dunes (1938)
- The Murmuring Portrait (1938)
- When the Key Turned (1939)
- In the Sunken Garden (1939)
- The Forbidden Tower (1940)
- The Sacred Feather (1940)
- The Lone Footprint (1941)
- The Double Disguise (1941)
- The Mansion of Secrets (1942)
- The Mysterious Neighbors (1942)
The Secret of the Red Scarf (1934)
Kay Tracey encounters a young man suffering from amnesia who calls her “Sis.” Determined to help him, Kay embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover his identity and reunite him with his sister. The mystery deepens when a red scarf becomes a key clue, leading Kay into thrilling and risky adventures.
The Strange Echo (1934)
While vacationing at Lost Lake, Kay and her friends hear a mysterious voice warning them of danger. Determined to uncover the source of the eerie echoes, Kay finds herself entangled in a web of secrets involving a lost family fortune and a young woman in distress.
The Mystery of the Swaying Curtains (1935)
Kay helps her friend Sissy Weller, who learns she might inherit a fortune if she can prove her true identity. As Kay investigates, she faces numerous obstacles, including missing records and a vanishing witness. The suspense builds as Kay races to uncover the truth.
The Shadow on the Door (1935)
Kay becomes suspicious when Mrs. Van Hutton refuses to sign important legal documents. A mysterious man named Stannovi seems to be influencing her decisions. Kay’s investigation leads her into a dangerous conspiracy, with her rival Ethel Eaton complicating matters.
The Six-Fingered Glove Mystery (1936)
Kay stumbles upon a strange glove with six fingers, which becomes the key to solving a series of thefts. As she pieces together the clues, Kay uncovers a surprising connection to a local family’s dark secrets.
The Green Cameo Mystery (1936)
A valuable green cameo goes missing, and Kay is determined to find it. Her investigation takes her into the world of mediums and séances, where she must separate fact from fiction to solve the case.
The Secret at the Windmill (1937)
Kay investigates a mysterious windmill that seems to hold the key to a hidden treasure. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a tale of betrayal and greed that puts her in grave danger.
Beneath the Crimson Brier Bush (1937)
A strange cry leads Kay to a hidden brier bush, where she discovers a clue to a long-lost treasure. Her determination to solve the mystery takes her on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists.
The Message in the Sand Dunes (1938)
Kay finds a cryptic message buried in the sand dunes, leading her to a mystery involving smugglers and hidden loot. With her friends by her side, Kay unravels the clues to bring the culprits to justice.
The Murmuring Portrait (1938)
A portrait that seems to murmur secrets draws Kay into a case involving a missing artist and a stolen masterpiece. The suspense builds as Kay uncovers the truth behind the eerie painting.
When the Key Turned (1939)
A frantic phone call sends Kay on a mission to save a family in distress. As she investigates, she discovers a sinister plot that threatens their lives and uncovers a shocking betrayal.
In the Sunken Garden (1939)
Kay stumbles upon a sunken garden that holds the key to a decades-old mystery. As she pieces together the clues, she uncovers a tale of love, loss, and redemption.
The Forbidden Tower (1940)
Kay and her friends travel to Florida, where they encounter a mysterious tower said to be cursed. Kay’s determination to uncover the truth leads her into a thrilling adventure filled with danger and intrigue.
The Sacred Feather (1940)
A sacred feather with a mysterious history becomes the center of Kay’s latest case. As she investigates, she uncovers a tale of betrayal and revenge that spans generations.
The Lone Footprint (1941)
A single footprint in the snow leads Kay to a case involving a missing person and a hidden fortune. Her investigation takes her into the wilderness, where she faces unexpected challenges.
The Double Disguise (1941)
Kay uncovers a plot involving imposters and a stolen formula. As she pieces together the clues, she must navigate a web of lies and deception to solve the case.
The Mansion of Secrets (1942)
A spooky old mansion becomes the setting for Kay’s latest mystery. As she investigates, she uncovers a tale of greed and betrayal that puts her in grave danger.
The Mysterious Neighbors (1942)
Kay’s curiosity is piqued by her new neighbors, who seem to be hiding a dark secret. Her investigation leads her to uncover a shocking truth that changes everything.
Why You’ll Love the Kay Tracey Series
The Kay Tracey series is perfect for readers who love classic mysteries with strong female protagonists. Kay’s intelligence, courage, and determination make her a relatable and inspiring character. The series combines thrilling adventures with heartwarming friendships, making it a timeless favorite.
Books Similar to Kay Tracey
If you enjoyed the Kay Tracey series, you might also like:
- Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
- The Dana Girls series by Carolyn Keene
- Trixie Belden series by Julie Campbell
- Judy Bolton series by Margaret Sutton
- Penny Parker series by Mildred A. Wirt