Send us a text Get ready for our fifth bonus episode because it’s all about the Mighty Mississippi (and one other random topic). In this episode, Lisa and Amy discuss questions and topics from Trixie Belden and The Mystery on the Mississippi . You’ll learn about the history of the Mississippi River and its impact on American life. Also, discover some interesting facts about the indigenous inhabitants in the St. Louis area and the Cahokia people. Add in some tidbits about the Secret Service and t...
Oct 14, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send us a text It's time for our fourth bonus episode! Lisa and Amy discuss questions and topics that have come up during our latest episodes. You'll hear interesting information about such things as the history of vending machines, how telegrams changed communication, how slavery in the 1800’s affected NYC, and a little about the underground railroad. You'll also learn all about the 14-year-old brain and how it applies to Trixie and the gang. Add in an update on the Automat, and you’ve got a la...
Oct 07, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Send us a text Join Lisa and Amy as they wrap-up season one with a discussion of the Trixie Belden series. You will also hear input from our listeners about their experiences with the Trixie books, both as children and adults, and how the podcast has helped them revisit these books in a whole new light. Thank you to our amazing listener, Stephanie, for her participation in this episode! Stephanie is a criminal defense attorney who has found her way back to Kansas after many years in Nevada and T...
Sep 30, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Send us a text Lisa and Amy are more than challenged by their last Trixie Belden book episode. The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest has been a struggle to this point, and the final part offers very little clarity. As Juliana’s wedding day approaches, the BWGs continue to work the Miss Ryks case. How many times can Lisa and Amy say, “It makes no sense,” “I don’t know,” “It doesn’t say,” “They don’t tell us,” and “I don’t understand?” A lot! Questions? Where is Dan Mangan? Exactly what is a “wheels ...
Sep 23, 2021•1 hr 56 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Send us a text Part two of The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest has Lisa & Amy stumped and frustrated. The book becomes even more convoluted as they try to find answers to the many, many, many questions. This week in Trixie land, Trixie, Honey & Hallie juggle between investigating the strange new occurrences in Sleepyside and planning Juliana’s wedding. More questions! Are Trixie and Hallie becoming friends or are they ready to throttle each other? How did a scratch get on one of the Wheel...
Sep 16, 2021•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Send us a text In this episode, Lisa and Amy begin their discussion of The Mystery of the Uninvited Guest . This book will close out the first season of Books From the Basement, and it’s a doozy! Hans and Juliana are getting married at Manor House, and it’s going to be one crazy wedding! To make things even more wonky, Trixie’s cousin, Hallie Belden, comes to town and makes it impossible for things to go Trixie’s way. So... many… questions... in this first part, alone! What’s the backstory behin...
Sep 09, 2021•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text It’s time for the final part of the Mystery of the Missing Heiress , and Lisa and Amy try to put this convoluted book into a semblance of order. Story threads are everywhere, and while most lead to a dead end, some lead to no end at all. After Trixie rescues Janie from a dangerous situation, even more mysterious things start to happen. Plus, it’s old home week as familiar characters rejoin the mix. Questions for this episode: Is Mr. Lytell struggling to keep a stock of new batteri...
Sep 02, 2021•1 hr 54 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text In this episode, Lisa and Amy continue their discussion of The Mystery of the Missing Heiress . The BWGs get to know Jim’s long-lost cousin, Juliana. At the same time, a new girl, temporally named Janie, enters their lives. She has amnesia after a mysterious car accident. She moves in with the Beldens as she works to put the pieces of her life back in place. Questions for this episode: Will Jim’s school be a refuge for runaway, orphaned, troubled or some sort of combination boys? ...
Aug 26, 2021•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Send us a text It’s time for the next book in the Trixie Belden series! In this week’s episode Lisa and Amy begin their discussion of The Mystery of the Missing Heiress . The news that Jim has a long-lost relative sparks Trixie's curiosity, and she pulls the rest of the BWGs into a new mystery. Who is Betje Maasden, and why is a mysterious man asking questions about her? Why is Mart so mean? What happened to Spider & Tad Webster? Can all the Wheeler’s horses jump? Why is Moms making so much ...
Aug 19, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text In this last episode of The Mystery on the Mississippi, Lisa and Amy try to decipher the final events that happen in St. Louis. Trixie’s case takes a dark turn when she and Honey are kidnapped and held on an abandoned steamboat. Questions? What do the BWGs have against staying in a group? Do FBI agents really send notes to teenage girls? Is Honey under a strange spell? Why is Brian still refusing to doctor? Whose case is this anyway--the FBI's or The Belden-Wheeler Detective Agenc...
Aug 12, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text Lisa and Amy are deep into The Mystery on the Mississippi as they discuss the second third of this Trixie Belden book. The BWGs (minus Di) are still in St. Louis and are deep into Trixie’s new mystery. Between important sleuthing matters, the gang also manages to see some sights (sort of). Questions? Has Brian forgotten how to be a doctor? What’s up with the Secret Service? Does Mart ever get to see Tom Sawyer country? When did Jim learn how to handle a car like a stunt man? Is it...
Aug 05, 2021•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text It’s time for a new Trixie Belden and The Mystery on the Mississippi does not disappoint. The BWGs head to St. Louis for their next adventure. Even Dan Mangan gets to tag along on this trip. Trixie & Honey’s case begins almost immediately when they find a briefcase in their motel room. When a man arrives to claim it, Trixie’s radar goes off and another mystery is afoot. Questions? Why don’t the BWGs fit into Mr. Brandio’s car? Is Jim really capable of driving the group around ...
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 54 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text Lisa and Amy wrap up The Mystery of the Eme ralds with an in-depth discussion of the last third of the book. The search for the missing emerald necklace continues when a secret tunnel connecting Green Trees and Rosewood Hall is discovered. Questions? When did Trixie learn to read blueprints? Will the BWSs ever find out if the necklace is either cursed or charmed? How quick can you by a house in Virginia? Why can’t Jim tell Trixie she’s wonderful? Plus, timelines are out of whack, ...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Send us a text In this week’s episode, Lisa and Amy continue their discussion of The Mystery of the Emeralds. Trixie and the rest of the BWGs are now sleuthing their way around the tiny town of Cliveden, making both friends and enemies along the way. Could Trixie and Jim’s trip to the cemetery be called a date? After all, they do conveniently end up in a dark mausoleum together… What happens when Trixie remembers to “always look up?” What is the universal way to open a locket? And why don’t Jim ...
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text Ever wonder how discotheques got started? You'll find out in our third bonus episode! Lisa and Amy discuss questions and topics that came up during the past several episodes. You'll hear interesting information about such things as the history of nightclubs (including some disasters associated with them), how automats worked, and the characteristics of a blue diamond. You'll also learn some fun facts about NYC, including Central Park. Throw in some of Lisa’s "tainted" family histo...
Jul 12, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Send us a text Lisa and Amy’s favorite book in the Trixie Belden series (so far) is up for review. The Mystery of the Emeralds takes the BWGs (minus Dan Mangan) on yet another summer vacation. If you’ve lost count, this makes four. Just add it to the one earlier in June, along with the two they went on in the future! The destination this time is Williamsburg, Virginia. After Trixie finds a mysterious letter in the attic, the BWGs are drawn back into Civil War history as they search for a hidden ...
Jul 08, 2021•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text Batten down the hatches for the final part of The Mystery on Cobbett’s Island . After a successful garden party, Cap finds out he needs a new crew for a practice race the next day. Trixie and Jim volunteer… sailing… sailing… sailing… and the race is over! The secret of the chart is revealed, and the BWGs scour Cobbett’s Island for the treasure. What can be found at Ethel’s Bakery other than jelly donuts? Is the villain, Slim, the same as the bad guy from Bob-White Cave ? Wait, has...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text It’s time for Part 2 of The Mystery on Cobbett’s Island . On the hunt for buried treasure, the BWGs find a chart with nautical symbols in the Kimball’s gazebo. They set sail with new friends, Peter and Cap, to see if they can find the clues in the surrounding area. This episode is full of sailing wisdom, (if you’re into that kind of thing), plus, stinkpots, a real clambake, an old captain with yarns, and, of course, sea chanteys. Even with a fever, Lisa still tries valiantly to un...
Jun 24, 2021•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text Lisa and Amy are excited to delve into The Mystery on Cobbett’s Island! Guess what? It’s June again, and the BWGs time travel back to the beginning of summer for their first vacation after the end of the school year… huh? Tag-a-long Di joins the inner circle on a trip to Cobbett’s Island where the Wheeler’s have rented a house for the summer. They find a hidden letter that gives a hint about where a treasure chart is located, kicking off the first (maybe) mystery of the summer. Be...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text Settle in with Lisa and Amy for the conclusion of The Mystery of the Blinking Eye . The BWGs face more challenges as they stay in pursuit of the dangerous men following them. Luckily, Dr. Joe Reed is available to distract them with his model trains, as well as, a side trip to the hospital to visit a random little girl. When Trixie is lured to a dodgy restaurant to meet with the thieves, will the rest of the group be able to save her in time? Other questions: Just how big is Trixie...
Jun 10, 2021•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text In this episode, Lisa and Amy continue their discussion of The Mystery of the Blinking Eye . Still in NYC, the BWGs and the Iowans visit some of the landmark sights. On the agenda are the Statue of Liberty, the Museum of Natural History and the Empire State Building. Trixie attempts to dodge the bad guys as they continue their pursuit of her idol. Plus, the Hubbell twins get the opportunity to sing on national television. Questions to be tackled are: Why can’t the group follow the...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text It's time for another exciting bonus episode! Once again, Lisa and Amy discuss topics that piqued their interested during past podcast episodes. Included in this week's conversation are: May Day, play-parties, green corn, fleas, belief in ghosts, the Great Fire of London and more! So, sit back and relax as you learn all kinds of interesting tidbits about random topics! Please rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts. It's free to subscribe, and you can still listen on your reg...
May 31, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Send us a text It’s time to learn all about The Mystery of the Blinking Eye ! The BWGs ( All of them this time) are spending the week in NYC. Their friends from Iowa, Bob & Barbara Hubbell and Ned Schultz, want to take in all the sights and sounds of the big city. Even though she’s not expecting a mystery, Trixie stumbles into one while helping a lost Mexican woman at the airport. The woman gives her a straw purse and a written prophecy. When events begin to follow the warnings of the prophe...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 52 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text In the conclusion of “The Mystery at Bob-White Cave,” Lisa and Amy tie up the loose ends (the best they can) of the BWG’s trip to the Ozarks. Is Mr. Glendenning sharing a cabin with the strange ghost that haunts the woods? Will Jim save Trixie from drowning in a sinkhole (there is a next Trixe book so…)? Will the BWGs catch all three specimens of the ghost fish and win the contest? How powerful is a head injury and can it actually help the patient? These are just a few of the ques...
May 20, 2021•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text It's time for Books From the Basement's first bonus episode! Lisa and Amy discuss questions and topics that have come up during the past several episodes. You'll hear interesting information about such things as life in the Ozark Mountains, the cost of mailing ice skates and the pet rocks craze of 1976. You'll even get a recipe for that squirrel pot pie you've been dying to try! You'll also learn almost everything you wanted (or didn't want) to know about the Plague! There's no st...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 13 min0
Send us a text Ghosts, ghosts, ghosts and more ghosts! This week, Lisa and Amy continue their review of “The Mystery at Bob-White Cave.” There are many tales about lingering spirits that haunt the woods around Uncle Andrew’s fishing lodge in the Ozarks. A haunted cabin is hosting guests that may consist of two living humans and one spiritual being. Trixie ignores the rhetoric and instead searches in earnest for ghost fish (which are a real thing)! Is Slim really surly, or will he turn his attitu...
May 13, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text It’s time for Lisa and Amy to revisit book #11 of the Trixie Belden series, The Mystery at Bob-White Cave . It’s summer vacation, and the BWGs (minus Dan and Di) decide to spend some time at Uncle Andrew’s fishing lodge in the Ozark mountains. Trixie is more interested in catching ghost fish in a cave, than catching bass in the lake. A fishing contest springs her into action, and she urges her fellow club members to join in her enthusiasm. New characters pop up on a regular basis ...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text Lisa and Amy finish their discussion of The Marshland Mystery in this Trixie Belden episode. 18-year-old reporter, Paul Trent, has a bone to pick with Trixie and the BWGs. He’s determined to destroy Trixie’s reputation as Sleepyside’s best resident detective. If that weren’t enough, Trixie still has to play matchmaker to Bobby & Gaye, organize an antique sale, and stop the city council from forcing Miss Rachael into a nursing home. As always, only some of the following questio...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text Welcome to book #10 of the Trixie Belden series: The Marshland Mystery ! A child violinist has come to town and wreaks havoc in Sleepyside. With behavioral issues worse than Bobby’s (which is debatable), she’s got everyone hopping to attention with her demands. Trixie and Honey are determined to gather samples at a nearby swamp, but find themselves immersed in a mystery of sorts. Who is the old lady with the pointed-toed shoes? Where is Bobby’s bike? Can Bobby suck his thumb and g...
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text In the final episode of “The Happy Valley Mystery,” Lisa follows up on some nagging questions from “The Black Jacket Mystery.” Afterwards, Amy and Lisa finish up their discussion of “The Happy Valley Mystery.” There’s a live lamb in the oven, a “great” rabbit hunt, and dinner with new friends, which includes a competition about whether the BWGs or the 4-H club is most charitable. Danger emerges as Trixie’s determination puts Honey and Jim in a perilous situation. And, maybe most i...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 19
