Trixie is an amateur detective who lives in the fictional town of Sleepyside-on-Hudson, New York, with her father, a prominent local lawyer; her mother, a homemaker; her younger siblings, Brian and Mart; and their dog, Honey. Trixie is known for her athleticism, her bravery, her intelligence, and her loyalty to her friends. She is often accompanied on her adventures by her best friends, Honey Wheeler, a talented athlete and equestrian, and Jim Frayne, a smart and resourceful boy.
The Trixie Belden mysteries typically involve Trixie and her friends investigating a crime or solving a mystery. The stories are known for their humor, suspense, and the strong friendship between Trixie, Honey, and Jim. The books also feature other recurring characters, including the Bob-Whites of the Meadow Brook Patrol, a group of scouts and nature lovers who help Trixie on her adventures, and the Belden family's housekeeper, Mrs. Rickett, who is often the source of comic relief.
The Trixie Belden series has been praised for its positive messages about friendship, teamwork, and courage. It has also been credited with inspiring many young readers to become interested in reading and mystery novels. The series has been adapted into a television series, two theatrical films, and several video games.
In addition to the Trixie Belden series, Julie Campbell Tatham also wrote several other children's mystery series, including the Ginny Gordon series, the Melody Lane series, and the Marcy series. She died in 2013 at the age of 92.