Who This Author Is

Lois Gladys Leppard wrote a cozy, mystery-tinged series focused on Mandie, a young heroine whose curiosity and kindness lead her into hidden trunks, secret treasures, and Charleston ghostly goings-on. The books blend gentle suspense with period detail and family-focused themes across close, episodic adventures.

Across titles like Mandie and the Hidden Treasure and Mandie and the Mysterious Fisherman, Leppard keeps plots modest and character-driven, pairing small-town atmosphere with moral lessons. Recurring motifs—lost kin, protective friendships, old trunks and surprising inheritances—give the series a consistent, comforting rhythm.

Best Place To Start

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Mandie mystery series • Sweet, wholesome historical settings • Gentle Christian themes

Genres and themes: Historical children's fiction • Cozy mystery • Faith and family

Who this author is best for: Comforting, faith-infused mysteries for middle-grade readers who enjoy gentle puzzles and historical detail.

Start with any Mandie title — books are largely episodic, so pick by setting or cover to find one that appeals.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Mandie and the Dark Alley (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 2000 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 2000 • 159 pages.

  2. Mandie and the buried stranger

    Baker Pub Group • 1999 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1999 • 173 pages.

  3. Mandie and Mollie : The Angel's Visit (Mandie Bks.)

    Baker Pub Group • 1998 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1998 • 124 pages.

  4. Mandie and the Long Goodbye (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 1998 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1998 • 160 pages.

  5. Mandie and the Unwanted Gift (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 1997 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1997 • 173 pages.

  6. Mandie and the Courtroom Battle (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 1996 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1996 • 176 pages.

  7. Mandie and Her Missing Kin (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 1995 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1995 • 160 pages.

  8. Mandie and Joe's Christmas Surprise

    Baker Pub Group • 1995 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1995 • 127 pages.

  9. Mandie and the Invisible Troublemaker (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 1994 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1994 • 174 pages.

  10. Mandie and the Mysterious Fisherman (Mandie Books)

    Baker Pub Group • 1992 • quick commitment

    UPB note: one of the most common used-copy publishers for this author • year signal: 1992 • 172 pages.

How The Picks Compare

More Books By Lois Gladys Leppard