intends to be a police officer in New York City. Supporting characters Helen Belden (Moms): Trixie's mother, a kind, sensible homemaker. She loves her children and keeps them honest. Peter Belden (Dad): Trixie's father, a smart, honest, generous man. He works at the Sleepyside bank, and loves his family very much. Robert "Bobby" Belden: The youngest Belden is only six when the series starts. Trixie babysits Bobby for her allowance, so she often has to check in on him and read him stories when she would much rather be solving a mystery. Reddy: The Belden's Irish Setter. He is affectionate, but resists all attempts to train him. Miss Trask: She worked as a math teacher at Honey's old boarding school, but Honey liked her so much Mr. Wheeler hired her to be Honey's governess. Now she mostly manages the estate. She is smart, sensible, and efficient; the Bob-Whites love Miss Trask, and she loves them. Miss Trask often accompanies the kids when they travel. Bill Regan: The hot-headed but good-natured groom. In the first book, he teaches Trixie to ride horses, and has been well loved by all the Bob-Whites since. Twenty-two in the first book, Regan is a good friend to the Bob-Whites, always helping out when they need him. He seems to have a love interest in The Mystery at Saratoga. He takes in his late sister's son, Dan Mangan, and brings him from New York City to live in Sleepyside with Mr. Maypenny, as Mr. Maypenny's helper. Sgt. Molinson: The local police sergeant is often summoned to the scene of the crime or to warn Trixie against pursuing the mystery. He is not fond of the Bob-Whites' frequent interference in police business, and not shy about telling them so. Mr. Lytell: The shopkeeper of the local market. He is very curious about the goings-on in the neighborhood (often portrayed as nosy), but sometimes looks the other way as he is fond of Miss Trask. Recurring characters Spider Webster: A local cop who is more welcoming of the Bob-Whites than is Sgt. Molinson. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler: Honey's parents, and later Jim's adoptive parents. They are often away on business, leaving Miss Trask to look after Honey and Jim. Celia: The Wheelers' maid. Tom Delanoy: The Wheelers' chauffeur, later married to Celia. Mr. Maypenny: The gamekeeper on the Wheeler estate. A recluse, he lives on a pie-shaped piece