Secret Pact is a thrilling mystery novel written by Mildred A. Wirt Benson. The story follows a young girl named Penny who stumbles upon a dangerous secret while on vacation with her friends. As Penny delves deeper into the mystery, she must use all her wit and courage to uncover the truth and protect herself and her friends.

Benson's writing is engaging and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire book. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the very end.

Overall, Secret Pact is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel. Benson's storytelling is superb, and the suspenseful plot will leave readers eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book to fans of mystery and suspense.

Book Description:
PENNY PARKER is a teen-aged sleuth and amateur reporter with an uncanny knack for uncovering and solving unusual, sometimes bizarre mysteries. The only daughter of widower Anthony Parker, publisher of the "Riverview Star," Penny has been raised to be self-sufficient, outspoken, innovative, and extraordinarily tenacious. Her cheerful, chatty manner belies a shrewd and keenly observant mind. Penny was the creation of Mildred A. Wirt, who was also the author of the original Nancy Drew series . Wirt became frustrated when she was pushed to "tone down" Nancy Drew and make her less independent and daring. With Penny Parker, Wirt had a freer hand and received full credit. Wirt once said, " 'I always thought Penny Parker was a better Nancy Drew than Nancy is." In THE SECRET PACT, Penny sees a man savagely pushed off a bridge into the river one foggy night. The man is rescued, but his stubborn denial of the attack, combined with the grotesque octopus tattoo he bears on his back, alerts Penny to the possibility of a deeper mystery. When her editor father, reporter friends, and even the highschool newspaper all reject her story about the incident, she takes matters into her own hands. With her friend Louise's help, Penny starts her own local paper, operating out of a formerly abandoned newspaper plant. As new clues emerge to the "Octopus tattoo" mystery, she enlists the help of anyone willing, even persuading Mrs. Weems to go "under cover." Nothing, not even threats and an unexpected tornado, can deter the determined Miss. Parker. - Summary by Cheryl Adam