Five on a Hike Together - Enid Blyton

Published as an audiobook by Hodder Children's Books/Hachette Children's Books, 2013.
Narrated by Jan Francis.
Book 10 in the 'Famous Five' series. Preceded by 'Five Fall Into Adventure.' Followed by 'Five Have a Wonderful Time.'
First published 1951.

Some of the tropes of this series are becoming more noticeable as we finally reach Book 10 and enter the double-digits. This entry includes the five going on a journey without adults (as happened in Five Go Off in a Caravan and Five Get Into Trouble, and effectively happened in Five Go Off to Camp), the mystery unfolds partially because one of the five are involved in a case of mistaken identity (as happened in Five Get Into Trouble and Five Fall Into Adventure), and adults are side-lined for various reasons that probably wouldn't happen in real life (in this instance, the five decide to report their findings to the police but are dismissed as ragamuffins making things up!).

This is not to say that the books are becoming less enjoyable. In fact, this was a fairly fun entry over all. Some of the tropes were even played with a bit - this book had more of a treasure map aspect, and didn't involve a secret tunnel, which is possibly the first(?) entry in the whole series not to have one!! It also took one of the other regular features - overly long and detailed descriptions of how amazing any given meal is - to a new level, with one chapter almost entirely devoted to a delicious meal at a pub. Elise and I were literally laughing out loud with how over-the-top it was - and that added to our enjoyment of the book.

The set-up for this one is simple: the five go hiking on a long weekend. On the trip, they are separated, and Dick overhears some information he wasn't meant to, and also receives a treasure map (due to the aftermentioned mistaken identity). This leads to the five investigating a mystery at a burnt-out mansion beside a lake, out-bluffing the hapless criminals who are also trying to solve the mystery, and figuring out the meaning of phrases like "Saucy Jane" and "Tock Hill." 

The ending also includes one of the largest value treasures that has been featured in the series so far.

A strong entry in a favourite series.

Completed, with Elise, 8 April 2026.

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