Customer Reviews

Mystery of the Whispering Mummy (A. Hitchcock Bks.)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This example of boys' mystery series fiction holds up remarkably well since the 40 odd years since it was first published. Not simply as a good juvenile book but as a book that can be enjoyed by adults in a nostalgic mood as well.

The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew are unreadable past a certain age but the Three Investigator books have a more sophisticated aura about them. In this particular case, the mystery is fairly complex, there are multiple suspects, and the "how" is genuinely surprising.

Even the characters are beginning to break out of their molds in this book. Jupiter and Pete step out of their "fat brainy guy" and "all brawn and no brains" stereotypes to a degree. Only Bob seems stuck in "mild mannered bookworm" mode.

If your lucky enough to have the original hardcover Harry Kane's wonderful illustrations add to the enjoyment.

In short, if you have a nostalgia itch to scratch or a 10-15 year old who can stand to read more than text messages, this book will suit.

While investigating the old Green Mansion in Rocky Beach, which is about to be torn down, Pete and Bob hear and record a ghostly scream and see the ghost of Mathias Green. When the ghost turns up in Northern California at a vineyard owned by Green's last surviving relative, Pete and Bob are summoned to visit Miss Lydia Green and help her make sense of what's going on. This is the fourth case for the Three Investigators and this time they're split up, and Pete and Bob have to rely on their own talents instead of Jupiter's incredible smarts.

This is a great series I enjoyed as a kid and now my children are enjoying it as well. Of course, Jupiter isn't left entirely out of the story, but Pete and Bob get the chance to show that they've learned a bit as well and can make some pretty smart decisions when things get dangerous. A great book with a clever mystery.

Even though I am not young, I find the mystery to be quite fascinating and intrigging.

This was one of my favorite books as a boy, and I couldn't believe I found it again. It's a terrific read for your kids, a wholesome adventure with a very satisfying ending. It brought back such happy memories to read this book again after so many years. Your kids will enjoy it.

I read the "Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators as a kid, and again decades later. I like them, and so do my children. The mystery, the characters and the whole set up makes a great read, and reminds us of how much better a world it was in the '60's and early '70's.