The Three Investigators venture far from their homes in Rocky Beach, California, traveling all the way to the fictional European country of Varania to aid Prince Djaro, a young man who is about to assume the throne — if the Regent, Duke Stefan, can be foiled in his attempt to seize power permanently.

The silver spider in the title is a representation of the crest of the reigning family of Varania. It's been stolen and the prince wants Jupiter, Bob and Pete to help him find it or his coronation will be canceled. It's a bit startling to find a mysterious agent of the United States government assisting the boys in their quest while remaining out of sight. He even provides them with Bond-esque gadgets such as cameras that also serve as both tape recorders and walkie-talkies (all the better for communicating with Agent Bert Young, dontcha know).

It's all intrepid and a wee bit silly and thoroughly satisfying — although probably not for poor Bob, who gets knocked out repeatedly and loses his memory of where he hid the purloined spider after the boys recovered it. He's supposed to be the brain of the group, but that won't last if he keeps taking knocks to the noggin. ( )

The eighth in the Alfred Hitchcock's Three Investigators series, a childhood favorite that I found superior to the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew. Here, Jupiter Jones and his two colleagues are asked by the young Prince Djaro to travel to his country of Varania, where he must wear the jeweled Silver Spider at his imminent crowning ceremony -- only it has been stolen. An unusual overseas adventure, also unusual in that the boys work closely with the American Diplomatic service to help ensure that Prince Djaro is crowned as the rightful ruler of Varania. ( )

A pleasant and easy mystery to read. ( )

I read this whole series of books around ages 9-12. For me, it was the Harry Potter of its day. The main characters are kids who are maybe 12 or 13, who find mysteries to explore with logic. This was a great series for budding scientists and the like. Highly recommended for kids. ( )