The Mystery of the Singing Serpent

There's not a lot of reason to read this as an adult unless you have nostalgia for it, and you read it when you were younger.

It's basically a very simply mystery book that consists of withholding information from you and then revealing it bit by bit. It reminded me of Scooby-Doo episodes, as you follow the three young detectives that have to investigate some dubious meetings where a frightening sound was heard during it. You won't find a lot of character development, even with a magnifying glass. The detectives are even so kind as to sum up the proceedings of the story halfway, in case you were dosing off, and by the end, they also explain everything to a bewildered Mr. Hitchcock who's been inserted for good measure. He's not part of show more the story, though.

All in all, a fine book to hand to your pre-teen kids. However, for an adult it's not very engaging, and it doesn't serve you any thrills, so don't expect high quality just because it's associated with Alfred Hitchcock. show less

A new author and illustrator for the "Three Investigators" series, as the boys try to help a woman who has come under the influence of snake-worshippers. The payoff, of course, is illicit valuables, in this case a valuable necklace. This is the first adventure in which a girl of the Three Investigator's age figures prominently (their age is never really discussed, but I would guess 15 - 16). Allie Jamison is a perfect foil for the Investigators; she is tomboyish and athletic, intelligent and courageous and feisty. It's perhaps a mark of how the series clings to the mindset of a decade prior, that there is never a hint of any romantic feelings between Allie and any of the Investigators, who instead seem to see her mainly as an irritant.

Quick fun read, loved these growing up. Still tickle my funny bone!!!

Quick fun read, loved these growing up. Still tickle my funny bone!!!

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years.

A great and easily read mystery.

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