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The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy

Book 3 in the series:Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators

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Who Would Like This Book:

This is a classic kid-friendly mystery perfect for readers who love adventure and quirky detective stories. The Three Investigators are clever and relatable, and their evolving headquarters (complete with secret gadgets like the See-All periscope) adds a super fun layer to the story. The Southern California setting brings the adventure to life, and the teamwork between Jupiter, Pete, and Bob makes every twist even more engaging. Recommended for fans of The Hardy Boys, young readers who love a good puzzle, and anyone wanting to revisit nostalgic childhood mysteries.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might be put off by outdated cultural portrayals and less inclusive language, especially in the way characters from other countries speak. Those expecting fast-paced action or looking for mature, complex mysteries may find the story a bit tame or old-fashioned. If you're not into cozy mysteries with a light, kid-centric tone, this might not be your cup of tea.

A charming, imaginative mystery adventure that's stood the test of time, great for kids and nostalgic adults alike - but fair warning, some content feels a bit dated.

About:

The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy is an engaging tale from The Three Investigators series, written by Robert Arthur. The story revolves around Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews as they tackle two intriguing cases. One involves a missing cat, while the other revolves around a mysterious mummy that appears to whisper to Professor Yarborough. The plot cleverly intertwines classic mystery elements with the boys' inventive detective work, featuring a great setting in Southern California and a strong sense of adventure.

Arthur's writing style is accessible and full of excitement, making it perfect for younger readers while still entertaining for adults. The narration involves cliffhangers and vibrant descriptions, allowing readers to visualize the story easily. The characters are well-developed, with each investigator showcasing their distinct personalities. Additionally, the inclusion of clever inventions and amusing interactions among the boys adds to the book's charm, making it an enjoyable and nostalgic read for fans of the series.

Characters:

The characters are relatable young detectives, each with unique traits, and supported by the authentic touch of Alfred Hitchcock in the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and suitable for a younger audience, utilizing humor and illustrated elements to enhance the reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a mystery involving a whispering mummy and a lost cat, engaging the main characters in a mix of adventure and supernatural elements.

Setting:

The setting is Southern California, providing a rich atmosphere with unique locations that enhance the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is dynamic and engaging, with a balance of tension and investigation that keeps readers interested.
The Three Investigators – Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews – heard the cry but ignored it and continued working. Their speaker was their mascot, the trained mynah bird, Blackboard, whom t...

Notes:

The book is set in Southern California, featuring descriptions of Spanish mansions and blighted areas of Los Angeles.
This story has illustrations of the investigators and action scenes, adding to the reading experience.
The narrative includes a chapter that is not from the perspective of the main characters, adding diversity to the storytelling.
Pete Crenshaw, one of the investigators, has a fear of the supernatural which he confronts throughout the story.
The Three Investigators' headquarters features a periscope called the 'See All' for observing the surroundings.
The character of Alfred Hitchcock adds authenticity to the story as he interacts with the young detectives.
The book was originally published in 1965 and is the third entry in The Three Investigators series.
The mummy featured in the story is named Ra Orkon and is tied to a supposed curse and a mystery of whispering.
Jupiter Jones, the main investigator, is known for his clever inventions, including walkie-talkies that play a crucial role in the plot.
The story has a sense of humor, especially in the interactions among the three boys, who often mess with each other.

From The Publisher:

When Ra-Orkon, a 3,000-year-old mummy, begins to whisper strange words in an ancient Egyptian tongue, the Three Investigators are determined to find out the facts: Why is he speaking? What is he saying? And how is the horrible curse of Ra-Orkon about to be fulfilled?

1965
190 pages

Ratings (5)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (8):

Read It (6)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 year

I read a few of these when I was younger and always rather enjoyed them. It's always different reading such stories when you're older but I still really enjoyed this addition to the series.

Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw and Bob Andrews are three boys who have decided to start a detective agency, aptly named The Three Investigators. They use 3 question marks as their symbol and are willing to solve any mystery, riddle or puzzle. Jupiter is the brains of the operation, Pete the muscle and Bob the researcher. The boys have their own secret Headquarters - (a portable office that's been hidden under many piles of junk) that has secret entrances and a phone, use chalk (each boy a different colour) to leave directions, clues and messages to each other - and even a driver (Worthington) with Rolls Royce - courtesy of a competition Jupiter wins to have a chauffeur for 30 days. I'm not sure how long they actually have the car for - I don't think I ever read any without it but I haven't read all of them, so who knows.

The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy sees the boys looking into a little problem Professor Yarborough is having - his 3000 year old mummy, Ra-Orkon - has begun to whisper to him. I enjoyed reading how The Three Investigators go about solving the mystery. These are really just feel good reads. The boys are likable. The mystery is interesting. I love Worthington's faith in Jupiter.

Worthington looked up as they approached.

"All finished lads?" he asked.

"Just getting started," Pete told him, his tone gloomy. "This time we're tangling with an ancient Egyptian curse and there's no telling what will happen. Right now we need the leather case Jupe put in the trunk."

"I'll back Master Jones against at Egyptian curse any time," Worthington said, leading the way to the rear of the car.

And I like how they constantly add technology to their agency. In this one Jupiter has made walkie talkies and there's a newly added "See-All" (it's a periscope) in Headquarters. The Ghost to Ghost hookup (basically chain mail but with a phone) also made an appearance this time highlighting how it can work against them.

Damn Skinny Norris! Although I do admit I had a little bit of a chuckle - it was a little funny if it doesn't happen to you. (They're looking for a building with a chalk question mark and Skinny Norris adds extra question marks to the buildings just to make it more difficult.)

It's not particularly hard to decipher who was guilty but it was fun to read. I'll definitely be reading (and rereading for some) the rest of the series. 3.5 stars.

 
 
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