Myst Vanish Treas-Htck (The Three Investigators, #5) (The Three Investigators, #5) (The Three Investigators, #5)

by Robert Arthur and Alfred Hitchcock

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 Vanishing Treasure is action packed. There were two mysteries in this one, the theft of the Golden Belt and the gnomes that were harassing Miss Agawam. The Golden Belt is part of an exhibition of fabulous jewels of which the highlight is the Rainbow Jewels. I really enjoyed both elements of the plot. The book begins with Jupiter speculating on how one might steal the Rainbow Jewels. The boys proceed to visit the museum and imagine how they might go about robbing the place blind in order to hone their investigative skills. I didn't quite see all the revelations coming MIDGETS!!! but in hindsight I perhaps should have. The boys add mirrors to their investigating kits and it comes in handy when Bob uses it to scout ahead and sees Jupe and Pete being kidnapped.

Overall, lots of action and adventure with two solid mysteries. I'll definitely be reading (and rereading for some) the rest of the series. 4 stars.