Mystery of the Whispering Mummy (The Three Investigators, #3) (Three Investigators S., #3) (Alfred Hitchcock Books) (Alfred Hitchcock Books) (Alfred Hitchcock Books)

by Robert Arthur

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.