Author: M. V. Carey

Translator: Carla Wiberg

Swedish cover: Anders Ferm & Miralles

First Swedish edition: 1982 (1981 in the USA)

Editions: 5

Spine-number: 2268-69

Original title: The Mystery of the blazing cliffs

Review:

The Three Investigators deliver things to a farm where strange people are living. The wealthy disillusioned man, Mr Barron, wants to live a life in isolation. His wife believes that aliens from outer space are going to save some people from this world. Suddenly the farm is surrounded by the Army and they are not allowed to leave the area. The president holds a speech on the Radio. The mountain is burning and suddenly a flying saucer appears. The Three Investigators suspect that something is wrong.

Face to face with this book it is hard to be neutral. Actually, the story is absolutely crazy. It is unlikely, but not unbelievable, that villains would try so hard to carry out a plan like this. But I like the absurd atmosphere.

I think that the Three Investigators still are three different personalities.The other characters are ok, but as usual in the stories by MV Carey one or two extreme emotional persons take part in the story. And Mr Barron have to be one of the most egoistic persons of the whole series. He wants to live in a world of his own, writing angry articles, but not trying to create a better world for all. Mrs Barron doesn´t believe in fighting for a better world either. She wants aliens to come and save her. In this book the boys meet two of their most cynical clients.

Perhaps I was too old when this book came, because I have no special memories right now.

Summarize:

The Story: 8 (of 10)

Characterization 7 (10)

Atmosphere 8 (10)

Thrilling factor 8 (10)

Environment 8 (10)

Original cover 8 (10)

Swedish cover 7 (10)

Cult status 5 (10)

Nostalgia 5 (10)