Author: M. V. Carey

Translator: Ylva Thorstensson

Swedish cover: Robert Adragna

First Swedish edition: 1983 (1982 in the USA)

Editions: 4

Spine-number: 2320-21

Original title: The Mystery of the wandering caveman

Review:

A man, Mr James Brandon, finds a prehistorical skeleton of a caveman. People begin to argue and some (Mr Nat McAfee) also try to make money. Suddenly all the visitors fall asleep on the opening day and someone steals the Caveman. Another skeleton is also stolen from Mr Brandon.

In the beginning of this book a man dies on the Yard. For me that is a very unappetizing start. After that the book is not of great benefit to me. More or less I find the story boring. But I like the trick that made people fall asleep. And the end of the book is rather ingenious. Here and there the story also has some atmosphere.

In this book the Investigators become a little bit more without content, and the villains I have already forgotten. The theme - science, money and ethics - would be interesting in another context, but I get tired of it in a 3I - book.

Perhaps I should have read this book after "Missing Mermaid" or "Cranky Collector".

Summarize:

The Story: 5 (of 10)

Characterization 4 (10)

Atmosphere 5 (10)

Thrilling factor 5 (10)

Environment 5 (10)

Original cover 8 (10)

Swedish cover 8 (10)

Cult status 5 (10)

Nostalgia 3 (10)