Author: Nick West

Translator: Kurt G. Möller

Swedish cover: Ola Ericson

First edition: 1974 (1971 in the USA)

Editions: 8

Spine-number: 1748-49

Original title: The mystery of the Nervous Lion

Review:

A tame lion suddenly acts very nervous. The Three Investigators travel to an animal djungle park to investigate. The case is connected with smuggling of diamonds from Africa.

This is a well written story with a special atmosphere and a lot of humour. If You like wild animals and a rather ingenious plot You will probably like this one. There are also some interesting and suspicious characters, and it is hard to guess who the villains are. Jupe is rather human in this story and he makes a bad misstake when he identifies Mr Hall as guilty of the smuggling. There is also a very thrilling memorable scene when the boys are captured and almost die in a car-destroyer on a junkyard.

This book is worth reading and often rather underrated.

Summarize:

The Story: 7 (of 10)

Characterization 9 (10)

Atmosphere 8 (10)

Thrilling factor 7 (10)

Environment 9 (10)

Original cover 8 (10)

Swedish cover 8 (10)

Cult status 8 (10)

Nostalgia 8 (10)