Author: M.V. Carey

Translator: Hans Carlberg

Swedish cover: Ola Ericson & Miralles

First Swedish edition: 1976 (1973 i USA)

Editions: 8

Spine-number: 1862-63

Original title: The Mystery of Monster mountain

Review:

The Three Investigators travel with Hans and Konrad to Sky Village in the mountains. H & K have a cousin, Miss Anna Schmid from Germany, who they haven´t seen for many years. But Anna (who now is married), her husband Mr Joe Havemeyer and the guests (Mr Jensen and Mr Smathers) are acting strange and something mystical is going on. People are sneaking around and what about the rumour of a monster in the mountains?

As in The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints, MV Carey is successful when she tries to combine two mysteries in one book - the mystery of Anna and the mystery of the Monster. The mystery of Anna is a unique drama of kidnaping. The Monster-mystery is a little bit more controversial. I have never liked the idea of a real monster in the mountains, but I have learned to accept it. The mind boggles. But Mrs Carey never gives us any answers what the Monster really was.

I like the mountain atmosphere in this book. On each page You get the feeling that something thrilling is going to happen, and the end of the book is very dramatic. The story also has many little memorable scenes. Especially I like it when the boys are in the tent and when they are walking in the mountains.

The characterization of the Three Investigators is well done. Hans and Konrad get some space and Mr Smathers is rather funny. But the villains are not worth remembering. They make a rather feeble impression.

I have no special feelings of nostalgia for this story, because I can´t remember it very much from my childhood. But it has rather high cultstatus.

The Swedish cover is not the original cover and it is not one of my favourites. I prefer the original cover this time.

To summerize: The Mystery of Monster Mountain is a story with some thrilling highlights and a nice atmosphere. It was a pleasure to read.

Summarize:
The Story: 8 (of 10)
Characterization 7 (10)
Atmosphere 9 (10)
Thrilling factor 8 (10)
Environment 8 (10)
Original cover 8 (10)
Cult status 8 (10)
Nostalgia 5 (10)