Author: Robert Arthur

Translator: Christine Samuelson

Swedish cover: Ed Vebell

First Swedish edition: 1966 (1964 in the USA)

Editions: 9

Spine-number: 1332-33

Review:

In this story the boys are seeking for a parrot who belongs to Mr Malcolm Fentriss - a friend of Mr Hitchcock. But that is only the beginning of a strange and sometimes dangerous case. They have to solve the mystery of seven speaking parrots to find a lost masterpiece of art. But they are not the only ones who are searching. They have to face a very thick man called Mr Claudius and the genius art thief Mr Victor Huganay. In this story the boys also help the poor boy Carlos and his uncle Mr Ramos Sanchez who once kept the parrots and later sold them.

This is a brilliant story with a fantastic plot, perhaps the best in the whole series. The combination of the parrots, the mystery, the social passion and the villains is admirable. The Three Investigators are depicted in a perfect way with different skills and temperaments. The villains are classical - Mr Claudius hot-tempered and sloppy, Mr Hugenay cool and elegant. Skinny Norris also plays a rather important role.

This book is also full of atmosphere and thrilling scenes. One of the most memorable scenes is when the boys arrive to the graveyard.

This book is a cult classic highlight with a cover showing the inside of the trailer.

Characterization 10 (10)

Atmosphere 9 (10)

Thrilling factor 9 (10)

Environment 10 (10)

Original cover 10 (10)

Cult status 10 (10)

Nostalgia 10 (10)