Author: M.V. Carey

Translator: Kurt G. Möller

Swedish cover: Ed Vebell

First edition: 1974 (1972 i USA)

Editions: 7

Spine-number: 1789-90

Original title: The mystery of the Singing Serpent

Review:

The Three Investigators get a mission from the energetic girl Allie Jamison. Her aunt, Pat Osborne, spends time with a mystical man called Hugo Ariel (Johnny Boye). They are members of an occult sect where they seem to worship demons (Belial and Moloch) and a serpent. Mystical terrifying sounds can be heard from the house. Later the Three Investigators sneak in to another house to see a seance and then they see the serpent and the mystical leader of the sect, Mr Shaitan (Henry Longstreet).

This book is about villains who deceive credulous religious people in order to get money. It is an uncomplicated and creepy story. I want to emphasize that MV Carey doesn´t spread propaganda for the occult or some kind of dark fuzzy new age. On the contrary, my impression is that she makes fun of these kind of religious expressions, but yet shows respect for religious genuineness.

The strength of this book is the creepy atmosphere here and there. The story also has some thrilling memorable scenes - when they hear the strange sound for the first time and later in the house when Mr Shaitan arrives to the seance and when the serpent is visible.

The characterization of the Three Investigators is fine. I also like how Hugo Ariel and Mr Shaitan are described. But Miss Osborne and the other members of the sect are depicted too credulous. Is it so easy to get swindled? Mr Worthington plays a rather important role in this book. You will also meet Mr Barrister for the first time. Allie Jamison is of course an irritation, but I think she is funny.

The Yard and the surroundings are well described. My favourite place in this story is the garden and the house at Torrente Canyon.

The Cultstatus and the factor of Nostalgia of this book is high. The cover was one of my favourites as a child. Many of the international covers are also very succesful showing the boys and the serpent.

The Mystery of the Singing Serpent is not as complex as The Mystery of the Flaming Footprints, but it is an excellent piece of work, however not a masterpiece.

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