Author: Robert Arthur

Translator: Lasse Mattsson

Swedish cover: Ola Ericson & Miralles

First Swedish edition: 1970 (1967 in the USA)

Editions: 9

Spine-number: 1517-18

Original title: The mystery of the Silver Spider

Review:

The boys meet Prince Djaro from the European country Varania when he visits the US. The boys travel to Varania to help him. Djaro is going to be crowned, but he has enemies, and they steal a very important Silver Spider. Without the spider Djaro will lose the support from the people. Perhaps it is the duke Stefan who wants to come into power. There are also some international villains trying to make Varania to their paradise.

This is a sometimes underrated story with a fascinating historical background, amazing surroundings and mystical places. The characters are interesting and the story is often very thrilling. Robert Arthur is very succesful when he combines a great story with the atmosphere of Varania.

Sometimes this story has been compared to the Hardy boys, but I don´t think that is fair. This is a very ingenious story. But there are some similarities with an adventure of Tintin - King Ottokar’s Sceptre (1939). The story takes place in an imaginary country called Syldavia. King Ottokar´s Sceptre has been stolen and if he doesn´t find it, he will have to abdicate. But Tintin finds the Sceptre and the monarchy of Syldavia is rescued. I don´t know if Robert Arthur read that story.

The Mystery of the Silver Spider is a classical highlight and it was one of my favourites when I was a child. I still love it!

Summarize:

The Story 10 (of 10)

Characterization 9 (10)

Atmosphere 10 (10)

Thrilling factor 10 (10)

Environment 10 (10)

Original cover 10 (10)

Swedish cover 10 (10)

Cult status 10 (10)