Author: Robert Arthur

Translator: Lasse Mattsson

Swedish cover: Ola Ericson & Miralles

First Swedish edition: 1970 (1968 in the USA)

Editions: 11

Spine-number: 1558-59

Original title: The mystery of the Screaming Clock

Review:

The boys find a clock in a box - a clock with a screaming alarm and a strange message leading to a riddle. When they try to find the last owner they get into a real mystery concerning a disappeared radio actor, stolen art and competing art thieves. The investigators also try to help a boy called Harry whose father is in prison though he is innocent.

This is a thrilling and unique story with all the "brain & heart charm" typical for a Robert Arthur story. The intrigue is rather complicated and irresistible, full of strange turnings, a riddle, tricks and fascinating villains. The art thief Mr Hugenay is back, and he is brilliant. (Huganay in The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot.) Some of the villains are very brutal and in sharp contrast with the gentleman Mr Hugenay. The riddle is unfortunately very bad translated to Swedish.

The story also has a great atmosphere because of the odd plot and the absurd theme. The headquarter is also important in this story.

This is a top story with very high cult status. I would call it a surrealistic masterpiece.

Summarize:

The Story 10 (of 10)

Characterization 10 (10)

Atmosphere 9 (10)

Thrilling factor 9 (10)

Environment 9 (10)

Original cover 9 (10)

Swedish cover 8 (10)

Cult status 10 (10)