The Mystery of the Vanishing Treasure
ISBN: 9780001600034
Description
Missing: One fabulous, jewel-encrusted belt, once owned by the ancient emperors of Japan. The Three Investigators are ready to jump into action, but officials at the Peterson Museum turn them away for being too young. Then a strange twist of fate brings Jupe, Pete, and Bob on the case, and the boys are soon surrounded by master criminals - who will stop at nothing to hold on to their stolen fortune.
Reviewed on 21st July 2013
Book five, and the Three Investigators are not only witness to a jewel theft, but sent a mystery by Alfred Hitchcock - to investigate gnome sightings in California.
I remember the cover image from reading this book in my school library, but the plot as I re-read it as an adult didn't ring any bells, and it was great to read a story in the series again without knowing where it was going.
The action is plausible, and the plot believable, which I always think is a bonus in a children's book - it shows that mysteries can be solved with the application of a little brain power and that the supernatural normally has an explanation (in fact, this one reminded me a little of Scooby Doo in that respect).
An excellent mystery which I've really enjoyed.
