Mammoth Mystery Series: Book Reviews
I read these books when I was in the first year or two of high school (around 12-14 years of age) and I absolutely loved them. They are a series I never forgot. They're a short, simple read, with each book being a completely different story. Even though each is written by a different author, they all have the same style and feel about them and even though they're all fantasy, they're told in such a way that they almost seem believable, which actually makes them a little eerie to read.
I have finally managed to get the complete series in my private collection, after many years of searching, but I have been lucky enough to get a few double-ups. I'll do reviews of my doubles for now and if there is enough interest in them, I'll do reviews for the others as well.
There are 18 books in all, but I'll only be reviewing seven of them for now. I'm still undecided on whether I will put my complete set up for adoption just yet... maybe I'll read them again before I decide.
All copies I have for sale are first edition, rare, vintage out-of-print books.
# 1 - Heroes & Dragons
Colin Bowles
Considering this book came out in 1995, it's a story that almost seems commonplace today. It follows the terrifying adventures of Sam, as she battles her way through the levels of a computer game called Heroes & Dragons. The only problem is that she is inside the game - and there's no 'extra' lives, so she has to be super careful - and try to win the game. Which means passing and surviving levels she's never been to before.
These days the classic 'kid gets sucked in (literally) to a computer game' has been done and redone so many times that it takes some serious skill to tell the story in a way that's not already been overdone (a bit like zombie stories now). Considering how long ago this particular tale was told, it's surprisingly fresh and different to other stories of this nature.
# 2 - Going De Loco
Carol Jones
Lou P. De Loco is an 11-year-old boy who causes his family to be thrust into the spotlight of television drama after he writes a letter to the producers of the Tonight Show claiming his family is the 'most normal family in Australia'. Each member of the family gets their own segment where they can basically do whatever they like. What follows is a hilarious over-dramatised series of events that gradually sucks each character into a self-absorbed on-track-mind way of life, which none of them seems to notice, at least, not until the youngest member of the family suddenly disappears and the De Locos then have to join forces in order to track down little Boofy De Loco - before its too late. Even through their weird and eccentric ways, the family have an honest and obvious love for one another, even if they can sometimes forget to take the time to be there for each other even when there isn't an emergency.
# 5 - The Curse of the Mogombo Mask
Carol McKay
When twins Nick and Clancy go to stay with a friend out on Gull Island, they know it's going to be exciting and full of adventure. But they get way more than they bargained for - first with the odd gardener and home helper, then there's the weird sounds, a break-in that makes no sense and secret rooms and corridors.
Then a storm hits that throws everything into overdrive. The one item they tried to keep safe is missing and the friends have to split up to find it - and whoever took it.
The tale has a real supernatural feel to it, especially when there seems to be no other 'logical reason' for how certain characters are acting. This book has an underlying lesson about trusting your instincts, but also the need to be careful and aware to avoid casting blame on the wrong people. Both of which are important lessons while also being extremely difficult to teach and learn. I've re-read this book at least 3 times now and have enjoyed it every time. Definitely a worthy 5-star rating.
# 9 - Emma and the Megahero
Philip Neilsen
Of all the Mammoth Mystery books, this is the one I like the least. This book really has some disturbing scenarios in it. The main one being that young Emma, who is lonely at her new school, without many friends and two busy parents who are focussed one other things than their friendless daughter, meets a weird old man hanging around the local park - and befriends him after he claims to be a megahero! This extremely dangerous scenario is further explored with Emma allowing this old homeless man to stay in the back shed, hiding him from her parents (and the neighbourhood) while he works at trying to regain his powers. The potential of a young child reading this and then placing themselves in danger by potentially approaching creepy old leering men in the hopes of finding themselves a megahero is terrifying.
The only good part about this book was the unwavering commitment Emma has in doing all she can to save the local parks and wildlife.
# 10 - The Psychic Dog
Ruth Starke
I think this is the only Mammoth Mystery book that's linked to another book in the series. Mammoth Mystery # 6 - The Great Violin Fiddle, introduced Angelo Martinelli (Angel) and the CASE breakers (being Cato, Angel, Stace & Emma). They team up for the first time in # 6 and so have a developed team by this novel, which is actually set 5 years later.
I love how the group work together, even though Angel and Stace clash. Through the whole book it seems the happenings can't be anything but supernatural, and the fact that each CASE breaker has a different belief, makes for an interesting debate that, as a reader, makes you delve into your own beliefs ad as everyone has a difference in opinion, there should be a character that every reader can identify with, which of course pulls the reader into the narrative.
You have absolutely no choice but to keep reading this one. Impossible to put down with a smooth, enjoyable writing style - definite 5-stars.
# 13 - The Ghost of Johnny Savage
Ian Bone
This is a true murder mystery tailored to a younger audience. I truly didn't anticipate all the twists, which is rare for me, particularly in a book for younger readers. Not only does this book keep you guessing, but the plot moves at an incredible pace, the writing is smooth, easy to follow and a pleasure to read. It's easy to empathise with majority of the characters, even the not-so-great ones and it's sometimes difficult to tell who's on what side.
An enjoyable read all round. A solid 4-stars - only because I did feel at times that the story went slightly stagnant and I had to put it down for a bit to stay awake.
# 14 The Witch of Endor Street
Colin Bowles
This is one of my favourite Mammoth Mystery tales. The lovely old lady at # 23 has been labelled a witch by the local kids, so Becky asks her for some help. She wants the witch to help her to be the most popular girl at school, to be better at maths and to make her older sister Kara disappear. The witch agrees to do the spell, but she first needs Becky to get a couple of ingredients, which prove to be challenging, but with the help of her grandad, she's finally ready - even if the ingredients aren't exactly right - the witch will never know.
The spell works better than expected and in no time Becky has a new best friend and getting the highest grades ever in maths. But then Kara doesn't come home from school and the realisation of what she's done hits her. But when she runs down to number 23 to ask for a reversal spell, she's in for the shock of her life - and is forced to face the truth of what she has really done and how magic really works.
A solid 5-stars. It is such a shame that this is now out of print, because it is a truly spectacular read.