Books Like...

'Ghostly Gallery' by Alfred Hitchcock is a collection of classic weird tales packaged for young readers, including work by renowned authors like H.G. Wells, Robert Louis Stevenson, Algernon Blackwood, F. Marion Crawford, and Lord Dunsany. The stories range from serious to whimsical, with only a few being actual ghost stories. is described as a light, enjoyable read with a mix of horror, mystery, sci-fi, and humor, suitable for both children and adults. Readers reminisce about their childhood experiences with the book, recalling the nostalgia and enjoyment it brought them.

Mystery and More Mystery by Robert Arthur is a captivating collection of short stories, published in 1966. It features ten tales that blend locked room mysteries and impossible crimes, giving readers a taste of clever and imaginative plotting. Each story presents a unique twist, like an old lady's chilling demise in The Blow from Heaven, or the puzzling disappearance in The Glass Bridge. Arthur’s writing is crisp and accessible, engaging both younger audiences and adult mystery fans alike.

The narratives are rich with humor and intriguing characters, from eccentric old ladies to a family member who believes he is Sherlock Holmes. Highlights include The Vanishing Passenger and Larceny and Old Lace, showcasing Arthur's talent for surprise endings and complex plots. Although some may find certain stories like The Mystery of the Three Blind Mice a little far-fetched, the collection remains enjoyable and offers a delightful variety for readers. Overall, it's a nostalgic journey for fans of The Three Investigators and a great introduction for new readers.

'Ghosts and More Ghosts' by Robert Arthur is a collection of eerie and thought-provoking stories that have left a lasting impact on readers since its first publication in 1940. The book features a variety of tales that range from surprising endings to humorous what-if scenarios, all while delving into American society and exploring myths and legends. Despite being technically written for children, the book offers a mix of chills and laughs, expertly blending commentary on different cultures and societal quirks prevalent in the 1940s.

'The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot' in the series 'Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators' by Robert Arthur follows the adventures of three teenage boys - Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews, who run a detective agency. In this particular mystery, the trio is hired by Alfred Hitchcock to solve the case of stolen parrots, with one parrot named Billy Shakespeare being the focus due to its unique ability to quote Shakespeare with a stutter. The boys suspect a hidden treasure connected to the parrots and work together to crack the case, showcasing their individual talents while navigating through a series of clues and adventures.

The writing style of the book is engaging and enjoyable for readers of all ages. It combines elements of mystery, adventure, and clever storytelling to keep readers intrigued and entertained throughout the book. The plot is well-crafted, with a mix of suspense, humor, and surprises that make it a compelling read for fans of detective stories and young adult fiction.

'The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy' in the series 'Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators' by author Robert Arthur is a nostalgic and intriguing mystery that continues to captivate readers of all ages. The plot is well-structured, drawing readers in with cliff-hanger chapter endings and a good balance of pacing and tension. The story feels reminiscent of classic mysteries like the Hardy Boys, providing a fun and engaging read for both children and adults.

The writing style of Robert Arthur in this book is described as well-written, full of intrigue, and ideal for kids, especially those in their early teens. is commended for being free of vulgarity, making it a suitable choice for young readers. Readers appreciate the immersive experience created by the author, with vivid descriptions of settings in Southern California and the development of the characters' personalities adding depth to the story.

Space Cadet by Robert A. Heinlein is a classic YA science fiction novel set in the future where young cadets train to become members of the Interplanetary Patrol. The story follows the protagonist, Matt Dodson, and his friends as they navigate through rigorous training at the Space Academy, embark on a mission to locate a missing ship in the asteroid belt, and find themselves in a challenging situation on Venus. The book combines elements of adventure, coming-of-age, and exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas within a futuristic setting, showcasing Heinlein's focus on real science and accurate world-building.

Rocket Ship Galileo is the first book in Heinlein's Juvenile Series, published in 1947. The story follows a trio of teenage boys who, with the help of an eccentric uncle, build their own atomic rocketship and embark on a journey to the moon. Upon reaching the moon, they discover evidence of an extinct lunar civilization and a secret Nazi base with plans to destroy cities on Earth. The plot, while deemed trite and overly optimistic by modern readers, provides a glimpse into Heinlein's early writing career and his hopeful vision for the future of space exploration.

'The Secret of Terror Castle' in the series 'Alfred Hitchcock and The Three Investigators' by Robert Arthur follows the adventures of three teenage boys, Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw, and Bob Andrews, who set out to investigate a haunted castle at the request of Alfred Hitchcock. The story revolves around their quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the castle, including spooky sounds of a phantom organ and feelings of terror that drive people away. The plot is filled with twists and turns, cleverly crafted mysteries, and a sense of adventure that keeps readers engaged throughout the story. The writing style is captivating, with intricate details, interesting characters, and a nostalgic feel that appeals to both young readers and adults who enjoy a good mystery.

'The Teddy Bear Habit' by James Lincoln Collier is a funny and exciting story about a boy who sings and plays guitar, but can only perform well when his teddy bear is around. The plot revolves around the boy's struggle with being too old to be seen with a teddy bear, which leads to complications in his life. The writing style is engaging and humorous, drawing readers into the boy's predicament and the amusing situations he finds himself in.

The Portmanteau Book by Thomas Rockwell is a unique collection of poems, short fiction, interviews, mock ads, puzzles, and weird comics that captivates readers with its experimental and quirky nature. The book includes a storyline involving five kids trying to beat the heat in a time when air conditioning was a luxury, alongside other short stories, bad poetry, and faux advertisements. The author's writing style is described as full of crazy ideas and images, capturing the mind of a child perfectly and offering a blend of creativity and warped humor that appeals to both children and adults.