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Mystery of the Black Diamonds
When Angie and Mark first look at the treasure map given them by the old prospector, they are unable to figure out its meaning or even decide whether or not it is a hoax. But when they persuade their parents to visit the ghost town of Blossom, one clue after another comes to light.
Strange howlings waken them at night, strange eyes watch them as they walk the deserted streets. It becomes evident that more than one person is hunting for the treasure, and there are those who want to hinder Angie and Mark in their search.
Angie meets Jinx Kobler, a girl her own age, living with her grandparents in the crumbling town. Jinx loves the old town and resents outsiders. She is oddly secretive about her mother and father, adding one more question to those which puzzle Angie.
Who or what is Abednego? What are the black diamonds and where are they hidden? Why did the old prospecter make no use of the treasure himself? What queer animal haunts these empty streets at night and steals from the newcomers?
Strange howlings waken them at night, strange eyes watch them as they walk the deserted streets. It becomes evident that more than one person is hunting for the treasure, and there are those who want to hinder Angie and Mark in their search.
Angie meets Jinx Kobler, a girl her own age, living with her grandparents in the crumbling town. Jinx loves the old town and resents outsiders. She is oddly secretive about her mother and father, adding one more question to those which puzzle Angie.
Who or what is Abednego? What are the black diamonds and where are they hidden? Why did the old prospecter make no use of the treasure himself? What queer animal haunts these empty streets at night and steals from the newcomers?
222 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
1 person is currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis A. Whitney
191 books573 followersPhyllis Ayame Whitney (1903 – 2008) was an American mystery writer. Rare for her genre, she wrote mysteries for both the juvenile and the adult markets, many of which feature exotic locations. A review in The New York Times once dubbed her "The Queen of the American Gothics".
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 1, 2019
I have loved Phyllis Ayame Whitney since I was a child. Goodreads wrote an incorrect biography clip citing 70+ books. She has 100+ books and other works, adult and children’s, gothic mystery and other fiction. Some of my favourite oeuvres, like: “The Trembling Hills”, “Mystery Of The Strange Traveler”, “Mystery Of The Green Cat”, “The Quicksilver Pool”, “Nobody Likes Trina”, and “Dance To The Music” are unforgettable feats of historic or regional research that need to be more widely-read. Do not underestimate the quality of Phyllis’s gifted touch and absolute sagas, by the cheap look covers could have, when gothic mysteries and romantic suspense were in their heyday. I am the one to ask, about this well-remembered authoress.
I unhesitatingly gave my heroine and mentor’s work five stars many times but can be quite a critic, myself; especially about prioritizing the mystery aspects of books intended to belong in that genre. One reason for giving “Mystery Of The Black Diamonds” three stars, is that family dynamics and growing-up themes were at the forefront, instead of the alluring mystery synopsis elements that drew readers to this story. Four stars would do, until actions I did not deem normal were taken and drama-infused themes were incorporated. I balked at a surly girl who wanted no friends, a prejudiced Grandma, people’s disbelief in a treasure....
When clues began to come together, Angie’s and Mark’s Mother would not throw out a clipping without asking if they wanted it, nor would Jinx dare to burn one. Phyllis excelled as always in what she dubbed, as a writing mentor, her plus factor. The Colorado Rockies shimmered to life. I wanted to visit the alien landscape tantalizingly-described and a shot at searching for a treasure. All of Phyllis’s books are keepers and 1954 could have been yesterday.
I unhesitatingly gave my heroine and mentor’s work five stars many times but can be quite a critic, myself; especially about prioritizing the mystery aspects of books intended to belong in that genre. One reason for giving “Mystery Of The Black Diamonds” three stars, is that family dynamics and growing-up themes were at the forefront, instead of the alluring mystery synopsis elements that drew readers to this story. Four stars would do, until actions I did not deem normal were taken and drama-infused themes were incorporated. I balked at a surly girl who wanted no friends, a prejudiced Grandma, people’s disbelief in a treasure....
When clues began to come together, Angie’s and Mark’s Mother would not throw out a clipping without asking if they wanted it, nor would Jinx dare to burn one. Phyllis excelled as always in what she dubbed, as a writing mentor, her plus factor. The Colorado Rockies shimmered to life. I wanted to visit the alien landscape tantalizingly-described and a shot at searching for a treasure. All of Phyllis’s books are keepers and 1954 could have been yesterday.
August 5, 2016
One of Whitney's many mysteries for young adults. Angie and her brother befriend an old prospector and on his death he leaves them a treasure map and a house in an old Colorado ghost town. What are the black diamonds? Can Angie and Mark find them before it's too late? Whitney is the master of detailed setting. You really live in her settings when you read her books. A great introduction to this magnificent author for younger readers.
February 11, 2008
Angie and Mark are out west while their dad gathers information for his next book. While they are in the town they are given a map by an old miner. The miner gives maps to everyone and everyone believes they are fakes. When Angie, Mark and the rest of the family go and visit an old ghost town they find out that there is more the just rocks around.
a very good ya mystery book
a very good ya mystery book
April 20, 2014
I gave this five stars because I am from Boulder, CO and loved all of the local references to it. This author's style is much like Patricia Beatty, whom I also love. This book is a rare gem.
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May 8, 2016great mystery
November 20, 2017
this book was recommended to me by my father, who had read it as a boy, when I was young. I loved it!
November 10, 2020
Sometimes when you revisit books you loved as a child, you discover that the suck fairy has payed a visit. This is one of those cases.
The mystery was a bit contrived, with an old guy leaving a family he basically just met a house in a ghost town, and handing out maps to a "treasure" that he'd decided not to pursue for...reasons. But I can live with that and the assorted super convenient things that happen since it's a kid's book.
Where the suck fairy really hit hard was in the treatment of racism. There's a half-Mexican girl who's been raised by her racist grandmother (and grandfather who loves her and treats her well, but is apparently just fine with grandma being an asshole. makes sense.) and who is prickly and has a hard time because of it. Is the solution for someone to tell off grandma? Nope! The solution is to tell off the victim of racism, because it's up to her to pull her self out of her emotional problems and be a better person. Grandma's just too set in her ways.
Wow. What the actual entire fuck.
The mystery was a bit contrived, with an old guy leaving a family he basically just met a house in a ghost town, and handing out maps to a "treasure" that he'd decided not to pursue for...reasons. But I can live with that and the assorted super convenient things that happen since it's a kid's book.
Where the suck fairy really hit hard was in the treatment of racism. There's a half-Mexican girl who's been raised by her racist grandmother (and grandfather who loves her and treats her well, but is apparently just fine with grandma being an asshole. makes sense.) and who is prickly and has a hard time because of it. Is the solution for someone to tell off grandma? Nope! The solution is to tell off the victim of racism, because it's up to her to pull her self out of her emotional problems and be a better person. Grandma's just too set in her ways.
Wow. What the actual entire fuck.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews