The Case of the Dumb Bells

by Crosby Newell Bonsall

Doorbells are mysteriously ringing all over the neighborhood. The four private eyes are in for some surprises -- like burning cakes, overflowing bathtubs and a phone that doesn't ring -- on the invisible ringer's trail. But the culprit turns out to be the biggest surprise of all!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Picture Books

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Crosby Barbara Newell Bonsall, b. Jan. 2, 1921; d. Jan. 10, 1995 was an American artist and children's book author and illustrator. She wrote and illustrated more than 40 children's books.

Bonsall began writing and illustrating for juvenile readers after working for advertising firms.

Born Crosby Barbara Newell, she married George Bonsall.

Works were published as Crosby Newell, Crosby Bonsall, and Crosby Newell Bonsall.

Reviews

[Erikka]

Ok, I didn't read this book. My student, a first grader, has reviewed this book poorly because "it's really long. It's longer than Frog and Toad." And that was just too funny not to share with the world. My new version of TL; DR--TL:LTFAT.

[Kymberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Crosby's books but this one was lame and not even funny. I wouldn't recommend this for any kid.

[Kody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty boring but was funny at the end which made me rate this book 2 stars!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. Definitely a book for a little older reader. Beginner readers might have a hard time reading this book. I would recommend this book to others.

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

So interesting read 1966 book. It's about boys and telephones. No girls and everyone in stereotypical roles.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Case of the Dumb Bells has a nice resolution in which the friends blame each other and then make up. I'm not sure of the mechanics of the phone thing -- weren't they able to call each other the phones? Then how were they hooked up to doorbells? As with the others, the obsession with making Tubby out to be always eating is irritating and absurd. Also, there's a lot of "dumb" usage in this book.

[Dolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed Crosby Bonsall's stories for children, but this one misses the mark. Perhaps it's the antiquity of the telelphone or perhaps it's the dialogue, but whatever it is, the book disappoints. Our girls just didn't understand the storyline very well and it didn't have the cohesiveness and classic camaraderie of some of the other stories.