Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt

Encyclopedia Brown #17

by Donald J. Sobol, Gail Owens (Illustrator)

Suspects who are identical twins...
A leaking tent...
Magical worm pills...
A zebra's portrait...
And a sheet of toilet paper from Spain that's been swiped!
These are just some of the ten brain-twisting mysteries that Encyclopedia Brown must solve by using his famous computer-like brain. Try crack the cases along with him--the answer to all the mysteries are found in the back!

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Chapter Books, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Short Stories

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Donald J. Sobol was an award-winning writer best known for his children's books, especially the Encyclopedia Brown mystery series. Mr. Sobol passed away in July of 2012.

Reviews

[Matt]

Neo and I enjoy reading these sets of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, having read more than half of the collections. We quickly read this group of stories, filled with some unique mysteries we can process in a few minutes, connecting with one another as we guess the all but obvious solutions. The kid detective still works his magic in Idaville, USA, keeping the town crime-free and collecting his coins from those who can pay. Encyclopedia helps retrieve a confiscated pizza, helped with a leaking tent issue, and handled the case of a toilet paper collector. These wonderful five-minute mysteries seek to entertain and exercise the brain of both child and adult, but require some keen sleuthing. Neo and I have used them as a before bedtime activity and we are getting much better at piecing the clues together in a timely manner. Young sleuths in the making may want to sharpen their skills with the massive collection of stories.

Neo really likes the stories that keep him thinking. I remember having these stories read to me when I was young as well, helping me want to pass along the tradition. Neo thoroughly enjoys listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. He mentioned that these are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: the stories are dated (even as they author writes in the 1980s) and some of the terminology or word choices might not be as correct as you would like your young reader to use on a daily basis.

Did you know Neo’s has his own GR account for reviews? Check him out: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...

[Danielle]

I've started jumping around in the series, so it's nice that while there are recurring characters that show up (like Benny Breslin, whose snoring while camping keeps everyone awake), there isn't necessarily a linear storyline that needs to be followed.

[Racheli Zusiman]

כשהייתי ילדה ממש אהבתי את סדרת "דני ידעני". בן ה11.5 התחיל הקיץ לקרוא ספרים באנגלית, ומצאנו את הספר הזה בספריה. הוא ברמת stage 3. ממש חמוד.

[Neo]

My dad and I enjoy reading these sets of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, having read more than half of the collections. We quickly read this group of stories, filled with some unique mysteries we can process in a few minutes, connecting with one another as we guess the all but obvious solutions. The kid detective still works his magic in Idaville, USA, keeping the town crime-free and collecting his coins from those who can pay. Encyclopedia helps retrieve a stolen pizza, helped with a leaking tent issue, and handled the case of a toilet paper collector (clean, thankfully!). These wonderful five-minute mysteries seek to entertain and exercise the brain of both child and adult, but require some keen sleuthing. We have used them as a before bedtime activity and we are getting much better at piecing the clues together in a timely manner. Young sleuths in the making may want to sharpen their skills with the massive collection of stories.

I really like the stories that keep him thinking. I my dad had these stories read to him as a youth, helping to pass along the tradition. I enjoy listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. They are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: the stories are dated (even as they author writes in the 1990s) and some of the terminology or word choices might not be as correct as you would like your young reader to use on a daily basis.

[Lily]

cant let gang know i fw encyclopedia brown

[Cheryl]

Most of the books in this series are 3.5 stars, but I gotta round up on this. The puzzles really are educational: the 'trivia' is actual facts helpful to know, and the 'logic' is good brain exercise, in most cases.

[Kevin Hogg]

This collection was fine. Most of the stories were logical and enjoyable, but I didn't feel the same sense of mystery as the other collections. There wasn't really a story that stood out as particularly memorable. Nothing wrong with it altogether. Just forgettable among the other books in the series.

Masked Robber - I guess the solution makes sense. It's another one of the solutions that come up every once in a while that just don't seem as conclusive as the solution implies.

Round Pizza - Bugs's supposed club may be the highlight of this collection. The Society to Preserve the Round Pizza sounds ridiculous, but it's clever and stands out. The solution to this one was fine. Another of Bugs's minor slip-ups that somehow cause him to relent and reimburse the victim.

Bugs's Zebra - This one seemed implausible. Would Encyclopedia really need to explain that solution to a zoo employee?

Treasure Hunt - There's something clever to the solution, but like Encyclopedia said, someone reading the clue quickly might read it wrong. Is this really proof that this person who read it wrong was the culprit, or could it have been an honest mistake?

Stolen Jewels - More of a math problem than a detective story. And what kind of robbers talk like that?

Painting Contest - Not a bad story. Probably the highlight of the book. A decent set-up, and a clue that's in the open if you're looking hard enough.

Orson's Tree - The story is fine. The solution is okay. I felt like that solution could work with just any story, though. It was a bit disappointing to have it for an otherwise good case.

Lathrop's Hobby - Another story where the premise is better than the solution. I like all of the little eccentric hobbies in Idaville, and collecting squares of toilet paper definitely fits right in. I liked how the solution wasn't completely straightforward (although the reader could get to the same place with only one of the clues).

Leaking Tent - Again, the story is fine. I just don't think the solution is definitive. It feels more like a hunch than anything.

If you're reading the whole series, there's nothing really wrong with this book. If you're just reading a selection, there are stronger Encyclopedia Brown books than this one.

[Scott Parker]

Donald J. Sobol leaves the reader wondering why Bugs Meany would not look at a picture of a zebra before going to the zoo. Since his diabolical scheme involved intricate planning, why wouldn't Bugs just go to the local public library to see the details in sketching a zebra? In addition, since Bugs is inherently evil, wouldn't he just trace a picture of a zebra (without proper sourcing, of course) to frame his nemeses, instead of wasting his wicked energy by creating art work from his own twisted mind?

[Ruthiella]

Charlie Stewart is back! But there is no mention of his tooth collection. In this one, however, there is a kid with a toilet paper collection. Presumably unused! Also there are two there previously featured kids, Benny Breslin, the kid who snores thunderously and Pablo Pizaro, the resident child artist. The later books all suffer in quality in terms of the mysteries and their solutions, in my opinion. But they are still fun to read.

[Anthony]

Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown the sleuth of Idaville returns in ten new short stories involving ponzi schemes, damage to personal property, jewel thieves, cheaters, insurance fraud, robberies and various other petty crimes. But no crime is too small for Encyclopedia to handle, and the boy detective continues his war on crime.

[Katja Labonté]

3 stars. This is an enjoyable read. I found a couple euphemisms, but I enjoyed the vintage feeling and the humour, as always. :)

A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘…we’ll talk with Bugs. Come along.’
“‘Not me,’ Farnsworth said.
“‘Why not?’ Encyclopedia demanded impatiently. ‘Give me one good reason.’
“‘I’ll give you three,’ Farnsworth replied. ‘I’m afraid, I’m scared, I’m a coward.’”

[Hannah]

I hate to admit this as an adult but this is such a fun quick read. As someone who loves puzzles, Encyclopedia Brown books are quick for anyone trying to catch up on their reading challenge or just trying to keep their brain sharp.

[Karen]

2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge - A book with characters who are twins

[Bailey Marissa]

Once again, stories are quick but clever.

Recommended 9+ for mentions of bullying.

[Dolly]

I loved these books when I was a child and read every one I could find.

[Teresa]

Fine, although tricky clues.

[Kathy Lewis]

Cute and fun. A good trip down memory lane.

[Erica Gratton]

For funsies

[Sheryl Melvin]

Some mysteries left me wondering about the dearth of clues. Loved the series as a kid.

[Joyce T.]

I almost got the worm pill case. Almost, but not quite.

[Jeremy Morphis]

Crack the Case with "Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt": A Review
Calling all junior detectives! Grab your magnifying glasses and sharpen your wits, because "Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt" is guaranteed to have you sleuthing from sunup to sundown. ️‍♀️

This charming collection of mysteries isn't just child's play. Donald J. Sobol crafts clever puzzles with surprising twists, making them more than just "who stole the cookie?" scenarios. You'll find yourself alongside the brilliant Encyclopedia Brown, piecing together clues about everything from missing pizza pies to stolen toilet paper (yes, you read that right!).

But the real gems of this book are its characters. Brown himself is a relatable hero, a walking encyclopedia with a knack for logic and observation. His loyal sidekick Sally keeps him grounded, and the quirky townsfolk of Idaville, from the mischievous Bugs Meany to the ever-flustered Mr. Peterson, leap off the page with warmth and humor.

Each bite-sized mystery is a satisfying puzzle, perfect for a quick read before bed or a brain-tickling dose of fun during the day. You'll be chuckling at the zany situations, cheering Brown on as he cracks the case, and maybe even honing your own detective skills along the way.

So, whether you're a seasoned mystery buff or just starting your first literary investigation, "Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Treasure Hunt" is a delightful treasure trove of fun and intrigue. Don't miss out on this classic series – it's guaranteed to become a bookshelf favorite for young readers and their families.

Rating: 5 out of 5 magnifying glasses!

[Caleb]

i liked it

[Django Fox]

Over all I thought this book was great with great mysteries filled with fun brain popping twists to them.
This was the first Encyclopedia brown books I have read and one of the first mystery books I have read and I thought it was great. This book is filled with cases like,
A tennis Shirt, A lone slice of pizza, A zebra's picture and more great fun mysteries. I would recommend this book for young readers because it will make them think.

[AennA]

One of the earliest book I read. I was in grade school when my sister brought me a copy of this as a gift. And despite of the number of books I learned to read, this book still remains one of my favorites.
It consists of a number of "cases", which Encyclopedia Brown will solve. The cases are not Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes type, but more of short, simple mysteries which are appropriate to pre-teeners.

[Novelesque Life]

RATING: 4.5 STARS

I loved this mystery series as a kid, but have not read them since so this review is based on my memories. My love of mystery started pretty early and Encyclopedia Brown was among my first series. Each book has several mysteries that you can solve along with Encyclopedia, complete with clues. I could not get enough of these books, and didn't realize that this series started in 1963.

These are easy to read chapter books for young kids.

***This is a series Review***

[Monique]

"He had read more books than anyone in Idaville, and he never forgot a word. His pals said he was better than a library for getting answers. He was never closed." :):)

"They called themselves the Tigers. They should have called themselves the Spoons. They were always stirring up trouble." eh, hah, ehahha.

[Stephanie]

This book is awesome! Its a ton of little mysteries and at the end of them they will have a character solve it but leave you with a mystery and it will say "turn to page bla bla bla for the answer" Its really cool!

[Mike Henry]

I read this books as a child and am reading them to my kids now.

[Catherine Woodman]

Very accessible books for the mid grammar school years--set me up to read mysteries for the rest of my life

[Melanie]

FINALLY one with a kindle-friendly format. And one I'd never read before to boot.