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The Vandemark Mummy
It's hard for Althea and Phineas Hall to keep explaining to people that their parents haven't broken up; they just have jobs on opposite sides of the country. It's hard to explain because they don't really understand themselves. And although neither one is happy about it, they almost like living alone with their dad, the professor, even if it is on the campus of a small college with practically no one their age to talk to and nothing to do.
But a strange legacy from a rich old man changes that. The mysterious Vandemark mummy and other antiquities are donated to the college with the understanding that Dr. Hall will take care of them. When something happens in the room where the valuables are kept, Phineas and Althea sense that there is danger in the air and that one wrong move could turn a summer mystery into murder.
But a strange legacy from a rich old man changes that. The mysterious Vandemark mummy and other antiquities are donated to the college with the understanding that Dr. Hall will take care of them. When something happens in the room where the valuables are kept, Phineas and Althea sense that there is danger in the air and that one wrong move could turn a summer mystery into murder.
209 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 31, 1991
About the author
Cynthia Voigt
86 books1,030 followersCynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse.
Awards:
Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008
The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995
Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990
Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990
The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988
Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988
Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987
A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984
The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984
Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983
Awards:
Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008
The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003
The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995
Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990
Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990
The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988
Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988
Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987
A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984
The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984
Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 28, 2019
I was hoping this would be a lot more educational in terms of ancient Egypt. Alas, it's just a mediocre (or worse) juvenile mystery, not really any better than the typical TV series episode. Characters are very much of the stock variety, and the actual whodunnit is predictable. I know Voigt can write better, so it's a disappointment.
December 29, 2010
This is a book recommended for ages 10-14 and is yet another one my kids read during their home schooling years. The writing is well done; the author has won a Newbery medal and a Newbery Honors award for other works. The plot concerns a father and his two children who have just moved to Maine from the west coast in order for the father to take up duties as curator of the museum at Vandemark College. The mother had an excellent job back home so, apparently, had decided to remain behind. Obviously this issue crops up from time to time as we go through the story and we get the kid's perspectives on a possible divorce in the future.
The main storyline concerns a mummy which disappears after having been bequeathed to the college. Since the father in the story is curator for the museum, guess who is on the hook to get it back? But since this is a book for youngsters, it is indeed the youngsters who solve the case, putting the grownups and police to shame and maneuvering through some dangerous thrills along the way. Lots of time is spent examining the kids' outlook on life in this new place, making friends (or not), and what will happen to their parent's marriage. There is some good history here, bringing to light that not all mummies were ancient Egyptian mummies. There is also some good, thought-provoking, coming of age stuff that makes this a bit meatier than many books for similar aged readers. I was disappointed that the ending did not contain a resolution to the parent's situation but perhaps it is more indicative of real life this way.
The main storyline concerns a mummy which disappears after having been bequeathed to the college. Since the father in the story is curator for the museum, guess who is on the hook to get it back? But since this is a book for youngsters, it is indeed the youngsters who solve the case, putting the grownups and police to shame and maneuvering through some dangerous thrills along the way. Lots of time is spent examining the kids' outlook on life in this new place, making friends (or not), and what will happen to their parent's marriage. There is some good history here, bringing to light that not all mummies were ancient Egyptian mummies. There is also some good, thought-provoking, coming of age stuff that makes this a bit meatier than many books for similar aged readers. I was disappointed that the ending did not contain a resolution to the parent's situation but perhaps it is more indicative of real life this way.
June 17, 2014
Not terrifically impressive mystery novel from a usually impressive author. Too many side issues and too pat a plot. Phineas, his sister Anthea, and his father Sam have just moved to Maine where his father has a job as a classical languages professor when out of the blue his dad is in charge of an egyptological collection (the maker of the bequest wanted non-experienced eyes)...oh heck, there's just too much going on and it all sounds like it would be fascinating but it just isn't. Pick up a Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters 80s mystery and you'll be more satisfied.
April 3, 2008
Really good YA fiction. With mummies, and Roman-era mummy portraits, and Sappho poems, all of which I adore, and all part of a good mystery.
October 15, 2008
Don't really know why I chose this book...I like other Cynthia Voigt books, but this one was definitely lacking. There wasn't much of a mystery and I never really connected with the characters.
Read
December 30, 2020Cross-posted from my blog where there's more information on where I got my copy and links and everything.
One thing I find interesting about this is that while Althea is fifteen, Phineas is definitely the main character, with the book being told from his POV only, and he’s only twelve. However, I would be very hesitant to label this middle grade – it’s pretty solidly young adult. And I find it very interesting how that used to be much more common, for YA to have protagonists who were twelve or thirteen, and now that doesn’t happen. In this historical period there was still a pretty solid middle grade/YA divide, however, when you compare books like this to books like Goosebumps or Baby-Sitter’s Club. It seems like things were divided much more on a content basis than an age basis.
I find that very interesting on a historical level. The book itself… eh. It’s really dated. Like there are a lot of references to stuff that really dates the book. Like the book references the 1989 Batman as just coming out in theatre, and that was three years before the book was even released. And there’s a ton of that, which feels so much like the book was trying to be trendy or something? It’s weird, and kind of unnecessary.
There’s also… there’s a lot of talk about feminism and I have trouble telling if the author is exaggerating or if that was kind of just the attitude at the time or… I don’t know. It seems very exaggerated, like all the stereotypical “feminist” things that people say, but maybe that’s what the author believed? I really don’t know.
I also wish there had been a bit more history about the mummy and Egypt and all that. It seems a little lacking in that area. In general, I did like this, but despite my above stated nostalgia and fondness for this author, I didn’t like this enough to keep it, and I think I’m going to be passing it along. Which is kind of shocking to me because I’m kind of a hoarder and I really like having complete book collections. But while I did enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it enough to keep it.
One thing I find interesting about this is that while Althea is fifteen, Phineas is definitely the main character, with the book being told from his POV only, and he’s only twelve. However, I would be very hesitant to label this middle grade – it’s pretty solidly young adult. And I find it very interesting how that used to be much more common, for YA to have protagonists who were twelve or thirteen, and now that doesn’t happen. In this historical period there was still a pretty solid middle grade/YA divide, however, when you compare books like this to books like Goosebumps or Baby-Sitter’s Club. It seems like things were divided much more on a content basis than an age basis.
I find that very interesting on a historical level. The book itself… eh. It’s really dated. Like there are a lot of references to stuff that really dates the book. Like the book references the 1989 Batman as just coming out in theatre, and that was three years before the book was even released. And there’s a ton of that, which feels so much like the book was trying to be trendy or something? It’s weird, and kind of unnecessary.
There’s also… there’s a lot of talk about feminism and I have trouble telling if the author is exaggerating or if that was kind of just the attitude at the time or… I don’t know. It seems very exaggerated, like all the stereotypical “feminist” things that people say, but maybe that’s what the author believed? I really don’t know.
I also wish there had been a bit more history about the mummy and Egypt and all that. It seems a little lacking in that area. In general, I did like this, but despite my above stated nostalgia and fondness for this author, I didn’t like this enough to keep it, and I think I’m going to be passing it along. Which is kind of shocking to me because I’m kind of a hoarder and I really like having complete book collections. But while I did enjoy this, I didn’t enjoy it enough to keep it.
January 28, 2022
This…is a very strange book. If there were ever a book that was “of it’s time” without the subject matter itself being inherently dated, it might be this one. The references, the important things happening where there nary even a pay phone so our characters must traverse (long enough to be a problem but short enough to run it) distances to help themselves…
…and the completely, over the top, stop beating the horse it’s been dead constant refrain of ‘80s/‘90s pop-feminism. Holy hell, it was a lot. The entire plot hinges on, not the mummy the book is named after, but the immasculation of men married to overachieving feminists. Seriously. The consequences to home and family when women go rogue. Not joking.
That said, I was entertained, it was interesting. And quotes like “The guy looked like he was wearing a Groucho Marx disguise. He wasn’t, but just for a second it looked like was.” Made it work as a decent YA mystery for me.
…and the completely, over the top, stop beating the horse it’s been dead constant refrain of ‘80s/‘90s pop-feminism. Holy hell, it was a lot. The entire plot hinges on, not the mummy the book is named after, but the immasculation of men married to overachieving feminists. Seriously. The consequences to home and family when women go rogue. Not joking.
That said, I was entertained, it was interesting. And quotes like “The guy looked like he was wearing a Groucho Marx disguise. He wasn’t, but just for a second it looked like was.” Made it work as a decent YA mystery for me.
May 28, 2023
"The Vandemark Mummy" by Cynthia Voigt presents readers with an intriguing blend of mystery and adventure. Set in a small college, the story revolves around the disappearance of a valuable mummy, leading Phineas and Althea on a quest to uncover the truth and save someone dear to them.
Voigt's writing style caters to a middle school audience, although the language used leans more towards an elementary level. While the plot centers on the mystery, the book lacks sufficient details to allow readers to piece together the puzzle. However, the steady pacing keeps the story moving forward, maintaining the reader's interest.
Within its pages, "The Vandemark Mummy" touches upon sensitive topics such as rape, divorce, and theft. Additionally, it explores women's liberation in an unconventional manner, which may generate discussion among both supporters and opponents of the movement.
Overall, "The Vandemark Mummy" offers a unique reading experience, blending elements of mystery and adventure. Although it falls short in providing ample clues for readers to unravel the mystery, the book's steady pace keeps the narrative engaging. It delves into thought-provoking themes while maintaining a suitable level of complexity for its target audience.
Voigt's writing style caters to a middle school audience, although the language used leans more towards an elementary level. While the plot centers on the mystery, the book lacks sufficient details to allow readers to piece together the puzzle. However, the steady pacing keeps the story moving forward, maintaining the reader's interest.
Within its pages, "The Vandemark Mummy" touches upon sensitive topics such as rape, divorce, and theft. Additionally, it explores women's liberation in an unconventional manner, which may generate discussion among both supporters and opponents of the movement.
Overall, "The Vandemark Mummy" offers a unique reading experience, blending elements of mystery and adventure. Although it falls short in providing ample clues for readers to unravel the mystery, the book's steady pace keeps the narrative engaging. It delves into thought-provoking themes while maintaining a suitable level of complexity for its target audience.
May 11, 2021
Fair mystery for young adult (13+?), not up to Voigt’s standards, 1990’s social concerns, family living apart due to the mother’s high-paying job, feminist tone throughout book. Not great, some cursing
July 8, 2018
a nice YA mystery with a little bit of feminism for good measure
July 29, 2019
A junior mystery set in a small college town.
June 27, 2021
So many problems with this book. Starting with the fact that it seems marketed to younger readers like 10-12 but the content is not something I would let a 12 yr old read.
August 12, 2021
It was just ok. Not her best work
February 11, 2014
A mystery novel about a missing mummy
Phineas and Athea are living with their father Dr. Hall, a professor in Vandemark college who is given the charge of an antique Egyptian collection that was left in the will of the late Vandemark II. Included in the collection is a mummy of the Roman era. Athea who is studying Greek to distract herself from the thoughts of her mother and father getting a divorce notices Greek words on the papyrus covering the mummy. She is however told that she was wrong and it is hieroglyphs by the history professor Dr. Ken. Although the mummy was not valuable in terms of age and personage it becomes stolen.This leads to a quest by the siblings to find who stole it among the numerous characters presented in the book. Athea is later kidnapped for meddling in the situation. Phineas looks for her in the many rooms of the cellar and finds her. Athea tells him how Dr. Ken stole the mummy for the writings in the Papyrus which were by Sappho a Greek poet, which if he translated would help to further his career. He is later on apprehended by the police.
The book explores different concepts such as marriage, divorce, gender equality and feminism. It was the first time I heard of Sappho who I learned is a Greek poet, born on the island of Lesbos, where the origin of the word Lesbian originates. The book has many parts that coincides with reality wherein most of Sappho's works were lost although some were found in Egyptian papyrus.
Phineas and Athea are living with their father Dr. Hall, a professor in Vandemark college who is given the charge of an antique Egyptian collection that was left in the will of the late Vandemark II. Included in the collection is a mummy of the Roman era. Athea who is studying Greek to distract herself from the thoughts of her mother and father getting a divorce notices Greek words on the papyrus covering the mummy. She is however told that she was wrong and it is hieroglyphs by the history professor Dr. Ken. Although the mummy was not valuable in terms of age and personage it becomes stolen.This leads to a quest by the siblings to find who stole it among the numerous characters presented in the book. Athea is later kidnapped for meddling in the situation. Phineas looks for her in the many rooms of the cellar and finds her. Athea tells him how Dr. Ken stole the mummy for the writings in the Papyrus which were by Sappho a Greek poet, which if he translated would help to further his career. He is later on apprehended by the police.
The book explores different concepts such as marriage, divorce, gender equality and feminism. It was the first time I heard of Sappho who I learned is a Greek poet, born on the island of Lesbos, where the origin of the word Lesbian originates. The book has many parts that coincides with reality wherein most of Sappho's works were lost although some were found in Egyptian papyrus.
April 18, 2014
This is a decent mystery for young teens. It's not wildly exciting but the siblings in the story are resourceful and the boy did solve the mystery with some background help from his sister. And the story is about ancient Egypt artifacts, a subject that always interests me.
Teenaged Althea and Phineas Hall have just moved to Maine where their father got a job teaching classical languages at the local college. Their mother got a job in Portland Oregon and the family decided to split up geographically for the time being. Soon after the Halls move into the small house on campus Mr. Hall receives a posthumous letter from Felix Vandemark II, an octogenarian whose ancestors gave the land to the town for Vandemark College. He has given custodianship of his small Egyptian collection, including a mummy, to the next appointee to the Classical Languages Department. That would be Mr. Hall, who is really not very qualified. The Vandemark family is opposed but cannot break the edicts of the will unless Mr. Hall doesn't do his job adequately. Soon after the collection is cataloged and placed into a temperature and humidity controlled room with security devices, it is threatened by a break-in. Then one of the Hall children is kidnapped. What does it all mean?
Teenaged Althea and Phineas Hall have just moved to Maine where their father got a job teaching classical languages at the local college. Their mother got a job in Portland Oregon and the family decided to split up geographically for the time being. Soon after the Halls move into the small house on campus Mr. Hall receives a posthumous letter from Felix Vandemark II, an octogenarian whose ancestors gave the land to the town for Vandemark College. He has given custodianship of his small Egyptian collection, including a mummy, to the next appointee to the Classical Languages Department. That would be Mr. Hall, who is really not very qualified. The Vandemark family is opposed but cannot break the edicts of the will unless Mr. Hall doesn't do his job adequately. Soon after the collection is cataloged and placed into a temperature and humidity controlled room with security devices, it is threatened by a break-in. Then one of the Hall children is kidnapped. What does it all mean?
April 9, 2008
CIP: When, as the new Classics professor at Vandemark College, their father is made responsible for a collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, twelve-year-old Phineas and his older sister Althea try to find out why the collection is the target of thieves, especially when the mummy disappears.
Review: Cynthia Voigt is a master at characterization. This brother/sister combo could be any pair of siblings as they try to work through family issues as well as to find the disappearing mummy. The plot is a little convoluted at points (kind of like the CIP summary), but maintains integrity throughout. A good choice for those who like "real" people in their books.
SLJ says: "In all, it is a fine interweaving of fun and substance."
Kirkus says: "Lightweight (as intended) compared to most of Voigt's books, but neatly plotted and thoroughly satisfying."
Review: Cynthia Voigt is a master at characterization. This brother/sister combo could be any pair of siblings as they try to work through family issues as well as to find the disappearing mummy. The plot is a little convoluted at points (kind of like the CIP summary), but maintains integrity throughout. A good choice for those who like "real" people in their books.
SLJ says: "In all, it is a fine interweaving of fun and substance."
Kirkus says: "Lightweight (as intended) compared to most of Voigt's books, but neatly plotted and thoroughly satisfying."
October 31, 2021
When college instructor Sam Hall and his children, Phineas and Althea, move from Oregon to Portland, Maine, they encounter new experiences and a mystery.
Phineas is twelve, an avid cyclist, and the younger sibling of fifteen-year-old scholarly Althea, who has a deep interest in learning Greek.
After Instructor Hall becomes curator of Egyptian artifacts, the mummy is stolen. Then Althea disappears. Neither Phineas nor Althea is circumspect in their actions which makes The Vandemark Mummy a great middle school adventure!!
Phineas is twelve, an avid cyclist, and the younger sibling of fifteen-year-old scholarly Althea, who has a deep interest in learning Greek.
After Instructor Hall becomes curator of Egyptian artifacts, the mummy is stolen. Then Althea disappears. Neither Phineas nor Althea is circumspect in their actions which makes The Vandemark Mummy a great middle school adventure!!
May 18, 2016
I picked this book up at the book fair, because I LOVE this author. And I'm on the hunt for good books for when my son is a teenager. This is the first time I've read a mystery by Voigt, and I really enjoyed it. It is not nearly as heavy and depressing as her Tillerman books. This book would be great for someone in middle school and I think enjoyed by both boys and girls. Saving it for when the kid gets older!
Read
October 19, 2016Have read this a few times, and always like it, but never remember what it's about. This time I'll remember the mummy was donated by old man Vandemark to a college, and the mystery is why and who would break in and steal it and damage it, but make sure it's returned. The guilty party kidnaps the daughter of the professor in charge of the Egyptian collection.
January 5, 2016
Noioso e deludente.
February 2, 2010
for the younger reader who likes a bit of mystery
January 21, 2013
YA mystery that explores issues around family and gender roles. Somewhat slow paced.
Did Not Finish
November 18, 2017First book this year I have dnfed. I'm sad I couldn't get into it but maybe one day I'll try it or another of Voigt's books again.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews