Just Tell Me When We're Dead

Jo-Beth and Mary Rose Mysteries #3

by Eth Clifford

Jo-Beth and Mary Rose follow their runaway cousin to a deserted amusement park where they hide in a train that whisks them toward the Tunnel of Terror.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Mystery, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Juvenile, Horror

129 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Eth Clifford was born in New York City in 1915. She and her husband, David Rosenberg, started David-Stewart Publishing Company. Her first book for children was published in 1959 and since that time she wrote numerous books for children and young adults. She was also known as Eth (or Ethel) Clifford Rosenberg, and as published under the name Ruth Bonn Penn, and with her husband under David Clifford. Eth Clifford died in 2003

Reviews

[Jessica]

Did I own this book?! I think I did! I remember thinking the juxtaposition of the oldest sister being afraid of more than the younger was odd. Of course, now that I'm older, I realize how common that is, and that the poor oldest sister was probably burdened with being the responsible one more than anything! Still, a fun story, with a slight Scooby-Doo vibe, and this cover is frankly amazeballs.

[Eric T. Voigt]

I found this in the little library posted outside the neighborhood grocery store. I thought the title was hilarious. I kept thinking about it for a few days after seeing it. Finally I picked it up and left a copy of a comic I'd bought at a zinefest in its stead. It's a decently paced, light adventure. I would read more Mary Rose and Jo-Beth stories, were I to find them out and about.

[Nader Nate]

Fast paced book with good characters and decent plot, what i liked about it was the adventure and the events between the characters are interconnected, which makes the rhythm of the story consistent
#VERDICT: (6.3/10)

[Lee]

I ran across a vintage copy of this recently and remembered reading it when I was a kid, so decided to pick it up again! It's a cute, fun, middle grade read!

[Jen]

Theo (10) thought it was exciting and suspenseful and liked the perspective of the boy that ran away. But he wishes there'd been more action.

Polly (8) liked that it was adventurous and gripping but was disappointed that it wasn't as scary or exciting as the title made it sound.

[Kristel]

One of my favorites from growing up. I love the idea of being somewhere you are not supposed to be...it adds to the creepy factor.

[Ktbird]

This was the first book where I realized books tell stories, and were not just a series of words. For that reason, this book holds a special place in my heart.

[Lisa]

Jo-Beth and Mary Rose follow their cousin Jeff when he runs away. He rows a boat over to a deserted island; they pedal a swan like boat. As they look for Jeff, they find themselves in an old amusement part. When they sit down for a rest, their chair starts moving and the go through the tunnel of horror. An interesting short read.

[Anthony]

Two sisters look for their cousin and find mystery and adventure in an amusement park on a deserted island that is closed for the season.

[Mr. Bourne]

Also on my shelf from when I was a kid. Nostalgia gets me, hard to judge as an adult. Again, I loved this book as a kid.

[Vanet Jensen]

This book is a great book for the young reader transitioning towards novelettes. The characters are engaging even when they are absurd.

[Carlos Ceballos Méndez]

I kind story about plans, lost and resilience. About death, about love, about care.

[Emily]

An energetic and suspenseful story about two young girls who go looking for their cousin on an island that with an off-season amusement park and other touristy stuff after he runs away from home in his rowboat. The kids also foil some bank robbers.
I'm not sure what this story was doing in the ghosts and secrets mystery pack, but I don't feel it belongs there. This is a short juvenile caper with no ghosts and very little mystery. I'm sure younger children, ages 7-9, would find it a nice diversion.

[Oliver]

I loved it!It was cool!Jeff[9 years old] got tied up,and Mary Rose,[10 and a half]Jo-Beth[7 and a half]rescued him.

[Bailey Johannes]

I read the title and didn't really think it would be appropriate so I wanted to read it for myself to see.

[Shawna]

I think my class might like this one.