SOLVED. Kids - ghost / mystery story that had an asp in it and featured a group of people (kids?) on a (school?) trip. [s]

[Chris]

I'm trying to find the name of a kind of comedy ghost / mystery adventure. I remember it had pictures. A group of students (I think) went camping in the woods and had some adventures.

The main thing I remember was that there was an asp in it. It got lost or escaped and they spent a great part of the book wondering where it was. I specifically remember it was an asp, because I had no clue what one was until I read this book, finding out it was some kind of small, poisonous snake. I read it three or four times, but that's about all I can remember. It had a title something like The Ghost Rescue, but I could be mistaken.

I read both this book around 1990, when I was coming to the end of primary school (I'm British). I borrowed it from the school library.

Thanks in advance. This group solved my other query in one day which just amazed me. I stand in awe.

Kind regards,
Chris

[Kym]

There's The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson but I can't find any mention of an asp.

[Kelly]

This is one of Pat Hutchins' books featuring class 2b..I think it's The Egyptian Mummy Mystery, or The Curse of the Egyptian Mummy. Some of the other titles are Follow That Bus! And The Mona Lisa Mystery.

[Tiffany]

The Curse of the Egyptian Mummy
Link reference for Kelly's suggestion above. I think this may your book, Chris. Here is the description:
"A group of cub scouts run into a mystery on their campout, which begins with the discovery of a man dead from the bite of an asp."

[Chris]

That's it! Fantastic, thanks so much. I remember the mummy part now. Also, Kym, I think I got the title wrong because I also read The Great Ghost Rescue as a kid.

You guys are amazing! Mods, please move to Solved.

Kind regards,
Chris.