SOLVED. YA book, 1960s/70s. Two look-alike cousins search for a treasure, possibly in the desert or mountains, definitely through rough rocky terrain. Title may contain the word "butte"? Read around 1981. [s]

[Holly]

This is a YA book I would have read around 1981 and that was published probably in the ‘70s or maybe even late ‘60s. It involved two cousins who looked alike enough to be twins. They meet for the first time, can’t stand each other, and eventually work together to pursue a treasure. I don’t remember if they had an actual map, but they had some kind of sequence of landmarks they were following. I think one of those landmarks was “the eye of the needle,” but I’m not positive. I also think the route went through the desert or possibly the mountains, but it was definitely rugged terrain that involved rock formations, canyons, and long distances in the heat.

[Holly]

I just remembered that it's possible that the word "butte" is in the title. If it isn't, buttes play a big role, as they're landmarks in the hunt for the treasure.

[Kris]

Holly, would you call this a mystery or adventure novel? Contemporary or historical?

I added a few details to the header/ topic title. Feel free to edit it.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Have you tried searching Worldcat? You can do a search by words in the title, and restrict it to certain years.

[Amber (Daisymau)]

How old were the characters? Boy or girls? Sort of sounds like something to do with the Superstition Mountains in Arizona..

[Rainbowheart]

Treasure at Bar X?

The Blue Stone Mystery?

Mystery of Superstition Mountain?

[Holly]

The characters were in their teens, but early teens; both boys, with a man leading the way on the treasure hunt. I checked out the above mentioned titles, and also WorldCat, but sadly, no dice. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Amber (Daisymau)]

Mystery Mountain by Florence Laughlin?

[Kris]

Kirkus Review for Mystery Mountain by Florence Laughlin - Amber's suggestion:

"An engrossing and plausible mystery set in the Arizona desert region involves the solution of the strange disappearance of Dan Glover as he headed for his secret gold mine. Seventy or so years later his great-grandson and granddaughter together with their cousin and their Great-Aunt Charlotte's ranch foreman retrace his path through clues provided by two maps with differing Greek inscriptions."

[Amber (Daisymau)]

Mystery Mountain is available to borrow on archive. I also added it to fictiondb, because it was missing.

[Holly]

Squeeeeee! This seems really, really promising. It looks familiar, and the plot sounds right. I've requested it from my library to confirm. Woo hoo!!!

[Holly]

SOLVED!!! The correct title was indeed Mystery Mountain, by Florence Laughlin. It even *smells* the way I remember! Woot woot!