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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beginning to a masterpiece children's book collection, May 24 2004
Readers may not know it, but Enid Blyton's best work probably lies in the five findouter series...which begins with this book: "The mystery of the burnt cottage". I believe the only reason this series of books was never so popular was because of the way it was titled, i.e. Five Findouters, and this wasn't so eye catching compared with the Famous Five or Secret Seven.The story is about 5 children aged from 9 to 13 and a dog, who first meet each other when a cottage burns down due to suspicious circumstances in their little town. They both find that they have a common enemy in Mr. Goon, the pompous village policeman, and despite their differences they pull together in order to beat him in solving the case. At the end of the book starts a beautiful friendship between the five, and they call themselves the 'Five findouters and dog' (coined by Bets (aged 9)) and despite the fact that it was a ridiculous name (as mentioned by Pip, Bets's older brother), it stuck and remained the same for 14 more super mysteries after that. I believe that the five findouter series is much better in quality, entertainment and plot than most other Enid Blyton books. In this series the kids have realistic and practical lives, with strict but well meaning parents, and sometimes they get hurt by the 'bad guys' which makes it all the more exciting and interesting. As far as plots are concerned they are amazing. Some of them could qualify for an Agatha Christie novel. I was astonished at what depth Enid Blyton could go to in making a great plot. The kids actually AGE as the books go along...and gain experience as well. For e.g: Fatty learns to disguise himself, and this comes in very handy in later mysteries. In my opinion, of all the Enid Blyton stories I find this series the best of all. Even now, at age 21, they entertain me immensely. These books are for all...from age 8 to till your really really very old. ENJOY!
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