William Arden’s first credited book, this has a legendary lost hoard of gold, a hunchbacked shadow (that laughs, maniacally), suspicious Englishmen and it’s great fun, even if the mystery requires a healthy suspension of disbelief from the reader. Cleverly put together, with some nice set pieces and a real sense of urgency, this works well enough that you allow the odd things - vegetarian societies and the reason behind the laughter - to pass by. A nice use of location works in its favour too - well worth a read.
This is the fourth or fifth book that I read in the series and I really enjoyed it. Today I have to say that I'm puzzled at the criticism levelled at it. What is wrong with a vegetarian league? I've heard of much stranger clubs! I've always liked this book and admire how William Arden captured the essence of all three boys in this and his subsequent stories. I give it nine out of ten.
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