What do you think?
Rate this book
Encyclopedia Brown #10
Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Case
Leroy Brown is back in the next six books in the Encyclopedia Brown series. As Idaville?s ten-year-old star detective, Encyclopedia has an uncanny knack for trivia. With his unconventional knowledge, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids through his own detective agency. But his dad also happens to be the chief of the Idaville police department, and every night around the dinner table, Encyclopedia helps him solve some of the most baffling crimes. With ten confounding mysteries in each book, not only does Encyclopedia have a chance to solve them, but readers are given all the clues as well and can chime in with their own solutions. Interactive and fun?it?s classic Encyclopedia Brown!
Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
119 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Donald J. Sobol
181 books222 followersDonald J. Sobol was an award-winning writer best known for his children's books, especially the Encyclopedia Brown mystery series. Mr. Sobol passed away in July of 2012.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 1, 2020
Neo and I finished another set of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, filled with some wonderful stories we can process in a few minutes. The kid detective lives and works mostly in Idaville, USA, keeping the town crime-free, while filling his piggy bank with quarters from those who hire him. Encyclopedia yet again crosses paths with Bugs Meany, deals with a gigantic driver, and helps a child who is concerned a house bit him. These wonderful five-minute mysteries entertain and exercise the brain of both child and adult, as long as they pay attention. Neo and I have used them as a before bedtime activity and we are getting much better at piecing the clues together in a timely manner. Young sleuths in the making may want to sharpen their skills with the massive collection of stories.
Neo really likes the stories that keep him thinking. I remember having these stories read to me when I was young as well, helping me want to pass along the tradition. Neo thoroughly enjoys listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. He mentioned that these are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: the stories are dated (1960s and 70s) and some of the terminology or word choices might not be as correct as you would like your young reader to use on a daily basis.
Did you know Neo’s has his own GR account for reviews? Check him out: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
Neo really likes the stories that keep him thinking. I remember having these stories read to me when I was young as well, helping me want to pass along the tradition. Neo thoroughly enjoys listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. He mentioned that these are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: the stories are dated (1960s and 70s) and some of the terminology or word choices might not be as correct as you would like your young reader to use on a daily basis.
Did you know Neo’s has his own GR account for reviews? Check him out: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
July 10, 2020
I really like these, even the ones that I don't solve or that 'fudge' a bit. If you do too, I recommend the game "Mindtrap" or The Gollywhopper Games or other books by Jody Feldman. Some would also recommend the Mr. Lemoncello books, but I didn't much care for the first or keep reading them.
Do you have any other recommendations for brainteasers and puzzles for youth and teens?
Do you have any other recommendations for brainteasers and puzzles for youth and teens?
May 31, 2015
Encyclopedia Brown takes the case by Donald J. Sobol is a great series of mysteries for all ages. I recommend this book to others because it exercises your brain and makes you think. every story has a different mystery and all are tricky to solve. I think this book can inspire others to think harder and try harder at different things. I also enjoy this book because I like mysteries.Now that I have read one encyclopedia brown I want to read another. Overall encyclopedia brown shows the way is a good book.
July 9, 2023
Something that I didn't remember as a kid but notice now in the series is how the first few stories always use the same format to introduce the setting: one with Encyclopedia's father bringing home a case from work, one where Bugs tries to trick Encyclopedia and Sally, etc. It makes it a lot easier to read the individual books and not worry about keeping up with the continuity.
Read
March 17, 2018Taking a little trip through my childhood bookshelf.
April 1, 2020
My dad and I finished another set of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, filled with some wonderful stories we can process in a few minutes. The kid detective lives and tends to work in Idaville, USA, keeping the town crime-free, while filling his piggy bank with quarters from those who hire him. Encyclopedia yet again crosses paths with Bugs Meany, deals with a giant driver, and helps a child who is concerned a house bit him. These wonderful five-minute mysteries entertain and exercise the brain of both child and adult, as long as they pay attention. We use them as a before bedtime activity and we are getting much better at piecing the clues together in a timely manner. Young sleuths in the making may want to sharpen their skills with the massive collection of stories.
These stories always keep me thinking. I remember my dad saying that he had these stories read to him as a kid, and now he is going to pass along the tradition. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. These are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: sometimes the words are old or use terms that are not ok today, but kids were allowed to say back then.
These stories always keep me thinking. I remember my dad saying that he had these stories read to him as a kid, and now he is going to pass along the tradition. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the stories and making an effort to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. These are perfect stories for parent-child reading, but would be great for a good reader when they have time or are on a road trip. A note to parents: sometimes the words are old or use terms that are not ok today, but kids were allowed to say back then.
July 5, 2021
Growing up, my two favorite book series were Choose Your Own Adventure and Encyclopedia Brown. Much like with the CYOA books, I always ended up walking away from these books feeling like I wasn't very "good" at them -- I NEVER solved a mystery without checking the Answer page. I've been eager to re-read one of each of these books as an adult and see if I was any better.
What I got out of reading a CYOA book as an adult was the knowledge that nothing was wrong with me, the odds are just ridiculously stacked against the reader accomplishing anything on their first try, which is the only one that's really any fun. With that being said, I was pleasantly surprised that I AM much better at figuring these little stories out as an adult, although some of the solutions are actually pretty pretty clever and had me stumped. Other solutions are a bit on the far-fetched side, but never so much that I was completely frustrated.
Another big difference between my experience reading this versus a CYOA book is that the writing is actually very charming. I guess I quit reading this series at too young of an age to be able to remember Sally and Bugs, but the whole cast of characters and setting of these stories were really sweet.
I didn't enjoy this enough to go pick up another one, but there are far worse ways to spend a day off than picking up one of these.
What I got out of reading a CYOA book as an adult was the knowledge that nothing was wrong with me, the odds are just ridiculously stacked against the reader accomplishing anything on their first try, which is the only one that's really any fun. With that being said, I was pleasantly surprised that I AM much better at figuring these little stories out as an adult, although some of the solutions are actually pretty pretty clever and had me stumped. Other solutions are a bit on the far-fetched side, but never so much that I was completely frustrated.
Another big difference between my experience reading this versus a CYOA book is that the writing is actually very charming. I guess I quit reading this series at too young of an age to be able to remember Sally and Bugs, but the whole cast of characters and setting of these stories were really sweet.
I didn't enjoy this enough to go pick up another one, but there are far worse ways to spend a day off than picking up one of these.
May 20, 2010
Anyone else remember these? Charlie is liking them a lot. I remember when I was his age I could never figure out the solution, but fortunately my education has paid off and now I can get at least half of them! :)
November 27, 2023
It feels like this series is hitting its stride. A good mix of cases--some of the typical "X destroys his own story by sharing just a little bit more than needed" with a few that require a bit more thought or reasoning. A few specific thoughts:
Stolen Money: Boring title, and the solution isn't too difficult, especially with Encyclopedia's questions. An easy start to the collection isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Talking House: A fun idea, and I liked how Scoop bought it so well. The solution was okay--a bit of thinking and attention to detail needed. A solid continuation of the book.
Two-Timers: The solution was fine, but the setup was great. I really enjoy Bugs's schemes to get Encyclopedia in trouble.
False Teeth: Similar to the last story. I caught the big clue, but thinking about making money by scavenging lost dentures is a unique setup.
Skin Diver: Two consecutive books with naked crooks? I didn't catch the clue to crack the case in this one. Something was off, but I couldn't quite place it. Nice to have it turn out that way sometimes.
Barefoot Thieves: Fun details that make for a satisfying solution, especially if you figure it out yourself.
Dog-Paddle Derby: The ending gives it away to some extent, but the story is solid. I would have preferred to have it wrap up just one sentence earlier.
Broken Globe: The answer really stood out, but it was still a good connection between the clue and the solution. Not sure why he was so certain about two culprits, though, as the clue only pointed directly to one.
Pet Skunk: I caught where he was going with this. I'm left wondering why a clue like this is enough to prompt people to confess, though. A bit circumstantial and easy enough to deny.
Seven-Foot Driver: Again, the solution isn't the highlight. The costume and setup make it memorable.
Stolen Money: Boring title, and the solution isn't too difficult, especially with Encyclopedia's questions. An easy start to the collection isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Talking House: A fun idea, and I liked how Scoop bought it so well. The solution was okay--a bit of thinking and attention to detail needed. A solid continuation of the book.
Two-Timers: The solution was fine, but the setup was great. I really enjoy Bugs's schemes to get Encyclopedia in trouble.
False Teeth: Similar to the last story. I caught the big clue, but thinking about making money by scavenging lost dentures is a unique setup.
Skin Diver: Two consecutive books with naked crooks? I didn't catch the clue to crack the case in this one. Something was off, but I couldn't quite place it. Nice to have it turn out that way sometimes.
Barefoot Thieves: Fun details that make for a satisfying solution, especially if you figure it out yourself.
Dog-Paddle Derby: The ending gives it away to some extent, but the story is solid. I would have preferred to have it wrap up just one sentence earlier.
Broken Globe: The answer really stood out, but it was still a good connection between the clue and the solution. Not sure why he was so certain about two culprits, though, as the clue only pointed directly to one.
Pet Skunk: I caught where he was going with this. I'm left wondering why a clue like this is enough to prompt people to confess, though. A bit circumstantial and easy enough to deny.
Seven-Foot Driver: Again, the solution isn't the highlight. The costume and setup make it memorable.
June 8, 2020
We have been reading some old Encyclopedia Brown books through our Corona isolation journey.
They've been fun to revisit, to see them through my daughter's eyes - to have to explain so many references and moments because culturally they are so very different to now.
Overall, they've aged fairly well. A few of the answers aren't actually 100% correct but I remember thinking that when I was young as well.
We have been enjoying reading them together, for sure.
They've been fun to revisit, to see them through my daughter's eyes - to have to explain so many references and moments because culturally they are so very different to now.
Overall, they've aged fairly well. A few of the answers aren't actually 100% correct but I remember thinking that when I was young as well.
We have been enjoying reading them together, for sure.
November 19, 2025
The solutions strain belief a little bit, but it’s probably not easy to come up with 10 cases year after year that will dumfound your average 10 year-old.
I know I read this one as a child. Not only does the kid on stilts on the 1970s cover seem familiar, I remembered the solution to “The Case of the Barefoot Thieves”. As a kid who often went barefoot during hot Southern California summers, I remember wanting to test it out.
I know I read this one as a child. Not only does the kid on stilts on the 1970s cover seem familiar, I remembered the solution to “The Case of the Barefoot Thieves”. As a kid who often went barefoot during hot Southern California summers, I remember wanting to test it out.
November 27, 2022
Clever, Clever, Clever!
Three gotchas, and two halves of got part of the answers. Even though one paid attention to details, yet never figured on letters that give certain characters away. Or certain positions of whatever body part or elements. Very clever usage, otherwise this reader would be disappointed.
Three gotchas, and two halves of got part of the answers. Even though one paid attention to details, yet never figured on letters that give certain characters away. Or certain positions of whatever body part or elements. Very clever usage, otherwise this reader would be disappointed.
Read
February 1, 2017The kid makes a move in his stoping in crimes in the town.When people have in his town idaville have mystery that cant be solve Encyclopedia can help.When help is needed encyclopedia saves the day with his mind as a encyclopedia.This should read by 4-6 grade.
November 10, 2020
I have fond memories of reading these on vacation. I loved trying to figure out whodunit. I think this is the type of book that hasn't been replicated, the kind that could stand the test of time, even if the hows of the cases become outdated.
August 27, 2021
Great short stories that you can read quickly with kids. These are fun for developing reasoning skills and they are also fun and have characters that kids can relate to from their own school experience. Enjoyable stories that are similar to others in this series.
October 25, 2022
I hate to admit this as an adult but this is such a fun quick read. As someone who loves puzzles, Encyclopedia Brown books are quick for anyone trying to catch up on their reading challenge or just trying to keep their brain sharp.
January 8, 2018
All of these stories always reveal either a logical exercise in deduction, or some peculiarity which enables the young detectives to solve each case!
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 8 January 2018.
Maria Carmo,
Lisbon, 8 January 2018.
April 10, 2018
Very fun book. Tough solves
September 21, 2018
a very nice mstrey book
February 11, 2019
Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, and his computerlike brain are on the case! No case is too small or too big for the boy detective. He'll solve every mystery in Idaville.
July 2, 2021
Read this at 7 or 8 years old ... Fond memories.
September 23, 2021
i was 7 when i read this and it banged
March 12, 2022
I absolutely loved the Encyclopedia Brown books as a kid
March 2, 2023
I read all the Encyclopedia Brown books as a kid. I loved trying to figure them out before I read the solution. Taught me critical thinking skills.
March 24, 2023
I figured some of them out myself, and I am very proud
March 25, 2023
Bugs Meany is a bully.
November 7, 2023
The case of the broken globe was my favorite in this book. I got the first culprit — but not the second. The dog race case was interesting to read about.
July 21, 2024
Another good one!
October 23, 2024
Very good cases!
Want to read
May 16, 2025Cutting is for Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the
Barefoot Thieves
By Donald J. Sobol
Barefoot Thieves
By Donald J. Sobol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews