Encyclopedia Brown Finds the Clues

Encyclopedia Brown #3

by Donald J. Sobol

Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville neighborhood’s ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, 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 his most baffling crimes. And with ten confounding mysteries in each book, not only does Encyclopedia have a chance to solve them, but the reader is given all the clues as well. Interactive and chock full of interesting bits of information—it’s classic Encyclopedia Brown!

“I loved Encyclopedia Brown as a kid.”—Junot Diaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
 

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Short Stories

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Donald 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.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neo and I finished the third collection of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries. These stories allow the reader to see both Encyclopedia and his father, Chief Brown, in action as they solve crimes and expose all the criminals. In this collection, Encyclopedia looks into a missing statue that a movie actress says was stolen, a priceless diamond necklace taken from a local jeweller, and even claims that the local bully was kidnapped. These five-minute mysteries are perfect for any time of day, though Neo and I found them perfect for a before bedtime stumping. Some stories have easy answers, while others left Neo and I scratching our heads! Great reading for people of all ages, particularly those who are closet sleuths.

Neo mentioned that he really likes the stories, as they keep him thinking. I remember these stories were read to me when I was young as well, helping me become the problem solver I have become. He 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.

Did you know Neo’s has his own GR account for reviews? Check him out: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...

[Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! I used to read Encyclopedia Brown, and so it was nice to revisit this as an adult! Amazingly, I was only able to solve some of the detective stories, not all of them! I find them well-written, clever, and fun to read. The writing contains some sense of wry humor as well.

[Neo · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dad and I finished the third collection of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries. These stories allow the reader to see both Encyclopedia and his father, Chief Brown, in action as they solve crimes and expose all the criminals. In this collection, Encyclopedia looks into a missing statue that a movie actress says was stolen, a priceless diamond necklace taken from a local jeweller, and even claims that the local bully was kidnapped. These five-minute mysteries are perfect for any time of day, though we found them perfect for a before bedtime stumping. Some stories have easy answers, while others left us scratching our heads! Great reading for people of all ages, particularly those who are closet sleuths.

I really like these stories, as they keep me thinking. My dad told me that he had these stories read to him when he was young. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the stories and trying to uncover the clues that will help solve the cases. I feel 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.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 2 out of 5]

This early Encyclopedia Brown installment includes some mysteries that weren't ill-intentioned in the early sixties but definitely didn't age well, and if a kid is going to read through the whole series, a parent should be aware of and discuss the racial stereotyping in this volume related to Native American and Hispanic people.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A good continuation of the series. I especially liked the Case of the Missing Diamonds. I think my fish Chunk is taking a shine to these so we'll definitely keep reading them."

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"My Parents Just Wanted Me to Commit Crime" the therapy journals of Bugs Meany.

[Julesmarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was disappointing. First because many of the "mysteries" in it weren't solve-able unless you knew some obscure facts like that a brick of gold weighs 300 pounds or even less-obscure ones (but likely still unknown to children) like that dogs are color blind.

This one also seemed terribly racist. I understand that it was first published in 1966 and it might be a good opportunity to have a discussion with my students about how attitudes and perceptions change over time, but it was still enough to make me uncomfortable.

(There's the one Latino child in the neighborhood, who apparently only speaks Spanish, and who hosts a bullfight in which his dog with knives strapped to his head is the bull.

And then there's the "Indian Trials" that the town holds to see who can ride with the mayor in the parade.

And then we progress from racism to simple bigotry with the lovely declaration by Police Chief Brown that "Actors aren't like other people.... They don't care about what is right or wrong as long as they get attention.")

I did like one of the cases here which was solve-able through simple logic, but the rest of this one was a disappointment.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown is not your normal fifth grader. He's a regular Sherlock! And your kids will appreciate the genius way in which he's able to put clues together ... and how you have to turn to the back of the book for the big reveal! It's a clever format that enables you to have a chance at solving the mystery and checking your theory!

Ages: 9 - 13

Cleanliness: Golly, Gee Whiz, for Pete's sake, thank heavens and the like are used throughout. There are several town bullies and swindlers. There is usually a fist fight in each book (mostly referring to the time Sally beat up Bugs Meany, the town bully).

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!

Visit my website!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one has more clever lines than most, including 'trying to talk to him is like crossing a mule with an otter. All you get is mutters.' And Chief Brown gets to solve a case himself. And there is an unfortunate accidentally racist chapter, in which boys compete to be the bravest 'Indian youth.'

I'm glad that many of these are avl. as ebooks on my library's libby/overdrive.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know - I used to act out encyclopedia brown books in 3rd grade. Mostly bc I’m basically a Christmas ham, but in hindsight now.... W....T.....F?!

These books are delightfully un-PC - now now chill out. I’m not trying to set us back 50-100 years.

I just get more of a good laugh than anything out of these. And while some of the cases’ solutions make perfect sense.... ehhhh yer pushin’ it a bit to the brink there Sobol.

But this non-PC sass is luring me in for more.... always will....

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend Encyclopedia Brown. I was 8 when I first encountered this series. I loved it. It was recommended by a boy that I liked. What I liked about these books is that it taught me how to think before making wild guesses. Each book had several cases which were easy to read and follow for a child. I recommend this to any parent looking for helping their child to use logic and deductive reasoning. Great on how to look at relevant facts at a child's level.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books when I was a kid, and read everyone I could get my hands on. I've reread a few recently, and while I still think they are fun, they just aren't as great as they used to be. Sigh... They still get 5 stars though, because you can't beat great childhood memories!

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown Can't say enough good things about this series.  Written for kids but still a great read for adults on a nostalgia kick. 

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are fantastic books. I loved them as a kid. You can solve the mysteries along with Encyclopedia Brown, all the clues are in the story. They make you think. Very recommended for young readers

[Chance Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was actually easier. Only a couple I had no clue about.

Cover
You know I can't take Bugs as a serious threat in that hat. In color it's even worse.
I do like this cover. It may not be as clever bookending the stories but it does have story a nice essence to it. As it's tied to the third mystery with Bugs' smug expression and having the police writing a report is a nice touch.

Interior
Firstly what is with the idioms in the stories? I don't think the last one had so many and they are so weird. for example "Talking to him is like crossing a mule with an otter" or "Slammed to a stop like a near-sighted knight jousting the palace wall." What can I say but HUH?
The most of the mysteries are pretty imaginative. The characters are obviously standard but I they are brought back from the last books. Not just Bugs and Sally but the minor characters like like Herb Stein and Pinky Plummer.
I also have to admit the time Bugs wasn't the villain smirking and trying to get one over on Encyclopedia but just as a spectator in the story he's actually a bit entertaining in his small scenes and not only what he says but how he says it really fit the character. Have to give his father credit he isn't written as a hopeless chief that can't solve anything. Being able to clue in on some of the mysteries himself.

After Thoughts
There was one moment that REALY triggered me right in the beginning. I just can't get over it and i have to point it out.
He is very comfortable with making a obvious bold face lie to his parents. (Let's back up.)
Encyclopedia is racing home to make it to dinner on time but he end up late helping Mrs. Worth with her car. Being covered in oil he tells his parents he was fishing. Granted it makes sense not wanting to brag about how he helps everyone but it's not a secret. Isn't it sort of dumb that he secret mind behind his father as the chief of police and while running a detective agency out of their garage it's stupidly obvious he helps everyone. Especially with how he helps his father. Again it's no secret he helps people why lie to your parent about helping others no matter their age.

[Richard L. Haas III · Rating 1 out of 5]

So Encyclopedia Brown (or Internet Geek, for the new age) has his own book series for children and it is a rather famous series, being that it’s original publication was in the 60’s; the name alone is famous and I thought I’d get to read some brilliant book originally written for children, in the vein of Judy Blume or Roald Dahl, but instead, I got a poorly written mess that shouldn’t be read by anyone (including children) except the front and back cover at a Literary Museum located in England or something.

Between outdated phrases and concepts, that admittedly weren’t necessarily Sobol’s fault at the time (such as: a homeless man being referred to as a “tramp,” saying, “he fingered it" in a non-sexual manor, dressing up like Native Americans for Veterans, giving dogs chocolate, being rude to one’s mother especially about cooking, and perpetuating the myth that dogs are colorblind), stupid characters (such as: the father being the best on the police force but suffers from being an idiot, the fact that the police take things way too seriously, a kid "squeal[ing] in fright" at the sight of someone cutting a banana with a knife, a little boy tying knives on a dog, yelling at someone thinking they are a thief but being quick to dismiss it, assuming thieves are only skilled because someone told them information, and a thief hiding a stolen piece in the house he stole it from), and just stupid things (such as a bike compared to sandpaper, what appears to be a real person named Mrs. Meany, and the phrases "Seat of my pants," and "flagpole watching")….. the book was just a bit much for me. I know it sounds like a lot, but I actually edited this down significantly that what I had it as before.

Sure it’s a kids book, but not one you should have your kid read.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown was one of my gateway drugs into mysteries. As a kid, I always tried to figure out the solution before I read it in the back. Not always successful, but I did try!

Rereading them as an adult was straight-up nostalgia. The formula I remember from childhood was still there (you start to notice it when you read a lot of this series, especially in a row). The first puzzle is always from the Chief, told around the dinner table, the second is at the Brown Detective Agency. There is always at least one case with Bugs Meany and the Tigers, including a corny expression or pun about how crooked they are. And Sally is the junior detective, Encyclopedia's muscle, and both the prettiest girl and the best athlete.

And I still learn a little each time I read these! Despite the formula, they are great for building critical thinking with kids. Short stories let you get right into the puzzle, and are quick for short attention spans or quick reads when you only have a few minutes. And sometimes the puzzle depends on some obscure facts, but you learn a little then too.

Encyclopedia debuted in the mid-60s. (FYI, in earlier collections, like this one, you can definitely tell - especially when it comes to diversity and stereotypes in the cast.) I was reading them 25+ years ago. And I'd still recommend them to budding mystery readers.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of these books are "fun size" enough that they're the perfect length for breaks at work: read a case, solve it, then go back to work in a few minutes. They're also great mental workouts, too!

However, this one makes me want to cancel good ol' Encyclopedia Brown. Why?

In one of the cases, he feeds chocolate to a dog.

To befriend it.

Walking encyclopedia like him should know CHOCOLATE IS POISONOUS TO DOGS, particularly in the amount he was casually throwing to the dog in the case.

*sigh*

The other cases are okay. I guess. I'm actually a little too familiar with them to be surprised by the answers anymore, despite not having read them in years. I do like how every book has an illustration for each case, and how every book is set up so you can read them in any order and know everything you need to know (first case: EB at home with his family, solving a case for his police chief dad; second case: Bugs Meany tries to pull one over on EB and/or get him in trouble; third case: Bugs wants revenge but can't threaten violence because Sally Kimball is stronger than Bugs is).

I just found myself incredibly disappointed with this volume, for that one case. Might be judging harshly, but... poisoning pets is a big deal!

[Kevin Hogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good collection of stories. Some were more challenging than others, but it was pretty solid overall. Some thoughts about individual stories:

Mysterious Tramp - a good story--straightforward, but complicated enough to be a bit of a challenge
Rubber Pillow - a good premise, although some details were a bit overstated
Bugs's Kidnapping - a decent story--the premise is a bit better than the execution, but still fun
Boy Bullfighter - I feel like this one has become a bit cliche, but it was probably a bit more original when it was first written
Divining Rod - a good story with a solution that is complicated enough to be satisfying
Bitter Drink - this one was an interesting idea, but I felt like it was written to be a bit too obvious
Telltale Paint - not quite as engaging as some of the other stories, and the solution seemed a bit obvious
Stolen Diamonds - well-told story with a satisfying solution
Missing Statue - the solution seemed a bit obvious because some clues were emphasized, but it still came together well
House of Cards - a fine story--not too simple, but not a lot going on

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You know, it's always been a dream of mine to match wits with a 10-year-old--and win."--Chris Elliott, "Get a Life." I first read one of the Encyclopedia Brown mystery books when I was around 12. I found the book both too childish (which isn't surprising, since it was written for younger children) and too difficult. If I recall correctly, I was able to solve just one of the mysteries. Now reading (or re-reading) this book in late middle age, I was able to solve a whopping 6 out of 10. Maybe in another 50 years, I'll get them all. I suppose if I'd read this at the age of 9 or 10, I'd have enjoyed it, hence the 3 stars.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

It turns out that this book was not actually racist. In An Experiment on Criticism, C. S. Lewis warned that readers are taught to approach every book with suspicion, which is what people do when they apply Critical Race Theory to an Encyclopedia Brown book. Instead, Lewis suggested that true literary criticism consisted of a boy with a flashlight under his covers reading books like Treasure Island. Mr. Sobol wrote these delightful stories to teach young children to use logic. May we all learn that lesson and simply enjoy his books.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 8-yr-old and I are reading the entire series together, which is filled with teachable moments about parts of the series that haven't aged well. We talk about being respectful to Native Americans and other cultures, how women can be married AND keep their job and the classic Case of the Mysterious Tramp. "You can't tell someone is homeless just by looking at them! That's how you can tell he's lying!" Proud Mom moment there.

One of our library books even showed Bugs Meany smoking! (The 8-yr-old was convinced he'd be arrested.)

Overall, we do like these stories and it's a fun format.

[Scott Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series as a child, and now my own boys are reading them for light reading fun. It is a book well-suited for people who enjoy puzzles. It is family friendly, if a bit dated in the tradition of Mayberry RFD. What I especially enjoy about the series is the use of simile throughout the stories. Some are over-the-top odd, but many of the examples display a profound understanding of childhood and rural America.

[Holly Keimig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown books were some of my favorites as a kid. Decided to pick one up when I was having trouble focusing on anything else. They are great to read while you're trying to fall asleep at night. Each case is just about perfect to read and solve before falling off to dreamland satisfied you figured something out. Great beginning mysteries for kids and adults. See if you can crack the case!

[Marcus Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville neighborhood’s ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, 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 his most baffling crimes. And it has ten confounding mysteries in the book.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost Disappointed..

Had five gotchas right, and three halves right. Missed two. The first two Encyclopedia Brown books were better. Third one was not quite the charm. Yet got nailed by the two tales in this collection. It’s not bad. Almost disappointed when five tales got off a mite too easy. Again, always pay attention to details. No matter how insignificant. Still recommended though.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying reading this one aloud with my 4th grader. Not only does it engage the young reader in critical thinking (and listening, in our case) skills, it promotes interaction by having the reader look at the back of the book to see how E. Brown solved the case. Really fun. I also appreciate that the stories are short, and don’t come across as “canned”, by repeating similar storylines.

[David Rough · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really like the format of this series of short stories. This book did not have quite the pizzaz that the first audiobook possessed. Some of the stories were not as interesting as the initial offering, but it was still a fun set of mysteries to solve. Each scenario presented a crime including a major clue to solve the mystery. After giving the reader an opportunity to discover the solution, the book provided the insight to clarify the conclusion. A good read for a young Sherlock.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Encyclopedia finds several stolen things including a rubber pillow, a diamond necklace, and a jar of animal teeth.

The stolen items are a good example of why I enjoy these books: you go from a pillow to a jewelry store robbery and back again. This volume had some disturbing throw-away bits regarding Latinos, Native Americans, and actors (weird) that dated it in a bad way.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encyclopedia Brown is always a fun read! 10 stories, you get all the clues he does and the answers are in the back.
I just really love these mysteries. I started reading them probably in the late 70's or early 80's and haven't stopped. It really teaches to listen to what's being said and to observe.