The Enid Blyton Society

Courtenay wrote:Interesting that two readers' reviews make a point of rating it better than Enid Blyton, but I'm relieved to know from Anita that this isn't necessarily the case!!

I can agree with Anita's opinion, also. A great book, but not better than Enid's work.

Well, in that case I won't run to find myself a copy — but I will be interested to hear Pete's verdict on it as well.

Also out of general interest, I wouldn't mind knowing which part of Devon it's set in, unless it's a generic and deliberately obscure setting like many of Enid's. I had a lovely holiday recently along the north coast of Devon. (Haven't seen much of the south coast yet, but I will do that another time.)

The cover of the early paperback edition reminds me a little of these American Famous Five covers, though the cover of The Young Detectives is more realistic and more beautifully coloured:






Come to think of it, the subtle colouring and the use of a cave/rocks to frame the picture also makes me think of The Valley of Adventure:

Exactly what I thought when looking at the cover. I had to take a second look to be sure!

Yes, they do look alike.

The book arrived today so I am hoping to be able to sit out in the garden after work and make a start on it!

I'd be interested to hear what you think of it, Pete (without any serious spoilers, please!), and I'm sure others here would too.

I will do my best.

The book was described as being in 'very good condition'. The seller has a few other copies described as 'acceptable.

I would say my book is 'acceptable' and not 'very good' as I've already had to sellotape the spine and a few internal pages.

As it didn't cost a fortune I don't really want to make a fuss,but it looks like the seller has just grabbed the first book in his stock that matched the title I ordered and sent it without even looking at the books overall condition...

I'm just catching up with one or two threads and I saw the pic of your book, Pete, and thought I would like to read it. I was just about to go into ebay when I thought I ought to check my Puffins and I found that I had the book already! The print is a bit small for my old eyes but I will give it a go as it is getting some nice things said about it.

If I like it I can see from my notebook that I also have the other two books mentioned. If the Puffins are in order The Secret of Dead Man's Cove would appear to be the first book as its number is PS42

I can't believe you have time to read with all the works in The Cave, Tony.

That's great that you have the book already Tony. I couldn't make a start today as I spent the whole day with my Dad who is undergoing treatment at the hospital.

I intend to start the book tomorrow now.
In the hospital I almost finished Bernard Cornwell's thriller Sea Lord on my kindle I was in there that long.

Sixret, there's always time to read a great book! (well there is for me anyway!)

Hope your Dad is doing well, Pete. No rush to get a review of the story up when you've got more important things to think of.

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, Pete, and I wish him well.

That's most kind Courtenay & Eddie.Many thanks.

Curiously the sequel 'The Secret of Dead Man's Cove: the Further Adventures of the Young Detectives' was published before 'The Young Detectives' (in Puffin) and stranger still is the fact that 'The Young Detectives' was reprinted many times by Puffin but 'The Secret of Dead Man's Cove' was, I think, published in paperback only once in 1948.

I still have my childhood copy of The Young Detectives, the seventh Puffin edition from 1963 (one careful owner!) but I haven't come across any of the sequels. R J McGregor's Wikipedia entry lists a title 'Young Detectives Incorporated ' I don't think this one was ever issued in Puffin.