The Case of the Ticklish Tooth

The Case of the Ticklish Tooth by Scott Corbett (1971) I persist in re-reading these Scott Corbett “Inspector Tearle” mysteries—a short series, five books—probably because the 2nd (Fugitive Firebug) was one of those Scholastic Book Club books and one of my favorites as a kid. But they are a little annoying. I think Corbett’s best book might be Tree House Island, though there are many I haven’t read. Anyway, this series is about twelve-year-old detective Roger Tearle who, along with his sister and friend, have an egg delivery business, and as an amateur sleuth, Roger embarrasses the local constable whenever a mystery arises. The dental work theme in this one grows old, as does Roger’s anxiety—though I guess that goes with the territory of being a genius investigator, and he certainly is (at least for age 12). The best part about this series is that the kids have the greatest treehouse—which is really the thing that pulled me in, and endures. I’m a big treehouse fan, I guess. Unfortunately, it barely plays a part in this volume. The other high point here (and the series) are the illustrations by Paul Frame—he’s one of my favorites. And thus, the treehouse drawing that takes up page 6 is, for me, the book’s pinnacle. A nice thing about the actual book is that it’s from the Bellevue, Ohio, Public Library (I assume, respectfully removed from the library). I’ve been through that town.

3.7.24