The Case of the Missing Message

The Case of the Missing Message by Charles Spain Verral (1959) I never read a Brains Benton series mystery—finally found like #4, but then realized that this book, off my shelf, is actually the first in the series. Different author name—but I guess after this first one he used a penname. Also odd, there are only like six books—then a forty year plus gap—and then more, I believe by other authors. It’s a mystery—though probably too close to home for the Benton and Carson International Detective Agency, introduced within (not to be confused with the equally as elusive Carson Street Detective Agency). This book is from 1959, but my edition is from 1966, a “Golden Pleasure Book”—published in London—same size as the Whitman “Big Little Books”—also full of illustrations (not as many—it’s mostly text—but there’s some good ones, by J. Pecnard). It’s first person—a guy named Jimmy Carson (codename “Operative Three”) a regular kid (who turns out to be pretty extraordinary), with a paper route, etc.—who assists his genius (though turns out to be mortal) friend, Brains Benton (codename “X”—no doubt the inspiration behind the Twitter re-branding). I don’t think the “second” guy (Operative Two) was killed or anything, but rather they’re just being tricky about it—though they do find another friend in this book—a young circus performer who needs their help. It’s a pretty standard mystery with a lot of colorful characters, some suspense, odd cars, and lots of animals. We get an introduction to their secret headquarters, which isn’t quite as cool as the Three Investigators’ place, and a bit less believable—but still, I wanted more of that. I hope it’s central to the later books—a personal preference of mine—secret forts, treehouses, hideouts, headquarters—that’s what I’m in for.

11.11.25