"The Three Investigators" Unearth a Lost Adventure from the Annals of History
In the annals of renowned juvenile fiction, "The Three Investigators" series has captivated generations of young readers with its thrilling mysteries. Now, an unearthed draft from the early days of the series has been meticulously transformed into a compelling new adventure, "The Three Investigators and the Secret of Black Mesa."
Originally conceived by renowned American writer William Arden, "The Three Investigators and the Secret of Black Mesa" was a tale waiting to be told. Unfortunately, due to disagreements with the American publisher, the story remained unfinished in the late 1960s.
Enter C.R. Rodenwald, a Berlin-based author and audio drama enthusiast. With meticulous care, Rodenwald meticulously crafted a complete juvenile novel based on Arden’s 1969 US exposé, adhering to the beloved early style of the "classic" series installments. Published as part of Kosmos Verlag’s "Nostalgia Edition," this novel stands as a testament to the enduring allure of "The Three Investigators."
Chronologically, "The Secret of Black Mesa" is placed before the earliest published adventures, setting the stage for a time when Justus, Peter, and Bob embarked on their investigations without the trappings of technology or personal vehicles. For many dedicated fans, this era represents the golden age of the series.
In this gripping tale, the intrepid trio embarks on a camping expedition in the majestic Sierra Nevada. During their excursion, they stumble upon an abandoned ghost town, leaving them to unravel the enigmatic reason behind its desolate state. With meticulous attention to detail and a knack for capturing the authentic voice of the series, Rodenwald presents a thrilling and nostalgic adventure that evokes the spirit of the early years.
The "Three Investigators" series, which initially gained popularity as a book franchise, truly soared to prominence as an audio drama phenomenon. Recorded and produced in Hamburg, Germany, since 1979, these audio dramas have captivated audiences, selling over 55 million copies, many of them cassette tapes. Enduringly popular, cassette releases of the series continue to have a dedicated following, with 8,000 to 10,000 cassettes sold per new installment.
EUROPA, the production company behind the audio dramas, also caters to contemporary listening preferences by releasing the series on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms. Whether an audio adaptation of "The Three Investigators and the Secret of Black Mesa" will be produced remains to be seen.
In 2024, Kosmos Verlag published another unearthed manuscript, "The Three Investigators and the Screaming Train," penned by American author M. V. Carey. While the publication of unfinished or abandoned manuscripts is not unprecedented for the series, "The Secret of Black Mesa" marks the first time an existing draft has been fully realized as a novel.
"The Three Investigators," a timeless series that has enthralled readers for decades, continues to captivate both young and adult audiences alike. The rediscovery and completion of "The Secret of Black Mesa" serves as a testament to the enduring power of these beloved characters and the enduring legacy of the series.
