Clue Mysteries is a compilation of fifteen mini-whodunit mysteries, featuring the characters of Clue, by Vicki Cameron, a Canadian crime writer. The book was released 2003. It evidently has nothing to do with the old Clue book series (published by Scholastic Inc. 1992-1997), which was not written by Cameron, but out of sheer necessity, this review shall compare in part the older Clue book series to Clue Mysteries.
Each mystery is about twelve pages long, and takes place during a two-week visit of Dr. Black's infamous guests. The setting is England, and all of the characters are similar to the characters in the older Clue series, except that Mrs. Peacock is Ms. Scarlet's mother (!) and Mrs. White supposedly tries to "watch over" Dr. Black instead of scamming him like the other guests. Each mystery concludes with a solution and explanation, just as the mysteries in the older book series had.
While the mysteries are witty and full of intrigue, I am biased for the charm that older Clue book series (pre-book 16) possessed. The comedy of Clue Mysteries is apparent and works well, but I will never forget the wacky nature of the characters in the first series. I think a lot of it has to do with the "Englishness" of the book; it might as well be called Cluedo Mysteries, and will probably be more popular in Britain than in North America. I appreciate Cameron's attempt with the English setting/characters, it is really very well done, and an element which successfully distinguishes Clue Mysteries from the books of the old series. Nonetheless, the mysteries are relatively straightforward; comparative to the first books of the previous Clue series, but not nearly as difficult as the final ones. Don't buy this book for the difficulty of the puzzles; buy it because it is a very good tribute to the Clue community, and one which Clue fans have been dying for ever since the old book series ended.
So as I appreciate Clue Mysteries, and I give Vicki Cameron full credit for a job well done, I give the book an 8/10 (most of those points coming from good prose writing and wit), while the older books I would give an 8.5/10 or 9/10, depending on the book. To write a Clue book after such a successful run of the old series, and not get trashed, would be quite difficult; and Cameron's book deserves nothing but positive recognition. Clue Mysteries is available at Amazon.com and Chapters.ca.
The Complete Clue Guide is © 1999-2010 Kenneth Hand.
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