Author
Van Powell
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Books by Van Powell
The Mystery Boys and the Inca Gold
"The Mystery Boys and the Inca Gold" by Van Powell is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young friends, namely Cliff, Tom, and Nicky, as they embark on an exciting quest driven by Cliff's mystery involving his missing father, who is believed to be in danger while studying ancient civilizations in Peru. The plot thickens as they encounter mysterious characters and delve into the rich history of the Incas, navigating a world of danger and treasure. The beginning of the book sets the stage for an intriguing storyline as Cliff receives an unexpected visit from mysterious strangers with questions about a letter he has yet to receive from his father. This encounter piques his curiosity and concern, especially regarding the possibility of danger regarding his father’s whereabouts in Peru. As the story unfolds, Cliff's friends rally around him, determined to uncover the truth behind the letter and their shared mysteries. The opening chapters skillfully introduce the main characters and establish the central conflict, immersing readers in a captivating adventure filled with suspense and the promise of treasure.
The Mystery of the Fifteen Sounds
"The Mystery of the Fifteen Sounds" by Van Powell is a children's adventure novel written in the late 1930s. The story centers on young Roger Brown, who aspires to be a "Modern Pioneer," inspired by his father’s expedition to Borneo. Throughout the novel, Roger collaborates with his cousin Grover, who runs a scientific research laboratory, to solve complex mysteries involving scientific principles, including the disappearance of dangerous inoculated rats and the mysterious "Voice of Doom." The opening of the story establishes a sense of urgency as Roger discovers that alarms have gone off in his cousin’s laboratory. He insists to Grover that something is awry, especially with the sudden quiet of the alarms. As they investigate, they find that the laboratory's white rats, carrying dangerous pathogens, have vanished. The plot unfolds with hints of mystery, danger, and adventure as Roger and Grover confront challenges that combine both science and intrigue, leading them into various thrilling scenarios while trying to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences in the lab.
The Mystery Boys and the Secret of the Golden Sun
"The Mystery Boys and the Secret of the Golden Sun" by Van Powell is an adventurous novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Tom Carroll and his two friends, Nicky and Cliff, known collectively as the Mystery Boys, as they embark on a quest to uncover the mystery surrounding Tom's missing sister, Margery. As they delve deeper into their investigation, the boys encounter danger, deception, and unexpected allies, setting the stage for thrilling escapades. At the start of the story, the three friends are in Mexico, discussing their ongoing search for clues about Tom’s sister, who disappeared during a bandit raid several years prior. They encounter a rough-looking man named Henry Morgan, who claims to "smell money" and offers cryptic information about a "golden mountain," suggesting a possible connection to their search. The boys are intrigued yet cautious, and after a tense interaction, they strike a deal with Morgan, eager to learn more. As their adventure unfolds, the narrative builds anticipation, promising readers a mix of mystery and excitement as they navigate through the challenges that lie ahead.
The Haunted Hangar Sky Scouts/Air Mystery series #3
"The Haunted Hangar" by Van Powell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a group of young boys—Larry, Dick, and Sandy—who embark on a mystery-filled adventure involving an old estate rumored to be haunted, a missing necklace of emeralds, and a suspected jewel heist. The narrative hints at themes of bravery and friendship as the boys confront various challenges, including suspicious adults and potentially supernatural occurrences. The opening of the book introduces the central characters as they experience a thrilling flight in an aircraft piloted by Jeff, a skilled aviator with a penchant for superstition. While attempting to land near the seemingly abandoned Everdail estate, the boys are drawn into a web of intrigue surrounding ghostly legends and hidden treasures. As they explore the estate and its dilapidated hangar, Sandy's keen observation skills lead to his suspicions about Jeff's intentions, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery with elements of danger and excitement. The youthful trio's discovery of an unexpected turn of events underlines the sense of adventure and the allure of uncovering the unknown as they engage with their environment.
The Ghost of Mystery Airport
"The Ghost of Mystery Airport" by Van Powell is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This adventurous tale unfolds around a group of young pilots, primarily focusing on Garry Duncan, his friend Chick, and their pilot Scott, who embark on a ghostly investigation involving strange apparitions rumored to disrupt flights around their newly opened airport. At the start of the story, Chick reveals his fear and trepidation as the trio prepares to glide over a swamp, searching for a ghost that has spooked several pilots. Garry, the more confident of the boys, tries to reassure Chick while Scott, the seasoned pilot, expresses his eagerness to solve the mystery that has plagued the airspace. Initial discussions link the ghost sightings to an old plane crash, prompting a plan for tonight's flight to pinpoint the cause and perhaps prove the phantom's existence as mere superstition. As they venture into the abyss of murky darkness, implications of an enemy sabotaging the airport's business and paranormal theories swirl, setting the stage for a conflict filled with both suspense and camaraderie.
The Mystery Boys and Captain Kidd's Message
"The Mystery Boys and Captain Kidd's Message" by Van Powell is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This thrilling tale follows a group of young friends—Nicky Lane, Tom, and Cliff—as they embark on an expedition to uncover the secrets of piracy and hidden treasure tied to the legendary Captain Kidd. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Jamaica, the boys navigate through voodoo mysteries and clues leading them to potential fortunes, while grappling with the challenges of their adventurous spirit. At the start of the story, we meet Nicky, Tom, and Cliff as they explore a plantation in Jamaica while helping a scholar find Carib relics. Their curiosity is piqued by the strange behavior of a local boy and the frightening presence of a voodoo woman, which sets a mysterious tone. When they discover that one of Nicky's ancestors received a message from Captain Kidd, the boys are eager to investigate further. As they dive into the mystery, they learn about a cipher related to treasure and plan an expedition aboard the "Treasure Belle" to follow the clues. The opening chapters set up an enthralling mix of adventure, friendship, and the supernatural, leaving readers anxious to join the boys on their quest for hidden riches.
The Mystery Crash Sky Scout Series, #1
"The Mystery Crash" by Van Powell is a children's mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three young boys, Bob, Al, and Curt, who stumble upon a mysterious airplane hidden in a cornfield while on a joyride. Their curiosity sparks a series of adventures as they endeavor to solve the mystery behind the abandoned aircraft and the strange events that follow, including a plane crash that leads to their involvement in a larger investigation. At the start of the book, Bob, Al, and Curt are on an airplane during a test flight when they spot an airplane concealed among trees in a field below. Eager to explore this enigma, they convince the pilot, Lang, to circle back for a closer look. Upon investigation, they discover the aircraft is hidden and seemingly abandoned, leading to a note that adds to the mystery. The following day, the boys return to find the plane has vanished, ultimately redirecting their curiosity towards a recent airplane accident that involves a pilot missing after a crash near Rocky Lake. This incident intertwines their lives with a more significant mystery related to their father's detective work, setting the stage for the boys to form a club called the Sky Squad as they navigate the thrilling twists of the story.