The Secret Seven hunt some car thieves
The one thing that I like about these books is that they take a relatively short time to read (though that can be a problem in itself if you, like me, are writing a review on each of the books that you have read) and is quite entertaining as well. While the story itself was not all that bad, the edition that I picked up, which happened have been released in 2013, shows the much more modern response to Enid Blyton, especially with <b>DON'T PLAY WITH FIREWORKS</b> or warning to that effect just after the table of contents (it is actually somewhat more detailed, but it boils down to that, which makes me wonder if the original 1954 edition had the same thing written there). Mind you, the edition that I read also has a house blowing up on the cover (as well as reimagined drawings of the characters). Another interesting thing is that [book:Secret Seven Fireworks] seems to have similar aspects to this one (though I have not read that one yet so I cannot say for sure).
So, the rather short adventure (the Secret Seven adventures are always short and to the point, unlike the Famous Five ones in which the first half has them running around and playing before actually introducing the adventure) involves two of the seven (Peter and Janet) in the back of their father's car when a couple of car thieves jump in and steal it (only so they can get from point a to point b). While the father is none too worried about the event (simply because he got his car, and his children, back in one piece) the Secret Seven, who are always on the look out for an adventure, decide to investigate further. This, of course, leads them to some rather unsavoury places, including a cafe where the scum and lowlife of the town congregate.
So, while by this time there is little more to say about the book, or the series (simply because it is number six), it is still an enjoyable, and fast, read in which we get to see these children go out and solve another mystery. However, I am a little surprised that the front of the book does not have the warning <b>DON'T CHASE CRIMINALS</b> with a outline of the fact that criminals don't mess around and don't tolerate people sticking noses into their business, and that if they do see something suspicious, tell the police, don't go and investigate on their own. Okay, you may think I am over reacting, but if the publishers are concerned enough to put a warning in the book about playing with firecrackers, then maybe they should be just as concerned that children will be influenced by the story to go and attempt to bust open their local Hells Angels' chapter.
