Written in the early 1960s, the Brains Benton Mysteries
chronicle the adventures of Brains Benton and his friend Jimmy Carson, who
together form the "Benton and Carson International Detective
Agency." There are six books in all.
I came across the books when I was about 12 years old, in 1983. Quite
simply, they are among the best young adult books I have ever read. Last
year (2001), at the age of 30, I tried to find copies of the books. The
books proved to be very hard to find -- I'm told that they are now
collectors items. Finally, I thought to check Ebay,
and was able to buy all six books.
When I think of the books today, I cannot help but smile. They make me
think of summer, adventures, and imagination. They make me remember that
life is meant to be fun, not a drudgery. They are one of many things in my
life that help me to remain a kid at heart.
The books are very realistic, however; there is no scene that could not
really happen. Brains Benton has a loft area over his parents garage, and
has converted it into a "secret laboratory." As a boy of 12,
that concept alone excited me! When his friend and partner, Jimmy Carson
comes to the laboratory, he has an elaborate sequence of events that he
has to follow to get in. (See the excerpt from from The Case of The
Painted Dragon on this webpage.)
Jimmy Carson is the narrator of the stories. Looking back, I don't remember any other series mystery books that were written in the first person. I enjoyed The Three Investigators, The Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, etc., but the Brains Benton Mysteries are the best.