Doug - Funnie Mysteries the Curse of the Beetenkaumun

I'm a fan of "Doug"...excuse me, *Disney's* Doug...a show geared for kids but just as enjoyable for young-at-heart adults. The same's true of "The Curse of Beetnekaumun," easily the best so far of the "Funnie Mysteries" book series from Disney Press. What makes this collection of four short mystery adventures stand out is the writing: Pamela Pollack and Meg Belviso have a great handle on what makes "Doug" fun for all ages. Their affection for the show is evident in spot-on characterization and authentic dialogue that you can just *hear* the animated characters saying. Of course there's a healthy dose of gentle thrills and humor ranging from outrageously groan-worthy puns to enough funny pop-culture allusions to fill an episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000": references to Mitchum deodorant ads, Steve Martin's "King Tut," Lara Croft, Mork from Ork, Saturday Night Fever, Mission: Impossible, the Beatles... The mysteries themselves are not exactly Encyclopedia Brown-style solve-'em-yourself whodunits--the solutions to the mysteries are more humorous than they are logical, but filled with the gentle comedy and offbeat wit that's a trademark of the world of Doug Funnie.If you've got a Doug fan in your life, do them a treat and pick up this great installment of the Funnie Mysteries: it cannot be beet!