The Three Investigators and Encyclopedia Brown were fantastic series that really got me into the world of mystery as a young man. Sure, The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew were around as well, but these two series in particular got my mind churning and inspired me. The colorful characterization, varied settings, and unusual situations the protagonists were put in made for exciting and compelling reading. Robert Arthur and Donald J. Sobol opened up the world of mystery to me, and I've never looked back. I'd still recommend these classics for parents to give their kids.
