The little search that I did before writing this review tells me that The Secret of Unicorn should be read before The Red Rackham’s Treasure in the Tintin series as they are supposed to be linked together. I have not read The Secret of Unicorn, but I still enjoyed reading the second book. This time, we meet our friends Tintin & Co. in an adventure that takes them on a treasure hunt in the deep sea.

Tintin is the famous Belgian sleuth, a comic character created by Herge and loved all over the world. He has many adventures in different parts of the world and is inseparable from his dog Snowy. The regular gang and friends of Tintin in these adventures are Captain Haddock and Professor Calculus. In this book they have not yet started living in Marlinspike, the mansion belonging to Captain Haddock’s ancestors.

In many of these adventures we find the official detective force represented by Thomson and Thompson, twins and the worst bunglers ever found outside a P.G. Wodehouse novel. In fact, Professor Calculus makes his appearance for the first time in the Tintin series in The Red Rackham’s Treasure.

We join our friends this time as they are planning their trip to the ocean in search of the lost treasure. The directions to the shipwreck are provided by Captain Haddock's ancestor, Sir Francis Haddock. They are about to set sail but they have unexpected visitors on board. The official detective force represented by Thomson and Thompson, is worried about the safety of Tintin and Haddock. A convict, a deadly enemy of Tintin, has escaped and they have to protect the group.

As I said earlier, Professor Calculus makes his first appearance in this book. He wants to give Tintin and the Captain the benefit of his new discovery to combat sharks. Tintin refuses, but then Professor Calculus wants to hear only what he hears. So we find Tintin, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and Thomson and Thompson, with Snowy all set to discover the treasure. Will they find it? Well read it and find out.

I enjoyed reading The Red Rackham’s Treasure but again I find it a 4 star book. This one has a treasure hunt, Professor Calculus for the first time, new inventions, a rescue, sharks, deep sea diving, false trails and speaking parrots. It is fun, and I guess I am giving it 4 starts after comparing it with other books like The Castafiore Emerald and Tintin in Tibet which are just too good.

The characterization of the Tintin series is superb. Tintin is loveable with his quick thinking ways and attraction to dangers. In this book he is diving into the deep sea and often cheering captain Haddock as there are numerous disappointments in their way. Snowy is the ever endearing dog ready to lap anything that comes his way, even from captain Haddock’s flask.

I simply love the character of Captain Haddock. He is dashing, he is hot tempered, never ventures out without his flask of whisky and he keeps creating situations that are funny to read but definitely not to be in. In this book, our slightly hard of hearing Professor Calculus and the fiery Captain meet for the first time. Their interaction is the stuff of legend and their introductory meeting should not be missed. This time our captain has just too many reasons to chant Billions of blistering barnacles.

We have the pleasure of meeting eccentric Professor Calculus for the first time and as they say, the rest is history. Thompson and Thompson, the bungling detectives, are once again at their best.

The Red Rackham’s Treasure is a good read. Tintin & Co. become complete after finding Professor Calculus in this book and we find them in possession of their mansion, Marlinspike plus something more. Once I started reading the book, whether they find the treasure or not became a side issue. The journey itself is so enjoyable.

My husband and I enjoy reading Tintin, so do my nephews aged 14 and 17. The things that appeal to me are different from what appeal to my nephews but all of us have plenty to laugh about.

My other Tintin reviews are:

Flight 714
http://www.epinions.com/content_169039531652

The Castafiore Emerald
http://www.epinions.com/content_168562888324

Tintin in Tibet
http://www.epinions.com/content_166687444612

Tintin and the Picaros
http://www.epinions.com/content_167905693316

Recommended: Yes