What do you think?
Rate this book
Nancy Drew Files #2
Deadly Intent
Going backstage at Radio City Music Hall to meet the popular rock group Bent Fender, Nancy and her friends become involved in the kidnapping of lead singer Barton Novak, record piracy, and murder
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
48 people are currently reading
829 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
944 books3,820 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 10, 2022
Ah, this is the Nancy Drew Files I remember. New York City, rock 'n'roll drama, Nancy getting bonked on the head and eventually saving the day!
I can remember reading this on my cousin's bedroom floor during a sleepover when I woke up before everyone else. Memories are wild.
I can remember reading this on my cousin's bedroom floor during a sleepover when I woke up before everyone else. Memories are wild.
July 30, 2023
5/5 for Nancy pondering her relationship with Ned and thinking about Daryl (who even is Daryl?!)
June 8, 2012
Original recap for the Snark Squad here.
Book number two, also known as the book in which I figured out that there is going to be a new boy standing behind Nancy in probably all of these covers. I'd like someone to seriously discuss with me the metaphor there. I'll give you the heads up that my theory involves the phrase "ho fa sho."
Nancy, Ned and the Bovine Besties are off to meet their favorite band in New York, on account of Nan's dad having the hook-up.
The lead guitarist for the band goes missing. The rest of the band is like way super impressed when Nancy deduces that he's barefoot, wherever he is, because his shoes are still in the dressing room. That's the type of A+ detective work you can expect from dear old Nan. The band asks Nancy to please take the case, because the New York City Police Department couldn't be expected to handle it. Noooo. Nope.
Bess' flavor of the book takes the stolen guitar player's spot in the show. They figure that even though their friend just got kidnapped, it'd still be okay to play on.
Nancy uses this time to search for clues, but to also get hit over the head by a shadowy figure, which I thought I should mention.
Lots of things happen and we get introduced to a whole ton of characters and none of them actually did it, as it usually goes in these books.
We soon learn that the entire ordeal has to do with pirated music, which OMG WHO WOULD DO THAT? NOT ME. EVER.
Who kidnapped the guitar player?
What does it have to do with dragons and Chinese people?
Seriously, who would ever pirate music?
Find all of this out and more in book #2, Deadly Intent.
Quotes from the recap:
Lorraine: The guards give Nan the description of the two men. “Yeah, they were about yay high, and really kidnapper-y looking. Almost a little killer-y.” (Okay, maybe not quite the description they gave but kind of.)
Lorraine: Such racism. I mean, I know it has nothing to do with race but I don’t think there’s a word for discrimimation against supporting characters.
Sweeney: I refuse to believe that someone who wears cowboy boots and a purple bandana could be kidnapped for knowing too much. Not possible.
Sweeney: I’m stunned that someone in one of these books actually realized that they are dumb. I mean, I would never be so hopeful as to think that someone could be smart, but being aware of one’s own stupidity seems remarkably brilliant for these books.
Book number two, also known as the book in which I figured out that there is going to be a new boy standing behind Nancy in probably all of these covers. I'd like someone to seriously discuss with me the metaphor there. I'll give you the heads up that my theory involves the phrase "ho fa sho."
Nancy, Ned and the Bovine Besties are off to meet their favorite band in New York, on account of Nan's dad having the hook-up.
The lead guitarist for the band goes missing. The rest of the band is like way super impressed when Nancy deduces that he's barefoot, wherever he is, because his shoes are still in the dressing room. That's the type of A+ detective work you can expect from dear old Nan. The band asks Nancy to please take the case, because the New York City Police Department couldn't be expected to handle it. Noooo. Nope.
Bess' flavor of the book takes the stolen guitar player's spot in the show. They figure that even though their friend just got kidnapped, it'd still be okay to play on.
Nancy uses this time to search for clues, but to also get hit over the head by a shadowy figure, which I thought I should mention.
Lots of things happen and we get introduced to a whole ton of characters and none of them actually did it, as it usually goes in these books.
We soon learn that the entire ordeal has to do with pirated music, which OMG WHO WOULD DO THAT? NOT ME. EVER.
Who kidnapped the guitar player?
What does it have to do with dragons and Chinese people?
Seriously, who would ever pirate music?
Find all of this out and more in book #2, Deadly Intent.
Quotes from the recap:
Lorraine: The guards give Nan the description of the two men. “Yeah, they were about yay high, and really kidnapper-y looking. Almost a little killer-y.” (Okay, maybe not quite the description they gave but kind of.)
Lorraine: Such racism. I mean, I know it has nothing to do with race but I don’t think there’s a word for discrimimation against supporting characters.
Sweeney: I refuse to believe that someone who wears cowboy boots and a purple bandana could be kidnapped for knowing too much. Not possible.
Sweeney: I’m stunned that someone in one of these books actually realized that they are dumb. I mean, I would never be so hopeful as to think that someone could be smart, but being aware of one’s own stupidity seems remarkably brilliant for these books.
February 2, 2018
Nancy and her friends are so excited. They have backstage passes to meet the hottest new rock band Bent Fender. but when the lead singer/guitarist just up and dissapears. Bess flavor of the Month Alan gladly steps in and makes a reappearance from book 1. but is he on the up and up?
now its up the nancy and the gang to decide whether or not it kidnapping and whether or not theres a safe end to their rabbit hole. i was surprised but how much of a rush i got from this novel!
i love this particular nancy series because i feel like its more plausible than the others. im off to read number 5.
now its up the nancy and the gang to decide whether or not it kidnapping and whether or not theres a safe end to their rabbit hole. i was surprised but how much of a rush i got from this novel!
i love this particular nancy series because i feel like its more plausible than the others. im off to read number 5.
May 23, 2023
A little bit dated and predictable but an overall average Nancy Drew Files book.
March 12, 2020
Another fantastic mystery! I’m not sure why it took me so long to pick up these books!! So good!!
July 13, 2015
The Good: The new(er) adventures of famed teenage sleuth Nancy Drew continue in this second volume, with all the same suspense and mystery that the first book had. While this is a decidedly different take on the infamous literary character, it's plenty of fun, and feels like a '90's Nickelodeon or Disney Channel series. Even if you're not within the target audience, if you're young at heart like I am, you'll definitely enjoy this.
The Bad: Though I enjoyed it, this edgier version of Nancy Drew may not be for everyone.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: Kissing, and a reference to a couple being "joined at the lip". 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: None. 5/5
• Violence: A character suffers a head injury, but recovers; an intense finale. 4/5
• Drugs: A reference to smoking. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: The finale; some "PG"-level peril. 3/5
Conclusion: If you liked the first book, you'll like this one as well...but, if you didn't, you should probably read something else. As someone who loves a good mystery, I thought this was fabulous.
Score: 5/5
The Bad: Though I enjoyed it, this edgier version of Nancy Drew may not be for everyone.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: Kissing, and a reference to a couple being "joined at the lip". 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: None. 5/5
• Violence: A character suffers a head injury, but recovers; an intense finale. 4/5
• Drugs: A reference to smoking. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: The finale; some "PG"-level peril. 3/5
Conclusion: If you liked the first book, you'll like this one as well...but, if you didn't, you should probably read something else. As someone who loves a good mystery, I thought this was fabulous.
Score: 5/5
February 18, 2021
Another nostalgic read for me. This one Nancy and her friends are at a Bent Fender concert getting to meet the band. The lead singer in the band Barton disappears out of no where Nancy is immediately through into the mystery while looking for clues she finds a wallet she is hit over the head and knocked unconscious. Alan Wales Nancy’s best friend Bess’s boyfriend and instant star fills in for Barton so the show can go on. Nancy’s searching leads her to Harold Marshall who has a women working for him by the name of Vivian. But in the end Vivian has played Marshall and he is doing work for her. They are pirating music and making a huge profit. Barton finds out about it so they kidnapped him so no one will find out. Nancy can’t figure out the truth because Harold tells her that they made Barton disappear for publicity and that he was fine and safe. Then Alan gets a record deal with Harold and Nancy is not buying it. He tells Nancy that he seen Barton and everything was on the up and up he even had on the purple bandana that was lucky for him. But then the security guard at there last venue finds the bandana and Nancy knows Alan is lying. Bess and Nancy get in a fight when Nancy calls Alan out. But it turns out that Alan was lying to protect Bess and Nancy George and Ned. He overheard what Vivian was doing so she was doing things to keep him silent. When they were getting ready to ship off the music to China. Nancy understands the dragons on all the stuff they kept seeing and Nancy and Ned run into one of Neds old college friends Dave he works for a guy by the name of James Li who was running the whole operation in the end Nancy find Bess and Barton. Bess was kidnapped durning a concert Bent fender was putting on to keep Alan quite. But he didn’t stay quite he told the whole story to Nancy and they end up find Barton and Bess in a Chinese restaurant that James brother owned. They end up getting held there at gun point by Vivian and James but Alan saves the day pouring hot soup on Vivian. The police show up after being in handcuffed then Dave finally tells the whole story so that the police can find James and the shipment and everyone is safe. Bess and Alan are going to take it slow and Nancy and Ned are working on there relationship. I loved that Nancy’s dad was present in this one and that his love interest Ann Nordquist wasn’t involved though I was lead that way in the beginning. This book like all the rest was a great story and a fun and interesting read. I really enjoyed it. On to the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2019
Title: Deadly Intent
Author: Carolyn Keene
Series: Nancy Drew Files, 2
Format: mass market paperback
Length: 154 pages
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Nancy Drew is looking for a kidnapped rock star--but she finds a lethal conspiracy. Soon her list of suspects reads like the Who's Who of the New York rock scene. Then Nancy's boyfriend Ned shows up, eager for romance. Nancy feels she can't spend the time--until, through Ned, she uncovers a conspiracy that could blow the lid off the music industry.
Mini-review: This was alright. Nancy got injured more in this one, it seems, although maybe I'm wrong. I should start a chart to see how often she gets injured...
Anyways, at the end of the book they said Ned's with them and then he doesn't do or say anything and then he's at the end taking Nancy to Liberty Island, so? Bess felt slightly unreasonable, that she would rather believe a guy she's been dating for two weeks then her childhood best friend and her cousin.
Fan Cast:
Nancy Drew - Katherine McNamara
Bess Marvin - Abigail Breslin
George Fayne - Brianna Hildebrand
Ned Nickerson - Ansel Elgort
Carson Drew - Paul Rudd
Alan Wales - Austin Butler
Roger Gold - Richard Harmon
Barton Novak - Jedidiah Goodacre
Vivian - Zoey Deutch
Dave Peck - Dylan Everett
Linda Ferrare - Elizabeth Gillies
Ann Nordquist - Sarah Jones
Harold Marshall - Roger Bart
Author: Carolyn Keene
Series: Nancy Drew Files, 2
Format: mass market paperback
Length: 154 pages
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Nancy Drew is looking for a kidnapped rock star--but she finds a lethal conspiracy. Soon her list of suspects reads like the Who's Who of the New York rock scene. Then Nancy's boyfriend Ned shows up, eager for romance. Nancy feels she can't spend the time--until, through Ned, she uncovers a conspiracy that could blow the lid off the music industry.
Mini-review: This was alright. Nancy got injured more in this one, it seems, although maybe I'm wrong. I should start a chart to see how often she gets injured...
Anyways, at the end of the book they said Ned's with them and then he doesn't do or say anything and then he's at the end taking Nancy to Liberty Island, so? Bess felt slightly unreasonable, that she would rather believe a guy she's been dating for two weeks then her childhood best friend and her cousin.
Fan Cast:
Nancy Drew - Katherine McNamara
Bess Marvin - Abigail Breslin
George Fayne - Brianna Hildebrand
Ned Nickerson - Ansel Elgort
Carson Drew - Paul Rudd
Alan Wales - Austin Butler
Roger Gold - Richard Harmon
Barton Novak - Jedidiah Goodacre
Vivian - Zoey Deutch
Dave Peck - Dylan Everett
Linda Ferrare - Elizabeth Gillies
Ann Nordquist - Sarah Jones
Harold Marshall - Roger Bart
December 27, 2022
I don't remember whether or not I read this second book in the Nancy Drew Files back in the day. Either way, the cover still drew me as it would have back then, with its red violet tones, the cityscape in the background, and Nancy in the foreground in trendy '80s fashion, appearing as if she's either going to burst into suspenseful action or bust a dance move.
A dance move wouldn't be unfitting, given this vintage YA novel's rock music theme.
No explosions or thrilling car chases in this particular mystery. But there is a little hand-to-hand combat...some of it from music industry characters who seem to have a degree of luck on their side as they physically go up against criminal thugs. Plus, the use of the common "tie up the victims you plan to kill in a few minutes instead of just killing them right now" plot device helps things out.
As for Nancy, I wouldn't say she makes her best showing in this mystery. She seems fairly excitable and easy to frustrate/confound as she tries to make headway here.
Nevertheless, my nostalgic self still got a kick out of this quick and easy entertainment. I plan to snack on more of this incredibly long series soon.
A dance move wouldn't be unfitting, given this vintage YA novel's rock music theme.
No explosions or thrilling car chases in this particular mystery. But there is a little hand-to-hand combat...some of it from music industry characters who seem to have a degree of luck on their side as they physically go up against criminal thugs. Plus, the use of the common "tie up the victims you plan to kill in a few minutes instead of just killing them right now" plot device helps things out.
As for Nancy, I wouldn't say she makes her best showing in this mystery. She seems fairly excitable and easy to frustrate/confound as she tries to make headway here.
Nevertheless, my nostalgic self still got a kick out of this quick and easy entertainment. I plan to snack on more of this incredibly long series soon.
February 26, 2023
When I read these probably twenty years ago I never went in order and now I'm finding it's kinda fun to do that because a few things from the previous book were mentioned, no spoilers were given of course. But someone Bess had met in the first book played a big role in this book since he was a huge fan of the band they were seeing in New York City.
This wasn't a murder case but it might've been if Nancy and her pals hadn't gotten there in time. The showdown was pretty tense but someone they thought wasn't a friend anymore really came through and helped. Even Nancy's dad found a little excitement in the big Apple! The love of Nancy Drew books particularly this series (which includes an occasional murder) was what led me to discover cozy mysteries back in 2016!
This wasn't a murder case but it might've been if Nancy and her pals hadn't gotten there in time. The showdown was pretty tense but someone they thought wasn't a friend anymore really came through and helped. Even Nancy's dad found a little excitement in the big Apple! The love of Nancy Drew books particularly this series (which includes an occasional murder) was what led me to discover cozy mysteries back in 2016!
August 7, 2022
Deadly Intent was a lot of fun, but not my favourite of the series. This time we follow Nancy and the gang as they travel to NYC to see a famous rock band, only to have the lead singer abducted! Now it's up to Nancy to find him before its too late! I had a great time hanging out with Nancy in New York. Throughout most of the book I was just picturing how PERFECT this book would be to be adapted into a game! So if someone from Her Interactive is seeing this review, give me a call because I have some ideas!! Overall I liked the plot, I loved the characters, it was great to have Ned around to give Nancy a hand with the mystery and I can't wait for the next book!
December 7, 2017
I had completely forgotten about the Nancy Drew Files until an ebay search randomly turned them up and I flashed back to the early 90s. I had completely forgotten about this series... and I remember being addicted to it! After reading the first book in 25 years, I remember why. The series is light and entertaining, not at all scary, and totally and completely 80s/90s: there are no cell phones; Nancy and her friends use the Yellow Pages; and Nancy solves cases in neon pink oversize shirts over leggings. What's not to love?
February 12, 2020
3 stars. This is such a fun and cheese-tastic series and I'm really enjoying it. I want to keep reading it but it's also making me want to go back and re-read the original series that I read growing up. I love Nancy Drew and it's been great so far reading this 80s adaptation of her.
{Challenges completed:
✔For Love of a Book: Santa’s Workshop Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: The Walking Dead Word Search Challenge}
{Challenges completed:
✔For Love of a Book: Santa’s Workshop Challenge
✔For Love of a Book: The Walking Dead Word Search Challenge}
April 29, 2020
Nancy and her friends George and Bess attend a rock concert. Shortly before it's supposed to start,
one of the band members disappears. Nobody knew why even though he had disappeared previously.
Later Bess disappears. Nancy, George and some new friends head to Chinatown in New York City to a restaurant believed to be a hub of criminal activity.
The story's suspense kept me reading. My only caveat is the solution came too easily.
one of the band members disappears. Nobody knew why even though he had disappeared previously.
Later Bess disappears. Nancy, George and some new friends head to Chinatown in New York City to a restaurant believed to be a hub of criminal activity.
The story's suspense kept me reading. My only caveat is the solution came too easily.
April 1, 2022
This is the second of the Nancy Drew Files series of the 1980’s. Nancy and her friends are invited backstage to a famous rock and roll group when the lead singer goes missing. I found the simple storyline enjoyable and relaxing as I do when I tag along with this sleuth. I am watching the short lived drama series starring Tracy Ryan as Nancy. It was made in the nineties and was based on these files.
It is all fun and innocent stuff.
It is all fun and innocent stuff.
June 10, 2020
The Nancy Drew Files are all a bit ridiculous, but that's what makes them so entertaining. It's funny how Nancy and Ned always look different on each cover...usually like they're in their 30's for some reason. Never amazing books, but enjoyable all the same.
August 25, 2024
I loved the rockstar 80s feel of this novel. The Nancy Drew Files are a great step up from the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories and have just a little bit more intensity and danger than the latter. I loved the slight conflict between Bess and Nancy. It’s good to see the characters have more depth.
January 14, 2018
Wow
Haven't read Nancy drew in years this really brought back memories. Loved every minute of it. Also loved the original cover
Haven't read Nancy drew in years this really brought back memories. Loved every minute of it. Also loved the original cover
February 16, 2019
so brings me back to my childhood
March 10, 2019
It's so fun to revisit these. They're so 90s in focus and description (Nancy was wearing an oversized sweater with a skirt and tights at one point); I love it.
January 6, 2020
Sandra review
This was very good book to read, thank God they got people responsible for the crime they was committed and everybody was sade
This was very good book to read, thank God they got people responsible for the crime they was committed and everybody was sade
January 29, 2020
adequate
January 31, 2020
This book gave me back my love for reading!!
February 1, 2020
Better than the first one, but still too fantastic of a resolution for my linking.
February 14, 2020
Hilarious.
September 17, 2020
I was able to read and finish this when I was still in high school, that would be more or less 14 yrs ago. I love this one! ❤️😊
January 2, 2021
Ok ish mystery
I like how this book is a continuation of book 1 with Alan meeting Bess at the first book. But he turn out to be a traitor in this book
I like how this book is a continuation of book 1 with Alan meeting Bess at the first book. But he turn out to be a traitor in this book
January 27, 2021
This was kind of a weird one.
January 21, 2022
This book had great suspense and had a good ending. This is a good mystery book, but I don't like mystery too much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews