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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #3
The Bungalow Mystery
Read by Laura Linney
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes
Nancy believes her friend's guardians are trying to steal her inheritance. As she investigates, she has a perilous experience near the deserted bungalow.
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes
Nancy believes her friend's guardians are trying to steal her inheritance. As she investigates, she has a perilous experience near the deserted bungalow.
About the Author: Carolyn Keene is the pen name for Edward L. Stratemeyer who originally began the series. It is not proven, but said, that his daughters updated and continued the series after their father's death in 1930.
Laura Linney's extensive film credits include her Academy Award(R) nominated role in You Can Count on Me, as well as The Truman Show, Absolute Power, Primal Fear, and The Mothman Prophecies. She has also appeared on Broadway in The Crucible and starred in the critically acclaimed PBS miniseries Tales of the City.
Audio Cassette
First published April 29, 1930
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About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,000 books3,866 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,306 reviews
May 18, 2022
The book starts off with heart pounding action, as Nancy and her friend Helen are caught out on the lake in a thunderstorm. Will they reach the shore through the blowing winds and treacherous waves? Luckily, a young gal, Laura, hears Nancy's cries for help and rescues the two. After introductions are made, Laura rather cryptically responds that she may need Nancy's help someday soon. What mystery will find Nancy tracking down clues?
Another sound mystery in the series. Love how each chapter ends on a suspenseful note. Predictable but fun.
Another sound mystery in the series. Love how each chapter ends on a suspenseful note. Predictable but fun.
August 10, 2010
I will probably never get over my girl-crush on Nancy Drew, and this book just confirms that fact. Which is not to say that the series is flawless and beyond criticism - kinda the opposite, really. One thing I've learned from re-reading some of these books as an adult is that whenever you start one, you have basically a fifty-fifty chance of ending up with 190 pages of dated, stupid crap. But this time, I was lucky. This book rocked. That being said, it doesn't escape from the flaws that personify the entire series - at least it's good to see that Carolyn Keene had already established these issues early in the series, and dammit if she didn't stick to them.
Several things are to be expected from the Nancy Drew books, and I've taken the time to document them here:
1. We will be reminded, rather insistently, that Nancy is perfect. Over and over. She is skinny and pretty and brilliant and everyone loves her and the sooner we all just accept this the sooner we can get back to the mystery solving stuff.
2. Although Nancy lives in a time where teenage girls had about as many personal freedoms as trained dogs and were treated with a similar level of respect, she herself exists in a sort of bubble that makes her exempt from such social limitations. She has her own car, her own money (but, oddly, no apparent source of income), and doesn't seem to have any demands on her time such as a job or school. This is proved in this book, when Nancy decides on a whim to drive upstate for some investigating, and then when it runs long, checks herself into a hotel for the night. This is awesome, but I question the reality of it.
3. Carolyn Keene loves the words "sleuth" and "girl detective" and will use them as many times as she possibly can.
4. The bad guys are easily recognizable, because they are the only characters in the book who are ever rude to anyone.
These are the series' main flaws. In the good Nancy Drews, such as this one, these flaws can be overlooked as soon as Nancy starts being a badass. And there's a lot of that here. She survives a boat crash in a storm, breaks into not one but three houses, and manages to escape after the bad guys tie her up. She also taught me a valuable life lesson: if the hotel you're having dinner in leaves souvenir matchbooks on the table, take them, because you are guaranteed to need them in the next few hours.
As an added bonus, Nancy's boyfriend Ned Nickerson (affectionately known as "Candy-Ass" in my head) is not present, and in fact may not have been introduced as a character yet. Also conspicuously absent are Nancy's friends, Fat Bess and Butch George, so we don't have to listen to Carolyn Keene delivering backhanded compliments in her narration that would embarrass Regina George.
It isn't a great series, to be sure, and by all logic should not get such high ratings. But the fact remains that Nancy Drew is a literary heroine far ahead of her time, and even with all her books' issues, she's still a much better role model than certain contemporary literary ladies I could name.
Several things are to be expected from the Nancy Drew books, and I've taken the time to document them here:
1. We will be reminded, rather insistently, that Nancy is perfect. Over and over. She is skinny and pretty and brilliant and everyone loves her and the sooner we all just accept this the sooner we can get back to the mystery solving stuff.
2. Although Nancy lives in a time where teenage girls had about as many personal freedoms as trained dogs and were treated with a similar level of respect, she herself exists in a sort of bubble that makes her exempt from such social limitations. She has her own car, her own money (but, oddly, no apparent source of income), and doesn't seem to have any demands on her time such as a job or school. This is proved in this book, when Nancy decides on a whim to drive upstate for some investigating, and then when it runs long, checks herself into a hotel for the night. This is awesome, but I question the reality of it.
3. Carolyn Keene loves the words "sleuth" and "girl detective" and will use them as many times as she possibly can.
4. The bad guys are easily recognizable, because they are the only characters in the book who are ever rude to anyone.
These are the series' main flaws. In the good Nancy Drews, such as this one, these flaws can be overlooked as soon as Nancy starts being a badass. And there's a lot of that here. She survives a boat crash in a storm, breaks into not one but three houses, and manages to escape after the bad guys tie her up. She also taught me a valuable life lesson: if the hotel you're having dinner in leaves souvenir matchbooks on the table, take them, because you are guaranteed to need them in the next few hours.
As an added bonus, Nancy's boyfriend Ned Nickerson (affectionately known as "Candy-Ass" in my head) is not present, and in fact may not have been introduced as a character yet. Also conspicuously absent are Nancy's friends, Fat Bess and Butch George, so we don't have to listen to Carolyn Keene delivering backhanded compliments in her narration that would embarrass Regina George.
It isn't a great series, to be sure, and by all logic should not get such high ratings. But the fact remains that Nancy Drew is a literary heroine far ahead of her time, and even with all her books' issues, she's still a much better role model than certain contemporary literary ladies I could name.
June 8, 2011
This is a comparative review of the 1930s and 1950s editions of this book - if you get a chance to read them side-by-side, I very strongly recommend it.
Of the three books I've read comparatively, this one diverges the furthest. Points of difference include:
- In the 50s edition, the guardian is accompanied by his wife - which makes the whole thing much less sinister. They also don't behave nearly as villainously.
- The 50s version introduces an entire subplot where Nancy is helping with a bank fraud case for her dad that ends up being related. This is really only odd in comparison (and it feels a little too convenient, but there's only so much I'm going to ask for, plotting-wise.)
- Don't forget the Gratuitous Housework Scene, a must in the 50s editions!
- All guns mysteriously disappear in the 50s versions. This appears to be consistent book-to-book.
- Any moral ambiguity in the finale is removed for 50s audiences.
I believe that the original versions remain more interesting than the revised versions, even when they have highly problematic elements (class, race, etc.) But the comparison is definitely best of all.
Of the three books I've read comparatively, this one diverges the furthest. Points of difference include:
- In the 50s edition, the guardian is accompanied by his wife - which makes the whole thing much less sinister. They also don't behave nearly as villainously.
- The 50s version introduces an entire subplot where Nancy is helping with a bank fraud case for her dad that ends up being related. This is really only odd in comparison (and it feels a little too convenient, but there's only so much I'm going to ask for, plotting-wise.)
- Don't forget the Gratuitous Housework Scene, a must in the 50s editions!
- All guns mysteriously disappear in the 50s versions. This appears to be consistent book-to-book.
- Any moral ambiguity in the finale is removed for 50s audiences.
I believe that the original versions remain more interesting than the revised versions, even when they have highly problematic elements (class, race, etc.) But the comparison is definitely best of all.
March 6, 2021
Nancy and her best friend, Helen are on a boating trip but the girls can't catch a break as a thunderstorm hits and they are saved by another girl. But soon Nancy realizes that something is amiss and she is determined to find out what it is and right that wrong.
This is yet another fast paced book in the series. I loved the friendship between Nancy and Helen and also the girl power in this book. A must read for all mystery fans.
4 stars
This is yet another fast paced book in the series. I loved the friendship between Nancy and Helen and also the girl power in this book. A must read for all mystery fans.
4 stars
March 26, 2025
During January when I could not focus on anything, I got through the month reading Nancy Drew. I will be the first to admit that I did not read many Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys cases growing up. I am all for strong female characters but when I reached the “normal” reading age for these mysteries, I already preferred adult books. A few years ago a few reading buddies suggested that I join them in monthly Nancy Drew reads. They are veterans of the teenaged sleuth and collect all the original books. I started with the modern Diaries series and got hooked easily; however, I reached a dilemma. I am now finished with the diaries series but still want Nancy Drew to be part of my reading life, especially during this month when I am reading through women in history. Nancy Drew is an icon, the writing consortium lead by Mildred Hirt Benson first bringing the red haired detective into existence in 1930. Since then, a team writing under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene has continued to create cases for our favorite detective as she undergoes new iterations every fifteen years or so. With the modern series complete, I decided to read a case from the original series because women’s history month is not complete without Nancy Drew.
The Bungalow Mystery is the third book in the original Nancy Drew series. Originally published in 1930, the book received a facelift in 1960, and one can sense the time period in the writing. Nancy is vacationing at Twin Lakes with her friend Helen Corning. Bess and George are nowhere to be found and do not make an appearance in this book. That is positive because in the original series whenever Bess and George vacation with Nancy, they sit around while Nancy sleuths. In the new series, the two friends lend their expertise and help solve cases. I’d rather not have them at all than for them to be wallflowers, when I am familiar with their characters and know that they do not sit idly by. Here, Nancy is spending some time at a lake resort. While boating, a storm comes up and capsizes the boat. Nancy and Helen are rescued by Laura Pendleton, who becomes a friend. We find out that Laura is to become the adoptive daughter of Joe and Marion Aborn following the death of her mother. Nancy sympathizes because she has been raised by her father and housekeeper. No matter what iteration of the series is, Nancy’s home life does not change. We find out that Laura is apprehensive to go to her new guardians, and Nancy promises to keep in touch. Nancy surmises that something is fishy about Laura and the Aborns and she is determined to find out what it is.
Upon returning home, Nancy discovers that her father is also involved on money embezzling case from a prominent River Heights bank. He asks Nancy to assist him with his work while she is also working to unraveling what is amiss between Laura Pendleton and her new guardians. While sleuthing, we meet Nancy’s love interest at the time Don Cameron. Ned Nickerson does not make an appearance in this book either. Nancy does most of her detecting alone or in the presence of her father. Ned must come sooner or later because he is involved in every book in newer series. The men in this 1960s series appear more gentlemanly and chivalrous than in modern ones. Or it could be Carson Drew looking out for his daughter’s safety and warning her not to get hurt, etc. Also there are scenes involving fixing a car and running to call the police for help, and it is peripheral male characters such as Don who do this. In the diaries, George Fante could have determined how to fix a car without any assistance from men. This is 1960 right before the dawn of the modern women’s rights movement, with the original book published in 1930. The writers are excused. Regardless I do enjoy how the earlier writers created a strong relationship between Nancy, her father, and Hannah Gruen. Even though the diaries speaks of independent women, sometimes they are void of emotion. I think that writers thought more highly of their readers years ago.
One thing that does not change from one generation to another is the amount of cliches present. Nancy Drew is designed for younger readers although adults can still have fun reading these cases. First, Nancy is suspicious of Laura’s guardians. Then, her father asks her to help him on his case. Somehow the two cases intertwine, which Nancy discovers as she searches for clues for both cases at once. At the end, I got the vibe of “we would have gotten away with this if it weren’t for you kids” from Scooby-Doo. The Bungalow Mystery gives off late night summer reading vibes. It makes me pine for summer. I know a lot of Nancy Drew’s cases take place on vacation so I will have to include this original series in my summer reading plans. I do wonder if and when Bess, George, and Ned appear. That will keep me reading for sure. Nancy Drew is timeless. That has not changed in nearly one hundred years. Cliched or not, deductive, independent, inspiring modern youth detective series, Nancy Drew is a vital part of women’s history month.
3.5 stars
The Bungalow Mystery is the third book in the original Nancy Drew series. Originally published in 1930, the book received a facelift in 1960, and one can sense the time period in the writing. Nancy is vacationing at Twin Lakes with her friend Helen Corning. Bess and George are nowhere to be found and do not make an appearance in this book. That is positive because in the original series whenever Bess and George vacation with Nancy, they sit around while Nancy sleuths. In the new series, the two friends lend their expertise and help solve cases. I’d rather not have them at all than for them to be wallflowers, when I am familiar with their characters and know that they do not sit idly by. Here, Nancy is spending some time at a lake resort. While boating, a storm comes up and capsizes the boat. Nancy and Helen are rescued by Laura Pendleton, who becomes a friend. We find out that Laura is to become the adoptive daughter of Joe and Marion Aborn following the death of her mother. Nancy sympathizes because she has been raised by her father and housekeeper. No matter what iteration of the series is, Nancy’s home life does not change. We find out that Laura is apprehensive to go to her new guardians, and Nancy promises to keep in touch. Nancy surmises that something is fishy about Laura and the Aborns and she is determined to find out what it is.
Upon returning home, Nancy discovers that her father is also involved on money embezzling case from a prominent River Heights bank. He asks Nancy to assist him with his work while she is also working to unraveling what is amiss between Laura Pendleton and her new guardians. While sleuthing, we meet Nancy’s love interest at the time Don Cameron. Ned Nickerson does not make an appearance in this book either. Nancy does most of her detecting alone or in the presence of her father. Ned must come sooner or later because he is involved in every book in newer series. The men in this 1960s series appear more gentlemanly and chivalrous than in modern ones. Or it could be Carson Drew looking out for his daughter’s safety and warning her not to get hurt, etc. Also there are scenes involving fixing a car and running to call the police for help, and it is peripheral male characters such as Don who do this. In the diaries, George Fante could have determined how to fix a car without any assistance from men. This is 1960 right before the dawn of the modern women’s rights movement, with the original book published in 1930. The writers are excused. Regardless I do enjoy how the earlier writers created a strong relationship between Nancy, her father, and Hannah Gruen. Even though the diaries speaks of independent women, sometimes they are void of emotion. I think that writers thought more highly of their readers years ago.
One thing that does not change from one generation to another is the amount of cliches present. Nancy Drew is designed for younger readers although adults can still have fun reading these cases. First, Nancy is suspicious of Laura’s guardians. Then, her father asks her to help him on his case. Somehow the two cases intertwine, which Nancy discovers as she searches for clues for both cases at once. At the end, I got the vibe of “we would have gotten away with this if it weren’t for you kids” from Scooby-Doo. The Bungalow Mystery gives off late night summer reading vibes. It makes me pine for summer. I know a lot of Nancy Drew’s cases take place on vacation so I will have to include this original series in my summer reading plans. I do wonder if and when Bess, George, and Ned appear. That will keep me reading for sure. Nancy Drew is timeless. That has not changed in nearly one hundred years. Cliched or not, deductive, independent, inspiring modern youth detective series, Nancy Drew is a vital part of women’s history month.
3.5 stars
May 16, 2025
3.5 stars (rounded up for nostalgia) ⭐️ Children’s Classic [Yellow Flashlight revised 1960 edition - Listened to Penelope Heaven’s audiobook of this on YouTube]
Not too many thoughts for this one:
1- Nancy Drew really is That Girl. She’s smart, kind, beautiful, and always a step ahead of the criminals.
2- Once again, I laughed what how everyone overshares.
3- The ending and connections felt a bit like a stretch, but okay, sure, we’ll go with it.
4- I remembered the culprit of this one, so it wasn’t as exciting as my other rereads, but still fun overall.
Main Content notes for parents-
A few mentions of Nancy praying & saying a prayer of thanksgiving (not towards Whom); A man says that angels sent a woman to help him.
A couple mentions of the events in the prior book (#2, the “haunted house” and the “ghost” that are caught); A mention of a sixth sense telling Nancy something; A mention of being lucky.
Dangerous Situation Counter: Nancy and Helen are in a boat during a very bad storm and nearly drown (Helen tells Nancy to leave her and safe herself, but Nancy refuses to do that); Nancy and two others go into a locked house to get warm after the boating crisis; Almost being hit by another driver; Nancy drives during a bad storm and nearly gets crushed by a tree; Thinking a burglar is breaking into her home; Following someone into the woods (onto private property); Being trapped and almost caught by a man with a violent temper; Breaking into a shack (private property); Being hit with a cane, knocked unconscious, grabbed roughly, & tied-up; Seeing a car and the occupants go off a steep cliff (Nancy and others don’t think anyone could survive it, *Spoiler* ); Mentions of a young woman sneaks out of her guardian’s home by climbing out the window, down an trellis, and hitches a ride (assumed with a stranger).
A young woman grieves her late mother & Nancy shares her understanding as she lost her mother when she was three (Helen makes an insensitive comment about the girl should be happy now because it’s settled that a distant relative will be her guardian); Nancy deals with a rude and sarcastic woman.
Mentions of deaths (including from a boating accident) & grief (a young woman for her parents); Mentions of an embezzlement case & thieves/criminals; Mentions of break-ins & burglars; Mentions of injuries, fainting/being knocked unconscious, & a kidnapping and being chained up; Mentions of prisoners; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of threats; A few mentions of a fire after a car crash.
Nancy hastily leaves a room when she sees a young man fixing to ask her for a dance, thinking that because she’s on a sleuthing mission that night “romance and detective work [can’t] mix tonight!”; A few mentions of a date;
Some things that worked for the time period this book was written/revised in, but might raise eyebrows now: A mention of lingerie in a suitcase (most likely meaning underwear/unmentionables); “queer” (odd) is used once.
Not too many thoughts for this one:
1- Nancy Drew really is That Girl. She’s smart, kind, beautiful, and always a step ahead of the criminals.
2- Once again, I laughed what how everyone overshares.
3- The ending and connections felt a bit like a stretch, but okay, sure, we’ll go with it.
4- I remembered the culprit of this one, so it wasn’t as exciting as my other rereads, but still fun overall.
Main Content notes for parents-
A few mentions of Nancy praying & saying a prayer of thanksgiving (not towards Whom); A man says that angels sent a woman to help him.
A couple mentions of the events in the prior book (#2, the “haunted house” and the “ghost” that are caught); A mention of a sixth sense telling Nancy something; A mention of being lucky.
Dangerous Situation Counter: Nancy and Helen are in a boat during a very bad storm and nearly drown (Helen tells Nancy to leave her and safe herself, but Nancy refuses to do that); Nancy and two others go into a locked house to get warm after the boating crisis; Almost being hit by another driver; Nancy drives during a bad storm and nearly gets crushed by a tree; Thinking a burglar is breaking into her home; Following someone into the woods (onto private property); Being trapped and almost caught by a man with a violent temper; Breaking into a shack (private property); Being hit with a cane, knocked unconscious, grabbed roughly, & tied-up; Seeing a car and the occupants go off a steep cliff (Nancy and others don’t think anyone could survive it, *Spoiler* ); Mentions of a young woman sneaks out of her guardian’s home by climbing out the window, down an trellis, and hitches a ride (assumed with a stranger).
A young woman grieves her late mother & Nancy shares her understanding as she lost her mother when she was three (Helen makes an insensitive comment about the girl should be happy now because it’s settled that a distant relative will be her guardian); Nancy deals with a rude and sarcastic woman.
Mentions of deaths (including from a boating accident) & grief (a young woman for her parents); Mentions of an embezzlement case & thieves/criminals; Mentions of break-ins & burglars; Mentions of injuries, fainting/being knocked unconscious, & a kidnapping and being chained up; Mentions of prisoners; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of threats; A few mentions of a fire after a car crash.
Nancy hastily leaves a room when she sees a young man fixing to ask her for a dance, thinking that because she’s on a sleuthing mission that night “romance and detective work [can’t] mix tonight!”; A few mentions of a date;
Some things that worked for the time period this book was written/revised in, but might raise eyebrows now: A mention of lingerie in a suitcase (most likely meaning underwear/unmentionables); “queer” (odd) is used once.
April 17, 2021
The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene
Nancy Drew Mystery # 3
Nancy and her best friend went on a small boat trip when they got caught in a horrible storm. They were both frighten and screaming for help when help finally arrived.
Laura came in just the nick of time and saved them both. While they were waiting the storm out they started talking. Laura turns out to be a brand new orphan that is about to meet her new graudians.
When the storm passed the girls went there separate ways. Nancy and Helen went to the hotel to meet up with an aunt. While at the hotel Nancy meets Laura's new Gaurdian. Once again Nancy thought something was hinky while talking to the woman.
Nancy had to home do to an emergency. While helping her dad out Laura showed up asking for help. She is believing her new graudians are not good people and she needs some serious help.
Raiting: 4 stars 🌟
Nancy Drew Mystery # 3
Nancy and her best friend went on a small boat trip when they got caught in a horrible storm. They were both frighten and screaming for help when help finally arrived.
Laura came in just the nick of time and saved them both. While they were waiting the storm out they started talking. Laura turns out to be a brand new orphan that is about to meet her new graudians.
When the storm passed the girls went there separate ways. Nancy and Helen went to the hotel to meet up with an aunt. While at the hotel Nancy meets Laura's new Gaurdian. Once again Nancy thought something was hinky while talking to the woman.
Nancy had to home do to an emergency. While helping her dad out Laura showed up asking for help. She is believing her new graudians are not good people and she needs some serious help.
Raiting: 4 stars 🌟
February 21, 2022
i don't really know what a cozy mystery is but i can't think of many cozier titles than "the bungalow mystery"
part of a series i'm doing in which ihalfheartedly review books i read a long time ago
part of a series i'm doing in which i
August 11, 2019
In this 3rd Nancy Drew Mystery, Nancy and her friend Helen are enjoying a trip out of town, when they have a boating accident during a thunderstorm. They are saved by a girl named Laura. Nancy doesn't realize at the time that meeting Laura will draw her into yet another mystery. This time, Nancy suspects Laura's guardians are stealing the orphan's inheritance. She just has to find proof!
I listened to the audio version of this story. Narrated by Laura Linney, the audio is just over 3 hours long. Linney reads at a nice, even pace and gives a great acting performance. The audio (Penguin Random House Audio Publishing) is enhanced by some background sounds, suspenseful music at the end of chapters, and other sound effects.
I enjoyed this story! I'm having a great time re-visiting this series. It's been so many years since I last read these books, that I don't remember whodunnit! It makes the stories seem fresh and new, despite the fact I read all the books as a child. :) The Bungalow Mystery was originally written in 1930, and revised/updated in 1960. The stories are a bit dated, but not enough to impair my enjoyment. I'm having fun listening to the audio books as I work in my yard and garden. The mystery progresses quickly since the books are short, so I can easily finish one in a day.
The books do follow a formula. Usually, the story opens with Nancy in some sort of danger that connects her to a mystery she needs to investigate. At some point, she will be confronted or threatened by the bad guys...barely escape unscathed....and discover some pivotal clue that helps further her investigation. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger of some sort....pulling the reader to continue on to the next chapter immediately. It's definitely formula....but an enjoyable formula!
This series is totally appropriate for middle grade age kids and up. Nothing graphic or too scary. Nancy is an intelligent and resourceful main character, who occasionally gets help from her lawyer father to solve her cases. The books are short, quick reads so there isn't a lot of character development, but the plots really revolve more around the action and investigation than the characters themselves.
I love to read/listen to children's stories in between more the heavy adult fiction I read. Sometimes a light, simple mystery is a nice palate cleanser after a horror or thriller novel! Plus, I can listen to Nancy Drew books outside in my yard without worrying what the young neighbor children are over-hearing.
Enjoyable and a great dose of nostalgia! I'm enjoying these books just as much at 50 years old as I did at 10! Luckily my local library has these audio books always available with no waiting on their digital site! I can indulge myself with some good ol' Nancy Drew whenever I want! Sweet! On to the next book -- The Mystery at Lilac Inn!
I listened to the audio version of this story. Narrated by Laura Linney, the audio is just over 3 hours long. Linney reads at a nice, even pace and gives a great acting performance. The audio (Penguin Random House Audio Publishing) is enhanced by some background sounds, suspenseful music at the end of chapters, and other sound effects.
I enjoyed this story! I'm having a great time re-visiting this series. It's been so many years since I last read these books, that I don't remember whodunnit! It makes the stories seem fresh and new, despite the fact I read all the books as a child. :) The Bungalow Mystery was originally written in 1930, and revised/updated in 1960. The stories are a bit dated, but not enough to impair my enjoyment. I'm having fun listening to the audio books as I work in my yard and garden. The mystery progresses quickly since the books are short, so I can easily finish one in a day.
The books do follow a formula. Usually, the story opens with Nancy in some sort of danger that connects her to a mystery she needs to investigate. At some point, she will be confronted or threatened by the bad guys...barely escape unscathed....and discover some pivotal clue that helps further her investigation. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger of some sort....pulling the reader to continue on to the next chapter immediately. It's definitely formula....but an enjoyable formula!
This series is totally appropriate for middle grade age kids and up. Nothing graphic or too scary. Nancy is an intelligent and resourceful main character, who occasionally gets help from her lawyer father to solve her cases. The books are short, quick reads so there isn't a lot of character development, but the plots really revolve more around the action and investigation than the characters themselves.
I love to read/listen to children's stories in between more the heavy adult fiction I read. Sometimes a light, simple mystery is a nice palate cleanser after a horror or thriller novel! Plus, I can listen to Nancy Drew books outside in my yard without worrying what the young neighbor children are over-hearing.
Enjoyable and a great dose of nostalgia! I'm enjoying these books just as much at 50 years old as I did at 10! Luckily my local library has these audio books always available with no waiting on their digital site! I can indulge myself with some good ol' Nancy Drew whenever I want! Sweet! On to the next book -- The Mystery at Lilac Inn!
April 1, 2008
It's so hard to rate these books. It's all about context. But which context? I read them as a young reader, age eight or so, in the early 1980s. They were written in the 1930s, rewritten in the 1960s to contemporize them, and in some cases, rewritten again. Oh, and then there were the ones contemporary to my era in the first place, though I don't remember those well. Carolyn Keene was never a real person...if I researched the context of author, how much more would I understand these books?
Part of what I love about these books is really simple childhood nostalgia. And part is the fact that whatever era the story (or version of the story) is from, Nancy was ahead of her time in her independence and curiosity. Even in the 1930s, Ned is never anything but a pleasant distraction or an accomplice to her sleuthing plan. Okay, he's an occasional deus-ex-machina, but only because they have plans that she doesn't show up for and he becomes suspicious--he's never the strong male savior there to protect the weak girl.
The downside of these books is that it's nearly impossible to describe or rate them individually. The upside is that the cultural context and the history of the series over time makes every book slightly more interesting, and the more I learn about the series, the more I appreciate it as a whole.
Part of what I love about these books is really simple childhood nostalgia. And part is the fact that whatever era the story (or version of the story) is from, Nancy was ahead of her time in her independence and curiosity. Even in the 1930s, Ned is never anything but a pleasant distraction or an accomplice to her sleuthing plan. Okay, he's an occasional deus-ex-machina, but only because they have plans that she doesn't show up for and he becomes suspicious--he's never the strong male savior there to protect the weak girl.
The downside of these books is that it's nearly impossible to describe or rate them individually. The upside is that the cultural context and the history of the series over time makes every book slightly more interesting, and the more I learn about the series, the more I appreciate it as a whole.
August 20, 2017
While out of town, Nancy meets Laura, a recent orphan who is about to meet her new guardians. However, when Nancy meets them, she thinks that something is off about these adults. Meanwhile, Mr. Drew asks Nancy to help him figure out how bearer bonds have disappeared from a bank in town. Can Nancy juggle these two cases? Or is there a connection?
I can’t remember if I read this one as a kid or not, but I quickly got caught up in the fun as an adult. There is plenty of action. Some of the twists were a little obvious, but I couldn’t figure out how everything quite fit together until the end. We still haven’t met Nancy’s usual friends, but with the emphasis on plot and action, the characters are thin anyway.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I can’t remember if I read this one as a kid or not, but I quickly got caught up in the fun as an adult. There is plenty of action. Some of the twists were a little obvious, but I couldn’t figure out how everything quite fit together until the end. We still haven’t met Nancy’s usual friends, but with the emphasis on plot and action, the characters are thin anyway.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 21, 2025
4 Stars. A good one, but it's the opening which stands out! Nancy Drew and her close friend Helen Corning are staying at Pinecrest Motel on Twin Lakes not far from their homes in River Heights, Illinois. A short holiday. They decide to take the hotel's motorboat for a spin. A sudden storm blows up and the pair hit a huge floating log. They are sinking and then a giant wave tosses them overboard. No lifejackets! That's when a young woman, Laura Pendleton, in a rowboat appears. Rescue! It turns out that Laura has heard of Nancy and her exploits and says, "I may need your help some day soon, Nancy." Understatement. Laura is a wealthy orphan and the courts have recently appointed guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Aborn. What could Laura's mother have been thinking when she recommended this pair? They seem cruel, prone to temper, and totally unsuitable for the task. One chapter is titled "Strange Guardians" - appropriate. At the same time, Nancy's father, Carson, has been hired to assist a local bank with an embezzlement case. One of their employees may be cashing Pay to Bearer securities. He wants Nancy to do a little sleuthing. And she finds something. It was fun. (De2025)
April 28, 2018
I am really enjoying my trip down memory lane by revisiting Nancy Drew from the beginning. This is by far the best one. The addition of Laura Linney narrating makes them even better.
Though they are dated, you could imagine Nancy today. She is self-reliant and independent and an excellent role model for young girls. Her dad doesn't even spend the whole time telling her to get a young man and get married. He supports her and admires her "plucky" attitude.
This story involved embezzlement, kidnapping, and a threatened heiress. Great fun as always!!
Though they are dated, you could imagine Nancy today. She is self-reliant and independent and an excellent role model for young girls. Her dad doesn't even spend the whole time telling her to get a young man and get married. He supports her and admires her "plucky" attitude.
This story involved embezzlement, kidnapping, and a threatened heiress. Great fun as always!!
July 20, 2016
Good old-fashioned sleuthing and such nice manners. It's therapeutic to listen to these books. Laura Linney does a fabulous job of bringing them to life.
October 5, 2017
I used to love Nancy Drew books as a kid, but I think I preferred the "newer" stories. This one wasn't quite as interesting or as exciting I hoped it would be. Still, it was fun to read as an adult to my daughter, who enjoyed the climax of the story.
June 26, 2021
As many know, the Carolyn Keene books of the 30s, 40s, up to 1959 were edited to get rid of the racism. While I approve of that, I do not like the other changes. For example, Nancy, I believe had brown hair, and I know she had a roadster, but in the new editions her hair became strawberry blond and her car was a convertible. There were other changes, like the stories were changed some. I used to have all of her books up to when they began making changes. The only racism I saw was that the maid was black and dump, but that was in the Dana Sisters series. I am sure I missed sonmegthing. But due to he other changes, I continued to read the older editions. Now, I can’t see to read, so I use Audible, but you can’t get the older editions in any Kindle form. If I am wrong, please let me know.
So, this book was put out by the Library of Congress for the Blind, and I don’t believe that it is the older edition. I don’t know what to think about it. Mildred Wirt, the write r of many of the Nancy Drew series, had written this book, but it doesn’t sound like her. Yet, I could be wrong. For one, this book was too detailed. I just could not get into it. Not knowing what had been changed didn’t help. I tried to accept it as it was, but, hey there was the convertible and the strawberry blond hair.
It began okay, with Nancy and a friend, Helen, who I had never heard of before, in a motorized boat on a lake when a storm came up. Didn’t they get warnings back then? Their boat hits an object and begins to sink, but in time someone, an orphan girl named Laura, saves them.
From here the story goes downhill for me. Laura has a couple who are going to care for her now that her parents have died. But this couple, we learn is not her true guardians. They want her inheritance. Nancy finds a bungalow, but I never can figure out what this has to do with the book. It was a poor title for this book is what I mean. And, oh, well, I can’t do a good review of this book because I want the old Nancy Drew and Dana Sistersback, minus the racism. At least I had reread most of them a second time.
So, this book was put out by the Library of Congress for the Blind, and I don’t believe that it is the older edition. I don’t know what to think about it. Mildred Wirt, the write r of many of the Nancy Drew series, had written this book, but it doesn’t sound like her. Yet, I could be wrong. For one, this book was too detailed. I just could not get into it. Not knowing what had been changed didn’t help. I tried to accept it as it was, but, hey there was the convertible and the strawberry blond hair.
It began okay, with Nancy and a friend, Helen, who I had never heard of before, in a motorized boat on a lake when a storm came up. Didn’t they get warnings back then? Their boat hits an object and begins to sink, but in time someone, an orphan girl named Laura, saves them.
From here the story goes downhill for me. Laura has a couple who are going to care for her now that her parents have died. But this couple, we learn is not her true guardians. They want her inheritance. Nancy finds a bungalow, but I never can figure out what this has to do with the book. It was a poor title for this book is what I mean. And, oh, well, I can’t do a good review of this book because I want the old Nancy Drew and Dana Sistersback, minus the racism. At least I had reread most of them a second time.
June 25, 2021
While vacationing, Nancy Drew and her best friend Helen, take a motorboat out on a lake when a storm hits. They end up being rescued by Laura Pendleton who heard their cries for help. Laura befriends them, explaining that her mother recently died and she is at the resort awaiting her new guardians. When Nancy meets Laura's guardians, she wonders why a mother would ever want these people to look after her daughter. There is something very suspicious about them. Nancy decides to look into the situation.
I read this book when I was in grade school and I am slowly re-reading the series. The mystery was well plotted. Nancy knows something is not right; but can't put her finger on it. She uses her sleuthing abilities to solve the mystery. My rating: 4 Stars.
I read this book when I was in grade school and I am slowly re-reading the series. The mystery was well plotted. Nancy knows something is not right; but can't put her finger on it. She uses her sleuthing abilities to solve the mystery. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 3, 2025
Bing bop boom boom boom bop bam
February 1, 2023
This story was always one of my favorites, and the reread proved the same result. The stakes were high. The plot was thrilling. The adventure was captivating. I feel like this book is truly where Nancy gets going in her sleuthing career. Reading it again was such a fun time :)
May 9, 2021
I am granting this re-read an upgrade from a 3 star to a 4 star because I just loved the entire plot involving my favourite childhood sleuth.
The third mystery in the series, The Red Bungalow Mystery finds Nancy Drew and her friend Helen Corning face almost death when they are sailing during a terrible storm. Just when Nancy fears that she cannot bring her injured friend back to shore, the two are quickly rescued by the young Laura Pendleton. Laura has a tragic story, recently having lost her mother and facing an unknown future with her legal guardians. When Laura confesses to Nancy that something about Jacob and Marian Abhorn isn’t quite right, Nancy decides the matter must be delved into further. If that wasn’t enough mystery for her, Carson Drew has also asked his daughter to help him with an embezzlement case.
This was a fairly exciting novel and I must confess that the ghostwriter definitely started hitting their stride here. Btw, was I the only young reader that did not realize that there was no such person as Carolyn Keene?
For those of you that watched That 70’s show, does anyone else remember the episode where Jackie reads Nancy Drew mysteries to Kelso? There’s an insensitive joke made about one of the characters being fat because they were always eating. However, I hadn’t mentioned this in my first two reviews but I think I will mention that a great deal of emphasis on what Nancy eats and also what she can whip up in the kitchen. I can only surmise that since the series was read by female readers that they were being reminded of ND’S accomplished feminity. Despite the fact, she has a father who has made sure she knows how to change her own tires if she has a flat and consistently encourages her to go out and solve mysteries on her own.
I read the 1960 revised edition of the 1930 original publication, which was written by Mildred Benson and revised by Patricia Doll.
The third mystery in the series, The Red Bungalow Mystery finds Nancy Drew and her friend Helen Corning face almost death when they are sailing during a terrible storm. Just when Nancy fears that she cannot bring her injured friend back to shore, the two are quickly rescued by the young Laura Pendleton. Laura has a tragic story, recently having lost her mother and facing an unknown future with her legal guardians. When Laura confesses to Nancy that something about Jacob and Marian Abhorn isn’t quite right, Nancy decides the matter must be delved into further. If that wasn’t enough mystery for her, Carson Drew has also asked his daughter to help him with an embezzlement case.
This was a fairly exciting novel and I must confess that the ghostwriter definitely started hitting their stride here. Btw, was I the only young reader that did not realize that there was no such person as Carolyn Keene?
For those of you that watched That 70’s show, does anyone else remember the episode where Jackie reads Nancy Drew mysteries to Kelso? There’s an insensitive joke made about one of the characters being fat because they were always eating. However, I hadn’t mentioned this in my first two reviews but I think I will mention that a great deal of emphasis on what Nancy eats and also what she can whip up in the kitchen. I can only surmise that since the series was read by female readers that they were being reminded of ND’S accomplished feminity. Despite the fact, she has a father who has made sure she knows how to change her own tires if she has a flat and consistently encourages her to go out and solve mysteries on her own.
I read the 1960 revised edition of the 1930 original publication, which was written by Mildred Benson and revised by Patricia Doll.
August 5, 2019
#3 of the ND challenge. . . .a near drowning, a careening storm-damaged tree that misses ND's car by inches in a storm, almost hauntings, skulking around bungalows (which are NOT houses), and stolen identities!
On the other hand: a bunch of new friends, Mr. Drew's mystery solved, Hannah's ankle healed, a male red-head nearly romanced but dismissed with a gentle laugh that conveys responsibility AND regret (No sign of the dependable and attrative Ned yet), a new and stunning aquamarine ring (given in sincere thanks) and a pout because all mysteries are solved.
Will she ever have another??? Wait, Wait!!! There's more. . . . . .
On the other hand: a bunch of new friends, Mr. Drew's mystery solved, Hannah's ankle healed, a male red-head nearly romanced but dismissed with a gentle laugh that conveys responsibility AND regret (No sign of the dependable and attrative Ned yet), a new and stunning aquamarine ring (given in sincere thanks) and a pout because all mysteries are solved.
Will she ever have another??? Wait, Wait!!! There's more. . . . . .
October 21, 2017
I highly recommend the 1930 edition. Nancy and young Laura take turns rescuing each other. And then Nancy rescues herself. And, wow, Mr. Carson Drew shows up to rescue everybody! As a prosecution attorney, or whatever he is, he sure knows his way around a car chase.
He advises Laura: "Get in the roadster with Nancy. If it comes to a battle, you girls can drop back and be out of range of the bullets." Sir, yes, sir!
This version also features a cunning and ruthless criminal named "Stumpy." Strikes fear into my heart.
He advises Laura: "Get in the roadster with Nancy. If it comes to a battle, you girls can drop back and be out of range of the bullets." Sir, yes, sir!
This version also features a cunning and ruthless criminal named "Stumpy." Strikes fear into my heart.
June 6, 2019
While on vacation at Twin Lakes Nancy meets and befriends an orphaned named Laura Pendleton. Laura is there to meet her new guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Aborn. The Aborn's seem nice enough but when they begin doing strange things like demanding Laura hand over her inherited jewelry and lock her in her room, Laura decides to run away to River Heights in the hopes that Nancy can help her. Nancy begins to investigate the Aborn's which leads her to a strange bungalow in the woods and a giant mystery.
- While in the cabin in the woods Nancy uses matches she had taken from the hotel dining table. It specifically says she took them during dinner yet after dinner she changed clothes before going to the Aborn's;
Eagerly she reached into the pocket of her dress, recalling that at dinner she had taken a pack of matches from the hotel dining table for her suvinier collection. Good! The pack was still there! Pg.116
Then she changed to walking shoes, sweater, and skirt. Pg.103
Awakening at six o'clock, Nancy put on the simple black cotton dress from her suitcase and pumps. After brushing her hair until it snapped with electricity, she was ready for supper. Pg.103
- Mr. Aborn says he's going to write and sell a story about the mystery. He declares he will donate profits from the story to Nancy's favorite charity, the River Heights Youth Center...how did he know this is Nancy's favorite charity? Although she mentions it in the book she doesn't tell Mr. Aborn that.
- After Jim and Cathy help her move the fallen tree from the road Nancy says "is Mrs. Aborn a blonde-haired woman, rather small and slightly, Cathy?". Why does she direct this question solely to Cathy? Jim knows the Aborn's too.
You can read the rest of this review at VintageGirlsBooks.blogspot.com
March 1, 2020
Nancy makes a new friend, Laura Pendleton, who rescues her from a wrecked boat in a storm. It turns out that Laura might need her services as a detective. The orphaned girl is wary of her new guardians and wants Nancy to check them out. Nancy is puzzled as to why her mother would entrust Laura to people who only seem interested in her jewellery and money?
Of course, at the same time, Carson Drew is bound to have a case that Nancy's helping him on that's bound to connect with Laura's problems. The reader can easily join the dots.
Not a bad book at all! I rather enjoyed Nancy's foray into danger in this one. Helen Corning appears in this book but is left out for most of the sleuthing bits. Instead, Don Cameron, Nancy's 'boyfriend', helps her out.
Undoubtedly, the book is rather dramatic, even more than usual Nancy Drews, what with Nancy escaping after being tied up because someone showed her how to loosen knots. This becomes a regular feature in later books. At the end, Nancy also risks her life to rescue Laura's inheritance.
All this apart, it's an enjoyable foray into the life of a daredevil young woman.
Of course, at the same time, Carson Drew is bound to have a case that Nancy's helping him on that's bound to connect with Laura's problems. The reader can easily join the dots.
Not a bad book at all! I rather enjoyed Nancy's foray into danger in this one. Helen Corning appears in this book but is left out for most of the sleuthing bits. Instead, Don Cameron, Nancy's 'boyfriend', helps her out.
Undoubtedly, the book is rather dramatic, even more than usual Nancy Drews, what with Nancy escaping after being tied up because someone showed her how to loosen knots. This becomes a regular feature in later books. At the end, Nancy also risks her life to rescue Laura's inheritance.
All this apart, it's an enjoyable foray into the life of a daredevil young woman.
February 23, 2021
I really enjoyed the third installment of the Nancy Drew series! This story began with a dangerous storm that instantly caught my attention and swept me away. Though the mystery was pretty simple to unravel, it was nonetheless still very exciting to follow. I have to say the bad guys hit an all-time low in this story, and there were lots of heart pounding moments!
Once again, our intelligent sleuth uses her strong optimism and instincts to save the day. Lots of new characters were also introduced which was fun. I couldn’t help thinking the entire time how much simpler life would have been had Nancy only had a cellphone! My, do I take mine for granted!
Overall, this was a nice, comforting, and light intermission book that I allowed myself to indulge in. And I shall continue on working my way through this unforgettable series!
Once again, our intelligent sleuth uses her strong optimism and instincts to save the day. Lots of new characters were also introduced which was fun. I couldn’t help thinking the entire time how much simpler life would have been had Nancy only had a cellphone! My, do I take mine for granted!
Overall, this was a nice, comforting, and light intermission book that I allowed myself to indulge in. And I shall continue on working my way through this unforgettable series!
December 14, 2020
Last of my ,loosely, Halloween/fall themed reads. Quick read. Reread endlessly as a child; one that i owned. Cost 75 cents for the hardcover “back then”. Later i remember they got up to $1.50.
July 29, 2022
These damn Nancy Drew books!
They’re just so convoluted. There are so many pointless red herrings. There’s such contrived excitement and false escalations. It’s maddening. In one of these books a car smashes into a jewelry store, was there a point to it? There wasn’t.
It’s so hokey. Everybody is mindlessly cheerful and supportive all the damn time. I would call the characters cardboard cutouts, but carboard cutouts are more interesting than these characters. I would have LOVED a night of staring at cardboard cutouts compared to reading THIS STUFF. (I was reading Raymond Carver during this, and I’d go from this book where’s everyone is nauseatingly nice to each other, to his book where everybody is so mean. I’d hold up both books and yell, “I hate both of these things.”)
And they eat ALL THE TIME. That’s what culture is in Nancy Drew World. Like every two pages they have to go to a diner. They don’t need water, or to use the bathroom, or sleep, but they have to go out and eat all the time. You’re a good little conformist if you patronize restaurants.
There’s also this shade of darkness to these books. Like in this (spoilers be damned!) a man is bound and held prisoner under a house. Kidnapping is a frequent theme. If Nancy Drew wasn’t such precocious gumshoe, she would go insane from all the trauma she’s exposed to.
I thought maybe I could feel out the historical artifact of these works, they would show me something from a past time and what I walked out of the theater with was the sort of mindless happiness that characterizes 60’s culture. Nobody struggles, nobody has doubts or fears, nobody is sad, nobody feels anxious, they’re all just playing ping pong and racing boats.
If you’re wondering why I’m reading these books it’s because I’m thinking of doing an adaptation for the stage. I’m going to get my revenge on Nancy damn Drew!
They’re just so convoluted. There are so many pointless red herrings. There’s such contrived excitement and false escalations. It’s maddening. In one of these books a car smashes into a jewelry store, was there a point to it? There wasn’t.
It’s so hokey. Everybody is mindlessly cheerful and supportive all the damn time. I would call the characters cardboard cutouts, but carboard cutouts are more interesting than these characters. I would have LOVED a night of staring at cardboard cutouts compared to reading THIS STUFF. (I was reading Raymond Carver during this, and I’d go from this book where’s everyone is nauseatingly nice to each other, to his book where everybody is so mean. I’d hold up both books and yell, “I hate both of these things.”)
And they eat ALL THE TIME. That’s what culture is in Nancy Drew World. Like every two pages they have to go to a diner. They don’t need water, or to use the bathroom, or sleep, but they have to go out and eat all the time. You’re a good little conformist if you patronize restaurants.
There’s also this shade of darkness to these books. Like in this (spoilers be damned!) a man is bound and held prisoner under a house. Kidnapping is a frequent theme. If Nancy Drew wasn’t such precocious gumshoe, she would go insane from all the trauma she’s exposed to.
I thought maybe I could feel out the historical artifact of these works, they would show me something from a past time and what I walked out of the theater with was the sort of mindless happiness that characterizes 60’s culture. Nobody struggles, nobody has doubts or fears, nobody is sad, nobody feels anxious, they’re all just playing ping pong and racing boats.
If you’re wondering why I’m reading these books it’s because I’m thinking of doing an adaptation for the stage. I’m going to get my revenge on Nancy damn Drew!
March 30, 2011
In my quest to read (re-read) all of the Nancy Drew mysteries this year, I have just completed The Bungalow Mystery. I remember reading this one when I was a kid. Once again, it boggles my mind how dependent I've become on my cell phone. Every time Nancy goes off to investigate or sleuth as she calls it, I keep thinking - use your cell phone. Her car breaks down, today she'd be whipping out the cell phone and calling Triple A or using her GPS. Because Nancy doesn't have these modern day devices, it heightens the suspense. I have to chuckle at the language. I teach college English and Communications and wonder if any of my students have ever used "bade" or sleuth for that matter. Considering these are young adult novels, the language is above what most kids read today.
Once again "Carolyn Keene" uses a lot of description of food, clothes and is light on descriptions of other things. It is apparent that these books were meant to appeal to young ladies who were going to grow up to be housewives and cook beautiful meals for their husbands and they'd do it all in high heels shoes while wearing pearls.
The story is good and keeps me reading. I won't go into detail about the story line; I'll just say that once again Nancy stumbles upon someone needing help and comes to the rescue. This is the second book where Nancy rescues an orphan.
Once again "Carolyn Keene" uses a lot of description of food, clothes and is light on descriptions of other things. It is apparent that these books were meant to appeal to young ladies who were going to grow up to be housewives and cook beautiful meals for their husbands and they'd do it all in high heels shoes while wearing pearls.
The story is good and keeps me reading. I won't go into detail about the story line; I'll just say that once again Nancy stumbles upon someone needing help and comes to the rescue. This is the second book where Nancy rescues an orphan.
September 23, 2011
Yet another excellent addition to the Nancy Drew mystery book series.
March 3, 2024
A Quickie Review
With an established series like this, you know what to expect...and that's just what you get here.
With an established series like this, you know what to expect...and that's just what you get here.
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