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Nancy Drew Diaries #17
Famous Mistakes
Nancy and her friends are out to find a comedian’s saboteur in this seventeenth book of the Nancy Drew Diaries, a fresh approach to the classic mystery series.
Nancy’s boyfriend, Ned, has recently started his own podcast called NedTalks and he just got his big break. Up and coming comedian Brady Owens has agreed to sit down for an interview. And this isn’t just any interview; it’s the first interview Brady has given since a video of him lashing out at an audience member went viral. Now people are protesting his shows and calling him violent.
Nancy agrees to help out with the technical stuff so Ned can focus on the hard-hitting questions. But when they go to meet the interviewee they find Brady’s hotel room trashed—and no comedian in sight. Luckily, they find Brady unhurt and nothing of monetary value is missing from the room. Only his notebook of new material is gone. Brady says he knows it’s the people who’ve seen the video of him yelling. They think he’s dangerous and doesn’t deserve a platform. He wishes it would all blow over.
Nancy disagrees with Brady. She thinks he should apologize to the crowd and admit that he crossed a line. But she recognizes a person in need of help when she sees one and agrees to get to the bottom of this sabotage anyway.
Complex social media charts, undercover outfits, and intense button study send Nancy, Bess, George, and Ned on a wild ride through River Heights to uncover the truth. But nothing is what it seems in this game of comedic timing. Can Nancy find the culprit before it’s too late?
Nancy’s boyfriend, Ned, has recently started his own podcast called NedTalks and he just got his big break. Up and coming comedian Brady Owens has agreed to sit down for an interview. And this isn’t just any interview; it’s the first interview Brady has given since a video of him lashing out at an audience member went viral. Now people are protesting his shows and calling him violent.
Nancy agrees to help out with the technical stuff so Ned can focus on the hard-hitting questions. But when they go to meet the interviewee they find Brady’s hotel room trashed—and no comedian in sight. Luckily, they find Brady unhurt and nothing of monetary value is missing from the room. Only his notebook of new material is gone. Brady says he knows it’s the people who’ve seen the video of him yelling. They think he’s dangerous and doesn’t deserve a platform. He wishes it would all blow over.
Nancy disagrees with Brady. She thinks he should apologize to the crowd and admit that he crossed a line. But she recognizes a person in need of help when she sees one and agrees to get to the bottom of this sabotage anyway.
Complex social media charts, undercover outfits, and intense button study send Nancy, Bess, George, and Ned on a wild ride through River Heights to uncover the truth. But nothing is what it seems in this game of comedic timing. Can Nancy find the culprit before it’s too late?
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2018
72 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,039 books3,877 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 62 reviews
July 10, 2024
A fun and interesting mystery. This is great updating of the character without losing any of the charm of the classic series.
April 18, 2020
I read this because I was feeling nostalgic. Nancy Drew books were my childhood and so was the Emma Roberts movie. This reminded me why I love sleuth stories so much, cause of Nancy, she is a brilliant character.
As for this particular mystery, it was good. kept me interested.
I am also really enjoying the CW show, which has nothing to do with this book but it does follow "Nancy Drew" so I thought to mention it.
As for this particular mystery, it was good. kept me interested.
I am also really enjoying the CW show, which has nothing to do with this book but it does follow "Nancy Drew" so I thought to mention it.
January 4, 2024
Ooo this one really had a great mix of that classic Nancy Drew charm and innocence.. but with a much needed modern update! I love books that include an element of social media and pop culture and this included a mystery Twitter account and a cancelled comedian, so it ticked both boxes.
It was very interesting to see a modernised Nancy Drew but the Nancy Drew Diaries series is all about that! Ned has a podcast and a victims right groups are protesting a misogynistic comedian, it seemed very present day!
I also enjoyed the fact Nancy's familal relationship were explored in much more depth. I always thought the older stories didn't do a good job at portraying the father/daughter relationship, focussing more on Nancy's friendships, but this one actually gave her dad a personality.. FINALLY.
The audiobook was great too, with the music, variety of voices etc. I recommend this one, but be prepared for a muuuuuch more confident and emboldened Nancy than the 1930s originals.
It was very interesting to see a modernised Nancy Drew but the Nancy Drew Diaries series is all about that! Ned has a podcast and a victims right groups are protesting a misogynistic comedian, it seemed very present day!
I also enjoyed the fact Nancy's familal relationship were explored in much more depth. I always thought the older stories didn't do a good job at portraying the father/daughter relationship, focussing more on Nancy's friendships, but this one actually gave her dad a personality.. FINALLY.
The audiobook was great too, with the music, variety of voices etc. I recommend this one, but be prepared for a muuuuuch more confident and emboldened Nancy than the 1930s originals.
September 15, 2021
I love Nancy Drew, I've been reading Nancy Drew books since I was 7 or 8 years old and I still love reading mysteries. The modernizing was kind of fun in some ways (Nancy Drew with a cell phone, etc.) but it was disappointing (though also accurate) in other ways. The comedian in the story made an off-color joke about violence and was shamed across the internet. The result was a group of people making it their goal to completely ruin his life (although in the book he apologized and they did let him off the hook, which would never happen in real life). At the end of the story the "bad guy" also gets kind of let off the hook because they committed the crime because of student loans. I totally get student loans are a huge problem in our country but not an excuse to commit crime. One of the things I always loved about Nancy Drew was the innocence of them, the darker side of society is kind of hidden behind a curtain. The new Nancy Drew lacks that innocence.
June 10, 2019
One of the best and most intriguing Nancy Drew books I've ever read.
April 24, 2021
For this and other reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Why do I continue on with the Nancy Drew Diaries series when all it seems Nancy can do is be filled with self-doubt, only seems to investigate cases involving sabotage, and more often than not, has the culprit reveal themselves as the baddie instead of Nancy figuring it out on her own? That, dear readers, are the mysteries I ponder as I continue to listen to the audiobooks of the current Nancy Drew series.
First off, the publisher doesn’t even get the facts right in their little description of Famous Mistakes. NedTalks is about a year old according to the text, not brand new, and Brady is not an up-and-coming comedian. He went to school with Carson Drew, for cryin’ out loud. He’s been a working comedian for at least 20 years. Who wrote the book description? Did they even read the book? One thing is for sure: it’s another case of sabotage for Nancy Drew to solve. (sigh) Why, I ask you, WHY, I ask Simon and Schuster, does it always have to be sabotage that Nancy investigates? Maybe, now that Simon and Schuster got bought out, the new publishers will return Nancy to some sense of what she once was.
Prior to returning to River Heights for the opening of the new arts center, Brady attacks a heckler by saying she should be mugged. That does not go down well. The people at the arts center are afraid featuring the comic will provoke riots since there’s already protestors. Nancy only has a few hours to solve who is threatening Brady and has trashed his room and taken his notebook of new material. Our intrepid sleuth, with the help of Bess, George and Ned, follow tons of leads that go nowhere. One thing’s for sure: nothing is as it seems in this case.
The mystery is quite obvious and simple, but even as an adult, I wasn’t always sure where the book was heading. I thought it was fairly obvious who-done-it, but don’t necessarily think kids would catch on as easily. The plotline had holes in it, although even the original Nancy Drew Mysteries did, too. I thought the fact that Ned, Bess and George had bigger parts in Famous Mistakes helped the plot immensely as they all have a different skill set that Nancy needs to deploy from time to time to gather clues.
Why do I continue on with the Nancy Drew Diaries series when all it seems Nancy can do is be filled with self-doubt, only seems to investigate cases involving sabotage, and more often than not, has the culprit reveal themselves as the baddie instead of Nancy figuring it out on her own? That, dear readers, are the mysteries I ponder as I continue to listen to the audiobooks of the current Nancy Drew series.
First off, the publisher doesn’t even get the facts right in their little description of Famous Mistakes. NedTalks is about a year old according to the text, not brand new, and Brady is not an up-and-coming comedian. He went to school with Carson Drew, for cryin’ out loud. He’s been a working comedian for at least 20 years. Who wrote the book description? Did they even read the book? One thing is for sure: it’s another case of sabotage for Nancy Drew to solve. (sigh) Why, I ask you, WHY, I ask Simon and Schuster, does it always have to be sabotage that Nancy investigates? Maybe, now that Simon and Schuster got bought out, the new publishers will return Nancy to some sense of what she once was.
Prior to returning to River Heights for the opening of the new arts center, Brady attacks a heckler by saying she should be mugged. That does not go down well. The people at the arts center are afraid featuring the comic will provoke riots since there’s already protestors. Nancy only has a few hours to solve who is threatening Brady and has trashed his room and taken his notebook of new material. Our intrepid sleuth, with the help of Bess, George and Ned, follow tons of leads that go nowhere. One thing’s for sure: nothing is as it seems in this case.
The mystery is quite obvious and simple, but even as an adult, I wasn’t always sure where the book was heading. I thought it was fairly obvious who-done-it, but don’t necessarily think kids would catch on as easily. The plotline had holes in it, although even the original Nancy Drew Mysteries did, too. I thought the fact that Ned, Bess and George had bigger parts in Famous Mistakes helped the plot immensely as they all have a different skill set that Nancy needs to deploy from time to time to gather clues.
dnf
September 17, 2025DNF about halfway through, these books are nothing like the originals. It seems they are trying to hard to be “ with the times.” I don’t like the fact of the comedian making his violence claim about mugging someone. In the book thankfully the behavior is not condoned, but still in a middle grade book statements like this should not be made.
December 17, 2025
The writing is a little repetitive and unnatural sometimes, but the mystery itself is interesting, and the characters are fun.
January 30, 2023
No offense this one took the cake.
February 12, 2019
I'll admit, even as an adult, big books intimidate me. I oftentimes find myself stopping halfway through longer books because I get bored with it, or just lose interest. So I do find myself picking quick reads over longer ones. Not to mention with my busy schedule, it is hard to find time to just sit and read that much anymore. With that in mind, books like these Nancy Drew Diaries are a nice way to spend a few hours. The last few I've picked up have left me disappointed, but this one was actually really good.
The story is about a comedian named Brady who comes to River Heights for a performance shortly after a video went viral of him heckling an audience member at a past performance. This caused many protesters and boycotters of the comedian. to follow Brady to town. When his hotel room gets vandalized and his notebook of material gets destroyed, Nancy and her clue crew agree to figure out who exactly is behind it.
This mystery seemed pretty simple at the beginning, but even for a kids book, I found myself unsure of where it was going as I continued through it. I figured it out about halfway through, and even though I did, I didn't find it super obvious. Actually, I thought the plot was very well put together. It made sense, and reminded me of a plot from one of the games and not just a short chapter book. I'm glad that Bess, George, and Ned had bigger parts in this book. They all add to the story with their different talents and personalities that really work well together.
It wasn't a perfect read; there were errors in the plot line, as there normally are in these kinds of books, but I did really enjoy it. It was my favorite in the series so far.
The story is about a comedian named Brady who comes to River Heights for a performance shortly after a video went viral of him heckling an audience member at a past performance. This caused many protesters and boycotters of the comedian. to follow Brady to town. When his hotel room gets vandalized and his notebook of material gets destroyed, Nancy and her clue crew agree to figure out who exactly is behind it.
This mystery seemed pretty simple at the beginning, but even for a kids book, I found myself unsure of where it was going as I continued through it. I figured it out about halfway through, and even though I did, I didn't find it super obvious. Actually, I thought the plot was very well put together. It made sense, and reminded me of a plot from one of the games and not just a short chapter book. I'm glad that Bess, George, and Ned had bigger parts in this book. They all add to the story with their different talents and personalities that really work well together.
It wasn't a perfect read; there were errors in the plot line, as there normally are in these kinds of books, but I did really enjoy it. It was my favorite in the series so far.
September 22, 2019
AUTHOR Keene, Carolyn
TITLE Famous Mistakes
DATE READ 09/22/2019
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE I
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF YA Crime Fiction/2019/Audio/ 3 hrs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #17 ND Diaries
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2019 Reading Goal 145/111;
GROUP READ ND
TIME/PLACE 1980's/OH
CHARACTERS Nancy/teen sleuth Ned/her boyfriend
COMMENTS Another enjoyable listen -- #17 of Nancy Drew Diaries. Her boyfriend Ned has started a new podcast Ned Talks and his 1st interview will be with a comedian who came from River Heights. This will be his first appearance since a video of him went viral making fun of mugging which did not go over well with crowd. Brady, the comedian is back in town in conjunction with the opening of the new River Heights Arts Center.
TITLE Famous Mistakes
DATE READ 09/22/2019
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE I
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF YA Crime Fiction/2019/Audio/ 3 hrs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #17 ND Diaries
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2019 Reading Goal 145/111;
GROUP READ ND
TIME/PLACE 1980's/OH
CHARACTERS Nancy/teen sleuth Ned/her boyfriend
COMMENTS Another enjoyable listen -- #17 of Nancy Drew Diaries. Her boyfriend Ned has started a new podcast Ned Talks and his 1st interview will be with a comedian who came from River Heights. This will be his first appearance since a video of him went viral making fun of mugging which did not go over well with crowd. Brady, the comedian is back in town in conjunction with the opening of the new River Heights Arts Center.
July 11, 2019
Comedian Brady Owen comes to his home town River Heights, as a first stop on his tour soon after a controversy in which he was involved. It so happened that Brady, in one show made fun of mugging. So everyone has lost it with Brady, not our Nancy though. There are multiple protests against him, people are calling for violence against him, boycotting his show, thrashing his hotel room and other stuff happens. Nancy and co wants to find out who is behind all this.
This book is above the kids level. Mystery is intriguing. Plot moves so beautifully. I thought I had it but then I realise my earlier suspicion was correct but I didn't have much proof against it, just like Nancy. Over all it's a great story. Definately better in the series.
This book is above the kids level. Mystery is intriguing. Plot moves so beautifully. I thought I had it but then I realise my earlier suspicion was correct but I didn't have much proof against it, just like Nancy. Over all it's a great story. Definately better in the series.
February 7, 2020
This was a really good Nancy Drew. I like that Ned actually has interests outside of playing football for Emerson College. I feel like it makes him a more well rounded character. I also like that this book tackled issues that we have seen in the media recently. It just goes to show that Nancy will always be relevant.
Also, why does anyone doubt Nancy at this point? “You look a little young to be a detective.” Have you read a news article ever?! Nancy literally solves every mystery that goes down in River Heights!
Also, why does anyone doubt Nancy at this point? “You look a little young to be a detective.” Have you read a news article ever?! Nancy literally solves every mystery that goes down in River Heights!
July 12, 2021
I'll admit, I was pretty skeptical about a Nancy Drew book about cancel culture, but this was actually really well-done, with conversations about the importance of free speech as well as acknowledgement that words can cause real hurt, and freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequences. The discussion about how jokes need to punch up, rather than down, was especially refreshing, as that's something a lot of so-called satirists seem to miss. The mystery itself was especially good, as well!
November 4, 2019
A Comedian attacks a heckler by saying she should be mugged. Everyone is in an uproar. The new Arts Center featuring the comic is afraid of danger from the protests. Nancy is given only a few hours to solve who is threatening him and has trashed his room. She and her friends face many dead end leads as the clock is ticking until they find that nothing is as it seems. Very enjoyable read. Nice to have Nancy and friends in the modern day.
May 21, 2022
Since I read a lot of mysteries and since I've been rewatching Leverage and watching Leverage: Redemption, I could see the larger game being played. The protests around Brady Owen are a distraction. For what, though, is the big mystery.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
January 21, 2019
This felt much more like the daring detective we've grown to love than earlier books in the series. Nancy pieces together clues, isn't afraid to jump into a chase, and uses quick thinking to get out of situations. A fun read for sure!
January 11, 2021
I really really liked it . Nancy and her boyfriend Ned go to a hotel to interview someone and find the room destroyed and he is not there they find him talking with a friend named Joe. And Nancy immediately starts investigating, she is ready!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2019
With the help of her friends they solved the case
September 18, 2019
Tremendously complex, mystery with adventure on every page.
Too many suspects and soooooo little time.
Too many suspects and soooooo little time.
June 1, 2020
This book actually had some depth, and touched on the important subject of violence against women, and about how people with a platform should use that platform responsibly.
September 23, 2021
I can't believe Ned Nickerson has a podcast.
December 17, 2023
Ah, to be perpetually eighteen years old. Every time I say I’m not going to keep reading Nancy Drew at the expense of books more on my reading level, the detective reels me back in. This year after a long hiatus, I have rediscovered Nancy Drew, joining two reading buddies as we read through case after case featuring the famous detective. Other than being geared toward middle grade readers, there is so much to enjoy from Nancy Drew that it is impossible for me to brush her aside. As my month of mystery reading continues, I turn to Nancy Drew for a comfort read yet again.
Nancy Drew is assisting her long time boyfriend Ned Nickerson with his podcast Ned Talks. Even though Ned is in college and Nancy toward the end of high school, their relationship is void of anything steamy. This is a book for middle grade readers after all. The author symposium does not want romance to get in the way of the task at hand: solving mysteries. That is what Nancy Drew and her team does best. Here, Ned is interviewing Brady Owens, a controversial stand up comic who is about to perform at River Heights’ brand new Arts Center. Ned is excited to score this huge interview but when the couple arrives at Brady’s room, they find it trashed. All of sudden, instead of an interview, Nancy has a case that she has six hours to solve or the show might be canceled.
With only one hundred sixty pages, the reader knows that this is going to be a quick case, or else. Enter Bess and George, who at this point are more than assistants. George is the tech geek and Bess brings compassion to questioning suspects. Ned is a master puzzle solver. Combining all these skills with Nancy’s sleuthing mind, it is little wonder that the team usually wraps up their cases with ease. In this case, the writers introduce women’s rights in the form of an association designed to protect female victims of violence eg mugging, robbery, etc. It is done in a way that preteen girls realize that this is something they should be aware of, but also devoid of the violence that tends to happen in these cases- guns, rape- so as not to scare the readers. Adult readers can draw their own conclusions. Additionally there is an art appreciation class at the center taught by a huge women’s rights activist, an issue that would appeal to teen readers who have grown up reading this series. Combining these hot button issues with Nancy, George, and Bess’ friendship devoid of conflict gives adolescent and teen readers a series for them that shows how empowering it is when women choose to work together rather than creating conflict all too often in society. It is for this reason that Nancy Drew endures.
People just meeting Nancy Drew for the first time cannot believe that a teenager is a nationally known detective. This is the 21st century and teenagers have the world at their fingertips so why shouldn’t a teenager be able to solve mysteries? This case features George’s expertise at code breaking and trends on Twitter, showing the power of social media. I wish that other mystery series would adapt to the times the way that Nancy Drew has. That is the beauty of a consortium writing these cases as opposed to a long time author who started before the internet age and has slowly adapted to the times. As in the other cases in the diary series, each member of the team brings their own expertise to the case, solving it plus an additional mystery at the eleventh hour. Some of Nancy’s methodology here seem a bit far fetched, but I have to keep reminding myself that this series is not written for a savvy adult audience. Even Nancy admits that some of her sleuthing here is a bit rookie but it gets the job done and saves the River Heights Art Center from a sabotaged opening. In the end, Nancy Drew remains as River Heights’ most famous citizen.
As the readers of the diary series get older, I wonder if Nancy, Bess, and George ever graduate from high school and start their adult lives. If Nancy and Ned are a couple, does it ever advance. Teens used to the instant gratification found on social media are going to want these questions answered, and I do wonder if the writing team has ever contemplated this age old question. I want to believe that the dream team will each pursue a career fitted to them. I also want to believe that eventually Nancy and Ned become more than the platonic couple we see on these pages. If Nancy Drew has adapted to the 21st century, then the writers owe the readers the answers to the question that has been around for nearly one hundred years. In the meantime, Nancy Drew will continue to solve even the most perplexing cases. With her friends at her side, no case is too hard. As long as Nancy Drew is around, I will keep reading her, no longer at the expense of my other, more challenging books.
4 stars
Nancy Drew is assisting her long time boyfriend Ned Nickerson with his podcast Ned Talks. Even though Ned is in college and Nancy toward the end of high school, their relationship is void of anything steamy. This is a book for middle grade readers after all. The author symposium does not want romance to get in the way of the task at hand: solving mysteries. That is what Nancy Drew and her team does best. Here, Ned is interviewing Brady Owens, a controversial stand up comic who is about to perform at River Heights’ brand new Arts Center. Ned is excited to score this huge interview but when the couple arrives at Brady’s room, they find it trashed. All of sudden, instead of an interview, Nancy has a case that she has six hours to solve or the show might be canceled.
With only one hundred sixty pages, the reader knows that this is going to be a quick case, or else. Enter Bess and George, who at this point are more than assistants. George is the tech geek and Bess brings compassion to questioning suspects. Ned is a master puzzle solver. Combining all these skills with Nancy’s sleuthing mind, it is little wonder that the team usually wraps up their cases with ease. In this case, the writers introduce women’s rights in the form of an association designed to protect female victims of violence eg mugging, robbery, etc. It is done in a way that preteen girls realize that this is something they should be aware of, but also devoid of the violence that tends to happen in these cases- guns, rape- so as not to scare the readers. Adult readers can draw their own conclusions. Additionally there is an art appreciation class at the center taught by a huge women’s rights activist, an issue that would appeal to teen readers who have grown up reading this series. Combining these hot button issues with Nancy, George, and Bess’ friendship devoid of conflict gives adolescent and teen readers a series for them that shows how empowering it is when women choose to work together rather than creating conflict all too often in society. It is for this reason that Nancy Drew endures.
People just meeting Nancy Drew for the first time cannot believe that a teenager is a nationally known detective. This is the 21st century and teenagers have the world at their fingertips so why shouldn’t a teenager be able to solve mysteries? This case features George’s expertise at code breaking and trends on Twitter, showing the power of social media. I wish that other mystery series would adapt to the times the way that Nancy Drew has. That is the beauty of a consortium writing these cases as opposed to a long time author who started before the internet age and has slowly adapted to the times. As in the other cases in the diary series, each member of the team brings their own expertise to the case, solving it plus an additional mystery at the eleventh hour. Some of Nancy’s methodology here seem a bit far fetched, but I have to keep reminding myself that this series is not written for a savvy adult audience. Even Nancy admits that some of her sleuthing here is a bit rookie but it gets the job done and saves the River Heights Art Center from a sabotaged opening. In the end, Nancy Drew remains as River Heights’ most famous citizen.
As the readers of the diary series get older, I wonder if Nancy, Bess, and George ever graduate from high school and start their adult lives. If Nancy and Ned are a couple, does it ever advance. Teens used to the instant gratification found on social media are going to want these questions answered, and I do wonder if the writing team has ever contemplated this age old question. I want to believe that the dream team will each pursue a career fitted to them. I also want to believe that eventually Nancy and Ned become more than the platonic couple we see on these pages. If Nancy Drew has adapted to the 21st century, then the writers owe the readers the answers to the question that has been around for nearly one hundred years. In the meantime, Nancy Drew will continue to solve even the most perplexing cases. With her friends at her side, no case is too hard. As long as Nancy Drew is around, I will keep reading her, no longer at the expense of my other, more challenging books.
4 stars
December 14, 2024
I almost was going to hold my nose and give five stars for this despite some misgivings—it reads a LOT like trying to capitalise on actual comedians dealing VERY badly with poor routines (including Nancy's dad's much appreciated comment on "punching up" vs. "punching down," which is just bullying) but also .
Thing is, it does some Very Nancy Drew things, like or (temporarily) stealing someone's phone to check what Twitter account they use?
Actually, that—they VERY SPECIFICALLY mention Twitter, which is sort of icky (though, at least it's still TWITTER here). It even gets into account impersonation—which is by now laughable since nobody worth impersonating is there anymore but also became stupidly easy due to bad policy—but at least addressed the dangers of what a fake account can do.
Also, the ending sort of wants ... just dipping a toe in ALL the waters, huh? I think the only other Nancy Drew title I've seen try that was The White Wolf of Icicle Creek (sort of: ).
I mean, it's like a crossword puzzle: fun in the moment, but mostly forgettable. I guess I just also feel weird about Nancy Drew perpetually entering the current year, somehow.
Thing is, it does some Very Nancy Drew things, like or (temporarily) stealing someone's phone to check what Twitter account they use?
Actually, that—they VERY SPECIFICALLY mention Twitter, which is sort of icky (though, at least it's still TWITTER here). It even gets into account impersonation—which is by now laughable since nobody worth impersonating is there anymore but also became stupidly easy due to bad policy—but at least addressed the dangers of what a fake account can do.
Also, the ending sort of wants ... just dipping a toe in ALL the waters, huh? I think the only other Nancy Drew title I've seen try that was The White Wolf of Icicle Creek (sort of: ).
I mean, it's like a crossword puzzle: fun in the moment, but mostly forgettable. I guess I just also feel weird about Nancy Drew perpetually entering the current year, somehow.
July 2, 2023
I definitely felt this story was better written and provided more of the classic 'Nancy Drew' vibes within the writing. The background characters were much better emhasized and it was written in a way that allows the reader to have basic knowledge of Nancy Drew without reading every other story. The ending also allowed for an additional twist which provided more depth to the story. Obviously, understanding that there is only so much depth that can be contained within a story for younger readers it still appealed to me.
June 10, 2024
I couldn't help but chuckle as I read this updated version of Carolyn Keene's Famous Mistakes (Nancy Drew Diaries, #17) when I heard that Nancy's boyfriend, Ned Nickerson, had a podcast titled Ned Talks and the crime solving crew reference the power if social media. It was an interesting read, although I listened, as Nancy's father knew the comedian from his college days and gave insight into his character and traits as his show was being boycotted for an controversial comment to hecklers. Nancy solves the crime behind this and more.
September 2, 2024
This was a great read and I enjoyed the story. Nancy struggled to solve the mystery but did with the help of her friends. I loved how the book pointed out to be careful with your words and take responsibilty for your words and actions.
In the story, Nancy had to help keep save a comic career while keep a hotel in good standing. As it turned out, there was more to the mystery than meets the eye which was the big plot twist. I want give it all away because I do not want to spoil the ending but I highly recommend this book to all who loves a good mystery.
In the story, Nancy had to help keep save a comic career while keep a hotel in good standing. As it turned out, there was more to the mystery than meets the eye which was the big plot twist. I want give it all away because I do not want to spoil the ending but I highly recommend this book to all who loves a good mystery.
October 5, 2020
I was quite disappointed in this one. First of all, the title spoiled the mystery, because a majority of the book is about solving a mystery about a comic, and we aren’t “told” much about the paintings at all.
Second, the concept wasn’t as thought-out or compelling as the previous ones; I was really impressed with the Heliotrope Lane one, but this one was just so pedestrian? I’m just worried that this dip in quality means that the writer has changed which I hope isn’t the case!
Second, the concept wasn’t as thought-out or compelling as the previous ones; I was really impressed with the Heliotrope Lane one, but this one was just so pedestrian? I’m just worried that this dip in quality means that the writer has changed which I hope isn’t the case!
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