What do you think?
Rate this book
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #19
The Quest of the Missing Map
The nineteenth book in the Nancy Drew series. It was originally released in 1942. This facsimile of its original edition continues the series of Applewood editions.
178 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1942
159 people are currently reading
2648 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,089 books3,899 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
February 18, 2021
As Ned Nickerson ushers his date, Nancy Drew, into the “inter-fraternity dance,” several of his fraternity brothers greet Nancy with an “admiring glance and an exaggerated nod of approval.”
(Lucky for Nancy it wasn't yet the '90s, when fraternity brothers might have greeted her, instead, with a roofie).
Nancy outshines every other poor schlub in the dance hall that night, and when a voice comes over the microphone to announce which “attractive young lady” the fraternity has selected to preside over the evening's event, we aren't surprised to learn it's the "titian-haired" Miss Drew.
(In a living room in 2021, a snarky 12-year-old rolled her eyes at this information and said, “I love Nancy, mom, but I mean. . . come on.”)
In this installment Nancy proves herself, once again, to be a prodigy (this time in art), as she searches for a missing treasure map. Her adventures are filled with several outlandish plot points, multiple head injures, and a few eye rolls from the resident preteen.
(Lucky for Nancy it wasn't yet the '90s, when fraternity brothers might have greeted her, instead, with a roofie).
Nancy outshines every other poor schlub in the dance hall that night, and when a voice comes over the microphone to announce which “attractive young lady” the fraternity has selected to preside over the evening's event, we aren't surprised to learn it's the "titian-haired" Miss Drew.
(In a living room in 2021, a snarky 12-year-old rolled her eyes at this information and said, “I love Nancy, mom, but I mean. . . come on.”)
In this installment Nancy proves herself, once again, to be a prodigy (this time in art), as she searches for a missing treasure map. Her adventures are filled with several outlandish plot points, multiple head injures, and a few eye rolls from the resident preteen.
April 21, 2020
Ok, I'd swear that #19 was not written by the same person who wrote the previous few. . .those were all about letting their biases shine. This one doesn't, but there is only one shade of very pale persons in this mystery. . .however, fat-shaming Bess sure does pick up. . . gotta have our girls just so, you know. Hmm.
On another note, the story for this one held together better than the last few, I thought. Treasure was found, with, of course, no mention as to from whom that original pirate stole the booty. It just was deposited in Mr. Drew's client trust account, and helped paid fees.
4 stars for Ned's rescue of Nancy rolled off a yacht. I have a soft spot for Ned, and fantasized about stealing him out from under her. Status on that: 6th Decade in: That did not happen. Just sayin'.
On another note, the story for this one held together better than the last few, I thought. Treasure was found, with, of course, no mention as to from whom that original pirate stole the booty. It just was deposited in Mr. Drew's client trust account, and helped paid fees.
4 stars for Ned's rescue of Nancy rolled off a yacht. I have a soft spot for Ned, and fantasized about stealing him out from under her. Status on that: 6th Decade in: That did not happen. Just sayin'.
September 30, 2019
Definitely worth a read. You will not find any new ideas in this book.
September 1, 2012
Well, I've read 19 of the Nancy Drew books - in order. It's interesting to see the progression from the 1930s and now into the 40s. I am beginning to pick out which Carolyn Keene was writing. I believe this was a new person writing. Although I did a bit of research and Mildred Wirth is credited for writing this one too. Her style definitely changed. Nancy is no longer a titan haired girl, but a strawberry blonde. Finally, she's in school. It really bothered me that Nancy and her girlfriends didn't seem to do anything except wait for the next mystery to fall in their laps. In this book, the author makes reference a couple of times to Nancy's art school. It's an appropriate choice for a young lady whose father has money and she's just waiting for Ned to graduate from Emerson so they can get married. Marriage is never mentioned, but it's definitely implied. This is also the first book that Ned gets romantic with Nancy. There is a reference to them *gasp* kissing. Ned also gets a little peevish and tells Nancy at the end of the book that he basically wants her attention. Go Ned!
This story actually had me a bit worried about the characters. The plot seemed much more menacing than previous ones and we see Nancy tied up in an abandoned building. There seems to be the potential for death.
Putting this book in historical context - WW II is looming. I get the impression that the book was probably written in 1940 and published early in '41. It will be interesting to see if subsequent books make any mention to the war or if Nancy and her friends just ignore it. It appears that world events don't apply to this sereies. The Great Depression, soup lines and unemployment don't bother Nancy -she's driving around in a brand new convertible. It does appear that the war does have some bearing on the publishing. Early on, there were several Nancy Drew books published each year, In 1930 there were 4; in 1931 there were 2, but by 1940 there was just one book a year. Well, it's off to find book #20. There are only 34 books that were written between 1930 and 1956. These are the original 25 chapter texts. So I'm nearing the end of the first segment of the series.
This story actually had me a bit worried about the characters. The plot seemed much more menacing than previous ones and we see Nancy tied up in an abandoned building. There seems to be the potential for death.
Putting this book in historical context - WW II is looming. I get the impression that the book was probably written in 1940 and published early in '41. It will be interesting to see if subsequent books make any mention to the war or if Nancy and her friends just ignore it. It appears that world events don't apply to this sereies. The Great Depression, soup lines and unemployment don't bother Nancy -she's driving around in a brand new convertible. It does appear that the war does have some bearing on the publishing. Early on, there were several Nancy Drew books published each year, In 1930 there were 4; in 1931 there were 2, but by 1940 there was just one book a year. Well, it's off to find book #20. There are only 34 books that were written between 1930 and 1956. These are the original 25 chapter texts. So I'm nearing the end of the first segment of the series.
January 13, 2024
3 stars. Eh, well... This wasn't my favourite Nancy book. For one, I found it pretty creepy. I also felt like there were a few too many villains, specially since they didn't work together...? Also Nancy's constant "oh yes they must be related" on such small proofs kinda bugged me for some reason. And I disliked Trixie & her mother. And the mystery itself was disappointing. The end was so rushed and just thrown at the reader--very "telly" and just wrap-up. So yeah. It was okay, but it wasn't my cup of tea and I don't love it and I won't be rereading it.
February 5, 2023
Ned is at his best in this one, and a bound and gagged Trixie managing to knock a croquet mallet onto Nancy's head takes the cake for memorable moments.
February 7, 2022
What a fun mystery! Lost treasures, sunken ships, disguises, cruise trips, crazy inventors, and a bevy of fun villains! It all starts with Hannah's old charge, Ellen Smith, who is now grown up and goes to music school and teaches the piano. She received a job with a certain Mrs. Chatham to teach her daughter but felt there was something wrong with the whole place. She turned to Hannah, who sent Nancy off on her 19th mystery.
Ellen also takes Nancy to meet her father, who tells her about a buried treasure and a map that leads to it. Of course, both mysteries mesh well into each other and soon enough all the characters are taking a fun cruise trip around South America.
I really loved this book, though I don't remember liking it as much as a child. It hangs well together, and there's just too much action and fun happening to worry about nitpicking on the fantastical stuff. Some scenes in the book were absolute favourites. Rocky Edge is one of my favourite Nancy mystery places with all its sliding panels and secret inventions.
Great, great effort, Mildred!
Ellen also takes Nancy to meet her father, who tells her about a buried treasure and a map that leads to it. Of course, both mysteries mesh well into each other and soon enough all the characters are taking a fun cruise trip around South America.
I really loved this book, though I don't remember liking it as much as a child. It hangs well together, and there's just too much action and fun happening to worry about nitpicking on the fantastical stuff. Some scenes in the book were absolute favourites. Rocky Edge is one of my favourite Nancy mystery places with all its sliding panels and secret inventions.
Great, great effort, Mildred!
September 8, 2019
What this book laced was suspense even though it was written by my favorite Nancy Drew writer, Mildred Wirt Benson. Sometimes I think that it all boils down to whoever wrote and gave her the outline to follow, which I believe can stifle one’s creativity.
Nancy Drew learns of a treasure map that has been torn in half and given t two twin brothers. Finding the other twin and the other half of the map is What Nancy sets out to do, and of course, there are crooks who are also looking for the map. Strangely, I knew where the map was because it was so obvious to me.
April 22, 2023
Okay, but I really enjoyed this one! It had so much to it! Aside from the last two lines being super cringe and funny, I just feel like the complexities of these mysteries keep increasing haha.
Now Nancy is a talented artist, who can somehow trace the exact likeness of the culprit and his shoe print that the cops immediately find who she’s talking about lol.
The plot is intense in this one! And the last act of sabotage put on Nancy had me holding my breath (literally lol).
Oh! And Ned to the rescue. Not once. Not twice. But THRICE. Maybe even more?
All in all, I loved this one haha
Now Nancy is a talented artist, who can somehow trace the exact likeness of the culprit and his shoe print that the cops immediately find who she’s talking about lol.
The plot is intense in this one! And the last act of sabotage put on Nancy had me holding my breath (literally lol).
Oh! And Ned to the rescue. Not once. Not twice. But THRICE. Maybe even more?
All in all, I loved this one haha
June 16, 2021
Another amazing Nancy Drew mystery! Carolyn Keene has such a great style of writing, simplistic, but fun! Understandable, but eventful.
January 18, 2017
I have been reading the Nancy Drew stories ever since I was 11 or 12 years old (I am all grown up now). I have also been collecting the original 56 in the hard yellow-and-blue covers and I have about forty of them now. "Quest of the Missing Map" is one of my latest acquisitions.
It is easy to tell that all the stories have been written in the pre-WWII period. This is especially evident in the image and treatment of women, even the main characters. For example, the first time George and Bess and introduced, it is always their physical appearance that is emphasized before anything else. Nancy herself is a perfect lady who is good at all things creative, can dance ballet and ice skate and who never works or goes to school full-time, with the exception of occasional private or public lessons, often in a particular art-form relevant for the story (drawing, making stain-glass windows, dance lessons). Some mysteries also feature minority characters, and it is easy to tell that the stories are... dated, both in the language used to refer to this characters, as well as their personalities, manner of speaking, and overall role in the storyline.
However, once one recognizes these elements, inevitable for the time period, the stories themselves are often very enjoyable. The characters are not particularly deep and there is always a correspondance between physical appearance and personality (the villains are never good looking and always have small, cold, sharp eyes). And naturally, somebody always tries to kidnap and/or kill Nancy. But as a one- or two-night reads, the mysteries are a very pleasant way to unwind after a day of work and every now and then provide curious little details about history and art.
"Quest of the Missing Map" was not different from the other Nancy Drew stories in these aspects. I found the story overall enjoyable, although a little rushed even for a Nancy Drew mystery. Some elements could have been developed a little more. At the same time, such elements as kidnapping a little girl, only to have her found a page earlier, didn't add much to the story. I wouldn't call this my favorite Nancy Drew mystery, but I enjoyed and will definitely be rereading it in the future, as I do with most other Nancy Drew's that I own.
It is easy to tell that all the stories have been written in the pre-WWII period. This is especially evident in the image and treatment of women, even the main characters. For example, the first time George and Bess and introduced, it is always their physical appearance that is emphasized before anything else. Nancy herself is a perfect lady who is good at all things creative, can dance ballet and ice skate and who never works or goes to school full-time, with the exception of occasional private or public lessons, often in a particular art-form relevant for the story (drawing, making stain-glass windows, dance lessons). Some mysteries also feature minority characters, and it is easy to tell that the stories are... dated, both in the language used to refer to this characters, as well as their personalities, manner of speaking, and overall role in the storyline.
However, once one recognizes these elements, inevitable for the time period, the stories themselves are often very enjoyable. The characters are not particularly deep and there is always a correspondance between physical appearance and personality (the villains are never good looking and always have small, cold, sharp eyes). And naturally, somebody always tries to kidnap and/or kill Nancy. But as a one- or two-night reads, the mysteries are a very pleasant way to unwind after a day of work and every now and then provide curious little details about history and art.
"Quest of the Missing Map" was not different from the other Nancy Drew stories in these aspects. I found the story overall enjoyable, although a little rushed even for a Nancy Drew mystery. Some elements could have been developed a little more. At the same time, such elements as kidnapping a little girl, only to have her found a page earlier, didn't add much to the story. I wouldn't call this my favorite Nancy Drew mystery, but I enjoyed and will definitely be rereading it in the future, as I do with most other Nancy Drew's that I own.
April 7, 2018
Okay, let's see what we have here. Nancy is introduced to an unpleasant, wealthy woman who actually turns out NOT to be the enemy. (In Nancy Drew novels, unpleasant people are usually the enemy.) The woman has a daughter who also introduces herself as unpleasant, but during the plot, they both redeem themselves and assist greatly with solving the mystery. Heck, they hire a YACHT for Nancy and all of her friends, so they can go find a treasure.
The plot also features a pair of unintelligent working class people, husband and wife, who on multiple occasions attempt to kidnap Nancy for no apparent reason. The reason seems to be that Nancy always gets kidnapped. If she doesn't survive a kidnapping attempt, this ain't a Nancy Drew novel.
And, yes, as stated previously, Nancy and her squad go on a YACHT for the last third of the novel. I think it's kind of a big deal. I like stories with boats in them. Unfortunately, the gang encounters some conflict with the ship's crew. A very unsavory character seems to be poisoning the food, yet again for no apparent reason. And this deadly character just happens to be named . . . Snorky.
At one point Nancy pleads with her friend Ned: "Please don't get into a fight with Snorky!"
That's my favorite highlight, along with a compliment that Nancy's friend Bess gives to her sleuth friend, praising "Nancy's whizbang brain."
It's a great story! Yet not as memorable as some. Nancy Drew is a must for vacation reads!
The plot also features a pair of unintelligent working class people, husband and wife, who on multiple occasions attempt to kidnap Nancy for no apparent reason. The reason seems to be that Nancy always gets kidnapped. If she doesn't survive a kidnapping attempt, this ain't a Nancy Drew novel.
And, yes, as stated previously, Nancy and her squad go on a YACHT for the last third of the novel. I think it's kind of a big deal. I like stories with boats in them. Unfortunately, the gang encounters some conflict with the ship's crew. A very unsavory character seems to be poisoning the food, yet again for no apparent reason. And this deadly character just happens to be named . . . Snorky.
At one point Nancy pleads with her friend Ned: "Please don't get into a fight with Snorky!"
That's my favorite highlight, along with a compliment that Nancy's friend Bess gives to her sleuth friend, praising "Nancy's whizbang brain."
It's a great story! Yet not as memorable as some. Nancy Drew is a must for vacation reads!
May 11, 2021
I have to say, Nancy wasn’t herself in this one. Not only does she pull a rather underhanded move in search of a clue (swindling a deaf old man), she also falls for some pretty lame traps set by a couple of very Boris and Natasha-esque villains. Really weird stuff happens, like an escaped circus elephant blocking the road during a rainstorm. And we have the usual self-deprecating remarks from Bess about her weight concerns. The police also allow Nancy to question a minor (?) in custody, and she gets to tell the police how to do their job. The gang does get to enjoy a private yacht cruise to a private island, so that’s fun. All in all though, this wasn’t my favorite.
April 10, 2024
4.5 stars!!! What a gem! Slight deduction for the over abundance of criminals and locations which was more confusing than entertaining.
Nancy was going through it in this one. Multiple kidnappings, attempted drownings, and stolen maps, oh my!
Also Daddy Carson & Ned got to body some bad guys which was fantastic. Also cute to see them working together.
The River Heights phone company must make a fortune on fixing the Drew’s phone line every time it’s cut ☠️.
Nancy was going through it in this one. Multiple kidnappings, attempted drownings, and stolen maps, oh my!
Also Daddy Carson & Ned got to body some bad guys which was fantastic. Also cute to see them working together.
The River Heights phone company must make a fortune on fixing the Drew’s phone line every time it’s cut ☠️.
September 23, 2011
Yet another excellent addition to the Nancy Drew mystery book series.
December 21, 2018
Story moved right along - action, adventure, mysteries! Good stuff.
August 24, 2019
Revisiting an old favorite to rediscover the appeal.
December 23, 2023
The case of Nancy Drew and the expanding mystery: Nancy's involvement in this one starts with Hannah Gruen. Hannah introduces Nancy to Ellen Smith, daughter of the family where Hannah served as housekeeper before coming to the Drews. Ellen is now around Nancy's age and attending a music school. Her family's fortunes have taken a down-turn and she's considering taking a position as a piano teacher to Trixie Chatham. But Ellen has some qualms about the house where Mrs. Chatham (a widow) and her daughter live--as well as Mrs. Chatham's attitude towards her daughter. She wanted Hannah to come with her to meet Mrs. Chatham, but Hannah suggests that she take Nancy instead.
The vibes are definitely off at the Chatham house. And it doesn't help that Trixie says that the studio where her mother's first husband's possessions are stored is haunted. There's a man with fierce staring eyes who appears and disappears. Nancy is sure she can show the little girl that her fears are misplaced, but Nancy experiences some odd things in the studio. First, there is a piano that won't play...and then does. While Nancy's trying to figure that out, a hidden panel opens and a menacing voice tells her to "Leave here at once and never come back!" So, Nancy tells Ellen to ask for time to make a decision about the position to give her a chance to investigate.
Then Ellen tells Nancy that her father has a mystery that needs solving as well and takes her to meet him. Mr. Tomlin Smith was one of twin boys who had a sea-faring captain as a father. Before he died in an accident to his ship, Captain Tomlin gave the boys each one half of a map which he said would lead to treasure. The boys were put in separate lifeboats and never saw one another again. Mr. Tomlin Smith was eventually adopted by a family names Smith, but always wanted to try and find his brother. Now he'd like Nancy to help him.
Nancy's investigations into the Chatham and Tomlin mysteries lead her into several encounters with a gang of criminals determined to find the two pieces of the map and make off with the treasure themselves. Nancy is kidnapped, hit over the head, crowned queen of a dance, and makes the discovery of hidden passages--all on her way to finding all the clues to the treasure. But the criminals seem to be a step ahead...will Nancy, her friends, and the Tomlin families be in time to save the treasure from the bad guys? Well...this is a Nancy Drew story, so what do you think?
This is another of the Nancy Drew series that I remember enjoying well enough when I was young, but it wasn't one of the favorites that I read again and again. I'm not entirely sure why. There's all kinds of action; there are secret passages and hidden treasure maps and creepy "ghosts" and a real-live treasure hunt and Ned gets to do a rescue and... But somehow all that action just didn't add up to the kind of excitement I found in The Clue of the Broken Locket or The Clue of the Dancing Puppet or any of the others I loved to reread. And reading it now, I can't blame my younger self. It's a perfectly good Nancy Drew story. Nothing wrong with it, but it definitely doesn't rank among the very best of them.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
The vibes are definitely off at the Chatham house. And it doesn't help that Trixie says that the studio where her mother's first husband's possessions are stored is haunted. There's a man with fierce staring eyes who appears and disappears. Nancy is sure she can show the little girl that her fears are misplaced, but Nancy experiences some odd things in the studio. First, there is a piano that won't play...and then does. While Nancy's trying to figure that out, a hidden panel opens and a menacing voice tells her to "Leave here at once and never come back!" So, Nancy tells Ellen to ask for time to make a decision about the position to give her a chance to investigate.
Then Ellen tells Nancy that her father has a mystery that needs solving as well and takes her to meet him. Mr. Tomlin Smith was one of twin boys who had a sea-faring captain as a father. Before he died in an accident to his ship, Captain Tomlin gave the boys each one half of a map which he said would lead to treasure. The boys were put in separate lifeboats and never saw one another again. Mr. Tomlin Smith was eventually adopted by a family names Smith, but always wanted to try and find his brother. Now he'd like Nancy to help him.
Nancy's investigations into the Chatham and Tomlin mysteries lead her into several encounters with a gang of criminals determined to find the two pieces of the map and make off with the treasure themselves. Nancy is kidnapped, hit over the head, crowned queen of a dance, and makes the discovery of hidden passages--all on her way to finding all the clues to the treasure. But the criminals seem to be a step ahead...will Nancy, her friends, and the Tomlin families be in time to save the treasure from the bad guys? Well...this is a Nancy Drew story, so what do you think?
This is another of the Nancy Drew series that I remember enjoying well enough when I was young, but it wasn't one of the favorites that I read again and again. I'm not entirely sure why. There's all kinds of action; there are secret passages and hidden treasure maps and creepy "ghosts" and a real-live treasure hunt and Ned gets to do a rescue and... But somehow all that action just didn't add up to the kind of excitement I found in The Clue of the Broken Locket or The Clue of the Dancing Puppet or any of the others I loved to reread. And reading it now, I can't blame my younger self. It's a perfectly good Nancy Drew story. Nothing wrong with it, but it definitely doesn't rank among the very best of them.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
February 15, 2021
AUTHOR Keene, Carolyn
TITLE The Quest of the Missing Map
DATE READ 02/13/21
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE Golden hair flying in the wind, Nancy Drew ran up the front porch steps and let herself into the front door of her home.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/FORMAT/LENGTH YA Mystery/ 1942/ hardback/213 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #19
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 19/120
GROUP READ ND
TIME/PLACE 1940's/Ohio
CHARACTERS Nancy Drew/girl detective; her friends Bess & George
COMMENTS A better than average entry into the Nancy Drew world. This was a little more complex (if that word can be applied to Nancy Drew) in that there seemed to be more than usual going on: a missing half of a treasure map; a lost twin brother; a cruise to a treasure island; and in general a few different character connections adding to the storyline. When Ellen visits Hanna Gruen, the Drew's Housekeeper she is introduced as the daughter of the family she worked for prior to the Drews. Ellen has been offered a job teaching piano to a young girl and was asking Hanna's advice…Nancy looks into it for her and becomes involved in not only background checking for Ellen's employment but going on a treasure hunt.
TITLE The Quest of the Missing Map
DATE READ 02/13/21
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE Golden hair flying in the wind, Nancy Drew ran up the front porch steps and let herself into the front door of her home.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/FORMAT/LENGTH YA Mystery/ 1942/ hardback/213 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE #19
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2020 Reading Goal 19/120
GROUP READ ND
TIME/PLACE 1940's/Ohio
CHARACTERS Nancy Drew/girl detective; her friends Bess & George
COMMENTS A better than average entry into the Nancy Drew world. This was a little more complex (if that word can be applied to Nancy Drew) in that there seemed to be more than usual going on: a missing half of a treasure map; a lost twin brother; a cruise to a treasure island; and in general a few different character connections adding to the storyline. When Ellen visits Hanna Gruen, the Drew's Housekeeper she is introduced as the daughter of the family she worked for prior to the Drews. Ellen has been offered a job teaching piano to a young girl and was asking Hanna's advice…Nancy looks into it for her and becomes involved in not only background checking for Ellen's employment but going on a treasure hunt.
December 20, 2023
Nancy arrived home earlier than usual, she’d been at art school, and the class was let out at two-thirty today.
As she approached her front door she heard the voice of Hannah Gruen the Drew’s housekeeper, coming out through an open window, “Why don’t you tell Nancy about your mystery?” she heard Hannah say, “She’s a clever young detective.”
As Nancy reached the front door, her pulse quickened. Just the mere mention of a mystery always excited her.
She stepped through the door, seeing Hannah turning to look in her direction, “Come in dear,” she said. Nancy noticed that there was a young attractive dark-haired girl of about twenty seated on the couch beside Hannah, “Nancy, I’d like you to meet Ellen Smith,” the housekeeper said.
After the two girls exchanged greetings Ellen said to Nancy, “I was hoping Mrs. Gruen might accompany me to Rocky Edge this afternoon, I just dread going alone.”
“Rocky Edge, the estate along the river?” Nancy asked.
“Yes, that’s right,” Hannah answered, then went on, “Ellen says she’s been offered a summer position there, and if she accepts it, the salary will help her pay her tuition at Blackstone College of Music.”
Ellen nodded in agreement, then added, “My parents have suffered some financial setbacks, and they can’t afford to send me,” she paused for a few seconds, then continued, “Also, my father was recently injured in a car accident.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Nancy said sympathetically, then she asked, “Are you taking piano lessons?”
“No. I’m studying voice, but I do play the piano.”
“Ellen has a lovely voice,” Hannah said, “A few Weeks ago she sang on TV, and her teacher is urging her to devote all her time to music and becoming a soloist.”
“If only I could!” Ellen said wistfully, “I’ve already borrowed a lot of money and I’m concerned about how I’ll pay it back. The position at Rocky edge pays well, which will definitely help, but the place, and the people have an air of mystery about them that frightens me. Besides, I’m afraid I won’t be able to get along with Trixie.”
“Trixie?” Nancy asked.
“Trixie is Mrs. Chatham’s seven-year-old daughter,” Ellen explained, “I’ve never met her, but I understand she’s unruly.”
“Your job would be to look after her?”
Ellen nodded, “Mrs. Chatham wants me to live there and give Trixie piano lessons. The mother is a strange person, a widow, and frustrating at times.”
Ellen then turned to Hannah Gruen and said, “Won’t you please go with me to see Mrs. Chatham and talk about the position?”
The housekeeper looked to Nancy, “Why don’t you ask Nancy? She’s had a lot of experiences with strange people as part of her investigations, and she has very good judgement. If Nancy thinks its all right for you to accept the position, then I’m sure it will be.”
“I’ll be glad to go,” Nancy said, she wanted to help Ellen, and at the same time she was curious about the wealthy and eccentric Mrs. Chatham.
“I don’t like to put you to so much trouble,” Ellen protested, “But I would appreciate having you with me.”
“You’re not afraid of Mrs. Chatham?”
“Not exactly, I’d just like to try to get along with her and Trixie. I love children and enjoy working with them. At Rocky Edge I’ll have time to practice my vocal work. I was told there’s a small studio on the estate.”
As Ellen spoke, Nancy wondered if Ellen’s decision had been made more difficult because of the mysterious story she’d heard Hannah mention? Was it connected with the position at Rocky Edge, or is some other mystery haunting Ellen?”
As the two girls left the Drew home, Nancy asked Ellen about what she’d overheard Hannah say about a mysterious story.
“It has to do with a map and buried treasure,” the other girl replied as they lowered themselves into Nancy’s car.
As Nancy pulled the car out of the driveway she hoped to hear more about the buried treasure, but Ellen turned the conversation to their shared interest in art.
Minutes later, Nancy’s car sped past the outskirts of River Heights. Halfway to Wayland, Nancy turned the car into a shady road with a sign that read, “Rocky Edge.”
After walking up to the front door, Nancy pressed the doorbell, and almost immediately, the door was flung open. The two callers found themselves facing a little girl.
“I don’t know what you’re selling!” the child cried out. “Whatever it is, we don’t want any! So go away!”
“Just a minute, please,” Nancy said. “We came to talk with Mrs. Chatham about Miss Smith giving her daughter music lessons.”
“I don’t want anyone to teach me!” the child exclaimed. “There are too many now. If another one comes, I’ll run away!”
“Trixie!”
Mrs. Chatham, a stout woman dressed in a bright-blue silk dress, had come to the door. Seizing the little girl by an arm, she pulled her away.
Ellen introduced Nancy to Mrs. Chatham. The woman invited the callers into the living room, furnished with bizarre modern tables, chairs, and paintings. She began a lengthy account of her daughter’s shortcomings, regardless of the fact that the child was listening to every word.
At the first opportunity Nancy rose from her chair and asked Trixie to show her the grounds. As they walked down a shady trail, Nancy smiled at the child, then recited a funny limerick. Soon the little girl was laughing gaily.
“I wish you were going to be here instead of Miss Smith,” Trixie remarked, “I like you.”
“You’ll like Ellen too,” Nancy assured her, “And I’ll come to see you sometimes.”
“All right. But I hope she won’t try to boss me like the others did. No one can tell me what to do!”
“I’m afraid you’ve heard your mother say that to you so often you believe it,” Nancy said with a chuckle. “Now let’s forget about being naughty, suppose you show me the rest of the grounds. Shall we go first to that little house?”
Through the trees at a spot that overlooked the river, Nancy could see the red roof of what appeared to be a tiny cottage. To her surprise, Trixie held back.
“No! No! I won’t go there!” she cried out.
“Why not?”
“Because the place is haunted, that’s why!” The child’s freckled face was tense. “I wouldn’t go inside the Ship Cottage for anything!”
“The Ship Cottage?” Nancy repeated. “Is that its name?”
“It’s what I call it. Please, lets go the other way.” Trixie tugged at Nancy’s hand but could not make her turn with her into the opposite direction.
Nancy said gently, “If you won’t come, then I’ll go alone, I’ll prove to you that the place is not haunted.”
With that, the girl ran off in the opposite direction, further and further away until she disappeared into the trees.
Nancy turned and began walking toward the cottage, and even though she couldn’t see her, she was sure that Trixie was watching from a distance.
When she reached the door, she found it was unlocked. The one-room cottage was pleasant, though dusty, and was lined with shelves of books. In the center of the floor stood a very old grand piano. The ivory keys had turned yellow, and cobwebs festooned the mahogany case.
“It’s probably out of tune,” she mused.
Nancy ran her fingers over the bass keys, but not a sound came from the instrument. She was bewildered and played a series of chords. Although she depressed the keys again and again, no notes came out.
“That’s strange!” She said to herself.
She then bent down to examine the pedals to see if the piano had a spring lock that prevented the strings from being struck. There was none.
As she was about to lift up the lid of the piano, Nancy noticed several ship models on the mantlepiece, and still others on tables.
“So, that’s why Trixie calls this place Ship Cottage,” she said in a whisper. She carefully took down one of the fine models, cradling it in her hand as she surveyed her surroundings, she said, “Undoubtedly, this is the music studio Ellen mentioned.”
After carefully replacing the small ship to its proper place, Nancy heard a sound behind her. At the same moment she caught a reflection in the mirror above the fireplace. What she saw sent icy chills down her spine, a wall panel behind her had slid open! Then a bearded man with cruel beady eyes could be seen, and he was watching her every move!
“Leave here at once and never come back!” he warned in a rasping voice.
This marked the end of chapter one, and already I was engaged in this story. I read on with anticipation of what might be revealed concerning the mysteries of Rocky Edge Estate, especially those that were associated with the map and buried treasure that Ellen briefly referred to. I wanted to know if that was part of the reason why the Chatham’s acted so strangely, and if they had a deep secret to protect. Also, was it the eccentric behavior of the occupants of Rocky Edge that fueled the rumors that the estate was haunted, or was there more to it?
I read on, engrossed in every passing chapter. Along the way I encountered a number of scenes, and situations that really stood out for me, these included:
A dramatic near collision between a car and a train, a letter stashed away for many years in a bank safe deposit box, a clue hidden inside the hull of a model ship, a hazardous croquet mallet, sinister apparitions seen by moonlight noiselessly crossing a garden, a masterful forgery crafted by a housekeeper, a queen of the ball kidnapped, a secret tunnel located at the bottom of a dry well, and a wall panel that moves to reveal long hidden secrets.
Also, there were a few words and names that appeared in this story that were new to me, two of these were:
“Whiz-Bang” – A resounding success.
“Lion’s Paw” Seashell – A large shell, rare because it is usually found in deeper, less accessible, rocky waters, as opposed to sandy beaches.
Finally, and perhaps most dramatically, I was given a glimpse of what Nancy was thinking and feeling as she experienced what she was certain was her last moments on earth. This scene was unique as she was facing certain peril, but unlike the suddenness of other extreme danger situations, this time she had moments to contemplate what was most important to her. She lamented that she hadn’t kept a promise she’d made to her father about being careful. She then prayed. Then she expressed her deep sadness at leaving him, as well as, Ned, Bess, George, and Hannah, all the people she loved. She faced the moment in a calm, almost tranquil way, remembering what was most important to her in life.
As I read it, I almost felt as if I was intruding on an intimate, private moment, yet at the same time, I felt as though I’d gained a deeper appreciation for Nancy Drew, the person.
“The Quest of the Missing Map,” an outstanding book in a truly fine series of mystery adventures!
As she approached her front door she heard the voice of Hannah Gruen the Drew’s housekeeper, coming out through an open window, “Why don’t you tell Nancy about your mystery?” she heard Hannah say, “She’s a clever young detective.”
As Nancy reached the front door, her pulse quickened. Just the mere mention of a mystery always excited her.
She stepped through the door, seeing Hannah turning to look in her direction, “Come in dear,” she said. Nancy noticed that there was a young attractive dark-haired girl of about twenty seated on the couch beside Hannah, “Nancy, I’d like you to meet Ellen Smith,” the housekeeper said.
After the two girls exchanged greetings Ellen said to Nancy, “I was hoping Mrs. Gruen might accompany me to Rocky Edge this afternoon, I just dread going alone.”
“Rocky Edge, the estate along the river?” Nancy asked.
“Yes, that’s right,” Hannah answered, then went on, “Ellen says she’s been offered a summer position there, and if she accepts it, the salary will help her pay her tuition at Blackstone College of Music.”
Ellen nodded in agreement, then added, “My parents have suffered some financial setbacks, and they can’t afford to send me,” she paused for a few seconds, then continued, “Also, my father was recently injured in a car accident.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Nancy said sympathetically, then she asked, “Are you taking piano lessons?”
“No. I’m studying voice, but I do play the piano.”
“Ellen has a lovely voice,” Hannah said, “A few Weeks ago she sang on TV, and her teacher is urging her to devote all her time to music and becoming a soloist.”
“If only I could!” Ellen said wistfully, “I’ve already borrowed a lot of money and I’m concerned about how I’ll pay it back. The position at Rocky edge pays well, which will definitely help, but the place, and the people have an air of mystery about them that frightens me. Besides, I’m afraid I won’t be able to get along with Trixie.”
“Trixie?” Nancy asked.
“Trixie is Mrs. Chatham’s seven-year-old daughter,” Ellen explained, “I’ve never met her, but I understand she’s unruly.”
“Your job would be to look after her?”
Ellen nodded, “Mrs. Chatham wants me to live there and give Trixie piano lessons. The mother is a strange person, a widow, and frustrating at times.”
Ellen then turned to Hannah Gruen and said, “Won’t you please go with me to see Mrs. Chatham and talk about the position?”
The housekeeper looked to Nancy, “Why don’t you ask Nancy? She’s had a lot of experiences with strange people as part of her investigations, and she has very good judgement. If Nancy thinks its all right for you to accept the position, then I’m sure it will be.”
“I’ll be glad to go,” Nancy said, she wanted to help Ellen, and at the same time she was curious about the wealthy and eccentric Mrs. Chatham.
“I don’t like to put you to so much trouble,” Ellen protested, “But I would appreciate having you with me.”
“You’re not afraid of Mrs. Chatham?”
“Not exactly, I’d just like to try to get along with her and Trixie. I love children and enjoy working with them. At Rocky Edge I’ll have time to practice my vocal work. I was told there’s a small studio on the estate.”
As Ellen spoke, Nancy wondered if Ellen’s decision had been made more difficult because of the mysterious story she’d heard Hannah mention? Was it connected with the position at Rocky Edge, or is some other mystery haunting Ellen?”
As the two girls left the Drew home, Nancy asked Ellen about what she’d overheard Hannah say about a mysterious story.
“It has to do with a map and buried treasure,” the other girl replied as they lowered themselves into Nancy’s car.
As Nancy pulled the car out of the driveway she hoped to hear more about the buried treasure, but Ellen turned the conversation to their shared interest in art.
Minutes later, Nancy’s car sped past the outskirts of River Heights. Halfway to Wayland, Nancy turned the car into a shady road with a sign that read, “Rocky Edge.”
After walking up to the front door, Nancy pressed the doorbell, and almost immediately, the door was flung open. The two callers found themselves facing a little girl.
“I don’t know what you’re selling!” the child cried out. “Whatever it is, we don’t want any! So go away!”
“Just a minute, please,” Nancy said. “We came to talk with Mrs. Chatham about Miss Smith giving her daughter music lessons.”
“I don’t want anyone to teach me!” the child exclaimed. “There are too many now. If another one comes, I’ll run away!”
“Trixie!”
Mrs. Chatham, a stout woman dressed in a bright-blue silk dress, had come to the door. Seizing the little girl by an arm, she pulled her away.
Ellen introduced Nancy to Mrs. Chatham. The woman invited the callers into the living room, furnished with bizarre modern tables, chairs, and paintings. She began a lengthy account of her daughter’s shortcomings, regardless of the fact that the child was listening to every word.
At the first opportunity Nancy rose from her chair and asked Trixie to show her the grounds. As they walked down a shady trail, Nancy smiled at the child, then recited a funny limerick. Soon the little girl was laughing gaily.
“I wish you were going to be here instead of Miss Smith,” Trixie remarked, “I like you.”
“You’ll like Ellen too,” Nancy assured her, “And I’ll come to see you sometimes.”
“All right. But I hope she won’t try to boss me like the others did. No one can tell me what to do!”
“I’m afraid you’ve heard your mother say that to you so often you believe it,” Nancy said with a chuckle. “Now let’s forget about being naughty, suppose you show me the rest of the grounds. Shall we go first to that little house?”
Through the trees at a spot that overlooked the river, Nancy could see the red roof of what appeared to be a tiny cottage. To her surprise, Trixie held back.
“No! No! I won’t go there!” she cried out.
“Why not?”
“Because the place is haunted, that’s why!” The child’s freckled face was tense. “I wouldn’t go inside the Ship Cottage for anything!”
“The Ship Cottage?” Nancy repeated. “Is that its name?”
“It’s what I call it. Please, lets go the other way.” Trixie tugged at Nancy’s hand but could not make her turn with her into the opposite direction.
Nancy said gently, “If you won’t come, then I’ll go alone, I’ll prove to you that the place is not haunted.”
With that, the girl ran off in the opposite direction, further and further away until she disappeared into the trees.
Nancy turned and began walking toward the cottage, and even though she couldn’t see her, she was sure that Trixie was watching from a distance.
When she reached the door, she found it was unlocked. The one-room cottage was pleasant, though dusty, and was lined with shelves of books. In the center of the floor stood a very old grand piano. The ivory keys had turned yellow, and cobwebs festooned the mahogany case.
“It’s probably out of tune,” she mused.
Nancy ran her fingers over the bass keys, but not a sound came from the instrument. She was bewildered and played a series of chords. Although she depressed the keys again and again, no notes came out.
“That’s strange!” She said to herself.
She then bent down to examine the pedals to see if the piano had a spring lock that prevented the strings from being struck. There was none.
As she was about to lift up the lid of the piano, Nancy noticed several ship models on the mantlepiece, and still others on tables.
“So, that’s why Trixie calls this place Ship Cottage,” she said in a whisper. She carefully took down one of the fine models, cradling it in her hand as she surveyed her surroundings, she said, “Undoubtedly, this is the music studio Ellen mentioned.”
After carefully replacing the small ship to its proper place, Nancy heard a sound behind her. At the same moment she caught a reflection in the mirror above the fireplace. What she saw sent icy chills down her spine, a wall panel behind her had slid open! Then a bearded man with cruel beady eyes could be seen, and he was watching her every move!
“Leave here at once and never come back!” he warned in a rasping voice.
This marked the end of chapter one, and already I was engaged in this story. I read on with anticipation of what might be revealed concerning the mysteries of Rocky Edge Estate, especially those that were associated with the map and buried treasure that Ellen briefly referred to. I wanted to know if that was part of the reason why the Chatham’s acted so strangely, and if they had a deep secret to protect. Also, was it the eccentric behavior of the occupants of Rocky Edge that fueled the rumors that the estate was haunted, or was there more to it?
I read on, engrossed in every passing chapter. Along the way I encountered a number of scenes, and situations that really stood out for me, these included:
A dramatic near collision between a car and a train, a letter stashed away for many years in a bank safe deposit box, a clue hidden inside the hull of a model ship, a hazardous croquet mallet, sinister apparitions seen by moonlight noiselessly crossing a garden, a masterful forgery crafted by a housekeeper, a queen of the ball kidnapped, a secret tunnel located at the bottom of a dry well, and a wall panel that moves to reveal long hidden secrets.
Also, there were a few words and names that appeared in this story that were new to me, two of these were:
“Whiz-Bang” – A resounding success.
“Lion’s Paw” Seashell – A large shell, rare because it is usually found in deeper, less accessible, rocky waters, as opposed to sandy beaches.
Finally, and perhaps most dramatically, I was given a glimpse of what Nancy was thinking and feeling as she experienced what she was certain was her last moments on earth. This scene was unique as she was facing certain peril, but unlike the suddenness of other extreme danger situations, this time she had moments to contemplate what was most important to her. She lamented that she hadn’t kept a promise she’d made to her father about being careful. She then prayed. Then she expressed her deep sadness at leaving him, as well as, Ned, Bess, George, and Hannah, all the people she loved. She faced the moment in a calm, almost tranquil way, remembering what was most important to her in life.
As I read it, I almost felt as if I was intruding on an intimate, private moment, yet at the same time, I felt as though I’d gained a deeper appreciation for Nancy Drew, the person.
“The Quest of the Missing Map,” an outstanding book in a truly fine series of mystery adventures!
August 13, 2025
This was my favorite Nancy Drew book as a kid and honestly, it still holds up! Cute, fast-paced, a little scary (!!!!!) and truly, what girl doesn't dream of a wealthy widow chartering a boat to a tropical island and bringing her, her besties, and their boyfriends?
August 27, 2021
So Nancy gets kidnapped like four times in this book. Ridiculous.
Nancy's poor waif friend in this volume is Ellen Smith, whose dad is disabled (which is actually rather unique for this series, although it's a physical tangible reminder of his disadvantage). Ellen is asked to look after Trixie, a misunderstood quasi-brat who lives with her mom at a crazy mansion built by an equally crazy inventor. The mom is 1000% done with dealing with her daughter and just wants her to shut the fuck up. Trixie, who is often in "COME AT ME, BRO" mode, runs away like 14 times. And she's like eight or something, which is a dangerous age. Ellen asks Nancy to help her check this shit out, and Nancy's like IDK but Trixie takes a shine to her (of course, she's Nancy Fucking Drew, she is awesome and a friend to children and Disney animals).
The whole point of this damn book? Ellen's dad has half of a map which leads to a treasure. The other half is with the twin of an ancestor (great-grandfather? something). Nancy has to track down the long-lost twin/twin's family to find the other half of the map and thus the treasure, which will help Ellen no longer be a poor timid waif. Money = confidence. This seems legit.
In the meantime, Nancy:
• is named queen of a dance at Emerson! Of course! And then she's promptly kidnapped! If I were to make a Nancy Drew (original) Mystery Stories bingo card, that would put me halfway to winning right there. Thanks to the epic white robe she's wearing as part of her queen costume, the elderly couple who picks her up when she's trying to escape think she's a GHOST. I love the Scooby Doo quality of this.
• makes about 5 fake copies of map fragments she finds because she's pursued constantly by this married couple whose bickering she uses to her advantage (by flinging herself out of a car at a red light). They snatch her purse! They follow her everywhere! It's ridiculous.
• goes on a picnic with Bess and George! During which an important clue is stolen (but it's okay, Nancy took the important part out before the clue was stolen, and didn't tell the reader, just to fuck with us).
• yells at a deaf guy. Which, she had to, because he was deaf. And he has a well. Someone else has a spring house! Thanks for playing, 1942.
In the end, Nancy and Ned and 14 close friends are on a yacht trip along with a poisoning asshole who's trying to keep them from reaching treasure island. (Nancy is IMMEDIATELY suspicious of him. She doesn't care for his glowering.) They dig up the treasure and Nancy is given the MOST GORGEOUS JEWELED BRACELET EVER from the treasure chest, and Ellen's family gets half the treasure, and everyone wins!
Also, a bunch of American ships have been pressed into special service (without mentioning the war!). Also, I could have sworn that I'd heard Ned's "trip to Europe" (i.e. euphemism for his being drafted) was mentioned in this book, but it wasn't, so I'll hold out hope for the next one.
And I do LOOOOOVE that Nancy's kidnapped and tied up and put behind a wall, and when Ned and Carson are looking for her, NED is the one who hears her scratching and leads Carson to her. It's wonderful. Truly, you are our MVP, Ned. We don't deserve you, infinite cinnamon roll of jealousy and total faithfulness.
Nancy's poor waif friend in this volume is Ellen Smith, whose dad is disabled (which is actually rather unique for this series, although it's a physical tangible reminder of his disadvantage). Ellen is asked to look after Trixie, a misunderstood quasi-brat who lives with her mom at a crazy mansion built by an equally crazy inventor. The mom is 1000% done with dealing with her daughter and just wants her to shut the fuck up. Trixie, who is often in "COME AT ME, BRO" mode, runs away like 14 times. And she's like eight or something, which is a dangerous age. Ellen asks Nancy to help her check this shit out, and Nancy's like IDK but Trixie takes a shine to her (of course, she's Nancy Fucking Drew, she is awesome and a friend to children and Disney animals).
The whole point of this damn book? Ellen's dad has half of a map which leads to a treasure. The other half is with the twin of an ancestor (great-grandfather? something). Nancy has to track down the long-lost twin/twin's family to find the other half of the map and thus the treasure, which will help Ellen no longer be a poor timid waif. Money = confidence. This seems legit.
In the meantime, Nancy:
• is named queen of a dance at Emerson! Of course! And then she's promptly kidnapped! If I were to make a Nancy Drew (original) Mystery Stories bingo card, that would put me halfway to winning right there. Thanks to the epic white robe she's wearing as part of her queen costume, the elderly couple who picks her up when she's trying to escape think she's a GHOST. I love the Scooby Doo quality of this.
• makes about 5 fake copies of map fragments she finds because she's pursued constantly by this married couple whose bickering she uses to her advantage (by flinging herself out of a car at a red light). They snatch her purse! They follow her everywhere! It's ridiculous.
• goes on a picnic with Bess and George! During which an important clue is stolen (but it's okay, Nancy took the important part out before the clue was stolen, and didn't tell the reader, just to fuck with us).
• yells at a deaf guy. Which, she had to, because he was deaf. And he has a well. Someone else has a spring house! Thanks for playing, 1942.
In the end, Nancy and Ned and 14 close friends are on a yacht trip along with a poisoning asshole who's trying to keep them from reaching treasure island. (Nancy is IMMEDIATELY suspicious of him. She doesn't care for his glowering.) They dig up the treasure and Nancy is given the MOST GORGEOUS JEWELED BRACELET EVER from the treasure chest, and Ellen's family gets half the treasure, and everyone wins!
Also, a bunch of American ships have been pressed into special service (without mentioning the war!). Also, I could have sworn that I'd heard Ned's "trip to Europe" (i.e. euphemism for his being drafted) was mentioned in this book, but it wasn't, so I'll hold out hope for the next one.
And I do LOOOOOVE that Nancy's kidnapped and tied up and put behind a wall, and when Ned and Carson are looking for her, NED is the one who hears her scratching and leads Carson to her. It's wonderful. Truly, you are our MVP, Ned. We don't deserve you, infinite cinnamon roll of jealousy and total faithfulness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
Okay, this one was a bit more OTT ridiculous than some of the others, but all in all I still had a good time. Keeping up with Nancy's many talents, you can add sketching and drawing to the list - she's even enrolled in an art school, despite never having mentioned this - or used her "talent" - in previous installments. If only we could all be as talented as Nancy, right?
The OTT-ness here came in several forms, not the least of which was a random circus elephant who escaped from a traveling circus, who just so happened to have a history with one of the "villains" of this tale. The story itself revolved around a treasure map that had been torn in two to ensure the twin brothers it was given to had to work together to find the treasure. There were several head-scratching moments here, with things that made zero sense, but Nancy and co. still had a grand adventure, ending with a sail on a yacht to a hidden island. Not my favorite of the series, but likewise not the worst.
The OTT-ness here came in several forms, not the least of which was a random circus elephant who escaped from a traveling circus, who just so happened to have a history with one of the "villains" of this tale. The story itself revolved around a treasure map that had been torn in two to ensure the twin brothers it was given to had to work together to find the treasure. There were several head-scratching moments here, with things that made zero sense, but Nancy and co. still had a grand adventure, ending with a sail on a yacht to a hidden island. Not my favorite of the series, but likewise not the worst.
July 22, 2014
Whaddayaknow, Nancy is a skilled sketch artist! And she has to make replicas of an old treasure map, with phony intel to throw off the thieves who are trying to steal the map.
This one uses the "escape the kidnappers at a red light" trope that I've seen three times in the recent past. Nancy is kidnapped TWICE in this book (by the same couple, even, in one case using the tried-and-true Little Red Riding Hood ruse) and someone else actually tries to kill her.
But you can't blame her for these mishaps. She is knocked unconscious twice in this book (once by a seven-year-old throwing a mallet at her, once from falling while on a ship) and consequently isn't able to think clearly.
This one uses the "escape the kidnappers at a red light" trope that I've seen three times in the recent past. Nancy is kidnapped TWICE in this book (by the same couple, even, in one case using the tried-and-true Little Red Riding Hood ruse) and someone else actually tries to kill her.
But you can't blame her for these mishaps. She is knocked unconscious twice in this book (once by a seven-year-old throwing a mallet at her, once from falling while on a ship) and consequently isn't able to think clearly.
May 1, 2019
Who wouldn't like a story of a lost treasure? The fun part about this book was reading my last name in it. Spike Doty was a thief in this book. I could easily imagine an old ancestors of mine fitting his deception.
June 4, 2019
I haven't read Nancy Drew in a VERY long time, so when this crossed my path, decided to borrow it on a whim.
Apparently I've outgrown Nancy Drew.
Still would be fun for kids, though.
Support your local library!
Apparently I've outgrown Nancy Drew.
Still would be fun for kids, though.
Support your local library!
June 6, 2019
This one felt a bit stretched out. Nancy kept falling for the most obvious of traps and finding herself stuck in ridiculous situations - kidnapped, ambushed, trapped in an abandoned house, thrown overboard.... it just kept happening.
August 10, 2014
I've read both versions of this and they are pretty much the same. Which means they are both very dull. Cover art on the original is very beautiful though.
Read
June 13, 2016Placeholder for reread of Nalini Singh's Archangel's Legion
July 30, 2018
Picked this up from my childhood bookshelf - and I can understand why I liked these when I was younger - and less jaded! - and could enjoy farfetched adventure, especially when it involves a map...!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews