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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #27
The Secret of the Wooden Lady
Adventure abounds on the Bonny Scot in Boston Harbor as Nancy helps Captain Easterly uncover the mystery of his ghostly visitors. From the moment, the clever young detective and her friends, Bess and George, stay on the old clipper ship they are confronted with fire, theft, unseen trespassers and other dangers. Nancy faces an additional challenge: to find a clue to the clipper’s missing figurehead. The lost “wooden lady” is needed establish a clear title to the ship. Nancy wonders why the prime suspect in the recent robbery at the Marvin home is in Boston and is easily entering and leaving the Bonny Scot without being seen! This book is the revised text. The plot of the original story (©1950) is similar with minor revisions.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1950
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2504 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
948 books3,854 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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 196 reviews
June 22, 2020
Hornswoggled
Nancy and friends solve a mystery of a lost figurehead on an old clipper. We have pirates, a love story, and lost treasure as well. Hey, and even old ships have secret panels, which is a trademark of Nancy Drew stories.
Most of the action took place on the ship with crooks coming aboard looking for the treasure that the ship’s owner hid many hears ago beforer he disappeared. And the girls get hornswoggled by them a few times. Since I love old ships, it made for a great short story.
Nancy and friends solve a mystery of a lost figurehead on an old clipper. We have pirates, a love story, and lost treasure as well. Hey, and even old ships have secret panels, which is a trademark of Nancy Drew stories.
Most of the action took place on the ship with crooks coming aboard looking for the treasure that the ship’s owner hid many hears ago beforer he disappeared. And the girls get hornswoggled by them a few times. Since I love old ships, it made for a great short story.
August 31, 2020
A fun Nancy Drew, though not one of my favorites. I feel bad for the lizard...Also, I was a bit confused by one of the bad guys who wasn't really bad? Sorry for any spoilers.
June 7, 2023
Yet another boat mystery! Nancy's writers seemed to love captains, boats, and seagoing. In The Secret of the Wooden Lady, Nancy's father is called to help out with finding the real ownership of a ship that a certain Captain Easterly wanted to buy. Nancy and her friends drag along and get involved in a pretty crazy drama. The title refers to the lost figurehead of the ship, which Nancy had to find to solve one of the mysteries.
The plot involves a slew of thefts, including several on the Bonny Scot. The plot held together a little loosely and I didn't quite figure out the connection between Flip Fay's burgling of the Marvin residence and the whole Bonny Scot stuff. Of course, there are treasures to be found so a few incidents like fires, theft, being knocked out, and burgled, not to mention, attempted murder, don't really matter much for our girls. It was a fun read!
Ned, usually a good sport, shows his true colours in this one. Nancy, do NOT marry this chap! Deep inside, all he wants is for you to settle down and cook for him! Grrrr!
The plot involves a slew of thefts, including several on the Bonny Scot. The plot held together a little loosely and I didn't quite figure out the connection between Flip Fay's burgling of the Marvin residence and the whole Bonny Scot stuff. Of course, there are treasures to be found so a few incidents like fires, theft, being knocked out, and burgled, not to mention, attempted murder, don't really matter much for our girls. It was a fun read!
Ned, usually a good sport, shows his true colours in this one. Nancy, do NOT marry this chap! Deep inside, all he wants is for you to settle down and cook for him! Grrrr!
August 28, 2020
This was fun. I had forgotten how drama filled and action packed the Nancy Drew books are. I found myself chuckling a few times at how dangerous some of the situations were that they ran headlong into without a thought.
My age is showing because I remember when I was young that I loved George and thought Bess was a stick in the mud. But, now I think Bess is the most sensible character of them all, including Carson Drew.
My age is showing because I remember when I was young that I loved George and thought Bess was a stick in the mud. But, now I think Bess is the most sensible character of them all, including Carson Drew.
June 21, 2019
While as a boy I was a great reader of the Hardy Boys, for obvious reasons, I did not reach much of Nancy Drew! However, one day, many years ago, perhaps nearly 38 year ago now, I was sick one evening and my mother took me to the doctor who prescribed a medicine. The local drugstore in those days sold books also, and they happened to be out of Hardy Boys books. Bored and ill, my mother said try Nancy Drew, and since I liked tales about old ships, I picked up The Secret of the Wooden Lady. Many years later I found this book mixed up with my old Hardy Boys books, and gave it a re-read.
The Secret of the Wooden Lady is a well-written, exiting story that revolves around Nancy's search for the missing figurehead of an old, re-named clipper ship with a disputed title. It comes to pass that a valued treasure is secreted in the missing wooden figurehead. The book has a lively pace, is well-written and the adventure is interesting and believable.
While it is a great story, it was written many years ago and it is doubtful today that anyone living has the direct knowledge of clipper sailing ships portrayed in the story so in that regard it is a bit aged.
But this is a good, solid adventure and mystery story and while I am less familiar with Nancy Drew than with the Hardy Boys, I am sure that anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew would find this a classic and well-worthwhile read. I know I enjoyed it!
The Secret of the Wooden Lady is a well-written, exiting story that revolves around Nancy's search for the missing figurehead of an old, re-named clipper ship with a disputed title. It comes to pass that a valued treasure is secreted in the missing wooden figurehead. The book has a lively pace, is well-written and the adventure is interesting and believable.
While it is a great story, it was written many years ago and it is doubtful today that anyone living has the direct knowledge of clipper sailing ships portrayed in the story so in that regard it is a bit aged.
But this is a good, solid adventure and mystery story and while I am less familiar with Nancy Drew than with the Hardy Boys, I am sure that anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew would find this a classic and well-worthwhile read. I know I enjoyed it!
August 18, 2023
This is probably one of my favorite Nancy Drew’s yet! I loved the setting of the seas so much, the clipper ship, and I thought the overall mystery was intriguing and well done!
Plus, this story takes place in Boston harbor mostly, which is basically on my backyard.
Loved this one!
Plus, this story takes place in Boston harbor mostly, which is basically on my backyard.
Loved this one!
March 16, 2013
This is not the format I read; mine is the original text book and the updated one shown may have a different story. That being said, I haven't read this book since I was a pre-teen. I read it now in preparation for a convention I'm attending. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I got into the mystery.
Nancy and her friends, Bess and George, accompany Mr. Drew to Boston where a sea captain living on an old clipper ship has been bothered by prowlers. I loved all the old history about the clipper ship and the fact that the prowlers were looking for hidden treasure. As always, Nancy follows through with her investigations in a systematic way, despite the occasional knock on the head or being locked in a closet. It's all in a day's work for Nancy!
Nancy and her friends, Bess and George, accompany Mr. Drew to Boston where a sea captain living on an old clipper ship has been bothered by prowlers. I loved all the old history about the clipper ship and the fact that the prowlers were looking for hidden treasure. As always, Nancy follows through with her investigations in a systematic way, despite the occasional knock on the head or being locked in a closet. It's all in a day's work for Nancy!
July 21, 2020
Ahoy, matey! Pirates here be! ND #27 has her on a boat mostly, with her buddies, helping a client of her father's trying to determine who owns and get title of the boat he's been living on (don't think too hard about that).
There's the boat's figurehead. . .rumored to be a lovely girl, rubies - fake and real, a criminal's alias - The Crow, and secret passages on the boat. How that happens, I don't know - seems like everyone would know the spaces on a boat. Secret compartments in desks and messages carved on the bottom of stoves. It's here.
There seemed to be a glimmer of self-awareness by the committee that is the author of this book that although there seems to be a purpose of showing how capable and competent women are, that sometimes the writing falls short of freeing girls from stereotypes. Note the grimace in the following exchange:
"Captain Easterly thanked them for their good sportsmanship.
"You're real mariners," he said.
"And the Bonny Scot's a swell ship," Dave spoke up. "I hope you get a clear title, so you can buy her, Captain easterly. And I hope you invite us to take a sail with you." He Grinned.
"So do I," said Burt.
"Don't forget me," Ned laughed.
The captain's eyes twinkled. "Want me to ask the girls, too?"
"Why not?" said Ned. "Every clipper needs cooks."
The girls grimaced, then Ned said. . . . ."
Hmm. At least the girls get it, even if the writers don't.
3 stars.
There's the boat's figurehead. . .rumored to be a lovely girl, rubies - fake and real, a criminal's alias - The Crow, and secret passages on the boat. How that happens, I don't know - seems like everyone would know the spaces on a boat. Secret compartments in desks and messages carved on the bottom of stoves. It's here.
There seemed to be a glimmer of self-awareness by the committee that is the author of this book that although there seems to be a purpose of showing how capable and competent women are, that sometimes the writing falls short of freeing girls from stereotypes. Note the grimace in the following exchange:
"Captain Easterly thanked them for their good sportsmanship.
"You're real mariners," he said.
"And the Bonny Scot's a swell ship," Dave spoke up. "I hope you get a clear title, so you can buy her, Captain easterly. And I hope you invite us to take a sail with you." He Grinned.
"So do I," said Burt.
"Don't forget me," Ned laughed.
The captain's eyes twinkled. "Want me to ask the girls, too?"
"Why not?" said Ned. "Every clipper needs cooks."
The girls grimaced, then Ned said. . . . ."
Hmm. At least the girls get it, even if the writers don't.
3 stars.
May 20, 2024
Yo-ho-ho!!! ⛵️ What a great pirate mystery!
Pacing was just a bit off. Also Ned’s sexist comment about the girls cooking, COME ON NED 🙃. He was doing so well this book too, taking a punch to the face for Nancy!
Boat-centered stories usually annoy me because the setting is so limiting to the story, but this one was better than most.
Pacing was just a bit off. Also Ned’s sexist comment about the girls cooking, COME ON NED 🙃. He was doing so well this book too, taking a punch to the face for Nancy!
Boat-centered stories usually annoy me because the setting is so limiting to the story, but this one was better than most.
October 8, 2018
I love a Nancy Drew book where she journeys outside River Heights and encounters average folks who don't know who she is. At times it seems like she may take her authority for granted; she's accustomed to bossing around the River Heights police force, which I imagine to be a New England version of Mayberry. We see a sheriff and a deputy and maybe a couple extra police guys in training.
In this book, supposedly in Boston, Nancy is trying to solve a mystery of a clipper ship. When she spots a culprit who is attempting to escape, she enlists the help of some locals . . .
"Please take me," she begged. "I want to follow that old sailor in the rowboat. I think he's been trespassing on the Bonny Scot."
"Sorry, lady." One of them shrugged.
"But he may be a criminal," Nancy pleaded.
"If he's a criminal, it's none of our business. Go tell the police."
These guys don't give a flip. It's pretty funny. Nancy needs to continue her search for the "old sailor," nicknamed throughout as "Grizzle Face Quint."
She does attempt to notify the police, but they're not much help either. They make an erroneous arrest, notice Nancy on the scene, but they do not recognize her as herself! To her very face, they say,
"The complaint was lodged by somebody named Nancy Drew."
"I'm Nancy Drew," the young detective said.
"You! Then what are you — ? Say! All of you come along with me!"
Say! Nancy sure does have her challenges in this one. More incompetent people than usual.
In this book, supposedly in Boston, Nancy is trying to solve a mystery of a clipper ship. When she spots a culprit who is attempting to escape, she enlists the help of some locals . . .
"Please take me," she begged. "I want to follow that old sailor in the rowboat. I think he's been trespassing on the Bonny Scot."
"Sorry, lady." One of them shrugged.
"But he may be a criminal," Nancy pleaded.
"If he's a criminal, it's none of our business. Go tell the police."
These guys don't give a flip. It's pretty funny. Nancy needs to continue her search for the "old sailor," nicknamed throughout as "Grizzle Face Quint."
She does attempt to notify the police, but they're not much help either. They make an erroneous arrest, notice Nancy on the scene, but they do not recognize her as herself! To her very face, they say,
"The complaint was lodged by somebody named Nancy Drew."
"I'm Nancy Drew," the young detective said.
"You! Then what are you — ? Say! All of you come along with me!"
Say! Nancy sure does have her challenges in this one. More incompetent people than usual.
August 24, 2020
This was quite the adventure and it was fun to have Ned right in the action. Nancy charged ahead into dangerous situations way too often, despite nearly everyone warning her to be more careful. It has been awhile since I read any Nancy Drew but I did not remember her always being so reckless.
January 5, 2021
Maybe it's because I read this sporadically over 5 months, but I kept on forgetting what was happening with the ship and who the different bad guys were.
Popsugar Challenge 2020 - A book from a series with more than 20 books
Popsugar Challenge 2020 - A book from a series with more than 20 books
March 18, 2020
Such a great Nancy Drew! I loved how it had so much action and it’s definitely a page turner! Loved this mystery and definitely recommend!
July 27, 2021
Intriguing, enjoyable mystery.
June 15, 2017
Carson is working to help Captain Easterly get a clear title to the ship he's renting, the Bonny Scot. Nancy travels to Boston to help him out, because some assholes are breaking into the ship, busting shit up, and then flitting off like ghosts. So, dicks, in other words.
Nancy accompanies Ned to a dance at Emerson and they go on a moonlight stroll! And they are so super cute together. I love y'all. (Ned also takes a punch when Nancy sends him into a restaurant to trail a suspect. Poor Ned.)
Related: Bess is home alone, freaks out, and calls Nancy early in the book, and then she HEARS A NOISE UPSTAIRS and SCREAMS and then SOMEONE HANGS UP THE PHONE. Nancy goes over there and finds poor Bess stuffed in a closet and someone has stolen her parents' stuff! Mostly jewelry. Nancy finds that the asshole who did it apparently took off his own ring to try on Bess's dad's diamond ring, and so he left his ring behind.
The robber, of course, is also busting in on the ship. He met a guy who told him about some secret passages/portholes/etc.
Nancy finds:
-a snuff box with a picture of what might be the boat on it! And a guy snatches it right out of her damn hands. It's pretty ridic.
-a box of gold coins! And the evil robber finds her IMMEDIATELY, like he has fuckin' gold radar, and just takes it. Asshole.
-a big ol' ruby in the lost figurehead! Nancy passes that along to the rightful inheritor. The captain of the ship was lost in a pirate attack, and he was bringing the ruby back to the girl he loved, but once he was lost, she mourned him and then moved on. Nancy gives the ruby to the granddaughter.
Nancy's souvenirs:
-a drawing of the ship, which was originally called Dream of Melissa, as it originally looked
-the snuff box!
-a Neptune figurehead Nancy randomly found in the water, as you do. I come across figureheads all the time.
Nancy accompanies Ned to a dance at Emerson and they go on a moonlight stroll! And they are so super cute together. I love y'all. (Ned also takes a punch when Nancy sends him into a restaurant to trail a suspect. Poor Ned.)
Related: Bess is home alone, freaks out, and calls Nancy early in the book, and then she HEARS A NOISE UPSTAIRS and SCREAMS and then SOMEONE HANGS UP THE PHONE. Nancy goes over there and finds poor Bess stuffed in a closet and someone has stolen her parents' stuff! Mostly jewelry. Nancy finds that the asshole who did it apparently took off his own ring to try on Bess's dad's diamond ring, and so he left his ring behind.
The robber, of course, is also busting in on the ship. He met a guy who told him about some secret passages/portholes/etc.
Nancy finds:
-a snuff box with a picture of what might be the boat on it! And a guy snatches it right out of her damn hands. It's pretty ridic.
-a box of gold coins! And the evil robber finds her IMMEDIATELY, like he has fuckin' gold radar, and just takes it. Asshole.
-a big ol' ruby in the lost figurehead! Nancy passes that along to the rightful inheritor. The captain of the ship was lost in a pirate attack, and he was bringing the ruby back to the girl he loved, but once he was lost, she mourned him and then moved on. Nancy gives the ruby to the granddaughter.
Nancy's souvenirs:
-a drawing of the ship, which was originally called Dream of Melissa, as it originally looked
-the snuff box!
-a Neptune figurehead Nancy randomly found in the water, as you do. I come across figureheads all the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2010
When I was a kid, I loved Nancy Drew. But it's been so long since I read one that I decided to see what they are really like (rather than go on what I remember them being like). I don't think I ever read this particular mystery before, but I did recognize lots of the details because they are same from book to book.
My impression: things happen FAST. Minimal descriptions, lots of lucky guessing on Nancy's part, and lots of stray "clues" that are sometimes really unlikely. I think when I was younger, my favorite part was solving the puzzle, but as an adult, the puzzle and its solution seem pretty improbable to start with.
I also played at Nancy Drew with my friends when I was a kid. We made up the story as we went and we raced all over, always off to somewhere new because of a clue we'd found. I see now that we were entirely in sync with the style of the books. Nancy and friends are all over the place all the time, following up on their leads and getting new information to chase after.
Now I'm tempted to get my hands on one of the titles I know I've read before and see how that goes, but I don't think I'm likely to go on a serious ND binge - I want realism in my mysteries, and these things are pure fantasy.
My impression: things happen FAST. Minimal descriptions, lots of lucky guessing on Nancy's part, and lots of stray "clues" that are sometimes really unlikely. I think when I was younger, my favorite part was solving the puzzle, but as an adult, the puzzle and its solution seem pretty improbable to start with.
I also played at Nancy Drew with my friends when I was a kid. We made up the story as we went and we raced all over, always off to somewhere new because of a clue we'd found. I see now that we were entirely in sync with the style of the books. Nancy and friends are all over the place all the time, following up on their leads and getting new information to chase after.
Now I'm tempted to get my hands on one of the titles I know I've read before and see how that goes, but I don't think I'm likely to go on a serious ND binge - I want realism in my mysteries, and these things are pure fantasy.
April 3, 2015
I recently reread this book after moving my book collection out of my mother's house. I read it probably many times as a child although I was really a fan of The Boxcar Children. And rereading this... it seems to make sense why.
This felt much more dated than The Boxcar Children. The attitudes toward women felt more sexist. These were older women than the characters in The Boxcar Children, but the women felt more delicate, even though they were the... heroes. They seemed to be very poor role models.
And the characters seemed to be oddly thick about making obvious connections. This did happen to some degree in The Boxcar Children, but that was more an adventure and this is more a mystery... with little mystery. And I question the competence of the villains in this novel too. This is no Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle.
This felt much more dated than The Boxcar Children. The attitudes toward women felt more sexist. These were older women than the characters in The Boxcar Children, but the women felt more delicate, even though they were the... heroes. They seemed to be very poor role models.
And the characters seemed to be oddly thick about making obvious connections. This did happen to some degree in The Boxcar Children, but that was more an adventure and this is more a mystery... with little mystery. And I question the competence of the villains in this novel too. This is no Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle.
August 18, 2014
In the book before this one, George suddenly started saying "Hypers!" as an expletive or interjection. If she doesn't stop it, I'm going to quit reading because it is driving me CRAZY.
The girls are helping some guy on a ship, and he thinks the ship is haunted, but really it's full of thieves. One thief is pretty much a patsy though. And this one has decent suspense (are police ANYWHERE competent? They let the "dangerous criminal" return to the scene of the crime like 8 times and never catch him, even when it's a ship anchored in a cove). Also, once again, Nancy falls into the move obvious and transparent trap ever. At this point in the series, repeated head trauma/drugging is totally plausible for this decrease of cognitive force.
Nancy is rendered unconscious by an unknown assailant with a magic sleeper hold. Bess is also made unconscious by the same assailant. Bess also faints after being locked in a closet.
The girls are helping some guy on a ship, and he thinks the ship is haunted, but really it's full of thieves. One thief is pretty much a patsy though. And this one has decent suspense (are police ANYWHERE competent? They let the "dangerous criminal" return to the scene of the crime like 8 times and never catch him, even when it's a ship anchored in a cove). Also, once again, Nancy falls into the move obvious and transparent trap ever. At this point in the series, repeated head trauma/drugging is totally plausible for this decrease of cognitive force.
Nancy is rendered unconscious by an unknown assailant with a magic sleeper hold. Bess is also made unconscious by the same assailant. Bess also faints after being locked in a closet.
August 25, 2023
5+ stars & 7/10 hearts. Oh, I loved this one! the whole topic of figureheads was so fascinating, and I LOVED all the ship stuff! The captain was lovely, and the mystery was super intriguing and interesting--and I loved how it was split into a couple different mysteries! The villains were well-done, too... although I was a little confused as to how they ended up tied together...? It was a really fun read, and maybe my favourite Nancy Drew so far!
September 23, 2011
The Nancy Drew mystery book series wins again with this great, thrilling mystery story.
May 23, 2018
Nancy Drew and her friends look for a missing figurehead to prove ownership of a old clipper ship. An entertaining mystery.
June 20, 2017
Captain Easterly has made his home on an old clipper ship by the name of the Bonny Scot. He's been renting her, but he'd like to buy her outright and asks Carson Drew to help him find a clear title for the ship so it can be purchased. But a missing title isn't the only trouble the old sea captain has been having--he has been hearing mysterious noises on his boat and he's sure he's got intruders. Mr. Drew asks Nancy to come to the Boston area with him to help clear up the mysteries. But before they can leave, someone breaks into Bess Marvin's home and steals her parents jewelry. Nancy quickly finds a few clues that point the police in the direction of a known jewel thief. And Bess and her cousin George Fayne wind up joining Nancy and her father on the seaside adventure.
Then in the bayside town where the Bonny Scot lies in harbor, Nancy spies the jewel thief. Why has he followed the girls to Boston? Nancy and the girls take up residence on the ship to search for clues that might help Mr. Drew find a clear title as well as to find out how the intruders can get off and on the vessel without being seen. The clues they find lead them to believe that the Bonny Scot had been re-christened and if they can discover the ship's original name and find her lovely figurehead the mystery may be solved...and a treasure may be found. Their every move seems to be monitored and they face more thefts, a fire, and the Captain is kidnapped. But Nancy's nose for secrets leads her to the right answers and Mr. Drew and the police show up just in time to capture the crooks when Nancy flushes them out.
This story has a lot of action--mostly for Nancy. I was a bit disappointed that George and Bess show up to "help" Nancy (and even Ned, Burt and Dave put in an appearance), but then the cousins and their special dates spend more time off having fun than actually helping Nancy. Ned is loyal to his girl and helps her investigate while he's there--but the others just want to swim and go to restaurants. The whole gang do have an adventure sailing the clipper to try and escape the intruders, but that's about it. When Nancy comes back from various sleuthing excursions, George keeps saying, "You should have told me." But she knows Nancy has adventures--she ought to know that if she wants to be involved in them, then she needs to stick with Nancy and not let Bess talk her into a swim. My memories of the stories had George (as the tom-boy) being a lot more adventurous and involved than this particular novel indicates. Will definitely have to read more and see if she's more consistently involved.
Overall, a fun adventure. Nancy reads a lot into very little and manages to come up with the right answers--a system that worked well for me as seven-year-old, but as an adult, the clues seem a little thin. Fortunately, the fun and nostalgia factor more than make up for it and I give this a solid ★★★ rating--much as I think I would have when I first read the newer version.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
Then in the bayside town where the Bonny Scot lies in harbor, Nancy spies the jewel thief. Why has he followed the girls to Boston? Nancy and the girls take up residence on the ship to search for clues that might help Mr. Drew find a clear title as well as to find out how the intruders can get off and on the vessel without being seen. The clues they find lead them to believe that the Bonny Scot had been re-christened and if they can discover the ship's original name and find her lovely figurehead the mystery may be solved...and a treasure may be found. Their every move seems to be monitored and they face more thefts, a fire, and the Captain is kidnapped. But Nancy's nose for secrets leads her to the right answers and Mr. Drew and the police show up just in time to capture the crooks when Nancy flushes them out.
This story has a lot of action--mostly for Nancy. I was a bit disappointed that George and Bess show up to "help" Nancy (and even Ned, Burt and Dave put in an appearance), but then the cousins and their special dates spend more time off having fun than actually helping Nancy. Ned is loyal to his girl and helps her investigate while he's there--but the others just want to swim and go to restaurants. The whole gang do have an adventure sailing the clipper to try and escape the intruders, but that's about it. When Nancy comes back from various sleuthing excursions, George keeps saying, "You should have told me." But she knows Nancy has adventures--she ought to know that if she wants to be involved in them, then she needs to stick with Nancy and not let Bess talk her into a swim. My memories of the stories had George (as the tom-boy) being a lot more adventurous and involved than this particular novel indicates. Will definitely have to read more and see if she's more consistently involved.
Overall, a fun adventure. Nancy reads a lot into very little and manages to come up with the right answers--a system that worked well for me as seven-year-old, but as an adult, the clues seem a little thin. Fortunately, the fun and nostalgia factor more than make up for it and I give this a solid ★★★ rating--much as I think I would have when I first read the newer version.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
June 29, 2025
The Secret of the Wooden Lady might be the most eye-roll-inducing Nancy Drew book of them all. I’m re-reading it now in 2025 and still can’t get over how many nautical terms—like “belaying pin” and “fo’c’sle”—must have completely baffled me as a pre-internet, deeply inland suburban middle schooler. At the time, I just assumed Keene was making stuff up. Rereading it now? I’m still not convinced she wasn’t.
Nancy’s father, Carson Drew—a lawyer, no less—lets his teenage daughter and her friends hop aboard a creaky old ship with its ‘Captain’ -ie, some older dude he just met up in Boston. And the Drews from suburban Connecticut! Was Carson scouting for new clients? Fishing for lawsuits? Or was this just standard parenting in 1967?
Nancy, of course, is the ever-glamorous 17-year-old heroine, joined by her “plump” friend Bess and “tomboy” cousin George—character descriptions that never waver throughout the Nancy Drew series and always feel weirdly emphasized. That previously mentioned ship’s captain, a crusty character named Captain Easterly, even admits he’s been hornswoggled, which honestly feels like the most accurate summary of the whole plot.
There are prowlers, suspicious fires, feral lizards, a ship with no legal title, and somehow it’s all fine. “Have fun, girls!” they say, as burglars skulk around that also aforementioned fo’c’sle. What the fo’c’sle is right!
It’s completely bonkers in a wild, nostalgic way. A truly nutty entry in the Nancy Drew canon, and I’m sure I’ll be back with another soon.
Nancy’s father, Carson Drew—a lawyer, no less—lets his teenage daughter and her friends hop aboard a creaky old ship with its ‘Captain’ -ie, some older dude he just met up in Boston. And the Drews from suburban Connecticut! Was Carson scouting for new clients? Fishing for lawsuits? Or was this just standard parenting in 1967?
Nancy, of course, is the ever-glamorous 17-year-old heroine, joined by her “plump” friend Bess and “tomboy” cousin George—character descriptions that never waver throughout the Nancy Drew series and always feel weirdly emphasized. That previously mentioned ship’s captain, a crusty character named Captain Easterly, even admits he’s been hornswoggled, which honestly feels like the most accurate summary of the whole plot.
There are prowlers, suspicious fires, feral lizards, a ship with no legal title, and somehow it’s all fine. “Have fun, girls!” they say, as burglars skulk around that also aforementioned fo’c’sle. What the fo’c’sle is right!
It’s completely bonkers in a wild, nostalgic way. A truly nutty entry in the Nancy Drew canon, and I’m sure I’ll be back with another soon.
April 5, 2018
#27 in the Nancy Drew mystery series
This was another enjoyable addition to the children's mystery series about Nancy Drew (and friends). This time her father goes to Boston to investigate the provenance of a friend's clipper ship. Because there's a ghost that's been seen on board, he asks Nancy to join him to solve the mystery. And, of course, Bess and George head there as well. As guests staying with the captain on the ship, they soon become embroiled in the mystery of the original name of the ship, a hidden treasure, and the missing masthead. In addition, there are some mysterious comings and goings, with things being vandalized and threats being made. I find it amusing that Nancy's father simply leaves Nancy and her friends in such a potentially dangerous situation. (And as a child when I read these books, it never occurred to me that any of these actions were amiss.) Furthermore, the cops at each town (her hometown, Boston, Provincetown) all welcome her "clues" and ask her to keep them informed when she discovers more, even going so far as to arrest people at her say-so. But all that being aside, the mystery was enjoyable, and the story was quick and easy to read.
This was another enjoyable addition to the children's mystery series about Nancy Drew (and friends). This time her father goes to Boston to investigate the provenance of a friend's clipper ship. Because there's a ghost that's been seen on board, he asks Nancy to join him to solve the mystery. And, of course, Bess and George head there as well. As guests staying with the captain on the ship, they soon become embroiled in the mystery of the original name of the ship, a hidden treasure, and the missing masthead. In addition, there are some mysterious comings and goings, with things being vandalized and threats being made. I find it amusing that Nancy's father simply leaves Nancy and her friends in such a potentially dangerous situation. (And as a child when I read these books, it never occurred to me that any of these actions were amiss.) Furthermore, the cops at each town (her hometown, Boston, Provincetown) all welcome her "clues" and ask her to keep them informed when she discovers more, even going so far as to arrest people at her say-so. But all that being aside, the mystery was enjoyable, and the story was quick and easy to read.
Read
July 15, 2019I loved the Nancy Drew books when I was younger. My grandmother had quite a few of them and I had a habit of staying up late to read them while staying with her. I would get so scared I couldn’t move!
My daughter found a copy of the revised 1967 printing of this in a Little Lending Library today and brought it home. It is stamped with “Central Lutheran Church Library Spokane” and still has a due date card inside with dates and names of borrowers.
It was a fun evening looking back at Nancy, Bess, and George. When telephones were kept in hallways instead of pockets, and telegraphs were wired instead of text messages. Nancy solves the mystery in her fearless and logical way as always! It was a fun reminder of the mysteries I devoured as a kid.
My daughter found a copy of the revised 1967 printing of this in a Little Lending Library today and brought it home. It is stamped with “Central Lutheran Church Library Spokane” and still has a due date card inside with dates and names of borrowers.
It was a fun evening looking back at Nancy, Bess, and George. When telephones were kept in hallways instead of pockets, and telegraphs were wired instead of text messages. Nancy solves the mystery in her fearless and logical way as always! It was a fun reminder of the mysteries I devoured as a kid.
January 12, 2021
Leave it to Nancy Drew to leave me feeling inadequate. In her late teens she’s mastered sailing old boats, handling herself confidently with abrasive men, making deals with police & keeping everyone around her calm. In this episode Nancy is knocked unconscious, travels to Boston, befriends many salty New England characters & saves an elderly lady from losing her home! The fun never stops when Nancy is your BFF.
February 6, 2021
Another beautiful Nancy Drew mystery. The only thing I don't like about these books is the fact that everyone skinny is considered attractive, and pretty. Nancy's friend that is a bit more round is also obsessed with sugar and isn't described the same as Nancy and George.
I do understand that is the stereotype. But life includes wider women. We are all pretty no matter who we are, what we do in life, and how we look.
RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE!!!
I do understand that is the stereotype. But life includes wider women. We are all pretty no matter who we are, what we do in life, and how we look.
RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE!!!
July 7, 2017
I found a jigsaw puzzle on clearance at Barnes & Noble that had all the original covers of Nancy Drew books. I of course bought it, and we completed it in 3 days. It got me all excited to re-read these original 56 stories. Such great memories of them!! I am hoping that my library carries most if not all of these books.
May 3, 2021
This ND mystery is set in Boston, where Nancy and her friends try to find the secrets of the MD.
They encounter a couple of dangerous thugs with The Crow being the most dangerous.
I have always enjoyed how inquisitive ND is in the stories and the excitement she enjoys in solving a mystery.
This particular story had some drawbacks for me but overall it was an entertaining light mystery.
They encounter a couple of dangerous thugs with The Crow being the most dangerous.
I have always enjoyed how inquisitive ND is in the stories and the excitement she enjoys in solving a mystery.
This particular story had some drawbacks for me but overall it was an entertaining light mystery.
September 1, 2025
I continue my reread of this series (and I have an incentive this year to get to my “V” book #30.) I read my gal pal Nancy when I need a little break from heavier books. (Although this mystery was a page-turner!) in this installment, Nancy helps solve an historical mystery at the same time she, Bess, and George face real danger from modern jewel thieves. This is a classic Nancy Drew in which I learned about clippers, pirates, figureheads, and other ship terminology. I liked the multiple mysteries that at first seemed too coincidental to be true but made sense after the bad guys boasted of their path from one crime to the next. Of course, everything ended well.
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