What started off as a routine favor for her father, ended up with Nancy Drew having her first case. A chance encounter with a moving van and the little girl it almost hits, sets Nancy on an adventure she won't forget anytime soon. Missing wills, greedy relatives, and furniture thieves are just some of the dangers facing Nancy as she sets out to find a missing clock that holds the key to everything.
Can I say how excited I was to read my first Nancy Drew book since about the 5th grade. I devoured these book throughout the school year and I really think Nancy gets some of the credit for my lifelong love affair with mysteries.
Underneath that excitement was just a small amount of fear. I haven't read this book in 25 years so I was scared that it wouldn't live up to the memory. It wouldn't be the first time that I reread a book I loved when I was younger only to find out that I really didn't care for it as an adult. What if that were to happen now? Would I suddenly find myself ditching mysteries and take up historical romance? I shuddered at the thought then and now, it's just not pretty to think about.
On the other hand I knew it wouldn't be the same, and it wasn't. Compared to the mysteries I read now, this was pretty tame and simple. It was a fast and easy read. It wasn't bogged down in complicated plots involving more characters than you can count. Nobody was killed and despite a few scares nobody was really ever in danger. I loved it almost as much as I did in the 5th grade. It was for different reasons though. As a kid I was caught up in the mystery. I had to know where the will was hidden and that the bad guys would be punished. I wanted to know that the good relatives would get their inheritance so they could live happily eve rafter.
As an adult, this book served as a palate cleanser. It was just the thing I needed to reset my brain and get me out my more serious frame of mind. It was pure escapism. I was able to read simply for the pleasure of it. I didn't have to think about or analyze what I was reading. I didn't have to deal with emotionally complex characters that left me drained at the end. I got to read a story that was simple and fun, a story that left me happy at the end. I can't wait to do it again.
Challenges: A-Z, M&S, VM
I can't wait to unpack my Nancy Drews! I need a palate cleaner too. =O) Reading your review made me remember when I used to watch the Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys TV movies when I was a kid. I used to get so caught up in the mysteries. Guess that's why I love Masterpiece Mystery on PBS. Did you know Miss Marple and Poirot (new ones) are starting back tomorrow night? I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI loved Nancy Drew growing up too. I have also wanted to read one again but wasn't sure if it would hold up to my memories. Glad you enjoyed yours!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever read a Nancy Drew book and I really don't know why, since I've always loved mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI used to love Nancy Drew too and I also credit her books with my love affair with mysteries.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Father's Day, Ryan!
Okay. I have to admit this. I have NEVER read a Nancy Drew book. Ever.
ReplyDeleteOr The Hardy Boys.
I got so excited when I saw what book you were reviewing, I LOVED the Nancy Drew books when I was a kid! A couple years ago I tried to read one to my daughter. I think she was in 2nd or 3rd grade and it went over like a lead balloon. It felt dated to me and, I think, too complicated for her. Now that she is going into 6th I should have her try again. She does like the "Nancy Drew Girl" books, which are updated versions.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that Nancy was a good read for you..even for different reasons. I haven't reread mine for some of the same reasons. I do have one of the re-issues of the original stories (before they got "sanitized" a bit in the 50s-70s).
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day!
Just realized I didn't finish my thought...
ReplyDeleteI have the re-issue and I ought to read it sometime....
I truly enjoyed going back in time with you. Nancy Drew was a huge impact on my reading in 5th grade too...after devouring the series I moved on to the Hardy Boys and then Trixie Belden. I'm glad that you enjoyed it the second time around!!
ReplyDeleteI read a Nancy Drew book not long ago and felt the same way. I think, despite being dated, they are still well enough written that I could enjoy the one I read and imagine where it might work really well for someone younger.
ReplyDeleteI love to re-read Nancy Drew when I want to feel child-like again or as comfort reading when I'm sick or can't fall asleep
ReplyDeleteI've actually never read Nancy Drew. Perhaps that's why I don't read mysteries now :) I did see this book in the store the other day and considered getting it for my daughter, but I think she's still a little young for it.
ReplyDeleteThese books brought me so much pleasure as a child. Last year I bought the first 5 and have been meaning to reread them. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteBTW...enjoy your time unplugged.