The Joker's Revenge

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #84

by Carolyn Keene

Undercover as store employees to track a malicious practical joker in an exclusive department store, Nancy, Bess, and George are determined to discover who is wreaking havoc upon the store and its staff.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Classics

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Carolyn 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal of the infamous Batman nemesis in The Dark Knight, I can't see or hear any reference to any sort of joker without thinking about that DC Comics villain.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este estuvo solo bien, entretenido, pero se nota que cambió el escritor fantasma. Es todo mucho más resumido, apurado, y predecible. Nancy hace cosas un poco tontas, como no ir a la policía *nunca* cuando las cosas se ponen peligrosas, o como notar pistas pero no atar los cabos para develar cuál era el siguiente paso en el plan malvado. Resuelve el misterio unas treinta páginas antes de que termine, y después es solo una escena final un poco ridícula y cliché.
Me gustó mucho leer sobre ella y sus amigas, igualmente. La tienda donde todo se desarrolla es un lugar interesante y divertido para que las chicas investiguen.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written plot! I quite liked this, although, I wouldn't call this my favorite Nancy Drew book that I have read, but still, enjoyable plot. I like these books, mostly for light reading and a short mystery. I recommend this book for young readings who are starting chapters books, or for any age who wants a short mystery to enjoy!

[Freya Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surely all of this ending should have been exposed/prevented by the helicopter company? They were made aware the helicopter had been hired under false pretences and charged to a business that was not aware that it's name was being used and was probably going to be used in the commission of a crime - so why did they send the helicopter at all? Or why did they not at least make sure the police had the flightplan of the helicopter as soon as they had it?

[Chris Comden · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Joker's Revenge by Carolyn Keene
Series: Yes. Nancy Drew #84
Format: Softcover
Stars: 3
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: Maybe


I give honest reviews and all my opinions are my own.

For more of my reviews go to Heavenly High Seas Books
https://heavenlyhighseasbooks.blogspo...

[Pertti Lahti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hyvä kirja

[Allison]

You’ll have plenty of time to star. In court and in prison!!! Bess >>>>>>>>>

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 2nd favorite Nancy Drew, after the mystery of the ivory charm.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nancy Drew has done many incredible, implausible things, but the one in the finale of this book goes too far! And Nancy missed the obvious which usually doesn't happen. Otherwise it's a straightforward mystery with typical pounding-the-pavement detective work, little mention of food and no clothes shopping for Nancy and her chums in spite of taking place in a department store!

[Yue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember I read this books like a million of times when I was in middle school. This is the only book I read of Nancy Drew, only because her books dont exist here in my country.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.