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Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys: Super Mystery #1
Double Crossing
AMERICA'S TOP TEEN DETECTIVES TEAM UP WHEN A CRIME WAVE HITS THE HIGH SEAS
NANCY DREW is enjoying a luxury cruise aboard the ship where her friend George is the new social director. It seems like great fun until Nancy overhears a plan to sell CIA secrets to another country. Her vacation turns into a high-risk hunt for a deadly secret agent.
Meanwhile...
THE HARDY BOYS are working undercover on the same cruise ship--Joe in the kitchen, Frank as photographer--trying to track down a dangerous group of thieves who prey on rich passengers.
But when murder comes aboard, Nancy, Joe, and Frank find they're in the same boat--facing death on all sides...
NANCY DREW is enjoying a luxury cruise aboard the ship where her friend George is the new social director. It seems like great fun until Nancy overhears a plan to sell CIA secrets to another country. Her vacation turns into a high-risk hunt for a deadly secret agent.
Meanwhile...
THE HARDY BOYS are working undercover on the same cruise ship--Joe in the kitchen, Frank as photographer--trying to track down a dangerous group of thieves who prey on rich passengers.
But when murder comes aboard, Nancy, Joe, and Frank find they're in the same boat--facing death on all sides...
214 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 10, 1988
51 people are currently reading
2129 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
958 books3,859 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 61 reviews
February 19, 2021
Nancy Drew! The Hardy Boys! But mostly Nancy Drew! It really is mostly Nancy's story, with the occasional visit from Frank and Joe, who are concerned with their own side-mystery for most of the story. Nancy is trying to enjoy a little vacation with her buddy on a cruise ship, but suddenly your typical American CIA-kid snob clique shows up and spoils the whole thing, what with their espionage, treason, murder, and the usual CIA-kid snob clique shenanigans. I haven't read a lot of either Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys adventures (I was mainly a 3 Investigators guy growing up), but this does bring an immediate since of much-welcome nostalgia. Sure, there is mayhem and murder and other unpleasant things (with a bizarre undercurrent of romantic flirtation between Nancy and Frank, despite her immediate commitment to put the kibosh on that ... until the next chapter), but this takes us back to the good ol' '80s spy adventures of Remington Steele, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and the like. It was a good time, and this "super mystery" (not all that much of a mystery, really, since the author gives us enough obvious clues and red herrings throughout so we can figure it out fairly easily) sends us back there for a good romp. Though, we are left wondering why Nancy keeps allowing herself to get trapped, bamboozled, and tricked at the end of every chapter.
March 16, 2012
#1 on my Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Super Mystery re-read of 2012.
CHECKLIST:
A compelling and interesting mystery. √
Joe flirting with all the females. √
Surprising twists. √
Nancy trying to ignore her attraction toward Frank due to the fact they are both seeing other people but still lusting after him anyways √
George getting attached and then her heart (almost) broken by a new guy √
Joe or Frank or Nancy or George or Bess getting almost killed/murdered/maimed/kidnapped/locked away etc before being rescued at the last possible minute by one (or two or three) of the others √
A happy ending that wouldn't have come around if the teenage detectives hadn't figured it out. √
Ok, so while this particular book WASN'T one of the books I read as a kid, I don't recall them being on a cruise ship with this particular mystery, I still really enjoyed it anyways. It was a quick, fast and easy read and I think all the hallmark Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys elements are here in all their eternal glory. What I really liked about this, however, was how all the detectives knew each other so we didn't have to go through, who's that girl/guy? The Frank/Nancy stuff we got every 30 pages or so made me happy, tomboyish George was perfect and I love Joe (as usual). Looking forward to reading #2 (as soon as someone puts it up on ebay. Come on people!)
CHECKLIST:
A compelling and interesting mystery. √
Joe flirting with all the females. √
Surprising twists. √
Nancy trying to ignore her attraction toward Frank due to the fact they are both seeing other people but still lusting after him anyways √
George getting attached and then her heart (almost) broken by a new guy √
Joe or Frank or Nancy or George or Bess getting almost killed/murdered/maimed/kidnapped/locked away etc before being rescued at the last possible minute by one (or two or three) of the others √
A happy ending that wouldn't have come around if the teenage detectives hadn't figured it out. √
Ok, so while this particular book WASN'T one of the books I read as a kid, I don't recall them being on a cruise ship with this particular mystery, I still really enjoyed it anyways. It was a quick, fast and easy read and I think all the hallmark Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys elements are here in all their eternal glory. What I really liked about this, however, was how all the detectives knew each other so we didn't have to go through, who's that girl/guy? The Frank/Nancy stuff we got every 30 pages or so made me happy, tomboyish George was perfect and I love Joe (as usual). Looking forward to reading #2 (as soon as someone puts it up on ebay. Come on people!)
October 16, 2024
I got to read about Nancy and the boys chasing down thieves and murderers on a cruise ship…while I was on a cruise ship 🤣🤣🤣
Seriously the most appropriate book i could’ve brought with me on my cruise (aboard the Discovery Princess, HIGHLY recommend). Except my cruise didn’t come with dead bodies and thieves thank goodness 💀💀
MILD INCONSEQUENTIAL SPOILER ALERT HERE but I have to talk about it because I got so triggered 🤣🤣 Nancy finds a scorpion in her bed in her stateroom, and she smashes it with the phone handset. Eww!! She rushes out to find the Hardy Boys and later returns to her room “for a good nights sleep”, not bothering to call room service to CHANGE OUT HER SCORPION GUTS SHEETS. Wtf?! Gross, dude!!
Seriously the most appropriate book i could’ve brought with me on my cruise (aboard the Discovery Princess, HIGHLY recommend). Except my cruise didn’t come with dead bodies and thieves thank goodness 💀💀
MILD INCONSEQUENTIAL SPOILER ALERT HERE but I have to talk about it because I got so triggered 🤣🤣 Nancy finds a scorpion in her bed in her stateroom, and she smashes it with the phone handset. Eww!! She rushes out to find the Hardy Boys and later returns to her room “for a good nights sleep”, not bothering to call room service to CHANGE OUT HER SCORPION GUTS SHEETS. Wtf?! Gross, dude!!
July 14, 2025
Such a fun mystery! Well written and easy to read.
-great setting on a cruise ship with a ton of fun things going on: masquerade ball, 50s sock hop, fancy dress party
-two ongoing mysteries: computer disks and stolen gambling money
-80s Soviet Cold War vibes (this was published in 1988).
-MAN OVERBOARD!
-multiple dead bodies
-Francy midnight swim
-scorpion in the sheets (Not Frank)
-fun ending though the multiple rescues were a bit convenient
-chloroform again
-Nancy can speak Spanish
-George at one point stands on her head
-George has a romance with one of the suspects (No Bess in this one)
-vampire mask
-Slow Motion Moe
-great setting on a cruise ship with a ton of fun things going on: masquerade ball, 50s sock hop, fancy dress party
-two ongoing mysteries: computer disks and stolen gambling money
-80s Soviet Cold War vibes (this was published in 1988).
-MAN OVERBOARD!
-multiple dead bodies
-Francy midnight swim
-scorpion in the sheets (Not Frank)
-fun ending though the multiple rescues were a bit convenient
-chloroform again
-Nancy can speak Spanish
-George at one point stands on her head
-George has a romance with one of the suspects (No Bess in this one)
-vampire mask
-Slow Motion Moe
April 8, 2025
More of a high 3 star read
April 10, 2025
nostalgic read.😊
December 18, 2025
I will say this is a great start to the series; however, they put Nancy through the ringer. Girl is getting beat up trying to get to the bottom of the CIA plot while the Hardy Boys are just trying to find a thief. Like be more helpful next time please.
July 6, 2017
Innan jag läste den här läste jag en Bröderna Hardy-bok för att jag skulle lära känna bröderna lite. Det hade nog inte behövts men det var trevligt att ha karaktärerna i huvudet någonstans.
En trevlig bok. Lite mer mord än det brukar vara i Kitty-böckerna. Jag har inte läst tillräckligt många Bröderna Hardy för att kunna säga hur mycket mord de brukar vara i dem...
En trevlig bok. Lite mer mord än det brukar vara i Kitty-böckerna. Jag har inte läst tillräckligt många Bröderna Hardy för att kunna säga hur mycket mord de brukar vara i dem...
July 28, 2015
A Quickie Review
When you combine the two--or, technically, three--best known literary mystery solvers of the past century or so, you'd expect a rather convoluted mystery...and that's what you get here. The action and suspense from the Nancy Drew files is ever-present here, and the story is definitely a page-turner. While rather dated--most computers these days don't even use disks much anymore--mystery fans will find plenty to love about this.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: Flirting. 4/5
• Nudity: As this takes place on a cruise ship, people are described as being in swimsuits. 4/5
• Language: None. 5/5
• Violence: Action scenes throughout. One character is murdered; another character is presumed to be killed, but is shown to be alive at the end. 3/5
• Drugs: A mention of tobacco; another of chloroform. 3/5
• Frightening/Intense Sequences: Some "PG"-level peril; a scene where a character is nearly attacked by a scorpion; a girl is locked in a closet. 3/5
Score: 4/5
When you combine the two--or, technically, three--best known literary mystery solvers of the past century or so, you'd expect a rather convoluted mystery...and that's what you get here. The action and suspense from the Nancy Drew files is ever-present here, and the story is definitely a page-turner. While rather dated--most computers these days don't even use disks much anymore--mystery fans will find plenty to love about this.
Content Concerns:
• Sex: Flirting. 4/5
• Nudity: As this takes place on a cruise ship, people are described as being in swimsuits. 4/5
• Language: None. 5/5
• Violence: Action scenes throughout. One character is murdered; another character is presumed to be killed, but is shown to be alive at the end. 3/5
• Drugs: A mention of tobacco; another of chloroform. 3/5
• Frightening/Intense Sequences: Some "PG"-level peril; a scene where a character is nearly attacked by a scorpion; a girl is locked in a closet. 3/5
Score: 4/5
November 16, 2007
this is an insanely fascinating book if you're, ah, less than sober and your friends are trying to get you to play travel-size scrabble. i think in my nancy drew years i read maybe one of hers and more of the hardy boys, none of which i could recall details from if you paid me to. but were they always this ridiculous? i mean, the CIA has been trying to bring down the big bad soviet james bond for years, but nancy drew and the hardy boys, with their powers combined just happen to be able to prevail where a goverment agency failed? come on.
not to say i didn't enjoy it. i think i actually refused to sleep that night until nancy cracked the case.
not to say i didn't enjoy it. i think i actually refused to sleep that night until nancy cracked the case.
March 6, 2009
As a young girl I loved to resd Nancy Drew and the Hardy boys series. These books are the very ones that gave me a passion for reading. I just never read all them. But from time to time I find myself in the Library, and just can't help myself, I check one or two out. the fond memories it always brings me back too is wonderful. sitting under the old Pecan tree at my Grandparents house in a warm spring day reading. I can almost smell that fresh grass again and feel like a young girl once more. These memories are priceless to me.
July 10, 2011
How do you rate nostalgia? I read (most of) this series as a preteen/teen and absolutely loved them. Now, as I re-read them in (roughly) numerical order, I'm finding them really...corny. But I can see why I enjoyed them at that age - and I can see how they shaped my future (and current) reading choices.
January 1, 2021
This review and more can be found at The Heart of a Book Blogger.
I won't re-rate this book because I ADORED it as a kid and I had a fun trip down memory lane rereading it. But now I do want to reread them all (and make a list of the most Nancy/Frank-centric books because yes I still ship them).
I won't re-rate this book because I ADORED it as a kid and I had a fun trip down memory lane rereading it. But now I do want to reread them all (and make a list of the most Nancy/Frank-centric books because yes I still ship them).
July 30, 2014
A decent mystery and a fun trip down memory lane.
April 2, 2021
It's a francy story and isn't that all that matters???
January 6, 2018
I'm quite ashamed that I didn't know the existence of this series, but since I'm pretty sure this wasn't readily available in my country before, I'm happy that I had the opportunity to read it now.
Anyway, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and George had great teamwork and even helped in each other's cases. It seemed though that the characters would prompt the readers that they'll be solving a case over the other with sentences like, "We'll back out of this case for awhile. Our client expects result, so we'll finish our case first then we'll help you."
The writing style used was similar to the mothership series, so Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys knowing each other seemed natural.
Anyway, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and George had great teamwork and even helped in each other's cases. It seemed though that the characters would prompt the readers that they'll be solving a case over the other with sentences like, "We'll back out of this case for awhile. Our client expects result, so we'll finish our case first then we'll help you."
The writing style used was similar to the mothership series, so Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys knowing each other seemed natural.
June 30, 2019
I don't have a rational reason for coming back to these again and again.
This book, like the rest of them, has an easy feel to them. The stakes, however high they may be, are always defeatable. There is no nail biting action, no moments when I'm sitting on the edge of my seat.
But maybe that's why I love them so much. It reminds me when I first started reading Nancy Drew and I would get so scared every time someone used chloroform (when did my mind start normalising chloroform kidnapping in books?!?!) Also, Frank and Nancy?? Please get together??? (I neeeeed to read Secrets of The Nile, the ultimate Francy book)
I'll stop rambling now haha
This book, like the rest of them, has an easy feel to them. The stakes, however high they may be, are always defeatable. There is no nail biting action, no moments when I'm sitting on the edge of my seat.
But maybe that's why I love them so much. It reminds me when I first started reading Nancy Drew and I would get so scared every time someone used chloroform (when did my mind start normalising chloroform kidnapping in books?!?!) Also, Frank and Nancy?? Please get together??? (I neeeeed to read Secrets of The Nile, the ultimate Francy book)
I'll stop rambling now haha
July 23, 2022
I read this series about 15-20 years ago and remembered two things: 1) Nancy and Frank really ought to break up with Ned and Callie and get together, and 2) Joe Hardy likes girls about 3 inches shorter than me, which was a devastating realization when I was in my teens.
I'm not sure whether or not I read this one back then (I don't think my library had the whole series), but I had fun (re)reading it now, especially after recently rewatching the '70s Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew TV show. Sure there are some ridiculous parts and the writing made me giggle a few times when it wasn't mean to be funny, but it was a great way to spend an evening
I'm not sure whether or not I read this one back then (I don't think my library had the whole series), but I had fun (re)reading it now, especially after recently rewatching the '70s Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew TV show. Sure there are some ridiculous parts and the writing made me giggle a few times when it wasn't mean to be funny, but it was a great way to spend an evening
November 30, 2017
As always my three favorite detectives solve the case after a near death by the suspect of course! I actually enjoyed the fact that Bess was not tagging along on this adventure because at times I think she is only good for getting in the way, but I will admit she does have her moments. Awwww Nancy and Frank how I wish they could be a real couple but their love for their significant others is truly an amazing thing. I do enjoy there romantic escapades together. Anyways the case is rapped up into a net little bow and then I wait for the next one.
August 10, 2024
I think I just give 5 stars to books that make me feel like a teenager again. I am also in denial that I am over the age of 16.
Is this actually a 5 star? No, but the nostalgia is overpowering.
We love a Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys crossover with a little bit of romance between Nancy and Frank?! Which I love?!
If I were to knock a point, it would be the 'bad guy' reveal. The big evidence was a specific smelling tobacco, but the bad guy stopped smoking it the day that Nancy discovered it. So the bad guy reveal was unhelpful because what's the point of that being mentioned.
But overall, just a feel-good mystery.
Is this actually a 5 star? No, but the nostalgia is overpowering.
We love a Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys crossover with a little bit of romance between Nancy and Frank?! Which I love?!
If I were to knock a point, it would be the 'bad guy' reveal. The big evidence was a specific smelling tobacco, but the bad guy stopped smoking it the day that Nancy discovered it. So the bad guy reveal was unhelpful because what's the point of that being mentioned.
But overall, just a feel-good mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2018
As always, Nancy Drew + Hardy Boys calls for a rip-roaring good time. And it's aboard a cruise ship, which is like #3 on my list of Top 10 Places That A Murder and/or Murder Investigation Should Take Place.
If you're looking for fun, a bit of mystery, and Nancy describing the Eldest Hardy Boy in salivating, scintillating detail and then going "and there's Ned. He's a Ned.", then you've come to the right place.
I cannot Wait to read the rest of them.
If you're looking for fun, a bit of mystery, and Nancy describing the Eldest Hardy Boy in salivating, scintillating detail and then going "and there's Ned. He's a Ned.", then you've come to the right place.
I cannot Wait to read the rest of them.
May 25, 2021
I remember reading this at the age of 9 or ten. My Dad was in the habit of taking us to secondhand bookstores and this was one of my older sister's finds.
I remember how thrilling the story was as I kept reading and I was also conscious of the fact that my Dad would probably have confiscated the book had he read it himself (due to the romantic parts which the were normal, YA sort but probably would have not been deemed suitable for me).
Ooooh... I remember how some parts of the book sent chills up my spine and I think part of it was because of the hinted romance between Nancy and Frank. Delicious! As for the setting of the story, a luxury cruise ship with ballrooms, murder, kidnapping- my Dad would probably have been right if he had confiscated it!
I haven't read the book for a while and it doesn't seem like a good idea to spend RM20+ on only book from the series on Google Playstore. I'm sure I could hunt the books down at some local libraries but with the pandemic nowhere nearing its end, it doesn't feel like library visit will happen in the near future.
I remember how thrilling the story was as I kept reading and I was also conscious of the fact that my Dad would probably have confiscated the book had he read it himself (due to the romantic parts which the were normal, YA sort but probably would have not been deemed suitable for me).
Ooooh... I remember how some parts of the book sent chills up my spine and I think part of it was because of the hinted romance between Nancy and Frank. Delicious! As for the setting of the story, a luxury cruise ship with ballrooms, murder, kidnapping- my Dad would probably have been right if he had confiscated it!
I haven't read the book for a while and it doesn't seem like a good idea to spend RM20+ on only book from the series on Google Playstore. I'm sure I could hunt the books down at some local libraries but with the pandemic nowhere nearing its end, it doesn't feel like library visit will happen in the near future.
March 27, 2020
this was BALLER, its funny how u can tell its like .... very much the 80s
i like how there are 2 mysteries going on at the same time
the amount of YEARNING nancy is doing for frank.... stop kidding yourself queen
i like how there are 2 mysteries going on at the same time
the amount of YEARNING nancy is doing for frank.... stop kidding yourself queen
August 29, 2020
It was fine. Haven't read a Nancy Drew book in absolutely ages, and although it was very simplistic and childish in its plot, it was probably great for the intended audience at the time it was written.
October 5, 2021
LOVED this Nancy! Brave, tenacious, and loyal. Plus, she felt like a true teenager, which was a welcome change from how her character can sometimes read a little young. Honestly, this was one of my favorite Nancy Drew books so far. I truly couldn't put it down!
March 16, 2022
This was a nostalgia read. I used to eat these books up when I was a kid. And I have to say this one holds up pretty well. The team up of Nancy, Joe, and Frank is always a good one and the mystery was fun to read and try to figure out. I will see if I can get my hands on some more to read.
March 17, 2024
The hardy boys are hired to locate a thief on a cruise ship. Nancy's friend George is on board as the assistant cruise director, bringing Nancy along for a vacation. Nancy stumbled on a plot to sell stolen CIA information.
February 25, 2020
Good mystery
July 7, 2020
The best one so far: 2 good mysteries, some humor, and nice nascent romantic possibilities (although none really came to fruition)
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August 6, 2022My review/recap (contains cursing): https://anchor.fm/nancy-drew-nickerso...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews