What do you think?
Rate this book
Nancy Drew Diaries #4
NANCY DREW DIARIES ONCE UPON A THRILLER NO 4
Nancy and her friends need more than book smarts to get to the bottom of a literary mystery in this fourth book of the Nancy Drew Diaries, a new take on the classic series.A rash of crimes in a neighboring town—a blazing fire at a bookstore, a boat that sinks in the harbor, and a valuable dog’s dognapping—are eerily similar to the plots from famous mystery writer Lacey O’Brien’s popular books. So who’s behind the crimes? Could it be Lacey looking for publicity? One of Lacey’s superfans? Or maybe it’s Paige Samuels, owner of the bookstore that burned. Nancy, Bess, and George will have to read between the lines as they dig deep into a dangerous mystery.
144 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 7, 2013
123 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,011 books3,873 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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 171 reviews
February 5, 2025
A fun but predictable mystery. These are a great escape after reading more serious and adult mystery/thriller series.
March 26, 2025
This was much quicker than the previous books in the series; however, this felt like it had more at stake and the action was more intense. I don't how many of these I'll make it through this year, but it's been a fun journey so far.
March 4, 2019
Another quick read this one a little more suspenseful then the Nantucket one which I liked! This one was like camping outside and hearing a scary story just scary enough to give you goosebumps!
January 5, 2021
My favorite book(ok maybe second favorite)of the Nancy Drew series
If I start describing I'll probably ruin all the book, but Carolyn Keene will always be unpredictable, and
I mean, copying everything from Lacey's books, nice plot from a crime.
If I start describing I'll probably ruin all the book, but Carolyn Keene will always be unpredictable, and
I mean, copying everything from Lacey's books, nice plot from a crime.
August 31, 2024
Cute mystery! Perfect for middle grade readers!
May 7, 2023
Entertaining and well written. This was an updated version with cell phones. I'm always looking for good mysteries that are not too violent or gory, and they are hard to find. So revisiting Nancy Drew from my childhood is an enjoyable break. Many of the popular "cozy" mysteries just can't keep my attention with a lot of chatter that seems fairly meaningless to me. Mildred Wirt wrote a large percentage of the Nancy Drew series, which were always credited to Carolyn Keene, the default author. She also wrote a similar series with a very perky and daring adolescent Penny Parker as the sleuth, several of which were very entertaining. "Behind the Green Door " is one of my favorites. I like the way action and physical settings are described and banal chatter is avoided in her writing. Both series have a heroine that is a very positive role model for young women. In this story, for example, Nancy goes hiking, canoeing, and plays Scrabble. It is a bit shorter, just 2 hours for the audio I listened to on the Libby app.
February 19, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Quick and fun read for a challenge.
Quick and fun read for a challenge.
November 14, 2016
'Before I even realized what was happening the boat lurched wildly to the right, throwing us into the violent waters'. What you just read was one of the many things young, sleuth Nancy and her friends had to deal with while trying to enjoy their weekend, up in the small town of Avondale, that they had anticipated relaxing. Seventeen year old Nancy Drew and her best friends George and Bess had just wanted to have a great weekend that they would remember forever, but after a fire at a rusty old bookstore everything changed, especially their plans. Famous writer Lacy O'Brian was scheduled to do a book signing the day of the fire, despite the fact she and the bookstore owner are enemies, but was that her real intentions or had she, or someone else, planned the fire and a handful of other mysterious events based off of the ploys from her books, and will brave Nancy Drew uncover the culprits and the story and the motive behind this activities or will she sink even deeper into the danger that she's already in?
Lately I've been reading Nancy Drew 'Once Upon A Thriller'. I chose to read this book for all the right reasons. The characters are not only smart and creating, Carolyn Keene, wrote the book in such a way that made the characters so realistic. This really helps bring the book to life making you want to keep reading after every page. The vents that occur in the book are so suspenseful and really give the book that extra element that every book needs to be amazing. The Nancy Drew series are perfect for both boys and girls eight years of age and up. If you like this book there are many more that you can read as well, that are just as great as this one. If you are interested in fun, jumpy, suspenseful, one of a kind books, this book is definitely for you!
Lately I've been reading Nancy Drew 'Once Upon A Thriller'. I chose to read this book for all the right reasons. The characters are not only smart and creating, Carolyn Keene, wrote the book in such a way that made the characters so realistic. This really helps bring the book to life making you want to keep reading after every page. The vents that occur in the book are so suspenseful and really give the book that extra element that every book needs to be amazing. The Nancy Drew series are perfect for both boys and girls eight years of age and up. If you like this book there are many more that you can read as well, that are just as great as this one. If you are interested in fun, jumpy, suspenseful, one of a kind books, this book is definitely for you!
May 21, 2025
Welcome to an official Charlotte’s BookNook book review! Make sure to go follow my YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@charlottes_bookn...) if you haven’t already. I post video reviews and all sorts of clean bookish content! Now let’s get this review started.
Hmm. This was merely ok. Definitely not as good as the OG Nancy drew books. I wasn’t a fan of how Nancy made up outlandish lies even we she didn’t need to. Other than that, it was fun. An easy read with a pretty good ending. I think I’ve just definitely outgrown the series and I would recommend it to ages 10 and under.
Language: None
LGBTQ+: None
Romance: Nancy mentions having a boyfriend and he helps her with a mystery.
Violence: Charcters fall into the water canoeing in a storm. A bookstore is set on fire. No one is hurt in this book.
Religious Views: None
Authority Roles: Our characters are mostly grown up it seems? No authority is shown in this book because there isn’t any kids.
Hmm. This was merely ok. Definitely not as good as the OG Nancy drew books. I wasn’t a fan of how Nancy made up outlandish lies even we she didn’t need to. Other than that, it was fun. An easy read with a pretty good ending. I think I’ve just definitely outgrown the series and I would recommend it to ages 10 and under.
Language: None
LGBTQ+: None
Romance: Nancy mentions having a boyfriend and he helps her with a mystery.
Violence: Charcters fall into the water canoeing in a storm. A bookstore is set on fire. No one is hurt in this book.
Religious Views: None
Authority Roles: Our characters are mostly grown up it seems? No authority is shown in this book because there isn’t any kids.
August 1, 2020
After my 10 hour audiobook of the phenomenal The Flatshare, I wanted to switch back to my preferred limit under 5 hours. These Nancy Drew Diaries are so sweet and short that I can't help but enjoy myself. Out of the four that I have read, I have only disliked one. Once Upon a Thriller was a fun take and playfully tapped on the fourth wall throughout the story. Nancy Drew went meta as she tried to solve the crimes based on the cases of a literary detective. The author who writes these stories lives in the town that these events are occurring and she is being framed! Everything was well thought-out and I loved how we went three layers deep in this book:
1. I am reading a Nancy Drew book
2. Nancy Drew is reading a book about a girl detective.
3. Someone in town is committing crimes based on the cases of a literary detective that Nancy Drew has to solve and the reader gets to guess what happens too!
Altogether, a fun intriguing read that messes with the genre and I don't believe I heard one utterance of the word "dubious". Hooray!
1. I am reading a Nancy Drew book
2. Nancy Drew is reading a book about a girl detective.
3. Someone in town is committing crimes based on the cases of a literary detective that Nancy Drew has to solve and the reader gets to guess what happens too!
Altogether, a fun intriguing read that messes with the genre and I don't believe I heard one utterance of the word "dubious". Hooray!
March 29, 2019
Nancy head to a lake and a small town for a few days over the weekend and wind up getting into a lot of mysteries. She writes about the mysteries and things being stolen but after being threatened by notes she calls up her boyfriend, Ned to come and help her solve these cases and keep her safe. Finally , with Ned’s help she does solve the case by accident. Being a “ diary” it seems like this is more like a kid friendly version of the Nancy Drew mysteries but nonetheless still intriguing to read.
November 14, 2017
Awesome n such a quick read. Really enjoyed this mystery at Moon Lake. Makes me want to visit a camp.
January 18, 2019
Since I was six, Nancy Drew has been that big sister than I never had. I loved following her around as she solved all kinds of mysteries, and looking up to her like any girl would look up to a great role model. So I guess it's a little weird to realize that I'm now the older sister in this equation. It's a very different feeling reading a Nancy Drew mystery when you realize that now you're older than all the main characters, and you've yet to solve of mystery like Nancy. But still, there is something about me that doesn't want to let go of this unending series that helped raise me. With that in mind, I'm no longer reading these books like a little kid looking up to a big sister figure, but now I'm the adult looking at how unrealistic these books actually are, and I don't like feeling this way about a figure I looked up to for most of my life.
With that in mind, I am not the audience this book was written for. If I fit into that audience, I may have given this review a higher rating. But in any case, this was a pretty generic Nancy Drew mystery story. Nancy, Bess, and George are going on a weekend trip to Moon Lake (no Ghost Dogs this time) to spend their days hiking, boating, and relaxing. Um, yeah right. Nancy should know better than anyone that with her, that would never happen. Within minutes of arrival, Nancy becomes involved in a mystery involving a bookstore fire, a missing artifact, and a reclusive author of mystery books where very similar occurrences are happening within her pages. Nancy sees the similarity between the events in Avendale and the events in the mystery books right away. She uses this information to figure out who is behind these crimes, and saves the day in time for Hannah's apple pie with Bess and George.
I thought the story was okay, and I didn't guess the culprit right away, so I guess that's a plus. But really, I just didn't enjoy this mystery all that much. The characters weren't that memorable, and the ones that I was a little interested in learning more about, like Ian, the intern police officer is kind of forgotten half way though the book and never heard from again. I also felt the scene at the end of the book when the culprit was discovered was pretty dull. I was hoping it would be more interesting, but it really wasn't.
There probably was nothing wrong with this book, and ten years ago I would have most likely loved it. But it just wasn't all that memorable to me at this point in my life. But I can't talk much, since I still haven't done a quarter of what Nancy has done, and technically, she's four years younger than me. That's a bummer.
With that in mind, I am not the audience this book was written for. If I fit into that audience, I may have given this review a higher rating. But in any case, this was a pretty generic Nancy Drew mystery story. Nancy, Bess, and George are going on a weekend trip to Moon Lake (no Ghost Dogs this time) to spend their days hiking, boating, and relaxing. Um, yeah right. Nancy should know better than anyone that with her, that would never happen. Within minutes of arrival, Nancy becomes involved in a mystery involving a bookstore fire, a missing artifact, and a reclusive author of mystery books where very similar occurrences are happening within her pages. Nancy sees the similarity between the events in Avendale and the events in the mystery books right away. She uses this information to figure out who is behind these crimes, and saves the day in time for Hannah's apple pie with Bess and George.
I thought the story was okay, and I didn't guess the culprit right away, so I guess that's a plus. But really, I just didn't enjoy this mystery all that much. The characters weren't that memorable, and the ones that I was a little interested in learning more about, like Ian, the intern police officer is kind of forgotten half way though the book and never heard from again. I also felt the scene at the end of the book when the culprit was discovered was pretty dull. I was hoping it would be more interesting, but it really wasn't.
There probably was nothing wrong with this book, and ten years ago I would have most likely loved it. But it just wasn't all that memorable to me at this point in my life. But I can't talk much, since I still haven't done a quarter of what Nancy has done, and technically, she's four years younger than me. That's a bummer.
February 26, 2014
What is happening???: Girl on the cover looks about 12, but Nancy has credit cards and can drive. It's like the normal books, except writing style is in first person, and Nancy's voice is like that of a middle schooler or younger. Talk of ebooks, cell phone GPS and "not judging"--a modern Nancy.
Same old Nancy: Ignores no trespassing signs, almost gets run over by a car, receives threatening messages.
Other thoughts:
-Right kind of creepy, with crimes taken from books and potential prowlers outside. Enough for a chill, but nothing to turn the nightlight on for.
-Typewriter investigation: Stay Tuned for Danger anyone? Also: Moon Lake; where my ghost dogs at???
-Humor is subtle, but deeply appreciated.
Same old Nancy: Ignores no trespassing signs, almost gets run over by a car, receives threatening messages.
Other thoughts:
-Right kind of creepy, with crimes taken from books and potential prowlers outside. Enough for a chill, but nothing to turn the nightlight on for.
-Typewriter investigation: Stay Tuned for Danger anyone? Also: Moon Lake; where my ghost dogs at???
-Humor is subtle, but deeply appreciated.
September 3, 2014
Three stars - half a star more than the last book - for being the least terrible book in this series as I read them in order. Maybe it's because the book is quite a bit shorter than the previous ones, but at least it didn't drag on forever with useless plot devices. I would imagine that very young readers would like it. Otherwise, it's pretty meh, but not, as I said, absolutely terrible.
April 26, 2024
Once Upon a Thriller by Carolyn Keene is the fourth of the Nancy Drew Diaries. Nancy and her friends have a cabin rented in a small mountain town. Almost immediately their trip is interrupted by a series of odd accidents, all of which seem to point to the reclusive mystery author living at the other side of the lake.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2017/comm...
March 30, 2016
Great premise, but it fell a little short for me. Loved Ned's appearance, though! I think my main problem was that the culprit's motive was kind of out of nowhere and didn't really make sense to me. Other than that, I enjoyed the mystery!
November 27, 2018
Does a nice job of getting the tone and style of the original series, but a bit simpler/shorter for younger readers. Fun story with some typical Nancy near-misses and tension.
January 19, 2021
It was so intense and mysterious!
August 29, 2020
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Every other week I take a break from reading the classic Nancy Drew Mysteries to concentrate on the current series, Nancy Drew Diaries. Once Upon a Thriller is the fourth volume in the series.
Once Upon a Thriller was a classic Nancy Drew mystery. Nancy, Bess and George head to the nearby town on Avondale for a weekend of fun: staying in a cabin, hiking, swimming, canoeing, sight-seeing and more. When they arrive in town, a local bookstore, Paige’s Pages, is on fire. A teenager in the crowd is making a stink because famous author and recluse Lacy O’Brien was supposed to be doing a book signing later that day. This same teen also mentions that the bookstore fire is similar to one that happened in one of Lacy’s books. Was the fire an electrical problem in an old building, or was it arson? Nancy’s on the case.
After the fire, a few more funny things starts happening: a locally-famous statue disappears from the art gallery, Nancy’s wallet is missing, but later found, the girls’ canoe capsizes during a storm (seriously, when doesn’t Nancy get caught in a storm when on the water?), and all these events just so happened in Lacy O’Brien novels.
Nancy’s got a list of suspects an arm long; despite being a well-known author, Lacy O’Brien has a lot of frenemies dating back to high school, including the bookstore owner and the B&B owner, who is also a terrible gossip.
Nancy nearly gets run down by a mysterious black car, but the occupants stop and apologize, giving Nancy their card in case she needs anything. Nancy finds out that “Cecelia Brown” that almost ran her down is actually Lacy O’Brien and her husband, a well-known artist. Could Lacy be responsible for all these coincidences to try and boost book sales?
Nancy pretends to be a journalist and interviews people around town about the fire and missing statue, and files her story with boyfriend Ned Nickerson, who just so happens to work at his dad’s newspaper. For some strange reason that defies journalistic integrity, Ned’s dad runs the story in the next day’s paper. (As a former journalist, this boggles the mind).
Nancy collects more clues, Bess and George return, and the culprit is caught red-handed. Once Upon a Thriller wraps up neatly, and all is right in the Avondale world again.
Once Upon a Thriller is a solid entry in the Nancy Drew Diaries series. Some complain there isn’t enough action in this book, but I prefer a Nancy who actually tracks down clues, rather than clues just falling into her lap, which happens way too often in the original series.
Every other week I take a break from reading the classic Nancy Drew Mysteries to concentrate on the current series, Nancy Drew Diaries. Once Upon a Thriller is the fourth volume in the series.
Once Upon a Thriller was a classic Nancy Drew mystery. Nancy, Bess and George head to the nearby town on Avondale for a weekend of fun: staying in a cabin, hiking, swimming, canoeing, sight-seeing and more. When they arrive in town, a local bookstore, Paige’s Pages, is on fire. A teenager in the crowd is making a stink because famous author and recluse Lacy O’Brien was supposed to be doing a book signing later that day. This same teen also mentions that the bookstore fire is similar to one that happened in one of Lacy’s books. Was the fire an electrical problem in an old building, or was it arson? Nancy’s on the case.
After the fire, a few more funny things starts happening: a locally-famous statue disappears from the art gallery, Nancy’s wallet is missing, but later found, the girls’ canoe capsizes during a storm (seriously, when doesn’t Nancy get caught in a storm when on the water?), and all these events just so happened in Lacy O’Brien novels.
Nancy’s got a list of suspects an arm long; despite being a well-known author, Lacy O’Brien has a lot of frenemies dating back to high school, including the bookstore owner and the B&B owner, who is also a terrible gossip.
Nancy nearly gets run down by a mysterious black car, but the occupants stop and apologize, giving Nancy their card in case she needs anything. Nancy finds out that “Cecelia Brown” that almost ran her down is actually Lacy O’Brien and her husband, a well-known artist. Could Lacy be responsible for all these coincidences to try and boost book sales?
Nancy pretends to be a journalist and interviews people around town about the fire and missing statue, and files her story with boyfriend Ned Nickerson, who just so happens to work at his dad’s newspaper. For some strange reason that defies journalistic integrity, Ned’s dad runs the story in the next day’s paper. (As a former journalist, this boggles the mind).
Nancy collects more clues, Bess and George return, and the culprit is caught red-handed. Once Upon a Thriller wraps up neatly, and all is right in the Avondale world again.
Once Upon a Thriller is a solid entry in the Nancy Drew Diaries series. Some complain there isn’t enough action in this book, but I prefer a Nancy who actually tracks down clues, rather than clues just falling into her lap, which happens way too often in the original series.
May 26, 2020
Nancy and her friends decide to rent a cabin at Moon lake for the weekend. While they are there some crimes start happing that are similar to the Mystery books written by Lacey O'Brien. Nancy must find out who the copycat is before the wrong person gets put in jail
August 16, 2021
This one was one of my favorites in this Newer Nancy Drew series
March 5, 2024
I really liked the mystery and the set up but there were 1 or 2 too many characters so the big reveal kinda fell flat. It was a really good concept, I think if there were fewer characters we could dive into their backstories a little more and have further depth of the mystery.
October 6, 2025
I’m only rating this one this low bc it was truly the most word salad filler ms. boring barbie! Sorry. Love you sis!
January 9, 2026
jealousy
July 11, 2024
5/6
A cute little mystery story, perfect for middle schoolers. Always loved Nancy Drew mysteries and this one reminded me of the originals. Not too much fluff, and the writing wasn’t babyish. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more in the future!
Tldr: good mystery for middle schoolers or anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew
A cute little mystery story, perfect for middle schoolers. Always loved Nancy Drew mysteries and this one reminded me of the originals. Not too much fluff, and the writing wasn’t babyish. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more in the future!
Tldr: good mystery for middle schoolers or anyone who enjoys Nancy Drew
May 13, 2020
I've always been a Nancy drew fan, I thought I'd read the entire series when I was a child. But this caught my eye... It is great to have a new book of her adventures, bringing me back to the fantastic afternoons.
September 17, 2022
This is another cute Nancy Drew Diaries story. I've been reading them in order, and this one is the best so far. The first two books I rated 3 stars, the third 4 stars, and this one I would rate 4 1/2 stars if only they'd allow us to add the 1/2 star rating.
As usual, Nancy, Bess, and George go on vacation and fall into a mystery. You'd think Bess and George would have learned by now. If they want a relaxing holiday, leave Nancy at home! 😂 Anyway, this story had some good twists and turns, and her boyfriend Ned makes an appearance, which is always lovely.
Even though Nancy and her friends are all older teens, this series is perfect for kids 8-11 who enjoy a good mystery. Of course, if you're older and love a good mystery, like me, you, too, might enjoy them. Happy reading!
As usual, Nancy, Bess, and George go on vacation and fall into a mystery. You'd think Bess and George would have learned by now. If they want a relaxing holiday, leave Nancy at home! 😂 Anyway, this story had some good twists and turns, and her boyfriend Ned makes an appearance, which is always lovely.
Even though Nancy and her friends are all older teens, this series is perfect for kids 8-11 who enjoy a good mystery. Of course, if you're older and love a good mystery, like me, you, too, might enjoy them. Happy reading!
January 31, 2014
A Mediocre Mystery Book four in the Nancy Drew Diaries, “Once Upon a Thriller” continues the contemporary adventures of teen sleuth Nancy Drew. In this installment, Nancy, Bess, and George plan to spend a relaxing weekend at Moon Lake in the little town of Avondale. However, an incident at the local bookstore sets off a chain reaction of crimes that seem to mimic those written by mystery author Lacey O’Brien. As Nancy struggles to figure out the links and the perpetrator, someone seems to be trying to prevent her from solving the mystery. As with the previous three books in this new series, I found this one to be mediocre. The spirit of the original Nancy Drew simply isn’t there, replaced by a critical and sometimes almost disrespectful girl who seems aloof and detached much of the time. Several events in the story did not make sense, such as the fact that early on Nancy’s cell phone almost certainly became waterlogged and yet she continues to use it as if nothing happened. The brief appearance of Ned Nickerson was enjoyable, although Nancy worked alone for most of this book. Overall, the mystery was lacking in ingenuity and execution, and the heroine was not much better. Perhaps, though, new readers will find her more entertaining if they are unfamiliar with the original.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews