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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #154
The Legend of the Emerald Lady
ON THE EXOTIC ISLAND OF ST. ANN, NANCY SEARCHES FOR SECRETS BURIED IN THE PAST! Swimming, sailing, and snorkeling are all that Nancy, Bess, and Ned expect when they visit old friends at their nineteenth-century plantation, Sugar Moon. But when a strange man appears, brandishing a cutlass, and Nancy discovers traces of intruders, her curiosity is aroused. Soon she comes across a faded love letter with clues to the hiding place of a long-dead pirate's precious gift -- a fabulous emerald necklace. Many colorful island characters have a serious stake in finding the treasure, and Nancy barely escapes from their traps, on land and at sea. Then, just as Nancy locates the necklace, it's about to slip from her grasp forever!
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2000
12 people are currently reading
814 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 1, 2016
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
As a child, I remember liking the few Nancy Drew mysteries I read, so when I got the chance to read this, I was excited to see how I'd get on with it. Luckily, I really enjoyed the story, plot, pacing and writing style.
Unlike The Secret of the Old Clock, I thought this story was well written and didn't talk down to the reader. I also liked how the writing covered the mystery up a little more, making it harder to see who the culprit actually was. To me, this made the story more interesting, and I think children would like it because they have to keep guessing and are actually seeing the thought process for themselves.
The mystery itself was also very well thought out and written. Though intended for children, I think adults can enjoy this as well—if only for a light read. Still, I really enjoyed guessing along with the mystery and liked how it was explored without seeming too rushed or too slow.
The characters were also very likeable, making the story more dynamic. What I liked most about them is how developed and well written they are. Sure, there may not have been any actual character development, but each character had a personality—which I found lacking in The Secret of the Old Clock and which, to me tends to happen in a lot of MG children's books I've read.
Overall, I really liked this mystery and would recommend it to adults and children alike.
As a child, I remember liking the few Nancy Drew mysteries I read, so when I got the chance to read this, I was excited to see how I'd get on with it. Luckily, I really enjoyed the story, plot, pacing and writing style.
Unlike The Secret of the Old Clock, I thought this story was well written and didn't talk down to the reader. I also liked how the writing covered the mystery up a little more, making it harder to see who the culprit actually was. To me, this made the story more interesting, and I think children would like it because they have to keep guessing and are actually seeing the thought process for themselves.
The mystery itself was also very well thought out and written. Though intended for children, I think adults can enjoy this as well—if only for a light read. Still, I really enjoyed guessing along with the mystery and liked how it was explored without seeming too rushed or too slow.
The characters were also very likeable, making the story more dynamic. What I liked most about them is how developed and well written they are. Sure, there may not have been any actual character development, but each character had a personality—which I found lacking in The Secret of the Old Clock and which, to me tends to happen in a lot of MG children's books I've read.
Overall, I really liked this mystery and would recommend it to adults and children alike.
February 25, 2025
Well gang, looks like we have another mystery on our hands…
June 17, 2023
Nancy, Bess, and Ned are heading to Sugar Moon, an old defunct plantation, for a Caribbean vacation. Of course, Nancy cannot go anywhere without finding a mystery, and she finds an old legendary mystery at Sugar Moon. The original plantation owners' daughter was involved with a pirate, much to the family's chagrin, and she left a romantic note for him after he was arrested. The letter led to a prized emerald necklace, which brings us to the present. Someone has been lurking and searching the Sugar Moon estate, trying to find the necklace. Nancy becomes entangled in the mystery when she's woken late one night when she hears footsteps in the attic, and the investigation is afoot. Nancy and the gang encounter dangerous wildlife, a spooky old mill, and other adventures while trying to locate the missing emerald necklace and the vicious thief. I recommend this entertaining and fast-moving mystery to Nancy Drew fans of all ages.
June 10, 2020
Completed as part of the 2020 Mini Magical Readathon: Visit Hogsmeade!
III) Madam Puddifoot's Tea&Cake: Start a read with a cup of tea
This was cute, it is set on an island in the Carribean and we see our heroine and her friend going scuba diving, going partying and to a restaurant, which was lovely.
The house they are staying at is so cool despite being run-down. While trying to solve the main mystery, we get to discover a few things alongside that help us basically finding the culprit by exclusion.
The ending is filled with adventure and quite satisfying.
Of course this is a simple book, so there are a few elements that make very little sense, like Nancy deciding not to call the police after being poisoned, hit in the head, and finding a girl covered in sugar about to be eaten by ants. This is obviously quite unbelievable but makes for a fun read.
III) Madam Puddifoot's Tea&Cake: Start a read with a cup of tea
This was cute, it is set on an island in the Carribean and we see our heroine and her friend going scuba diving, going partying and to a restaurant, which was lovely.
The house they are staying at is so cool despite being run-down. While trying to solve the main mystery, we get to discover a few things alongside that help us basically finding the culprit by exclusion.
The ending is filled with adventure and quite satisfying.
Of course this is a simple book, so there are a few elements that make very little sense, like Nancy deciding not to call the police after being poisoned, hit in the head, and finding a girl covered in sugar about to be eaten by ants. This is obviously quite unbelievable but makes for a fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
There's an intruder at Sugar Moon Plantation. Someone is searching for a lost treasure. Are there clues hidden in the attics and the old building? They try to kill Nancy - what does she know that makes her existence a danger? Nancy works round the clock with her friends Ned and Bess to unravel the mystery before the time runs out.
I love Carolyn Keene's work. Nancy Drew was perhaps one of the most popular characters in teen mystery novels, and many of us have spent hours devouring her adventures. In the tradition of an ND book, this book continues to engage and entertain. It is well-written, crisp, and pretty straightforward—a must-read for all.
I love Carolyn Keene's work. Nancy Drew was perhaps one of the most popular characters in teen mystery novels, and many of us have spent hours devouring her adventures. In the tradition of an ND book, this book continues to engage and entertain. It is well-written, crisp, and pretty straightforward—a must-read for all.
February 28, 2021
Didn't think I would like this mystery!
I started this book by mistake. I wanted to read another but picked this in error. Sooo I figured I'd give it a shot. What a great mistake! This story started off a bit slow, but gained action quickly. There was a plethora of suspects, Caribbean sights, and an old romance from the late 1800's brought into the fold. There was danger to many of the characters which just heightened the mystery! I'm glad I took a chance, hope you will too!
I started this book by mistake. I wanted to read another but picked this in error. Sooo I figured I'd give it a shot. What a great mistake! This story started off a bit slow, but gained action quickly. There was a plethora of suspects, Caribbean sights, and an old romance from the late 1800's brought into the fold. There was danger to many of the characters which just heightened the mystery! I'm glad I took a chance, hope you will too!
December 10, 2019
Nancy's a little off in this one--she prefers romance to mystery while Ned is more into the mystery and prefers video games to romance?! A few other trivialities bothered me--they folded old, historic letters and carried them around in their pockets?! Instead of reporting an obvious criminal, Nancy tried to outbid him at an auction?!
January 30, 2020
The Legend of the Emerald Lady by Carolyn Keene
Series: Yes Nancy Drew #154
Format: Paperback
Star: 4
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: Yes
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...
Series: Yes Nancy Drew #154
Format: Paperback
Star: 4
Recommend: Yes
Would Reread: Yes
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...
July 27, 2017
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
June 11, 2021
It was pretty obvious where the necklace is, but not a bad book.
February 27, 2022
It was a quick read with good mystery and sub plots, hoped they made it less predictable.
January 6, 2025
Fun mystery. Only snag is that the baddie is too easy to guess.
November 3, 2009
I really loved this book. My favorite character is obviously Nancy Drew. My least favorite character has changed from Emma Issaces to Peirre because he has been really stupid and he brought Ned, Nancy, and Bess to a sight where these really bad stinging fish bite and dropped them off and left. they were stuck on an island. Then he was the one that smacked Nancy on the head and she went uncontious. In the end she lives and he goes to prison and she finds the emarald and gives it to its rightful owner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2016
Used to love Nancy Drew books when I was a little girl.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews