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Nancy Drew Diaries #26
Superstitions of "The Scottish Play": Nancy Drew Diaries, Book 26
Nancy investigates a string of accidents at the theater in the twenty-sixth Nancy Drew Diaries, a fresh approach to a classic series.
When Ned is cast in a stage production of Macbeth, led by the famous but peculiar director Bear Larouche, Nancy volunteers to help with the set. She’s also allowed to sit in on a few rehearsals, where she gets an earful from the director about theater never say “Macbeth” out loud—only refer to it as “The Scottish Play”—never wear blue, no peacock feathers onstage, and so on.
The play is off to a promising start until Ned breaks the most important rule and accidentally says “Macbeth” in the theater. And then accidents begin happening during rehearsals. It quickly goes from odd to scary, and the director is ready to cancel the show.
Nancy might not believe in superstition, but she does believe in intuition, and hers is telling her that the cause behind these incidents isn’t a curse, but someone in the cast. It’s up to her to find out who before opening night.
When Ned is cast in a stage production of Macbeth, led by the famous but peculiar director Bear Larouche, Nancy volunteers to help with the set. She’s also allowed to sit in on a few rehearsals, where she gets an earful from the director about theater never say “Macbeth” out loud—only refer to it as “The Scottish Play”—never wear blue, no peacock feathers onstage, and so on.
The play is off to a promising start until Ned breaks the most important rule and accidentally says “Macbeth” in the theater. And then accidents begin happening during rehearsals. It quickly goes from odd to scary, and the director is ready to cancel the show.
Nancy might not believe in superstition, but she does believe in intuition, and hers is telling her that the cause behind these incidents isn’t a curse, but someone in the cast. It’s up to her to find out who before opening night.
Audible Audio
First published January 21, 2025
33 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,000 books3,867 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 16, 2025
Nancy Drew has helped me through the winter doldrums. This time around Ned has stepped out of his comfort zone and earned a role in the upcoming university production of MacBeth. Meanwhile Bess has taken up songwriting and is happy with her newfound hobby. The mystery centers around the theater. Nancy joins the set production for something to do besides solving mysteries and also to be closer to Ned. Throughout this series, I believe this is the most interaction they have had, and I have stated my feelings about that elsewhere. The play is directed by Bear LaRouche, an artistic person who is not afraid to step outside of the box. In addition to his idiosyncrasies, LaRouche bluntly states that it is taboo to say the name MacBeth in the theater while in production. It should be referred to as “the Scottish play,” or the play could be cursed or doomed. Most theater people know of these quirks, having been around productions most of their lives. The cast and crew abide by these quirks and rules until at one rehearsal Ned accidentally utters the name MacBeth. LaRouche is livid- his play is doomed to be cursed or worse. Of course, Ned is straight laced and does not believe in curses or superstitions, and Nancy is a believer of facts and so far, ok, that is until accidents happen in the theater that cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence.
Detective Nancy Drew to the rescue. Just because her friends have found new hobbies, she is content with solving mysteries. Bess and George agree to help look for clues as well. They need to solve the case before opening night or the show will not go on. Despite LaRouche’s protestations to the contrary the show will go on. Nancy discovers that the accidents were an attempt to sabotage LaRouche’s production due to a long held grudge. Ned gets his chance to shine on stage and does a remarkable job. Nancy is so proud of him, something that is not often shown in this series. I just wish that the consortium would get on with it and allow the couple move on to the next stage of their relationship. It’s been a foregone conclusion for years. I was looking to take a break from Nancy Drew but when I saw that Ned plays a role in this new case I could not resist. Other than the usual chaste kisses, I had to paint pictures in my mind. Face it I have an overactive imagination. Hopefully Nancy will graduate and attend River Heights University and Ned will play a larger role in these mysteries.
I appreciate how over the years this consortium has created a friendship between Nancy, Bess, and George that spotlights the girls’ encouraging each other and forging a healthy friendship between the three of them. In this generation often girls put each other down all the time as means of coming out ahead. These girls have been friends since early childhood. They positively support each other’s hobbies and endeavors, Bess and George often times assisting Nancy on her mysteries. This time they helped her search for clues, and Bess notes that it’s been awhile and how exciting it is to help solve a mystery. Meanwhile, Bess has taken up music production, and Nancy and George begrudgingly support her despite a not so good sounding voice because that is what friends do. Because this is a series for middle school kids, Nancy solves her csse in time and the show goes on. Kids and adults could do a lot worse than reading Nancy Drew. There are always positive friendships on display and that is a lesson that we can all do well with.
4 stars
Detective Nancy Drew to the rescue. Just because her friends have found new hobbies, she is content with solving mysteries. Bess and George agree to help look for clues as well. They need to solve the case before opening night or the show will not go on. Despite LaRouche’s protestations to the contrary the show will go on. Nancy discovers that the accidents were an attempt to sabotage LaRouche’s production due to a long held grudge. Ned gets his chance to shine on stage and does a remarkable job. Nancy is so proud of him, something that is not often shown in this series. I just wish that the consortium would get on with it and allow the couple move on to the next stage of their relationship. It’s been a foregone conclusion for years. I was looking to take a break from Nancy Drew but when I saw that Ned plays a role in this new case I could not resist. Other than the usual chaste kisses, I had to paint pictures in my mind. Face it I have an overactive imagination. Hopefully Nancy will graduate and attend River Heights University and Ned will play a larger role in these mysteries.
I appreciate how over the years this consortium has created a friendship between Nancy, Bess, and George that spotlights the girls’ encouraging each other and forging a healthy friendship between the three of them. In this generation often girls put each other down all the time as means of coming out ahead. These girls have been friends since early childhood. They positively support each other’s hobbies and endeavors, Bess and George often times assisting Nancy on her mysteries. This time they helped her search for clues, and Bess notes that it’s been awhile and how exciting it is to help solve a mystery. Meanwhile, Bess has taken up music production, and Nancy and George begrudgingly support her despite a not so good sounding voice because that is what friends do. Because this is a series for middle school kids, Nancy solves her csse in time and the show goes on. Kids and adults could do a lot worse than reading Nancy Drew. There are always positive friendships on display and that is a lesson that we can all do well with.
4 stars
February 18, 2025
"Who are you to tell me no?"
"I'm Nancy Drew. I've got this. Google me."
EDIT: The audiobook and the ebook are significantly different! I wonder which was meant to be the final version...?
"I'm Nancy Drew. I've got this. Google me."
EDIT: The audiobook and the ebook are significantly different! I wonder which was meant to be the final version...?
July 20, 2025
It's infuriating that a novel published in 2025 could have such dated views on men abusing women and women's complex and layered reactions to such abuse.
It villanized the female victim and painted in her as a 2-dimensional villainess instead of recognizing her trauma and betrayal while the male abuser was removed of absolute accountability.
I still get angry when I remember this.
It villanized the female victim and painted in her as a 2-dimensional villainess instead of recognizing her trauma and betrayal while the male abuser was removed of absolute accountability.
I still get angry when I remember this.
February 15, 2025
As such a huge ND fan, these last two entries in the cannon have been extremely disappointing. Again, it seemed like the mystery was an afterthought. In a very un-Nancy like way, she questions her enjoyment of solving mysteries and that she needs a new hobby. Okay, two things: one, though she is technically an amateur detective, she is undoubtedly a detective and a hobby implies something you do when not doing what you normally do. Two: Nancy may occasionally be tired or frustrated from a case, but NEVER has she questioned her enjoyment of the cases! After the resolution, I felt a perverse sense of injustice against one of the culprits. They are the victim of a male in power who not only held a position of power in the dynamic, but once the romance ended, he black-balled them from their career. The male in question is a horrible person and I know that crime is crime, but I just don’t have any sympathy for the victim.
The interaction between the clue crew is great though and this is truly the only reason I gave this book 3 stars. As always, this reincarnation of Bess, George and Ned are definitely my favorite, as there are no weight comments and most of the “isms” are only expressed through the character’s views, not the writers.
I know that a number of people will read this book simply because it is in the ND cannon, but I wouldn’t recommend this book for non Nancy Drew fans.
The interaction between the clue crew is great though and this is truly the only reason I gave this book 3 stars. As always, this reincarnation of Bess, George and Ned are definitely my favorite, as there are no weight comments and most of the “isms” are only expressed through the character’s views, not the writers.
I know that a number of people will read this book simply because it is in the ND cannon, but I wouldn’t recommend this book for non Nancy Drew fans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
Love going back to my childhood and reading all the Nancy Drew books in different series by Carolyn Keene
This is the latest series to be published and more is to come
This is the latest series to be published and more is to come
March 18, 2025
I loved Bess going into songwriting and Ned trying out acting, but Nancy did no actual real investigating to solve this case. She literally just accidentally walked in on the culprit!
March 8, 2025
I’ve never read any Nancy Drew book where there were so many pop culture references. I wonder if this is an attempt to capture more young readers. First, Bess brings out an acoustic guitar she got as a present several years prior and says she wants to be a good singer, like Phoebe in Friends. And a reference to Taylor Swift. And it doesn’t stop there.
“…this girl in California named Veronica Mars. I’ve tried to get in touch, but she never answers my DMs.”
“I’m Nancy Drew. I’ve got this. Google me.”
Let’s not forget the references to Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep. Now, I’m not one to tell writers how to write, but adding those references will only date the book and make the book less appealing to me.
I’m not going to rehash the synopsis which you just read but suffice it to say that the newest book in the Nancy Drew Diaries series is much like the previous volumes in that it is about sabotage. Someone is trying to ruin the production of MacBeth at Ned’s college, and Nancy steps in to offer assistance. She’s helping out on the stage crew, which gives her access to the building during rehearsals.
The mystery was pretty light, and the threads of the story are all about stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Nancy is looking for another hobby besides solving mysteries, and that’s why she decided to sign up for the stage crew at Ned’s college. Ned is putting himself out there as an actor, which is something he normally wouldn’t do. And Bess and her singing and songwriting is another instance where one of the characters is trying something new and different.
Now that Simon & Schuster is down to releasing only one book a year, I wonder how much longer the series will go on. The way the last page of the book is written (a page from Nancy’s diary), I have to wonder if Nancy Drew will make it to her 100th anniversary, which is 2030. The fact that the audiobook for last January’s volume 25 is finally being released next week makes me want to solve the mystery of the future of my beloved Nancy Drew.
“…this girl in California named Veronica Mars. I’ve tried to get in touch, but she never answers my DMs.”
“I’m Nancy Drew. I’ve got this. Google me.”
Let’s not forget the references to Katharine Hepburn and Meryl Streep. Now, I’m not one to tell writers how to write, but adding those references will only date the book and make the book less appealing to me.
I’m not going to rehash the synopsis which you just read but suffice it to say that the newest book in the Nancy Drew Diaries series is much like the previous volumes in that it is about sabotage. Someone is trying to ruin the production of MacBeth at Ned’s college, and Nancy steps in to offer assistance. She’s helping out on the stage crew, which gives her access to the building during rehearsals.
The mystery was pretty light, and the threads of the story are all about stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Nancy is looking for another hobby besides solving mysteries, and that’s why she decided to sign up for the stage crew at Ned’s college. Ned is putting himself out there as an actor, which is something he normally wouldn’t do. And Bess and her singing and songwriting is another instance where one of the characters is trying something new and different.
Now that Simon & Schuster is down to releasing only one book a year, I wonder how much longer the series will go on. The way the last page of the book is written (a page from Nancy’s diary), I have to wonder if Nancy Drew will make it to her 100th anniversary, which is 2030. The fact that the audiobook for last January’s volume 25 is finally being released next week makes me want to solve the mystery of the future of my beloved Nancy Drew.
November 16, 2025
Gave this series a second chance, I hoped I just didn't care the the audio narrator of the last one I read, but this wasn't any better. Nancy doesn't come off as very intuitive or interesting in this series. The book wastes a lot of time ruminating on if Nancy will figure it out in time, which just felt like a way to keep stalling until the end reveal. But she spends very little time actually sorting out the mystery, and just like the other book I read in this series only figures it out because she accidentally came across something and not because she figured it out using her brain.
May 2, 2025
Ned aspires in theatrics and Nancy finds a mystery to solve in the theatre. Wicked is mentioned, course.
Bess admitting she listens to old interviews of Prince Harry when she can't sleep was random. Bess also loves songwriting and singing. Learned a lot of that Bess in this book! LOL.
Bess admitting she listens to old interviews of Prince Harry when she can't sleep was random. Bess also loves songwriting and singing. Learned a lot of that Bess in this book! LOL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
Cute
I prefer the classic Nancy Drew but this was a cute, engaging story. I doubt however that I will read another of these.
I prefer the classic Nancy Drew but this was a cute, engaging story. I doubt however that I will read another of these.
April 25, 2025
It was an ok read
Not my fav
3⭐️
Not my fav
3⭐️
September 20, 2025
I enjoyed it up until the culprit was revealed. Though, in retrospect, it felt more like a Mary-Kate and Ashley novel than a Nancy Drew novel...
November 29, 2025
It was a good example to never give up like Nancy drew
January 9, 2026
This was one of my least favorite Nancy Drew books so far. I had high hopes for this book because I LOVE Macbeth, but it felt flat comparatively.
December 19, 2025
For this book Ned has to be the one to invoke all of the theater taboos, including calling the Scottish play by its title while inside the theater. That particular superstition is something even I knew about when I was in the age range for these books.
Now as this isn't the 2019 TV show, the play can't actually be cursed (more the pity). Instead someone has to be behind it. It's one of those mysteries where the who was pretty obvious but the why took some time for both me and Nancy.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
Now as this isn't the 2019 TV show, the play can't actually be cursed (more the pity). Instead someone has to be behind it. It's one of those mysteries where the who was pretty obvious but the why took some time for both me and Nancy.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
June 18, 2025
This was okay! I listened to this as an audiobook. Having done shows, I feel like some of the theatre aspects were a little bit inaccurate, but it’s fine! I feel like a few of these newer books don’t have the same spark as the older ones do; maybe they’re running out of ideas 😭 LOL, but I’ll keep reading them!
Pre review: I can’t wait to read this! I love theatre 😉
Pre review: I can’t wait to read this! I love theatre 😉
August 7, 2025
not bad. just didn't feel very mistery. there were basically no clues until the ONLY clue basically, and that was the one that she found in out. also, when you say a character didn't do it, it didn't do it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews