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The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace
Not yet published
Expected 6 Feb 26Eleven-year-old Tippy' s uncle and his boyfriend turn up in her small New Zealand town to look after her when his mother is away over Christmas, but when her schoolteacher is found dead and her best friend has a near-fatal accident, the trio turns detective, dubbing themselves The Nancys, and launching a chaotic, hilarious investigation.
Tippy Chan is eleven years old, and she lives in a small town in a very quiet part of New Zealand – the town her Uncle Pike escaped as a teenager, the moment he got a chance. Now Pike is back with his new boyfriend Devon to look after Tippy while her mum is on a Christmas cruise.
Tippy can' t get enough of her uncle's old Nancy Drew books. She wants to be Nancy and is desperate to solve a real mystery. So, when her teacher's body is found beside Riverstone's only traffic light, it looks like Tippy's moment has arrived. She and her minders form The Nancys, a secret detective club. But what starts as a bonding and sightseeing adventure quickly morphs into something far more dangerous. A wrongful arrest, a close call with the murderer, and an intervention from Tippy's mum all conspire against The Nancys. But regardless of their own safety, and despite the constant distraction of questionable fashion choices in the town that style forgot, The Nancys know only they can stop the killer from striking again. Whatever the cost...
Gripping, glorious and glittering with suspense, The Nancy' s is also a heartwarming, hilarious novel for anyone who' s ever felt like they were on the outside, looking in, with a simmering mystery at its heart and characters you will never forget.
***WINNER of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel***
Tippy Chan is eleven years old, and she lives in a small town in a very quiet part of New Zealand – the town her Uncle Pike escaped as a teenager, the moment he got a chance. Now Pike is back with his new boyfriend Devon to look after Tippy while her mum is on a Christmas cruise.
Tippy can' t get enough of her uncle's old Nancy Drew books. She wants to be Nancy and is desperate to solve a real mystery. So, when her teacher's body is found beside Riverstone's only traffic light, it looks like Tippy's moment has arrived. She and her minders form The Nancys, a secret detective club. But what starts as a bonding and sightseeing adventure quickly morphs into something far more dangerous. A wrongful arrest, a close call with the murderer, and an intervention from Tippy's mum all conspire against The Nancys. But regardless of their own safety, and despite the constant distraction of questionable fashion choices in the town that style forgot, The Nancys know only they can stop the killer from striking again. Whatever the cost...
Gripping, glorious and glittering with suspense, The Nancy' s is also a heartwarming, hilarious novel for anyone who' s ever felt like they were on the outside, looking in, with a simmering mystery at its heart and characters you will never forget.
***WINNER of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel***
- GenresMystery
276 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 6, 2026
12 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 2, 2025
I haven't finished but I cant not give it 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! it is simply a beautiful hilarious touching mystery novel filled with amazing chrachters!!!..... I would love it to be made into a movie!!!
November 12, 2025
Tippy Chan’s mum is off on a cruise over Christmas and has entrusted her care to Tippy’s Uncle Pike and Pike’s boyfriend, Devon.
When Tippy’s teacher is found dead and with her head missing, Nancy Drew fans, Tippy, Pike and Devon decide to investigate. Calling themselves ‘The Nancys’, what ensues is a very funny and awkward investigation.
The characters were likeable and relatable, and they come alive in this story. I felt for Tippy, eleven is an awkward age, and I wanted to give her a big hug as she tried to deal with her grief following the death of her dad.
Although the book deals with a murder, there is so much to laugh at in this well-written tale. The off-the-cuff comments and banter had me giggling throughout the story.
I hope there will be more to come from Tippy, Pike and Devon. This would make an excellent TV series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
When Tippy’s teacher is found dead and with her head missing, Nancy Drew fans, Tippy, Pike and Devon decide to investigate. Calling themselves ‘The Nancys’, what ensues is a very funny and awkward investigation.
The characters were likeable and relatable, and they come alive in this story. I felt for Tippy, eleven is an awkward age, and I wanted to give her a big hug as she tried to deal with her grief following the death of her dad.
Although the book deals with a murder, there is so much to laugh at in this well-written tale. The off-the-cuff comments and banter had me giggling throughout the story.
I hope there will be more to come from Tippy, Pike and Devon. This would make an excellent TV series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
November 20, 2025
Stop what you’re doing and go and buy this book. With one outrageous leap, this book has become one of my favourite reads this year. It is glorious!
The Nancys and The Case of the Missing Necklace, is a crime story with a pulse. A pulse that beats not only with suspense, but with heart, humour and more than a touch of chaos. Told through the eyes of eleven-year-old Tippy Chan, the book delivers a murder mystery and the case of a missing necklace that’s dark, but warm and deceptively sharp, often at the same time. It’s a bit like being welcomed into a family that is messy, loud, deeply loving, and absolutely terrible at keeping out of trouble.
Tippy is a fabulous narrator—witty, observant, and disarmingly honest. She brings her own grief into this mystery; the loss of her father hangs over her young life, shaping her need for connection and utilising her love of the Nancy Drew books to bring excitement into the void that exists in her heart. Her voice is laced with the wonder of an eleven-year-old, but the tragedy in her life has given her an emotional maturity that belies her age. Watching her negotiate danger, loyalty, and the occasional extremely questionable adult decision is one of the great pleasures of this fantastic novel.
Then there’s Uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon, who descend upon Riverstone like a neon-coloured whirlwind in a town that seems surprised by their sequins. Devon is a wonderfully camp designer, good-natured, and rather fetching in his neon yellow budgie smugglers. Uncle Pike is a hairdresser to the stars in Sydney, with the body of Santa Claus and the tattooed pecs of a sailor. He is outrageous, loving, and utterly incapable of subtlety—yet beneath his flamboyance lies a fierce protectiveness. Pike is often Tippy’s emotional ballast when Devon’s theatrics are at their worst. Their relationship, and the way they fold Tippy into their world, give the book its best moments. Then there’s Melanie, a spiky teenager who lives next door, who offers a cynical, far too hardened, view of the world and who, but for the intervention of the Nancys, might have been destined for a difficult adulthood. Her speech at the town’s pageant is a real highlight.
Themes of loss, grief and friendship run through the novel, anchoring even the funniest scenes. The humour—sometimes camp, sometimes slapstick, sometimes just wonderfully awkward—never undercuts the strength of these emotions. Instead, it amplifies them, reminding us that life’s sharpest pains often sit alongside its most ridiculous joys.
The Nancys is a fast-paced mystery, with a terrific narrative arc, and the tension is high for a story delivered through such a bright narrative voice. A wrongful arrest, escalating danger, and the town’s secrets all come together in a plot that is great fun, yet genuinely suspenseful.
R.W.R. McDonald’s treatment of sexuality, gender expression, and cultural identity, is refreshing. It enriches the plot rather than sitting on top of it, offering a portrait of rural New Zealand that acknowledges and enjoys its complexities without preaching.
Verdict: What ultimately makes The Nancys and The Case of the Missing Necklace a must-read is its ability to balance innocence with insight. This is a story about chosen family, about grief and healing, and about refusing to let tragedy dim curiosity or joy. It is warm, clever, laugh-out-loud funny, and edge-of-your-seat tense. The Nancys is a crime novel with heart, soul, and a sparkle all its own. What? You haven’t bought it yet?
The Nancys and The Case of the Missing Necklace, is a crime story with a pulse. A pulse that beats not only with suspense, but with heart, humour and more than a touch of chaos. Told through the eyes of eleven-year-old Tippy Chan, the book delivers a murder mystery and the case of a missing necklace that’s dark, but warm and deceptively sharp, often at the same time. It’s a bit like being welcomed into a family that is messy, loud, deeply loving, and absolutely terrible at keeping out of trouble.
Tippy is a fabulous narrator—witty, observant, and disarmingly honest. She brings her own grief into this mystery; the loss of her father hangs over her young life, shaping her need for connection and utilising her love of the Nancy Drew books to bring excitement into the void that exists in her heart. Her voice is laced with the wonder of an eleven-year-old, but the tragedy in her life has given her an emotional maturity that belies her age. Watching her negotiate danger, loyalty, and the occasional extremely questionable adult decision is one of the great pleasures of this fantastic novel.
Then there’s Uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon, who descend upon Riverstone like a neon-coloured whirlwind in a town that seems surprised by their sequins. Devon is a wonderfully camp designer, good-natured, and rather fetching in his neon yellow budgie smugglers. Uncle Pike is a hairdresser to the stars in Sydney, with the body of Santa Claus and the tattooed pecs of a sailor. He is outrageous, loving, and utterly incapable of subtlety—yet beneath his flamboyance lies a fierce protectiveness. Pike is often Tippy’s emotional ballast when Devon’s theatrics are at their worst. Their relationship, and the way they fold Tippy into their world, give the book its best moments. Then there’s Melanie, a spiky teenager who lives next door, who offers a cynical, far too hardened, view of the world and who, but for the intervention of the Nancys, might have been destined for a difficult adulthood. Her speech at the town’s pageant is a real highlight.
Themes of loss, grief and friendship run through the novel, anchoring even the funniest scenes. The humour—sometimes camp, sometimes slapstick, sometimes just wonderfully awkward—never undercuts the strength of these emotions. Instead, it amplifies them, reminding us that life’s sharpest pains often sit alongside its most ridiculous joys.
The Nancys is a fast-paced mystery, with a terrific narrative arc, and the tension is high for a story delivered through such a bright narrative voice. A wrongful arrest, escalating danger, and the town’s secrets all come together in a plot that is great fun, yet genuinely suspenseful.
R.W.R. McDonald’s treatment of sexuality, gender expression, and cultural identity, is refreshing. It enriches the plot rather than sitting on top of it, offering a portrait of rural New Zealand that acknowledges and enjoys its complexities without preaching.
Verdict: What ultimately makes The Nancys and The Case of the Missing Necklace a must-read is its ability to balance innocence with insight. This is a story about chosen family, about grief and healing, and about refusing to let tragedy dim curiosity or joy. It is warm, clever, laugh-out-loud funny, and edge-of-your-seat tense. The Nancys is a crime novel with heart, soul, and a sparkle all its own. What? You haven’t bought it yet?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This cozy crime story was a great way to begin the new year of reading.
Eleven-year-old Tippy Chan lives with her mother Helen in the small town of Riverstone in New Zealand. Tippy’s Uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon arrive from Australia to look after her while Helen is on a Christmas cruise. Tippy is obsessed with her uncle’s Nancy Drew books and wishes she too could be an amateur sleuth. When the mutilated body of Tippy’s teacher, Ms. Everson, is found, Tippy and her minders form a detective club to investigate. The police arrest another teacher, Sally Homer, but Pike, having known her in the past, is convinced of her innocence. What begins as a bonding exercise and a way to help Tippy face her first Christmas without her father becomes dangerous. Tippy is even left symbolic messages to deter her from investigating what happened.
Tippy, the narrator, is a very likeable character. She’s inquisitive, observant, and intelligent and loyal to family and friends. She feels like an authentic pre-teen: she remains innocent in some ways as she tries to make sense of the world. There is, however, a vulnerability in her; because of the sudden death of her father earlier in the year, she needs reassurance and comforting.
I enjoy reading about dynamic characters and Tippy does grow in the course of the novel. With the help of Pike and Devon, she learns to open up about her feelings, something she has not been able to do with her mother who is overly protective. She also realizes that there is more to people’s lives than what they may publicly project. For instance, she learns that her uncle’s early life as a gay man in a small town was difficult, that teachers may be very different from what students see in the classroom, and that her father’s life was complicated.
There is also a motley cast of minor characters, Pike and Devon being the most memorable. Pike, for example, is definitely a unique personality; outrageous in his behaviour, he is anything but conventional in his interactions with his niece. He and the flamboyant Devon constantly banter back and forth. Tippy does not – fortunately – understand much of the sexual innuendo of their exchanges, though the reader will certainly be laughing. Some might question Pike’s approach to minding his niece, but there is no doubt that he loves her and wants to protect her. Pike and Devon also insert themselves into the life of Melanie, the neighbour’s teenage granddaughter. Melanie scares Tippy, but the men see beyond her spiky facade and reach out to help her. This decision speaks highly of the type of people the couple are beyond their campiness.
Though there is a mystery to be solved and a lot of comedy, the book also touches on some serious topics. It explores loss and grief and emphasizes the importance of family. Just like there is more to Pike and Devon than their appearance and audacious behaviour might suggest, there is more to the novel than just humour and suspense.
Anyone who grew up reading the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novels will enjoy this book. It’s witty and entertaining but also possesses some thematic depth. It is also heart-warming: at the end I reacted like Devon does when he receives Tippy’s Christmas gift.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,200 of my book reviews.
Eleven-year-old Tippy Chan lives with her mother Helen in the small town of Riverstone in New Zealand. Tippy’s Uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon arrive from Australia to look after her while Helen is on a Christmas cruise. Tippy is obsessed with her uncle’s Nancy Drew books and wishes she too could be an amateur sleuth. When the mutilated body of Tippy’s teacher, Ms. Everson, is found, Tippy and her minders form a detective club to investigate. The police arrest another teacher, Sally Homer, but Pike, having known her in the past, is convinced of her innocence. What begins as a bonding exercise and a way to help Tippy face her first Christmas without her father becomes dangerous. Tippy is even left symbolic messages to deter her from investigating what happened.
Tippy, the narrator, is a very likeable character. She’s inquisitive, observant, and intelligent and loyal to family and friends. She feels like an authentic pre-teen: she remains innocent in some ways as she tries to make sense of the world. There is, however, a vulnerability in her; because of the sudden death of her father earlier in the year, she needs reassurance and comforting.
I enjoy reading about dynamic characters and Tippy does grow in the course of the novel. With the help of Pike and Devon, she learns to open up about her feelings, something she has not been able to do with her mother who is overly protective. She also realizes that there is more to people’s lives than what they may publicly project. For instance, she learns that her uncle’s early life as a gay man in a small town was difficult, that teachers may be very different from what students see in the classroom, and that her father’s life was complicated.
There is also a motley cast of minor characters, Pike and Devon being the most memorable. Pike, for example, is definitely a unique personality; outrageous in his behaviour, he is anything but conventional in his interactions with his niece. He and the flamboyant Devon constantly banter back and forth. Tippy does not – fortunately – understand much of the sexual innuendo of their exchanges, though the reader will certainly be laughing. Some might question Pike’s approach to minding his niece, but there is no doubt that he loves her and wants to protect her. Pike and Devon also insert themselves into the life of Melanie, the neighbour’s teenage granddaughter. Melanie scares Tippy, but the men see beyond her spiky facade and reach out to help her. This decision speaks highly of the type of people the couple are beyond their campiness.
Though there is a mystery to be solved and a lot of comedy, the book also touches on some serious topics. It explores loss and grief and emphasizes the importance of family. Just like there is more to Pike and Devon than their appearance and audacious behaviour might suggest, there is more to the novel than just humour and suspense.
Anyone who grew up reading the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys novels will enjoy this book. It’s witty and entertaining but also possesses some thematic depth. It is also heart-warming: at the end I reacted like Devon does when he receives Tippy’s Christmas gift.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) or substack (https://doreenyakabuski.substack.com/) for over 1,200 of my book reviews.
November 24, 2025
Heartwarming, witty, chaotic and flamboyant, this delightfully original debut had me hooked from start to finish.
11-year-old Tippy Chan lives in a small, quiet town in New Zealand with her mum, Helen. She is obsessed with her Uncle Pike’s old Nancy Drew books and longs to solve a real mystery just like her hero. So, when the body of her teacher is discovered one morning, it looks like Tippy’s moment is finally here. Together with her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, she forms The Nancys, a secret detective club, and they begin their investigation. It all starts as a fun adventure, but things quickly morph into something more dangerous and they face mounting obstacles as they search for the truth. But The Nancys are sure they are the only ones who can find the killer and stop them before they strike again.
This book is the hilarious and uplifting mystery I didn’t know I needed. I’m a big fan of cosy crime stories and love an amateur detective, so I was excited to read this. And in The Nancys I’ve found my new favourite crime-solving trio. It’s a story of family, friendship, murder and makeovers. A story for the outsiders. And I loved every word. R. W. R. McDonald writes with heart and humour, creating a compelling mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat but also makes you feel all the feelings, adding depth to the story as he addresses topics such as grief, trauma and identity.
The first rule of The Nancys is that everyone is a suspect. And they take that to heart; unafraid to suspect everyone they know in this tiny town as they search for the killer. This created a sense of unease and distrust, as we couldn’t be sure about anyone or anything. I had my own suspicions and theories, but the author did an excellent job of making me feel unsure about them, keeping me guessing and delivering red herrings that shook me along the way.
There is a motley crew of captivating richly drawn characters on these pages who pull you into their world and take you along with them for the ride. I loved that this story was told from Tippy’s perspective, and that she is such a likeable character who is easy to root for. In many ways she’s a typical 11-year-old girl who just wants the latest smartphone, but she’s also dealing with a lot after the sudden death of her father earlier in the year. When we meet her, she’s on the cusp of both her first Christmas without her dad and her first time apart from her mum, who is off on a cruise she won. And that’s where the fabulous Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, step in. I loved these delightfully campy characters and they never failed to make me laugh. I also enjoyed their untraditional approach to babysitting and that they quickly decided to makeover the girl next door and enter her in a local beauty pageant. This was a fun side story that added lots of levity alongside the darker search for a killer.
Hilarious, mysterious, quirky and heartfelt, this glorious debut is not to be missed. And I am really hoping that it is the first in a series as I need to return to these wonderful characters again.
11-year-old Tippy Chan lives in a small, quiet town in New Zealand with her mum, Helen. She is obsessed with her Uncle Pike’s old Nancy Drew books and longs to solve a real mystery just like her hero. So, when the body of her teacher is discovered one morning, it looks like Tippy’s moment is finally here. Together with her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, she forms The Nancys, a secret detective club, and they begin their investigation. It all starts as a fun adventure, but things quickly morph into something more dangerous and they face mounting obstacles as they search for the truth. But The Nancys are sure they are the only ones who can find the killer and stop them before they strike again.
This book is the hilarious and uplifting mystery I didn’t know I needed. I’m a big fan of cosy crime stories and love an amateur detective, so I was excited to read this. And in The Nancys I’ve found my new favourite crime-solving trio. It’s a story of family, friendship, murder and makeovers. A story for the outsiders. And I loved every word. R. W. R. McDonald writes with heart and humour, creating a compelling mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat but also makes you feel all the feelings, adding depth to the story as he addresses topics such as grief, trauma and identity.
The first rule of The Nancys is that everyone is a suspect. And they take that to heart; unafraid to suspect everyone they know in this tiny town as they search for the killer. This created a sense of unease and distrust, as we couldn’t be sure about anyone or anything. I had my own suspicions and theories, but the author did an excellent job of making me feel unsure about them, keeping me guessing and delivering red herrings that shook me along the way.
There is a motley crew of captivating richly drawn characters on these pages who pull you into their world and take you along with them for the ride. I loved that this story was told from Tippy’s perspective, and that she is such a likeable character who is easy to root for. In many ways she’s a typical 11-year-old girl who just wants the latest smartphone, but she’s also dealing with a lot after the sudden death of her father earlier in the year. When we meet her, she’s on the cusp of both her first Christmas without her dad and her first time apart from her mum, who is off on a cruise she won. And that’s where the fabulous Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, step in. I loved these delightfully campy characters and they never failed to make me laugh. I also enjoyed their untraditional approach to babysitting and that they quickly decided to makeover the girl next door and enter her in a local beauty pageant. This was a fun side story that added lots of levity alongside the darker search for a killer.
Hilarious, mysterious, quirky and heartfelt, this glorious debut is not to be missed. And I am really hoping that it is the first in a series as I need to return to these wonderful characters again.
December 12, 2025
In The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace, by R.W.R. McDonald, we meet 11-year-old New Zealander Tippy Chan towards the end of a difficult year: her dad died in a tragic accident nine months previously. Her mum is off on a cruise for some much-needed R&R, leaving Tippy in the charge of her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon, both over from Sydney.
As it transpires, the year isn’t done with Tippy yet. First, her daredevil friend Todd falls while scaling a through arch bridge, ending up comatose in the ICU. Then, her teacher Ms Everson is found dead and decapitated near their small town’s only traffic light. Suspicion falls on another teacher, Miss Homer (Sally), but Pike – who went to school with Sally – is convinced she’s innocent.
Thus, the trio, inspired by the Nancy Drew novels beloved by both Tippy and Pike, start their own investigation. Tippy’s local knowledge and the couple’s charm help them elicit information from relevant townspeople and come up with alternative scenarios and suspects, with a focus on the titular necklace – which Ms Everson habitually wore, but wasn’t found with her body. But are the amateur sleuths biting off more than they can chew by involving themselves in such a serious case?
Featuring an intriguing mystery, larger-than-life characters, very funny scenes, observations, and conversations, and a highly engaging young narrator, I found a lot to enjoy in The Nancys!
As someone who devoured mystery stories as a child (albeit Enid Blyton’s Famous Five/Secret Seven/Five Find-Outers and Dog series rather than Nancy Drew) and yearned for investigatory opportunities of my own, Tippy was always going to win my heart. Her voice is quirky, entertaining, and brilliantly observant, but we never lose sight of her recent shocks or inherent vulnerability.
In fact, McDonald has perfectly captured the duality of being 11 years old. For example, Tippy has picked up the essential facts of anatomy and sex, but her uncles’ jokes and innuendoes go right over her head, and romantic/sexual interest in others is yet to kick in (her two best friends are boys, and it really bothers her when anyone suggests she likes them “in that way”). She’s also had to grow up a lot in the months since her dad died, but at the same time needs the levels of comfort and reassurance any grieving child would require.
This is where Pike and Devon come in. Fun to be around, very camp, easily distracted, and a little irresponsible, as well as facilitating the trio’s unofficial investigation, they’re a breath of fresh air that helps Tippy open up about her feelings – something she’s been unable to do with her mum, who’s put away all the family photos and won’t talk with her about Tippy’s dad. While Tippy’s mum keeps her daughter small by not sharing certain information pertaining to her dad, Tippy protects her mum by not passing on things people have said to her about him.
Something else that really struck me about this book was its strong sense of place. As it can safely be assumed someone local dunit, and Pike and Devon are essentially tourists in Pike’s hometown – which is Tippy’s whole world – we get a real feel for its geography and people, as well as their history, connections, and secrets.
Accordingly, we get to know Tippy’s neighbours, the Browns, whose granddaughter is at the centre of what turns out to be an important subplot; Tippy’s best friend Sam, his doctor mother, and pathologist father; a slimy, yet prominent estate agent; a couple of unpleasant newshounds; and many more besides, all of whom are well-drawn and interesting to encounter.
The Nancys is a fun mystery novel that nonetheless packs a real emotional punch.
As it transpires, the year isn’t done with Tippy yet. First, her daredevil friend Todd falls while scaling a through arch bridge, ending up comatose in the ICU. Then, her teacher Ms Everson is found dead and decapitated near their small town’s only traffic light. Suspicion falls on another teacher, Miss Homer (Sally), but Pike – who went to school with Sally – is convinced she’s innocent.
Thus, the trio, inspired by the Nancy Drew novels beloved by both Tippy and Pike, start their own investigation. Tippy’s local knowledge and the couple’s charm help them elicit information from relevant townspeople and come up with alternative scenarios and suspects, with a focus on the titular necklace – which Ms Everson habitually wore, but wasn’t found with her body. But are the amateur sleuths biting off more than they can chew by involving themselves in such a serious case?
Featuring an intriguing mystery, larger-than-life characters, very funny scenes, observations, and conversations, and a highly engaging young narrator, I found a lot to enjoy in The Nancys!
As someone who devoured mystery stories as a child (albeit Enid Blyton’s Famous Five/Secret Seven/Five Find-Outers and Dog series rather than Nancy Drew) and yearned for investigatory opportunities of my own, Tippy was always going to win my heart. Her voice is quirky, entertaining, and brilliantly observant, but we never lose sight of her recent shocks or inherent vulnerability.
In fact, McDonald has perfectly captured the duality of being 11 years old. For example, Tippy has picked up the essential facts of anatomy and sex, but her uncles’ jokes and innuendoes go right over her head, and romantic/sexual interest in others is yet to kick in (her two best friends are boys, and it really bothers her when anyone suggests she likes them “in that way”). She’s also had to grow up a lot in the months since her dad died, but at the same time needs the levels of comfort and reassurance any grieving child would require.
This is where Pike and Devon come in. Fun to be around, very camp, easily distracted, and a little irresponsible, as well as facilitating the trio’s unofficial investigation, they’re a breath of fresh air that helps Tippy open up about her feelings – something she’s been unable to do with her mum, who’s put away all the family photos and won’t talk with her about Tippy’s dad. While Tippy’s mum keeps her daughter small by not sharing certain information pertaining to her dad, Tippy protects her mum by not passing on things people have said to her about him.
Something else that really struck me about this book was its strong sense of place. As it can safely be assumed someone local dunit, and Pike and Devon are essentially tourists in Pike’s hometown – which is Tippy’s whole world – we get a real feel for its geography and people, as well as their history, connections, and secrets.
Accordingly, we get to know Tippy’s neighbours, the Browns, whose granddaughter is at the centre of what turns out to be an important subplot; Tippy’s best friend Sam, his doctor mother, and pathologist father; a slimy, yet prominent estate agent; a couple of unpleasant newshounds; and many more besides, all of whom are well-drawn and interesting to encounter.
The Nancys is a fun mystery novel that nonetheless packs a real emotional punch.
November 16, 2025
What an absolutely marvellous book this is. Even more marvellous is that it is the start of a series because I absolutely loved Tippy Chan, her fabulous Uncle, Pike, and his not remotely over the top, much, boyfriend, Devon. The three of them make up the Nancys, named after Tippy and Pike's favourite amatuer Detective, Nancy Drew, of course. When Pike and Devon travel to Riverstone to look after Tippy whilst her mum embarks upon a well needed cruise, little do they know just what they are heading into. When a teacher at Tippy's school is found murdered, Tippy convinces the pair to help her investigate, certain that, left to their own devices, the police will never manage to get to the truth. And what an trip that is for us readers. Crime fiction's newest investigators are unique, unconventional, and an total and utter hoot to spend time with.
Tippy is such a brilliant character. having all too recently lost her father, she is devoted to her family and to her two friends, Todd and Sam. She is inquisitive, a very bright young girl who has far greater observation skills than you might expect and, perhaps, a touch of an overactive imagination, egged on by Pike. When it comes to Pike and Devon they are both good and bad influences on such an impressionable young mind. Perhaps not a natural choice when it comes to suitable adults to look after a pre teen child, they bring colour, and dare I say a touch of glamour, to Riverstone. I loved their spirit, their banter, their completely inappropriate language (Pike) and high energy (Devon) The way in which the three of them interact is equal turns touching and witty, and spending time in their company is a total pleasure. They certainly manage to mix things up in the so far predictable town, and it is certain that nothing will be quite the same again after this particular episode.
Aside from the witty banter and heartwarming elements of the story, with themes covering everything from loss to mental health, to the importance of standing up for what you believe in, the authenticity that marks the heart of the whole story, there is actually quite a serious side to the book too. When you move all the fun window dressing aside, there is a very real case for the Nancys to investigate. A murder. And it is a clue spotted by young Tippy that gives rise not only to the book's title, but also a part of the story that really does prove pivotal to the whole case. RWR McDonald does a brilliant job in creating that real hometown mystery feeling, playing on some of the quirks and foibles of colloquial New Zealand, but also capturing the spirit of a Nancy Drew style puzzle.
Don't imagine for one minute that this makes this a yong adult or teenage mystery though. Whilst younger readers could easily become absorbed in the story, occasional bad language aside, there is so much for us older readers to love. And whilst the story is told from Tippy's perspective, it is not childish in anyway. So much of what she witness brought a smile to my face, and kept me absolutely glued to the story. The author has worked real magic in these pages, a cosy mystery packed with heart and humour, but with some very adult themes underpinning it, all told through the thoughts of a narrator who has the benefit of innocent guile and an intelligence that belies her young age.
So many scenes in this book made me laugh, and many more touching and poignant moments made my heart break too. Packed with secrets and misdirection, the killer hides in plain sight and, I have to be entirely honest, was not who I was expecting at all. I cannot wait to see what might be next for this very unconventional team of investigators. I am 100% Team Nancy all the way and only really have one question? Who is going to licence production of Devon's t-shirts? This is a book that has the need for glitter laden merch written all over it. Fun, fresh and most definitely recommended, I think every discerning crime fiction reader needs the Nancys in their life.
Tippy is such a brilliant character. having all too recently lost her father, she is devoted to her family and to her two friends, Todd and Sam. She is inquisitive, a very bright young girl who has far greater observation skills than you might expect and, perhaps, a touch of an overactive imagination, egged on by Pike. When it comes to Pike and Devon they are both good and bad influences on such an impressionable young mind. Perhaps not a natural choice when it comes to suitable adults to look after a pre teen child, they bring colour, and dare I say a touch of glamour, to Riverstone. I loved their spirit, their banter, their completely inappropriate language (Pike) and high energy (Devon) The way in which the three of them interact is equal turns touching and witty, and spending time in their company is a total pleasure. They certainly manage to mix things up in the so far predictable town, and it is certain that nothing will be quite the same again after this particular episode.
Aside from the witty banter and heartwarming elements of the story, with themes covering everything from loss to mental health, to the importance of standing up for what you believe in, the authenticity that marks the heart of the whole story, there is actually quite a serious side to the book too. When you move all the fun window dressing aside, there is a very real case for the Nancys to investigate. A murder. And it is a clue spotted by young Tippy that gives rise not only to the book's title, but also a part of the story that really does prove pivotal to the whole case. RWR McDonald does a brilliant job in creating that real hometown mystery feeling, playing on some of the quirks and foibles of colloquial New Zealand, but also capturing the spirit of a Nancy Drew style puzzle.
Don't imagine for one minute that this makes this a yong adult or teenage mystery though. Whilst younger readers could easily become absorbed in the story, occasional bad language aside, there is so much for us older readers to love. And whilst the story is told from Tippy's perspective, it is not childish in anyway. So much of what she witness brought a smile to my face, and kept me absolutely glued to the story. The author has worked real magic in these pages, a cosy mystery packed with heart and humour, but with some very adult themes underpinning it, all told through the thoughts of a narrator who has the benefit of innocent guile and an intelligence that belies her young age.
So many scenes in this book made me laugh, and many more touching and poignant moments made my heart break too. Packed with secrets and misdirection, the killer hides in plain sight and, I have to be entirely honest, was not who I was expecting at all. I cannot wait to see what might be next for this very unconventional team of investigators. I am 100% Team Nancy all the way and only really have one question? Who is going to licence production of Devon's t-shirts? This is a book that has the need for glitter laden merch written all over it. Fun, fresh and most definitely recommended, I think every discerning crime fiction reader needs the Nancys in their life.
December 27, 2025
Like many readers of a certain age, the Nancy Drew Mysteries were one of my first introductions to crime fiction. However, although the protagonists in The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace are inspired by the eponymous sleuth and told from the perspective of 11-year-old Tippy Chan this ribald yet heartwarming debut is definitely not aimed at children.
The action takes place in Riverstone, a small town in New Zealand which is home to Tippy who lives with her widowed mum. The pair are clearly still grieving and this is as much about their unconventional healing process as it is the surprisingly dark mystery which draws Tippy, her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon into their own Nancy Drew-style investigation. Pike and Devon are in town to take care of Tippy while her mum is on a cruise but their offbeat approach to their temporary guardianship is almost immediately challenged after a tragic accident involving one of Tippy's best friends, followed by the shocking murder of her school teacher.
Tippy is a delightful character; intelligent, resourceful and resilient, she is obviously shaken by events but decides she wants to solve the mystery and it doesn't take too much to persuade Pike and Devon to help her. The relationship between the three is warm and loving, although I felt it only really worked if I put aside my entrenched safeguarding concerns regarding some of the language and situations Tippy is exposed to here! I loved the close understanding that develops between them but for me, the most successful humorous moments were when Tippy innocently misunderstood an adult explanation, such as their brilliantly funny conversation about her mum hopefully enjoying finding 'a good hard book to read on her holiday...' It might not be the most believable book I've read but there's no doubt The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is one of the more memorable mysteries I've been introduced to.
For all its humour, however, there is a darker, more serious side to the novel and not just because the murder of Ms Everson is so barbaric. It's clear that Pike's reasons for leaving town as a young man extended beyond a wish for more excitement and there are some subtly cutting depictions of small-town prejudice, regarding both sexuality and race throughout the book. This vibrant yet poignant mystery is full of twists and turns with some clever read herrings which kept me guessing and is genuinely tense at some points. At its heart though, The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is really about loss, acceptance and the importance of family, no matter how unorthodox that might be. Pike, Devon and especially Tippy will surely capture the heart of readers everywhere.
The action takes place in Riverstone, a small town in New Zealand which is home to Tippy who lives with her widowed mum. The pair are clearly still grieving and this is as much about their unconventional healing process as it is the surprisingly dark mystery which draws Tippy, her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon into their own Nancy Drew-style investigation. Pike and Devon are in town to take care of Tippy while her mum is on a cruise but their offbeat approach to their temporary guardianship is almost immediately challenged after a tragic accident involving one of Tippy's best friends, followed by the shocking murder of her school teacher.
Tippy is a delightful character; intelligent, resourceful and resilient, she is obviously shaken by events but decides she wants to solve the mystery and it doesn't take too much to persuade Pike and Devon to help her. The relationship between the three is warm and loving, although I felt it only really worked if I put aside my entrenched safeguarding concerns regarding some of the language and situations Tippy is exposed to here! I loved the close understanding that develops between them but for me, the most successful humorous moments were when Tippy innocently misunderstood an adult explanation, such as their brilliantly funny conversation about her mum hopefully enjoying finding 'a good hard book to read on her holiday...' It might not be the most believable book I've read but there's no doubt The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is one of the more memorable mysteries I've been introduced to.
For all its humour, however, there is a darker, more serious side to the novel and not just because the murder of Ms Everson is so barbaric. It's clear that Pike's reasons for leaving town as a young man extended beyond a wish for more excitement and there are some subtly cutting depictions of small-town prejudice, regarding both sexuality and race throughout the book. This vibrant yet poignant mystery is full of twists and turns with some clever read herrings which kept me guessing and is genuinely tense at some points. At its heart though, The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is really about loss, acceptance and the importance of family, no matter how unorthodox that might be. Pike, Devon and especially Tippy will surely capture the heart of readers everywhere.
November 28, 2025
Eleven year old Tippy Chan lives in a small town in rural New Zealand, where nothing much happens - unless you count the recent death of her father. When her mum wins a Christmas cruise, Tippy's Uncle Pike steps in to look after her while his sister is away, bringing his flamboyant boyfriend, Devon, along to see the home town he escaped from as a teenager.
Pike and Devon are unconventional childminders, to say the least, even if their hearts are in the right place. When Tippy's teacher is found murdered, Pike and Tippy decide to emulate their literary heroine, Nancy Drew, to see if they can crack the case. Devon comes too, of course, and the sleuthing trio dub themselves The Nancys. But what begins as a bit of a lark, soon becomes a dangerous game...
In a hilarious twist on the Nancy Drew mysteries, this small town detective tale unfurls through eleven-year-old Tippy's narrative. McDonald does a fantastic job making her voice authentic for an innocent young girl trying to make sense of the world around her, while dealing with the grief she feels over the death of her father. The chaotic arrival of Pike and Devon, with their decidedly un-politically correct banter, sparks mayhem, and their outrageous shenanigans lead Tippy into perilous places. But fortunately, Tippy is not your average pre-teen - she has the sound advice of Nancy Drew to guide her!
This is a highly entertaining crime novel, packed to the gills with mystery, clever twists, and more suspects that you can poke a bedazzling, Devon-styled stick at. Amidst all the whip-smart lines, fast-paced tension, and gritty situations, there is plenty to pluck the heartstrings too, as themes of family, friendship, and dealing with loss are handled beautifully. Have the tissues handy, because the tender moments will have you sobbing into your Tim Tams. I suspect you will need them to wipe away tears of mirth too, as the laughs come thick and fast.
It is easy to see why this book was the winner of the Ngaio Marsh Best First Novel, because it positively effervesces with nostalgia, style, wit, ridiculous characters, slapstick comedy, and a cracking good plot. Do not make the mistake of thinking this book is for a young audience though, even though it is a love letter to the Nancy Drew mysteries - the language used is definitely for adult eyes only!
This was such fun. I cannot wait for more adventures from The Nancys.
Pike and Devon are unconventional childminders, to say the least, even if their hearts are in the right place. When Tippy's teacher is found murdered, Pike and Tippy decide to emulate their literary heroine, Nancy Drew, to see if they can crack the case. Devon comes too, of course, and the sleuthing trio dub themselves The Nancys. But what begins as a bit of a lark, soon becomes a dangerous game...
In a hilarious twist on the Nancy Drew mysteries, this small town detective tale unfurls through eleven-year-old Tippy's narrative. McDonald does a fantastic job making her voice authentic for an innocent young girl trying to make sense of the world around her, while dealing with the grief she feels over the death of her father. The chaotic arrival of Pike and Devon, with their decidedly un-politically correct banter, sparks mayhem, and their outrageous shenanigans lead Tippy into perilous places. But fortunately, Tippy is not your average pre-teen - she has the sound advice of Nancy Drew to guide her!
This is a highly entertaining crime novel, packed to the gills with mystery, clever twists, and more suspects that you can poke a bedazzling, Devon-styled stick at. Amidst all the whip-smart lines, fast-paced tension, and gritty situations, there is plenty to pluck the heartstrings too, as themes of family, friendship, and dealing with loss are handled beautifully. Have the tissues handy, because the tender moments will have you sobbing into your Tim Tams. I suspect you will need them to wipe away tears of mirth too, as the laughs come thick and fast.
It is easy to see why this book was the winner of the Ngaio Marsh Best First Novel, because it positively effervesces with nostalgia, style, wit, ridiculous characters, slapstick comedy, and a cracking good plot. Do not make the mistake of thinking this book is for a young audience though, even though it is a love letter to the Nancy Drew mysteries - the language used is definitely for adult eyes only!
This was such fun. I cannot wait for more adventures from The Nancys.
December 10, 2025
I have to admit that recently, I've struggled with concentration. I have really found it difficult to settle down to read. This has infuriated and frustrated me. I think this book has fixed me! It is wonderful, it touched my heart so many times, I loved it.
The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace announces R.W.R. McDonald as a bold, bright new voice in fiction, his writing is fearless, funny, and full of heart. From the very first page, this debut absolutely thrills the reader with its blend of humour, warmth, and just the right touch of mischief.
At the centre of the story is Tippy Chan, who is just unforgettable. Eleven years old and armed with such curiosity and energy. McDonald captures her perspective with such tenderness, and so clearly that it’s impossible not to root for her. And then there are Pike and Devon, outrageous, generous, chaotic, and always entertaining. Together, the trio form a detective team as unlikely as they are endearing, each bringing their own something the adventure.
McDonald’s writing sparkles with wit and compassion. He handles small-town New Zealand with a sharp and loving style, allowing the quirks and charms of the community to shine through. It’s a setting that feels lived-in and wonderfully vibrant.
The emotional depth of this story is perfect. Beneath the glitter, jokes, and glorious mayhem lies a story about belonging, about the families we’re born into, the ones we choose, and the ones that choose us. McDonald gives the novel a warmth that lingers long after you close the book.
And of course, the mystery itself is an absolute joy: engaging, clever, and filled with that delicious “just one more chapter” pull. Without ever tipping into darkness, it delivers genuine tension, balanced beautifully with heart and humour.
The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is a sparkling, heartfelt debut bursting with personality. A glorious celebration of friendship, bravery, and the sheer delight of a good mystery, it’s the kind of book that feels like discovering a treasure, and one you’ll want to press into the hands of fellow readers with a smile.
The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace announces R.W.R. McDonald as a bold, bright new voice in fiction, his writing is fearless, funny, and full of heart. From the very first page, this debut absolutely thrills the reader with its blend of humour, warmth, and just the right touch of mischief.
At the centre of the story is Tippy Chan, who is just unforgettable. Eleven years old and armed with such curiosity and energy. McDonald captures her perspective with such tenderness, and so clearly that it’s impossible not to root for her. And then there are Pike and Devon, outrageous, generous, chaotic, and always entertaining. Together, the trio form a detective team as unlikely as they are endearing, each bringing their own something the adventure.
McDonald’s writing sparkles with wit and compassion. He handles small-town New Zealand with a sharp and loving style, allowing the quirks and charms of the community to shine through. It’s a setting that feels lived-in and wonderfully vibrant.
The emotional depth of this story is perfect. Beneath the glitter, jokes, and glorious mayhem lies a story about belonging, about the families we’re born into, the ones we choose, and the ones that choose us. McDonald gives the novel a warmth that lingers long after you close the book.
And of course, the mystery itself is an absolute joy: engaging, clever, and filled with that delicious “just one more chapter” pull. Without ever tipping into darkness, it delivers genuine tension, balanced beautifully with heart and humour.
The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is a sparkling, heartfelt debut bursting with personality. A glorious celebration of friendship, bravery, and the sheer delight of a good mystery, it’s the kind of book that feels like discovering a treasure, and one you’ll want to press into the hands of fellow readers with a smile.
December 9, 2025
‘The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace’ is hands down one of the best books I have read this year! To immerse myself in the world of the Nancys was an utter joy. As a kid, I was obsessed with Nancy Drew and read every single book multiple times. I wanted to be Nancy Drew and solve mysteries and be as kind and loved as her. Plus, when I had my breakdown last year, I used them as comfort reads to get me through it. So, this means I would be very critical of a book which took this canon and didn’t do it justice. Thankfully, the author exceeded my expectations and took it to another level. It was fiercely funny, dark but hopeful, addressed local issues and the characters…some of the best ‘voices’ I have read in some time!
Tippy Chan, an eleven-year-old girl, is the protagonist of our story. My, my, I think I love her! Tippy is dealing with a lot in her young life. Her dad died very recently and her mum is going on a well-deserved holiday. This means her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon have come to stay to look after her. When her teacher is found dead at the town’s only traffic light, Tippy manages to convince her Uncle and Devon to form ‘The Nancys’, to solve the case!
It is very hard to write an adult book that has a protagonist as a child and when the whole story is told through their eyes. But the author manages to do this with such ease. Tippy is the innocent heart of this book but that doesn’t mean that dark and uncomfortable topics aren’t addressed and analysed. Grief, injustice, found family, gender issues, lack of representation and many more topics are dealt with alongside the actual crime itself. Tippy is an inquisitive young girl, who is fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She also isn’t afraid to face her fears, even if she is a quivering wreck inside!
January 6, 2026
After I read a review in the Guardian I wanted to read this book and I am so glad I did. I loved Tippy and the story read so true about her being 11 years old and missing her dad who died 9 months before the story starts. Her mom was going on a holiday cruise and her brother Pike and his boyfriend Devon come to stay and look after her while she is gone. They are outrageous and swear too much which made me laugh because it reminded me of my dad who swore a lot and my mom was annoyed.
Tippy has two friends and one of them is injured after falling off a bridge and is in a coma. One of their teachers who was seen having an very loud argument with another teacher in the early evening is found dead with her head cut off and the woman she had the argument with finds her scalp on her porch. The police really don't due a very good job investigating because they do arrest her but ignore the clues the Nancys give them. Tippy is a very brave girl and going to the old hospital by herself and finding clues and then being followed by the murderer in a car and she hides until they leave was so scary. The newspaper woman was awful but actually did help them.
I loved how Devon and Pike helped Melanie prepare for the Show Queens pageant and her speech was fantastic. I figured out who was guilty but really I didn't know the whole story at all.
The ending was really good and sad at the same time but you knew that Tippy and her mom would begin to heal. Hope to read more from this author.
Tippy has two friends and one of them is injured after falling off a bridge and is in a coma. One of their teachers who was seen having an very loud argument with another teacher in the early evening is found dead with her head cut off and the woman she had the argument with finds her scalp on her porch. The police really don't due a very good job investigating because they do arrest her but ignore the clues the Nancys give them. Tippy is a very brave girl and going to the old hospital by herself and finding clues and then being followed by the murderer in a car and she hides until they leave was so scary. The newspaper woman was awful but actually did help them.
I loved how Devon and Pike helped Melanie prepare for the Show Queens pageant and her speech was fantastic. I figured out who was guilty but really I didn't know the whole story at all.
The ending was really good and sad at the same time but you knew that Tippy and her mom would begin to heal. Hope to read more from this author.
November 26, 2025
Tippy Chan is an 11-year-old girl living in Riverstone, a small town in New Zealand.
She lives with her mother, Lennie, who works as a nurse. The two of them are grieving the loss of Joe, Tippy’s father and Lennie’s husband who was involved in a car accident.
When Tippy’s mother wins a cruise, her uncle Pike comes to mind her with his new boyfriend, Devon, a fashion designer.
Then, Tippy’s teacher, Ms Everson, is found dead, her body mutilated, near Riverstone’s only set of traffic lights.
Tippy, Uncle Pike and Devon form “The Nancys”, a detective agency, and they begin to investigate…
I loved this book from start to finish!
It’s a perfect homage to Nancy Drew (who didn’t love Nancy Drew when they were growing up?) and as I was reading, it brought a sense of nostalgia and childhood reminiscence.
Devon and Pike are a hilarious couple, always ready to wind each other up with their quip comments. Saying that, I loved the banter between Pike and Lennie – it’s how my brother and I interact, too!
I also loved Melanie Brown; this young lady better appear in the following books, because she deserves a centre stage. Could she join the Nancys in the other mysteries?
This books is laugh out loud, no filter – pure genius! I definitely recommend it.
She lives with her mother, Lennie, who works as a nurse. The two of them are grieving the loss of Joe, Tippy’s father and Lennie’s husband who was involved in a car accident.
When Tippy’s mother wins a cruise, her uncle Pike comes to mind her with his new boyfriend, Devon, a fashion designer.
Then, Tippy’s teacher, Ms Everson, is found dead, her body mutilated, near Riverstone’s only set of traffic lights.
Tippy, Uncle Pike and Devon form “The Nancys”, a detective agency, and they begin to investigate…
I loved this book from start to finish!
It’s a perfect homage to Nancy Drew (who didn’t love Nancy Drew when they were growing up?) and as I was reading, it brought a sense of nostalgia and childhood reminiscence.
Devon and Pike are a hilarious couple, always ready to wind each other up with their quip comments. Saying that, I loved the banter between Pike and Lennie – it’s how my brother and I interact, too!
I also loved Melanie Brown; this young lady better appear in the following books, because she deserves a centre stage. Could she join the Nancys in the other mysteries?
This books is laugh out loud, no filter – pure genius! I definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a riotous ride of a novel. Tippy is a modern day Nancy Drew. Except Tippy is hilarious, she has two extremely funny outlandish uncles and from the outset she is encouraged to be herself.
I laughed so much when I was reading this book. It’s not just a comedy, it is definitely a crime novel but the mix of characters make it hilarious. The uncles have extremely different ways of dealing with Tippy and their personalities are so different from one another it makes it absolutely impossible to resist. I’d not say it’s a children’s book at all. But, it’s a definite coming of age story, so older teens would be fine reading it. Yes, there’s swearing etc, but it’s nothing most won’t know. However, this is one series with a child who is the hero, that adults might just want to keep for themselves. The dynamics between the adults in the book make this book a definite must read and I look forward to the next book, already! A total joy to read.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
I laughed so much when I was reading this book. It’s not just a comedy, it is definitely a crime novel but the mix of characters make it hilarious. The uncles have extremely different ways of dealing with Tippy and their personalities are so different from one another it makes it absolutely impossible to resist. I’d not say it’s a children’s book at all. But, it’s a definite coming of age story, so older teens would be fine reading it. Yes, there’s swearing etc, but it’s nothing most won’t know. However, this is one series with a child who is the hero, that adults might just want to keep for themselves. The dynamics between the adults in the book make this book a definite must read and I look forward to the next book, already! A total joy to read.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
November 18, 2025
This book was like a breath of fresh air! Perfect reading for a reader who has read a lot of very dark fiction lately. Tippy Chan is a young girl who is looking forward to spending time with her Uncle Pike and his boyfriend, Devon, whilst her Mum, Helen, has a well deserved holiday. Although I loved Tippy, Pike and Devon, Helen was a character whose role wasn’t big enough. I absolutely adored her. Her humour, compassion and frustration towards everybody, especially Pike was perfect.
Tippy is still grieving the death of her Dad, not understanding why all photos of him and all his possessions have been removed from their home. She has her memories and remnants of Piggy Cat, a lovely connection to him, but needs more.
When a teacher from her schools is found murdered Tippy and the whole community are shocked but with help and a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement from Uncle Pike and Devon they decide to solve the case. Their investigations were full of mishaps, mayhem and a lot of often unintentional humour. It also brought a new friend for Tippy, something which she really needed.
This was a small community with some large personalities. Some too large. Mostly fabulous but as always some who were unpleasant. All were believable.
I loved reading the Nancy Drew mysteries when I was in my teens and one of the first things I did once I finished this wonderful book was look them up on the internet. I was amazed that there were o many books, written over a very long period of time and that Carolyn Keene was a pseudonym. The things you learn when reading.
Tippy is still grieving the death of her Dad, not understanding why all photos of him and all his possessions have been removed from their home. She has her memories and remnants of Piggy Cat, a lovely connection to him, but needs more.
When a teacher from her schools is found murdered Tippy and the whole community are shocked but with help and a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement from Uncle Pike and Devon they decide to solve the case. Their investigations were full of mishaps, mayhem and a lot of often unintentional humour. It also brought a new friend for Tippy, something which she really needed.
This was a small community with some large personalities. Some too large. Mostly fabulous but as always some who were unpleasant. All were believable.
I loved reading the Nancy Drew mysteries when I was in my teens and one of the first things I did once I finished this wonderful book was look them up on the internet. I was amazed that there were o many books, written over a very long period of time and that Carolyn Keene was a pseudonym. The things you learn when reading.
December 7, 2025
Rated 4.5/5
Blog Tour Review
The writing was entertaining with a range of emotions flowing throughout the book. There were a couple of little twists which kept me on my toes. Whilst there were some emotional scenes, they were balanced out well with humour.
The chapters were long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was quite a bit of information laid out, both in terms of the mystery itself and the background which made up the characters' individual lives, but it was all interesting and enjoyable to read.
Each chapter had a short title, giving you a hint as to what you were about to read next.
There was a good flow between the chapters. They all ran into eachother well, building the story up nicely and meaning that I quite happily sat and read it for long periods of time. There were times where the characters came together to go over what they had found out, which was good for keeping a track on what was happening.
There was a good pace to the book. Even though the chapters were long, you moved through the story well. There was always something happening to keep you moving.
The characters were great. There was a good mix of personalities that brought the darkness and humour to the story. Some characters were quite unlikable, which I enjoyed. I would quite happily read more about all of them.
There were a couple of character "journeys" in the background which I enjoyed reading about.
Lastly the settings. There were some nice little details throughout the story which grounded the story well. You could easily picture what was happening to the characters, without it overtaking the main points in the story.
Overall an interesting mystery, full of emotion and humour.
Blog Tour Review
The writing was entertaining with a range of emotions flowing throughout the book. There were a couple of little twists which kept me on my toes. Whilst there were some emotional scenes, they were balanced out well with humour.
The chapters were long so you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was quite a bit of information laid out, both in terms of the mystery itself and the background which made up the characters' individual lives, but it was all interesting and enjoyable to read.
Each chapter had a short title, giving you a hint as to what you were about to read next.
There was a good flow between the chapters. They all ran into eachother well, building the story up nicely and meaning that I quite happily sat and read it for long periods of time. There were times where the characters came together to go over what they had found out, which was good for keeping a track on what was happening.
There was a good pace to the book. Even though the chapters were long, you moved through the story well. There was always something happening to keep you moving.
The characters were great. There was a good mix of personalities that brought the darkness and humour to the story. Some characters were quite unlikable, which I enjoyed. I would quite happily read more about all of them.
There were a couple of character "journeys" in the background which I enjoyed reading about.
Lastly the settings. There were some nice little details throughout the story which grounded the story well. You could easily picture what was happening to the characters, without it overtaking the main points in the story.
Overall an interesting mystery, full of emotion and humour.
December 12, 2025
Tippy Chan is eleven years old and when her mum goes on holiday she leaves Tippy at home under the care of her uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon . When two serious incidents occur the trio turn detectives determined to solve the crimes. What follows is a hilarious read with plenty of laugh out loud moments . I just adored the characters and the story. Whilst the book was full of humour it also gave me a warm cosy feeling at times . To sum up a fabulous and heartwarming read and I loved every chapter .
November 17, 2025
Eleven-year-old Tippy Chan's uncle Pike and his boyfriend come to to look after her while her mum is taking a much-needed holiday, expecting things to be quiet in the small New Zealand town. But when Tippy's much-disliked teacher is found murdered, the three form the Nancys, a detective club named after her favorite sleuth, Nancy Drew, to help the police solve the case.
December 4, 2025
The Nancys is a fun, quirky and heartfelt mystery with a memorable trio at its centre. Tippy’s voice is witty and warm, and Uncle Pike and Devon add plenty of charm and chaos. The story blends humour, heart and a twisty investigation, making it an original and thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 29, 2025
a very unusual detective story
I really enjoyed this and, as well as being very funny in places it was also a bit of a tear jerker too. Would love to see more of Tippy, Melanie, Uncle Pike and Devon.
I really enjoyed this and, as well as being very funny in places it was also a bit of a tear jerker too. Would love to see more of Tippy, Melanie, Uncle Pike and Devon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Super gay and a lot of fun.
Review of advance copy
4.5
November 19, 2025
Thank you to Anne of Random Things Tours and Orenda Books for the opportunity to open the blog tour for The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace by R.W.R McDonald.
I grew up reading the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books, so I leapt at the chance to read this book featuring Tippy, a young fan of Nancy Drew. Her desire to be able to act as Nancy suddenly comes true when some unusual events happen locally whilst her uncle is looking after her for a couple of weeks.
Uncle Pike, Devon and Tippy find themselves investigating a murder, visiting a friend in hospital and helping a neighbour. There is a lovely mixture of camp humour, family dramas and secrets as the story unfolds. This is a non spoiler review so you need to read the book to find out who the murderer is.
A thoroughly entertaining read, although using more coarse language than the original Nancy Drew books – so I’m recommending this virtual visit to New Zealand for older readers rather than young teenagers.
I grew up reading the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books, so I leapt at the chance to read this book featuring Tippy, a young fan of Nancy Drew. Her desire to be able to act as Nancy suddenly comes true when some unusual events happen locally whilst her uncle is looking after her for a couple of weeks.
Uncle Pike, Devon and Tippy find themselves investigating a murder, visiting a friend in hospital and helping a neighbour. There is a lovely mixture of camp humour, family dramas and secrets as the story unfolds. This is a non spoiler review so you need to read the book to find out who the murderer is.
A thoroughly entertaining read, although using more coarse language than the original Nancy Drew books – so I’m recommending this virtual visit to New Zealand for older readers rather than young teenagers.
December 30, 2025
To be published February 6 2026 by Orenda Books this is an unusual and memorable story that will remind you of your childhood favorite Nancy Drew series. It has suspense, laughter and plenty of drama to boot with a new to me author that has written an original stand out book!
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