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To my friend Bess, the major Hollywood production coming to River Heights is her chance for fame as an extra. To me it's a chance to get involved in a big mystery. Looks like the drama on this set really kicks up when the camera's not rolling.

Since Chief McGinnis wanted to hire a "professional" (in other words, not me) to look into the problems that have been plaguing this production, I'll be working undercover as a stand-in. I have no idea who this detective will be, and fortunately, I'm not in this for the credit. But I am determined to crack this case faster than any professional can say "Cut!"

170 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

15 people are currently reading
556 people want to read

About the author

Carolyn Keene

1,042 books3,880 followers
Carolyn 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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.

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5 stars
268 (33%)
4 stars
264 (32%)
3 stars
218 (26%)
2 stars
39 (4%)
1 star
22 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Nola Lorraine.
Author 2 books43 followers
April 17, 2015
I used to love the Secret Seven and Trixie Belden books when I was young. So on a wave of nostalgia, I've just read my first Nancy Drew. After a bit of googling, I discovered that new books are still being written under the generic author name of Carolyn Keene.

This one from 2007 has Nancy and her friends excited when the cast and crew of a big Hollywood movie come to River Heights to finish filming the final scenes. Of course there's trouble afoot, with threats being made against some of the cast and crew. As a stunt woman died on the last film, the threats are being taken seriously. Nancy Drew manages to score a role as the star's stand-in so that she can go undercover and investigate. Will Nancy save the day or will she get blown to smithereens in the last scene of the movie?

I know this is written for teenage girls, which is a long way from my demographic, but I actually enjoyed the book. It's written in first-person from Nancy's perspective, which gives it immediacy. The plot's fine with a good number of suspects and twists, it moves along at a good clip and it's an easy read. I'll read more in the series. The good thing about being a writer is that you can read teen books and call it research :)
Profile Image for Jane Raley.
134 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
this had to have been a different ghost writer cause wtf was that
Profile Image for Lexy.
1,093 reviews35 followers
March 4, 2020
I thought that this book was good
3 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2009
this book i have read it almost 3 times and i still find it interesting. This book begins with a Hollywood producer came to somewhere where nancy drew stayed and then the next thing she was on her way to fame but of course she doesn't want fame but to crack a mystery when the camera was not filming. to the others it may be a game but to her it wasn't a game but a real mystery.
Profile Image for Luciana.
33 reviews
August 11, 2025
Way funner than I thought!! I really liked it
Profile Image for Alexandra.
120 reviews2 followers
Read
July 1, 2024
Dierdre “Simmons” ????

Fr who wrote this one? It’s WILD
Profile Image for BabyLunLun.
916 reviews130 followers
February 9, 2017
I have read a few Nancy Drew by now. I never find it necessary to write a review for nancy drew. Its a classic children mystery book and its guaranteed an entertaining read. Despite written by various authors but it still keep up to its reputation. A clean mystery and no murder scenes and the writing is consistent throughout the books

Since the first page I know this one is gonna be different. The writing slightly deviated from the other nancy drew book. But wow the mystery is even better. THERE IS A MURDER HAPPENING!

Other than that, it should be PG 13 because nancy kinda cheated on Ned. Seriously this Nancy drew really stands out
Profile Image for Seema M. Fazil.
210 reviews41 followers
May 30, 2023
I'm not sure whether to rate it one or two stars but this ND book wasn't good at all. I bought it cos it was taking place in a movie set, which I really like to read about.
It was not very well written. Nancy was not in character, and Bess was such a crazy ediot. Like seriously, Nancy cheating on Ned?!- I hated it! - and I did not like that it had more romance than mystery! Also, it was kind of confusing. Forget about this one if you're looking for a good Nancy Drew read! If only I thought of requesting it from the library before I bought it! Waste of money and time! *sigh* :(
Profile Image for Charlotte Miraya.
49 reviews
April 3, 2023
Nancy and her best friends hear that Brett and Fiona (major Holywood actors) will be filming a movie in River Heights, and the people of River Heights have a chance to try and become extras. Immediately, Bessie wants to try out, Nancy comes along with her as she realises through Chief McGinnis that he wants someone to look into some weird things going on with this production and she gets to a new case! Sadly they don't get chosen. However, the crew were looking for a stand in for Fiona, the leading actress, Bess was hopeful since Nancy and George had always said she looks exactly like Fiona but Nancy got chosen for it!!! What will Nancy do now? She has to be in the movie to find out more about these weird things that take place, but Bess seems to be angry with her. And on top of all that, there is some celebrity drama and she goes out with the film director Gordan because of a deal, and gets kissed by Brett. My my, Ned Nickerson, her boyfriend was very dejected with this, hopefully Nancy can explain what happened and solve not only her friendships but also this case.
Profile Image for Ron.
966 reviews19 followers
September 17, 2022
A more contemporary interpretation of Nancy Drew, which I think is the intention of this 'Girl Detective' line. Written in first person, and featuring the usual characters. Dialogue is much more natural and modern, showcasing the characters much better, but it does make them seem younger. Nancy comes across as more of a teen than the usual mature young woman, but overall the book is much more lively and compelling than the usual fare. There are actual murders and bodies in this one, not to mention kissing.
Profile Image for Maria  Fernanda.
53 reviews
March 27, 2018
I liked the end, it was unexpected. However, the book wasn't so interesting like I thought.
Profile Image for Alex.
6,671 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2020
I liked this one, but it had SO many errors throughout. For instance, Deirdre being spelled “Dierdre” the entire book, and her last name given as Simmons instead of Shannon several times.
Profile Image for Candy.
199 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2024
Deidres or dee dees reaction in the end love it. Wished I could have seen it. You'll have to read to find out what happens...
Profile Image for Miyu.
17 reviews
May 4, 2012
This book is called NANCY DREW, MURDER ON THE SET. The main character of this book is a girl called Nancy Drew and she is a girl detective.

I am not very far into the book yet. So, I don't really know, but what I know is, that they are making a production and they have used more than a hundred million dollars on this production. And they will shut the film for sure if their insurance would cover the loss. But so far, they don't really have a plan of canceling it. They came up with an idea that someone has to get hurt, but it's something no one would usually want to do.
On the first chapter, the author of this book is telling us that if there is something bad happening, it doesn't always happen in an instant. And sometimes it could just be a little mark of an Earthquake, Tsunami or a Volcanic Eruption. Also that this has also happened to her!

In this chapter, so far, 5 characters appeared Nancy, George, Bess (George and Bess are Nancy's first cousins), Dierdre, his father, Mr. Nickerson,


Profile Image for Rachel.
24 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2010
To my friend Bess, the major Hollywood production coming to River Heights is her chance for fame as an extra. To me it's a chance to get involved in a big mystery. Looks like the drama on this set really kicks up when the camera's not rolling.

Since Chief McGinnis wanted to hire a "professional" (in other words, not me) to look into the problems that have been plaguing this production, I'll be working undercover as a stand-in. I have no idea who this detective will be, and fortunately, I'm not in this for the credit. But I am determined to crack this case faster than any professional can say "Cut!"


I recommend this book!!!!!!!!!

-Rachel
Profile Image for Shelsey Valdez.
3 reviews
February 25, 2011
This book Is very interesting. Nancy & her Best friend Bess want to appear in a movie They are making in her town. But , Nancy want to get involved in a mystery. Everything happens when the camera is not rolling . She turns out to be Stand-in instead of an extra.
Profile Image for Morgan Lemke.
74 reviews
January 28, 2012
it is a great book for someone who likes mysteries. It is about nancy sheeting on her boyfriend for this murder, and gets herself in a bind because her second boyfriend is the murder to the crime. he was told about nancy from the cheif, so remember to keep your mouth closed on private stuff.
Profile Image for Rachel.
19 reviews
October 25, 2008
nancy drew books are awesome! i've only read this one but it was awesome! a bunch of people have read these books and (i think) have liked them... so read this book! (and series)
6 reviews
June 4, 2010
In this book there was a movie being filmed, and Nancy Drew is cast as a stand-in for Fiona Gibson. The stand-in for the derectors last film was killed. Will Nancy end up finding the killer?
Profile Image for Alexis Bradshaw.
45 reviews18 followers
August 20, 2011
It was really good. I finished in one day and I really loved it. I saw the Nancy Drew movie and it wasn't as good as the book. At all. But I loved this sooo much. Like Artemis Fowl love!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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