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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #30
The Clue of the Velvet Mask
Carson Drew portends his teen-age detective daughter's future adventure when he says half-jokingly, "Nancy don't let any of the party thieves ruin your evening".
The masquerade party at the Hendrick's mansion quickly turns into a mystery when Nancy and her favorite date, Ned Nickerson, spy a stranger about to climb the rose trellis to the second story. Who is this enigmatic man in the black cloak and the exotic woman in the Javenese costume? Are they members of the gang of wily thieves who sneak into parties given by wealthy people and steal jewels and art treasures? And why is the owner of the black velvet hooded mask that Ned finds in the Hendricks' garden so desperate to get it back?
To find the answers Nancy and her friend George Fayne devise a daring plan. The two girls switch identities! George soon discovers that while it is exciting to play amateur detective it can be dangerous to masquerade as Nancy Drew.
The masquerade party at the Hendrick's mansion quickly turns into a mystery when Nancy and her favorite date, Ned Nickerson, spy a stranger about to climb the rose trellis to the second story. Who is this enigmatic man in the black cloak and the exotic woman in the Javenese costume? Are they members of the gang of wily thieves who sneak into parties given by wealthy people and steal jewels and art treasures? And why is the owner of the black velvet hooded mask that Ned finds in the Hendricks' garden so desperate to get it back?
To find the answers Nancy and her friend George Fayne devise a daring plan. The two girls switch identities! George soon discovers that while it is exciting to play amateur detective it can be dangerous to masquerade as Nancy Drew.
211 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1953
90 people are currently reading
2485 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,017 books3,873 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
November 1, 2025
This mystery was so fun! Typical burglaries and heists and everything nice-ish. Poor George 😅
Ned was the MVP in this one, and the stakes were high like always.
Onto the next one!
Ned was the MVP in this one, and the stakes were high like always.
Onto the next one!
August 25, 2023
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Okay, I really liked this one! The whole masquerade & party stuff was really cool. The plot and storyline were really intriguing (I did NOT expect George's mini storyline; it was awesome!) and I really liked it. Also, I really liked the characters... all except Ambrose, who was really dumb. And T., but that's to be expected! Also Mr. L was annoying but he did redeem himself. the excitement got pretty intense and I really enjoyed it. Overall, this was an earlier version that I actually really enjoyed!
Content: a kiss on the cheek & a mention that a costume would have a hard time getting onto a man's muscular body.
Content: a kiss on the cheek & a mention that a costume would have a hard time getting onto a man's muscular body.
September 18, 2017
The Good: This is standard fare for this series, which isn't a bad thing. A great whodunit with action, peril, a convoluted plot...what's not to like? Fans of the famed teenage sleuth will love it!
The Bad: Nothing to complain about, really; it just wasn't anything spectacular.
Conclusion: You probably already know if this is for you, but, I'll say it anyway: Fans of the franchise will have a blast with this...but, if this kind of book isn't your thing, nothing in this will change your mind.
The Bad: Nothing to complain about, really; it just wasn't anything spectacular.
Conclusion: You probably already know if this is for you, but, I'll say it anyway: Fans of the franchise will have a blast with this...but, if this kind of book isn't your thing, nothing in this will change your mind.
October 4, 2016
The villain in this book couldn't have been more obvious if he was twirling the ends of a handlebar mustache and cackling manically, yet only Nancy Drew can figure out he's bad news. Sounds about right.
Seriously, you couldn't pay me enough to live in River Heights. People are drugged and kidnapped pretty much every week, and the cops are absolutely useless. What are they going to do if Nancy moves away?!
Seriously, you couldn't pay me enough to live in River Heights. People are drugged and kidnapped pretty much every week, and the cops are absolutely useless. What are they going to do if Nancy moves away?!
October 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this. When there are bold thefts throughout the area at masquerade parties, suspicion zeroes on to the providers of the fancy dress clothes and party organisers, who call Nancy and her father for help. Nancy and her friends get to attend several parties in fancy dress and enjoys herself before Nancy catches the culprits.
Midway through the book, George goes off the rails and disappears for much of the book. She gets kidnapped and drugged, after which she is left a shell of her own self and spends pretty much most of the book begging Nancy not to continue with her investigations. This was odd in itself and a bit too noirish for my taste (for this book, at least). It's not really explained and then she shakes off her lethargy and goes into action to save Nancy, which is also not explained.
The title comes from a clue that Nancy obtains from a party, and is able to get the planned dates of future heists, which drives the story.
Overall, a decent ND.
Midway through the book, George goes off the rails and disappears for much of the book. She gets kidnapped and drugged, after which she is left a shell of her own self and spends pretty much most of the book begging Nancy not to continue with her investigations. This was odd in itself and a bit too noirish for my taste (for this book, at least). It's not really explained and then she shakes off her lethargy and goes into action to save Nancy, which is also not explained.
The title comes from a clue that Nancy obtains from a party, and is able to get the planned dates of future heists, which drives the story.
Overall, a decent ND.
March 11, 2019
OMG if you're going to invest in a costume shop as a front to your figurine-smuggling ring, you should not use a traceable indelible ink to mark all your costumes, come on!
And also, I do not know what to do with the awful illustrations in this one.
"How do I look?" asks Ned...
"Cool!" Nancy literally replies.
Also, see this picture here. As lame and lazy as it is, it could churn up a heck of an All-Lady action flick! Use your imagination.
And also, I do not know what to do with the awful illustrations in this one.
"How do I look?" asks Ned...
"Cool!" Nancy literally replies.
Also, see this picture here. As lame and lazy as it is, it could churn up a heck of an All-Lady action flick! Use your imagination.
September 16, 2020
Nancy's 30th (who's counting?) mystery is all about thievery. . .a group that uses a costume renting company to case rich houses, and then execute robberies. It goes on for a remarkably long time, with Nancy bringing it to everyone's attention repeatedly that there is a pattern here. . .finally, thieves are caught and dealt with appropriately.
Lots of dress-up, and a weird scaredy-cat reaction from George Fayne, of all people! And that's never really explained. . .
On to 31.
Lots of dress-up, and a weird scaredy-cat reaction from George Fayne, of all people! And that's never really explained. . .
On to 31.
June 30, 2014
Guys, I think it's so fantastic that my 30th book of the year--the one that means I hit my 2014 reading challenge (and will probably slaughter it by the end of the year, I'd hope)--is a freaking Nancy Drew mystery of all things. Oh unknowable world, you are delightful.
Listen: I read the shit out of the Nancy Drew catalog when I was younger, and I don't regret that for a second. America's Sweetheart detective, along with Laura Ingalls Wilder and whoever the hell wrote Misty of Chincoteague basically turned me into an avid reader, so I can't exactly hate on them too much, you know? I mean, it's hardly good literature. I'm aware. Imagine my absolute dismay when I learned, well into my adult life, that the most prominent series of my youth (namely mah gurl Nancy and those rascally Babysitters' Club kids) were actually ghost-written. That was a gut-punch, for sure. For some reason, I felt betrayed (and maybe jealous, I don't know.) You mean these formulaic stories and mysteries didn't spring forth from one brain, but from many? Damn.
But there's something slightly comforting about returning to a childhood favorite, y'know? Like, who would I be today if my mom hadn't passed down her original-edition Nancys? Or if my parents hadn't bought me a bookshelf for Christmas and filled it with a set of Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedias and the entire Little House on the Prairie series? How come some kids turn into readers, and some kids cry (literally, I've seen legit tears in my classroom) when the act of reading or the title of a novel is even mentioned? I should probably know more about the research surrounding this. Note to self....
So I know this review has nothing to do with the book itself, which is fine, because I don't think a 30 year-old woman should be expected to actually review a Nancy Drew novel. But here, just in case you were dying to know: there's a mystery, and *SPOILER ALERT* Nancy solves it, using a fake fire she constructed from a chemistry kit that she pulled out of a box in a department store basement after having freed her kidnapper-certified rope bonds despite the room being windowless and without a lamp. Also, there is some period-appropriate sexism and more than a few moments where a character says "Just as I suspected..." and then goes on to describe something that no reader, 8-years-old and wide eyed with wonder or 30-and-bemused, would actually have suspected.
To close out book 30, I'll say that the things we read as kids are sometimes far less about the stories themselves and often much more about engaging in an act that, over time, will be rendered "uncool" and "boring" by other kids who simply never got to fall in love with it. I feel sad for them.
PS That 5-star rating is totally emotional. Deal with it.
Listen: I read the shit out of the Nancy Drew catalog when I was younger, and I don't regret that for a second. America's Sweetheart detective, along with Laura Ingalls Wilder and whoever the hell wrote Misty of Chincoteague basically turned me into an avid reader, so I can't exactly hate on them too much, you know? I mean, it's hardly good literature. I'm aware. Imagine my absolute dismay when I learned, well into my adult life, that the most prominent series of my youth (namely mah gurl Nancy and those rascally Babysitters' Club kids) were actually ghost-written. That was a gut-punch, for sure. For some reason, I felt betrayed (and maybe jealous, I don't know.) You mean these formulaic stories and mysteries didn't spring forth from one brain, but from many? Damn.
But there's something slightly comforting about returning to a childhood favorite, y'know? Like, who would I be today if my mom hadn't passed down her original-edition Nancys? Or if my parents hadn't bought me a bookshelf for Christmas and filled it with a set of Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedias and the entire Little House on the Prairie series? How come some kids turn into readers, and some kids cry (literally, I've seen legit tears in my classroom) when the act of reading or the title of a novel is even mentioned? I should probably know more about the research surrounding this. Note to self....
So I know this review has nothing to do with the book itself, which is fine, because I don't think a 30 year-old woman should be expected to actually review a Nancy Drew novel. But here, just in case you were dying to know: there's a mystery, and *SPOILER ALERT* Nancy solves it, using a fake fire she constructed from a chemistry kit that she pulled out of a box in a department store basement after having freed her kidnapper-certified rope bonds despite the room being windowless and without a lamp. Also, there is some period-appropriate sexism and more than a few moments where a character says "Just as I suspected..." and then goes on to describe something that no reader, 8-years-old and wide eyed with wonder or 30-and-bemused, would actually have suspected.
To close out book 30, I'll say that the things we read as kids are sometimes far less about the stories themselves and often much more about engaging in an act that, over time, will be rendered "uncool" and "boring" by other kids who simply never got to fall in love with it. I feel sad for them.
PS That 5-star rating is totally emotional. Deal with it.
December 29, 2019
It has been so long since I read the Nancy Drew books, I can't believe it! I read this one now because I couldn't remember if I read it before. Usually I remember every book I've read, so this was kind of weird for me to be confused. I know that I remembered the first few chapters perfectly, but after that it was all brand new. There was one bit that seemed familiar but maybe it was used before in another Nancy Drew book. I probably read this already, but it was fun to revisit it.
September 23, 2011
What a scary Nancy Drew novel, as she and her boyfriend Ned are witnesses to a crime. The cover always freaked me out on this book.
May 1, 2024
Exciting!
Although I am sure I read this fifty plus years ago, I did not recall much of the story. It was a good one with plot twists galore.
Although I am sure I read this fifty plus years ago, I did not recall much of the story. It was a good one with plot twists galore.
December 12, 2022
Nancy Drew finds herself in the middle of another mystery when she and Ned Nickerson attend a masquerade party at the Hendricks mansion. Her father, half-joking, tells her not to let any thieves spoil the party, but there have been a string of recent thefts at house parties. Nancy and Ned spot a mysterious man in a black cloak and velvet mask scoping out the trellis beneath a second-story window. Nancy later finds a similar velvet mask which will eventually give her a clue to the thieves' plans. But despite the sleuth's watchful eye, valuable miniatures and jewels are stolen.
There seems to be a link between the thefts and the Lightner Entertainment Company--a company that helps manage parties as well as providing costumes when needed. One of Nancy's school friends, Linda Seeley, works for the company and comes under suspicion of, at the very least, disclosing party details to the wrong people if not being in league with the thieves. Nancy is certain Linda is innocent and redoubles her efforts to find clues that will lead her to real culprit/s. Along the way, she and George devise a daring plan to try and capture the crooks--George will dress up as Nancy! This doesn't go well and George winds up brain-washed (or something) and suddenly afraid of Nancy's mystery-solving ways. But--even though Nancy can't depend on George for back-up, she and Bess...and Ned manage to track down the crooks and serve them all up to Chief McGuinness on a silver platter.
This was another of the Nancy Drew mysteries that I didn't reread much. It definitely has an intriguing theft plot with the use of the parties as cover for stealing. But it just didn't click the way some of the titles do. For one thing, the main culprit is ultra-obvious. For another, there really isn't a reason why George needs to pretend to be Nancy. Nancy could just be herself and George and Bess could have stood by to try and catch the crooks (not that it would have turned out much better--since the bad guys had them all covered from the get-go). But still--disguise wasn't necessary unless we were just going along with the whole masquerade theme. And, finally, it's never really explained how the nasty woman managed to get gutsy George to suddenly turn into a fraidy cat. There's been danger before. George didn't back down. There have been threats to Nancy and her father and Hannah Gruen before. George was still gung-ho for solving mysteries.
Overall, another good entry in the series. I enjoyed the descriptions of the parties and behind-the-scenes look at the company which managed them. Nancy is on the ball as usual and it was nice to have Ned taking an active part in apprehending the crooks at the end. ★★★ and 1/2. (rounded up here)
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
There seems to be a link between the thefts and the Lightner Entertainment Company--a company that helps manage parties as well as providing costumes when needed. One of Nancy's school friends, Linda Seeley, works for the company and comes under suspicion of, at the very least, disclosing party details to the wrong people if not being in league with the thieves. Nancy is certain Linda is innocent and redoubles her efforts to find clues that will lead her to real culprit/s. Along the way, she and George devise a daring plan to try and capture the crooks--George will dress up as Nancy! This doesn't go well and George winds up brain-washed (or something) and suddenly afraid of Nancy's mystery-solving ways. But--even though Nancy can't depend on George for back-up, she and Bess...and Ned manage to track down the crooks and serve them all up to Chief McGuinness on a silver platter.
This was another of the Nancy Drew mysteries that I didn't reread much. It definitely has an intriguing theft plot with the use of the parties as cover for stealing. But it just didn't click the way some of the titles do. For one thing, the main culprit is ultra-obvious. For another, there really isn't a reason why George needs to pretend to be Nancy. Nancy could just be herself and George and Bess could have stood by to try and catch the crooks (not that it would have turned out much better--since the bad guys had them all covered from the get-go). But still--disguise wasn't necessary unless we were just going along with the whole masquerade theme. And, finally, it's never really explained how the nasty woman managed to get gutsy George to suddenly turn into a fraidy cat. There's been danger before. George didn't back down. There have been threats to Nancy and her father and Hannah Gruen before. George was still gung-ho for solving mysteries.
Overall, another good entry in the series. I enjoyed the descriptions of the parties and behind-the-scenes look at the company which managed them. Nancy is on the ball as usual and it was nice to have Ned taking an active part in apprehending the crooks at the end. ★★★ and 1/2. (rounded up here)
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block.
June 13, 2024
I can’t believe I’m 30 mysteries in to this endeavor. 🕵🏼♀️
I enjoyed the plot in this one; another good potential Netflix special. Also really enjoyed the emotional effects on George, that was a rare character shift for one story!
Lots of action from Ned and Bess and the other side characters here.
On a whole, a meh-experience. And I know I wasn’t biased about the last one now, Ski Jump was truly just awful lmao. This one was MUCH improved.
I enjoyed the plot in this one; another good potential Netflix special. Also really enjoyed the emotional effects on George, that was a rare character shift for one story!
Lots of action from Ned and Bess and the other side characters here.
On a whole, a meh-experience. And I know I wasn’t biased about the last one now, Ski Jump was truly just awful lmao. This one was MUCH improved.
June 4, 2024
it's almost as if the archetypical suspicious guy that nancy drew singles out in the beginning, who admonishes her for meddling, will always turn out to be the bad guy in the end!
July 13, 2022
If you want to join in a Nancy Drew Book-club, I run the #NancyDrewBookCrew over on my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/emileereads...) where we are reading all the books in order. You can come participate in the discussion there!
We are discussing the 1969 revised version. The discussion questions I wrote for this book and my answers to them:
We are discussing the 1969 revised version. The discussion questions I wrote for this book and my answers to them:
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April 30, 2013This was one of the better stories so far, except that George falls apart. I guess she isn't so tough after all. No sign of Burt or Dave in this book, but Ned shows up now and then to get beat up by the bad guys.
As with all Keene novels, the plot line gets a bit convoluted and there are always several bad guys and gals involved so it is sometimes hard to keep them all straight and remember who is doing what and how they fit in.
Someone (or in this case a gang) is robbing homes of wealthy people in River Heights. I have decided that River Heights is NOT the place to live; too much crime. And the cost of living must be quite high as it seems like everyone has money and their homes are lavishly decorated with antiques, priceless paintings and silver. And that is what the gang is stealing. They sneak into the homes as guests - conveniently these people are all giving masquerade parties. Must be when you're rich you lose your common sense - don't have a masquerade party if that's how the thieves are getting in.
George is kidnapped and scared shitless. She is no help whatsoever in this book until the end. She just sits at home and whines and cries that Nancy is in danger. Bess is the one who hangs out with Nancy, but she's a dimwit and doesn't pay attention so both she and Nancy are kidnapped. But once again, Nancy is able to rescue both of them, catch the thieves and save the day.
As with all Keene novels, the plot line gets a bit convoluted and there are always several bad guys and gals involved so it is sometimes hard to keep them all straight and remember who is doing what and how they fit in.
Someone (or in this case a gang) is robbing homes of wealthy people in River Heights. I have decided that River Heights is NOT the place to live; too much crime. And the cost of living must be quite high as it seems like everyone has money and their homes are lavishly decorated with antiques, priceless paintings and silver. And that is what the gang is stealing. They sneak into the homes as guests - conveniently these people are all giving masquerade parties. Must be when you're rich you lose your common sense - don't have a masquerade party if that's how the thieves are getting in.
George is kidnapped and scared shitless. She is no help whatsoever in this book until the end. She just sits at home and whines and cries that Nancy is in danger. Bess is the one who hangs out with Nancy, but she's a dimwit and doesn't pay attention so both she and Nancy are kidnapped. But once again, Nancy is able to rescue both of them, catch the thieves and save the day.
December 26, 2019
Somehow I got a little sidetracked from my 2 years long project to re-read the 190 Hardy Boys books of my youth and have been reading some Nancy Drew titles I picked up over the years as collectibles! The Clue of the Velvet Mask is a good solid mystery read. Jewel thieves devise a racket to invade high end costume parties to rob wealthy homes. Part of their scheme is to wear black velvet masks containing codes. Nancy finds herself mixed up in the mystery, and works to clear a local costume company of involvement before its reputation is ruined. Nancy suspects an employee of the company has been wrongfully implicated and works to clear her also. Nancy ends up a prisoner in an abandoned inn before the mystery is solved! This is a very interesting story that has aged well, and the story remains exciting and plausible even today. I think any Nancy Drew fan will really enjoy this book. I also very much admired the cover artwork, though I continue to be puzzled by the fact the inside pencil sketches of the hardcover Nancy Drew series are markedly more primitive than those in the Hardy Boys series. Overall though a good read!
September 1, 2018
This is an interesting ND book. There have been a chain of robberies occurring during parties in River Heights. Nancys friend is suspected so Nancy goes undercover as a coatroom attendant to do some sleuthing. The reason this is interesting is because Nancy is working at a few parties when robberies take place and she picks up no clues. Also Nancy goes to a costume party dressed up as a Spanish senorita. Her costume consists of items that had belonged to her mother. One of the few times her mother is mentioned. Overall it's a good read and I'd recommend it.
May 23, 2018
Thieves are targeting the wealthy, so Nancy sleuths to solve the mystery. A fun and entertaining read.
December 11, 2022
Nancy Drew and her date Ned Nickerson are off to a masquerade party, she’s dressed as a Spanish senorita, and he as a grandee.
Shortly before departing, Nancy’s father, the famous lawyer Carson Drew had half-jokingly warned the two to, “Not let any of the party thieves ruin their evening.” He then went on to explain that the police were on the lookout for a gang who robs the homes of those hosting large parties.
A short time later, the two arrived at the Hendrick estate, where one of Nancy’s school friends, Gloria Hendrick was putting on the party. As they mingled, Nancy couldn’t help but noticing the many valuable paintings, antique vases and the priceless collection of miniatures displayed in an unlocked case.
The perceptive investigator also noticed the lack of a detective, or the presence of security of any kind. This wasn’t so strange she thought, because she’d attended parties at the Hendrick’s home before and there was no security at those gathering either. Perhaps they had heard the news of the party robbing gang her father had mentioned earlier.
Soon, the dancing began, and before long a tall man dressed in a flowing black cloak and a velvet mask cut in on Ned, and once her date was out of earshot, the man spoke, “I had a hard time finding you in this crowd,” he said in a low, irritated tone of voice. The man then glanced about to ensure no one was listening, then went on, “Why didn’t you wear the Oriental costume you said you would? If it weren’t for your mask, I never would’ve recognized you.”
Nancy remained silent, now realizing that the man had mistaken her for someone else. He then spoke again, “You nearly wrecked our plan, stupid! Can’t you learn to obey orders?”
It was then that he spotted Ned approaching to reclaim his dance partner, “Here comes that pest again,” he muttered, “Get rid of him as soon as you can.”
A few seconds before Ned arrived, the man thrust a note into Nancy’s hand, then Ned took Nancy’s arm and they danced away.
A short time later, once they were out of the man’s view, Nancy paused beside a cluster of palms. She explained to Ned about the strange conversation she’d had with the man she had been dancing with, then unfolded the piece of paper he’d handed her. It read…
EASTPORT TRELLIS COMPANY OFFERS SECONDHAND WINDOW SASH ON CASH TERMS. IN CASE OF RAIN EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING.
Ned read the note while looking over Nancy’s shoulder, then said, “It must be a hoax!”
“I don’t think so,” Nancy replied soberly, “No, Ned, this message is in code…we must decipher it!”
And that marked the end of chapter one. Already I was engaged in this most intriguing story. I was wondering if Nancy’s mysterious dance partner was indeed a member of the gang of party thieves, and even more importantly, was the gang planning to strike at the Hendrick home that very evening?
As I began reading, I came across the word “befogged,” meaning, “To envelop in a fog.” I don’t remember coming across this word before.
Also, I came across the term “Smart Cooky,” a term uttered by one character about another to point out how deviously intelligent the other character was. When I saw the word spelled this way I was immediately wondering if I’d misunderstood its spelling, and perhaps even it’s etymology as I’d always understood it to be spelled, “smart cookie.” I looked it up, and to my relief, the term is spelled “smart cookie” as I had always understood. Perhaps it was just misspelled in this book.
And still on the term “smart cookie,” while looking up the correct spelling, I found some information on the origins of the term. It goes back to the 1920’s when people used the term “cookie” as a charming idiom and a positive slang term for a woman. Then, over the next 20 years it became popular with the word “smart.” The term really took of in the late 1940’s, and by then had largely lost the feminine connotation.
I read on and as I delved deeper into the story, I encountered a host of unforgettable characters and amazing situations, including: cloak #4579 doing a disappearing act, a code written into the lining of a velvet mask, the rattling of a dignified British Earl’s cage, a cellar ambush, a counterfeit office memorandum, Nancy restrained using a bunch of coats and a heavy bedspread, a brave girl allowing herself to be disguised as Nancy Drew, contemptible deeds done in a abandoned old country inn and Nancy receiving a gift of a valuable and beautiful Egyptian Queen mask as a reward for solving this particularly challenging case…she is declared by her cheering friends to be “Queen of Mystery!”
“Queen of Mystery” indeed, this one worthy of a most resplendent five stars!
Shortly before departing, Nancy’s father, the famous lawyer Carson Drew had half-jokingly warned the two to, “Not let any of the party thieves ruin their evening.” He then went on to explain that the police were on the lookout for a gang who robs the homes of those hosting large parties.
A short time later, the two arrived at the Hendrick estate, where one of Nancy’s school friends, Gloria Hendrick was putting on the party. As they mingled, Nancy couldn’t help but noticing the many valuable paintings, antique vases and the priceless collection of miniatures displayed in an unlocked case.
The perceptive investigator also noticed the lack of a detective, or the presence of security of any kind. This wasn’t so strange she thought, because she’d attended parties at the Hendrick’s home before and there was no security at those gathering either. Perhaps they had heard the news of the party robbing gang her father had mentioned earlier.
Soon, the dancing began, and before long a tall man dressed in a flowing black cloak and a velvet mask cut in on Ned, and once her date was out of earshot, the man spoke, “I had a hard time finding you in this crowd,” he said in a low, irritated tone of voice. The man then glanced about to ensure no one was listening, then went on, “Why didn’t you wear the Oriental costume you said you would? If it weren’t for your mask, I never would’ve recognized you.”
Nancy remained silent, now realizing that the man had mistaken her for someone else. He then spoke again, “You nearly wrecked our plan, stupid! Can’t you learn to obey orders?”
It was then that he spotted Ned approaching to reclaim his dance partner, “Here comes that pest again,” he muttered, “Get rid of him as soon as you can.”
A few seconds before Ned arrived, the man thrust a note into Nancy’s hand, then Ned took Nancy’s arm and they danced away.
A short time later, once they were out of the man’s view, Nancy paused beside a cluster of palms. She explained to Ned about the strange conversation she’d had with the man she had been dancing with, then unfolded the piece of paper he’d handed her. It read…
EASTPORT TRELLIS COMPANY OFFERS SECONDHAND WINDOW SASH ON CASH TERMS. IN CASE OF RAIN EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING.
Ned read the note while looking over Nancy’s shoulder, then said, “It must be a hoax!”
“I don’t think so,” Nancy replied soberly, “No, Ned, this message is in code…we must decipher it!”
And that marked the end of chapter one. Already I was engaged in this most intriguing story. I was wondering if Nancy’s mysterious dance partner was indeed a member of the gang of party thieves, and even more importantly, was the gang planning to strike at the Hendrick home that very evening?
As I began reading, I came across the word “befogged,” meaning, “To envelop in a fog.” I don’t remember coming across this word before.
Also, I came across the term “Smart Cooky,” a term uttered by one character about another to point out how deviously intelligent the other character was. When I saw the word spelled this way I was immediately wondering if I’d misunderstood its spelling, and perhaps even it’s etymology as I’d always understood it to be spelled, “smart cookie.” I looked it up, and to my relief, the term is spelled “smart cookie” as I had always understood. Perhaps it was just misspelled in this book.
And still on the term “smart cookie,” while looking up the correct spelling, I found some information on the origins of the term. It goes back to the 1920’s when people used the term “cookie” as a charming idiom and a positive slang term for a woman. Then, over the next 20 years it became popular with the word “smart.” The term really took of in the late 1940’s, and by then had largely lost the feminine connotation.
I read on and as I delved deeper into the story, I encountered a host of unforgettable characters and amazing situations, including: cloak #4579 doing a disappearing act, a code written into the lining of a velvet mask, the rattling of a dignified British Earl’s cage, a cellar ambush, a counterfeit office memorandum, Nancy restrained using a bunch of coats and a heavy bedspread, a brave girl allowing herself to be disguised as Nancy Drew, contemptible deeds done in a abandoned old country inn and Nancy receiving a gift of a valuable and beautiful Egyptian Queen mask as a reward for solving this particularly challenging case…she is declared by her cheering friends to be “Queen of Mystery!”
“Queen of Mystery” indeed, this one worthy of a most resplendent five stars!
September 16, 2025
So I finally got to my “V” book in my 2025 A to Z challenge and I will probably give Nancy a rest for the remainder of the year. Too many titles left!
I’m not sure why Nancy didn’t share more of her suspicions with the police or why the police let her keep a piece of important evidence but it’s Nancy Drew. Of course, I love that her word is good as truth with the police. The gang of thieves was much more extensive than I originally thought and Nancy and her friends were in danger frequently (I blame Nancy)! I enjoyed the many glittering parties and events which propelled the story. River Heights has quite the social scene. Given today’s litigious climate, it seems more not less likely that Mr. Leitner would be sued since his employee was in the gang, but I love that Nancy is able to restore his reputation along with her friend Linda’s job.
I’m not sure why Nancy didn’t share more of her suspicions with the police or why the police let her keep a piece of important evidence but it’s Nancy Drew. Of course, I love that her word is good as truth with the police. The gang of thieves was much more extensive than I originally thought and Nancy and her friends were in danger frequently (I blame Nancy)! I enjoyed the many glittering parties and events which propelled the story. River Heights has quite the social scene. Given today’s litigious climate, it seems more not less likely that Mr. Leitner would be sued since his employee was in the gang, but I love that Nancy is able to restore his reputation along with her friend Linda’s job.
September 29, 2019
This was probably my favorite Nancy Drew read in a while! It was super fun, the villains were interesting, and Nancy stayed put in River Heights, for the first time in a while. It was a back-to-basics mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed, and Miss Drew was at her absolute best!
I recommend this to those who enjoy Nancy Drew mysteries, those who are looking to try a Nancy Drew Mystery, or those just getting into chapter books.
I recommend this to those who enjoy Nancy Drew mysteries, those who are looking to try a Nancy Drew Mystery, or those just getting into chapter books.
September 16, 2024
Typically Nancy Drew books follow the same format, and in some ways this one was no different. However, the plot/mystery itself was something new - a ring of thieves gaining entrance to well-to-do homes via various parties, and using this to steal priceless heirlooms. While I had the main "bad guy" pegged early on, this one actually took quite a while for me to have all the pieces figured out. I definitely feel like this is one of the better written books in this series that I've read/reread so far.
January 12, 2018
Of coarse, being a lifelong fan, I have re-read a number of Nancy Drew Mystery Stories over the years when I needed to. This one was fun but not my favorite, being a hometown story set in River Heights. A diabolically clever gang has a system of robbing homes of their treasures during parties. And what could be better than a masquerade party? And more than one person wearing a velvet mask!
April 14, 2025
Oh, George. Why didn't you tell Nancy or anybody else what the bad guys said?
Togo made a reappearance which is always exciting and part of the story. I have to say that sometimes Nancy is really dumb. I'm amazed the black velvet mask didn't get stolen, as stupid as she was being. And let's be real, the cops let her keep a major clue? *eyes rolling*
Togo made a reappearance which is always exciting and part of the story. I have to say that sometimes Nancy is really dumb. I'm amazed the black velvet mask didn't get stolen, as stupid as she was being. And let's be real, the cops let her keep a major clue? *eyes rolling*
October 14, 2025
Why does Nancy Drew’s father let her drive around town trying to capture crooks? He’s a crummy parent.
January 3, 2026
i'm rereading the nancy drew series and they are all so fantastic!
February 15, 2019
I had never read this one before and I really enjoyed. It is filled with action and overall it is believable. Potential suspects notice they are being followed and give Nancy the slip. People are resentful about her intrusive questions. There are consequences of taking things even if they don't happen to her. When the thieves continue to outwit her she comes up with a clever plan to keep uninvited guests out of the parties and step-up security. Of course, the thieves adapt as well.
Also, someone actually shows something like PTSD after a harrowing experience. Not Nancy, but the intrepid George; it wasn't the more obvious Bess. Though I don't believe that George would have kept quiet about the threats to her family. They were already in potential danger and the best way to protect them was to tell the police. After all, the police and Nancy knew these were dangerous criminals. They kidnapped George.
It has the hallmarks of a Nancy Drew: mystery, adventure, danger and working for good. There are also some differences. George and Bess play unusual roles. The criminals seem to enjoy more success than most in pulling off their capers even with Nancy on the job. In the end, however, everything is right with the world and Nancy triumphs.
I would love to read the original and see how it differs from this one. The original texts are longer and have more substance to them.
Also, someone actually shows something like PTSD after a harrowing experience. Not Nancy, but the intrepid George; it wasn't the more obvious Bess. Though I don't believe that George would have kept quiet about the threats to her family. They were already in potential danger and the best way to protect them was to tell the police. After all, the police and Nancy knew these were dangerous criminals. They kidnapped George.
It has the hallmarks of a Nancy Drew: mystery, adventure, danger and working for good. There are also some differences. George and Bess play unusual roles. The criminals seem to enjoy more success than most in pulling off their capers even with Nancy on the job. In the end, however, everything is right with the world and Nancy triumphs.
I would love to read the original and see how it differs from this one. The original texts are longer and have more substance to them.
April 23, 2018
This was the first Nancy Drew book I ever read. Why start on #30? My friend had a themed birthday party, so to better understand the premise, I read this book.
I fell in love with Nancy Drew and read about 100 of the 175 old series. I had a favorite book section that I would scan the highlighter yellow spines for a new adventure. I learned they were written by several different people and it became amusing to me how Nancy kept evolving and gaining more exceptional talents, yet stayed 18 with her 2 best friends, Bess & George. :) I totally shipped Nancy and Ned for-- forever actually I still ship them. XD I think they set good standards for what a respectful, affectionate, and appropriate relationship looks like. I daydreamed constantly about Nancy and her gang of friends.
I fell in love with Nancy Drew and read about 100 of the 175 old series. I had a favorite book section that I would scan the highlighter yellow spines for a new adventure. I learned they were written by several different people and it became amusing to me how Nancy kept evolving and gaining more exceptional talents, yet stayed 18 with her 2 best friends, Bess & George. :) I totally shipped Nancy and Ned for-- forever actually I still ship them. XD I think they set good standards for what a respectful, affectionate, and appropriate relationship looks like. I daydreamed constantly about Nancy and her gang of friends.
April 1, 2008
Another piece in the ongoing puzzle of Nancy Drew and her historical context. She's always ahead of her time, but still of her time, so I both respect her and find her historically fascinating. The books are formulaic and dated (hence the three-star rating) yet also charming, engaging, and edifying. And she's been a smart, tough girl since the 1930s, so I gotta love that. I intend to keep collecting them when I can find them for cheap.
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