Nancy Drew: Girl Detective: #1-4

by Carolyn Keene

Let me introduce myself. I'm Nancy Drew. Some call me a girl detective. Others call me "that girl who cooked my goose." But everyone calls me sharp -- especially when it comes to crime. And since mystery and I follow each other everywhere, I'm pretty busy. Take a look inside at some of my favorite cases, and you'll see what I mean!

#1 Without a Trace

#2 A Race Against Time

#3 False Notes

#4 High Risk

Book Details: Format: Box Set Publication Date: 10/5/2004 Pages: 640 Reading Level: Age 8 and Up

Genres: Mystery, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Mystery Thriller, Classics

640 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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.

Reviews

[Alyssa]

I read all the way up to the 12th book and they were all really good reads, but after that they just started repeating themselves and I got bored.

[Alyx Chamberlain]

I absolutely loved the Nancy Drew series when I was younger. I checked them out from my local library and ate them up like candy year round. Nancy Drew is a teenage girl who has a knack for solving mysteries. She is sharp and brave, I certainly would not do the things she does like explore abandoned houses or venture into dark caves.

I think Nancy Drew books are books every young girl should read. There are so many book and movies featuring males as the protagonist. A young woman who is smart and determined needs to be represented more in literature.

The style of writing is really great as well. I loved how descriptive the book was, detailing the color of Nancy's hair or the temperature of a cave she was exploring. Overall great series to recommend to middle-level students who like mystery.

[Christina]

These are good if you are around 8-12 years old and into mystery, if you're past high school, they don't age well.

I've read way more of these and used to have a large collection of them (a few of the classics, almost all of the girl detective series, the hardy boys collabs and a manga), donated them because like I said, they don't age well.

[Bex N. Books]

I loved these books as a young girl. They sparked my interest in mysteries. I can't wait for my daughter to read them

[Jannah]

I'll forever be in love with the first set of series which propelled me aged 8 into the beautiful world of adventure

[Amber]

I have always loved everything Nancy Drew since I was a small child. This book is a rollercoaster of teenage wit, sneaky clues, and more drama than a Junior High School cafeteria, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. Appropriate for both highschoolers and younger girls who love a good mystery.

[Joanna]

It is probably one of my favorite series as a young girl. I read up to the 12th book and always enjoyed receiving them as gifts from my family. Nancy is such an intelligent and lovable protagonist. It honestly got me into reading more mystery books.

[Q.]

Too far from the original.

[Lexie]

My favorite books growing up

[Jennifer Fann-Tucker]

Classic

[Telps]

Took me sixty years to find and enjoy Nancy Drew! I look forward to reading more of her mysteries!

[Jeremiah (Star struck and VERY smitten Cowboy)]

Stick to the original series. There are six or seven series based on the original Nancy Drew series. They have completely taken away here innocence.
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[Scarlett Jinx]

I like lots of mystery books so I recommend reading this book if you like mystery and detective work.

[GraceWastheAnswer]

Well, I've read quite a few of these, mostly because we have a small library. I read a few that could be three stars, but then they just got repetitive, and now I realize:

Has anyone seen Horatio Cain from CSI: Miami?
Nancy Drew is him in stereotype teenage valley girl form.

Some of the storylines, and plots were better than others, but past that, how great could they be? To be fair I have not read all of the books, and maybe I was too old and above their age level when I read them.

[Maggie]

Go Nancy!!! Our first "modern" American girl-power hero. I adored these as a kid, and still have all my originals! I love how useless and besides the point her boyfriend Ned always was, and she struck a balance between frivolous Bess and hard-line George. The original thinking girl's girl.

[Vickie]

I am reading this book, but so far.... I like it!

[Colleen MOONEYHAM]

LOVE NANCY DREW VERY INTRETING SERIS

[Wendy]

I only read ONE false notes

[Sterling]

eh?

[Ang]

I have all the Nancy Drew books. These are quick 1 hour reads and when I am done it is just like eating a delicious treat. These are fun and will always be a favorite.

[Joanna]

frankly i've read all of the nancy drew mysteries and there wasn't one i didn't like <:)

[M.]

Don't like it now anymore, obviously, as far as literary value is concerned - but I did like the series as a kid =)

[Joohi]

good

[Heather]

Mom gave hers to me; I'd give mine to my daughter...

[Arnelle]

Read and owned all Nancy Drews until house fire in 2008. My sister and I could get the new book soon enough!

[Dahshah semper]

i love it

[Sarah]

I loved these books as a child, but then I loved all books:)

[Madison Evans]

Oh Nancy, you know you'll always be my favorite

[Cait]

I love the new stories and updated characters :)

[Amy]

I prefer the original versions of this series, but my 3rd and 4th grader loved this and want to read more!