Strange Memories

Nancy Drew Files #122

by Carolyn Keene

Nancy must piece together the truth about a crime in which the only clue is the victim's sketchbook, which reveals a sinister web of deception and greed surrounding a potential heiress. Original.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered this in a box in my dad's basement and I felt an instant need to reread this.

For a children's mystery book it was actually really good. Nancy Drew is a legendary book series and I'm happy I stumbled across this old friend.

[Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Wonderful way to accomplish your childhood goals if you have missed reading these masterpieces.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very fond memories of reading this book (and several other Nancy Drew stories) as a young adult in the early 2000’s. As with all Nancy Drew tales, it’s a quick, enjoyable read with some twists and turns along the way but few truly shocking elements. I originally intended this to be a 4 star rating, but the story ends so abruptly at the conclusion of the “mystery” that I felt unsatisfied with the lack of closure, despite the case being solved. Perhaps they are all written this way and I am unfamiliar with the trope at this point, but I would have appreciated just a few more pages to truly bring all the characters stories to an end.

[Sangeeta Shirodkar Patil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had this book lying around. So read it. Have always been a fan of Nancy Drew books. Read it in one sitting. Even though the book is for teenagers, adults can also enjoy it. I know I did. Good mystery. Not a lot of suspects in the story. But the plot is good. Good for a light read.

[Lianne JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first Nancy Drew book I ever read as a kid so I wanted to revisit it. I enjoyed it though I think it's pretty dated.

[Partridge Public]

Keene, Carolyn PB

[Prami{reader and dreamer} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't remember much but I liked Nancy and the mysteries.