Fatal Attraction

Nancy Drew Files #22

by Carolyn Keene

A concerned father hires the teenaged sleuth to investigate Dave, the mysterious boyfriend of Nancy's rival, Brenda, and a near-fatal car accident convinces the young detective that attraction to Dave may be deadly

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

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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

[Karianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books were my favorite growing up. I read at least 50 from the series. Every chapter ends with a cliff hanger and Nancy was a hottie who didn't take crap from anybody. Loved her.

I am saving them for my daughter.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. This one was really fun as Nancy has to save her nemesis, Brenda. Lots of drama ensues and there were a lot of twists and turns in this one that I really enjoyed. Brenda is a pain in the neck every time she shows up in any of these books but since she was part of the main plot here I didn’t mind her as much. She was definitely still annoying though. Fun read and I liked how it ended.

[V. Arrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish that Brenda existed as more than a tropey cardboard cutout in this book. If she had real motivation, her rivalry with Nancy would be so much more engaging.

[Breezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Emily Witherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A newspaper publisher, Frazier Carlton, comes to Nancy with a problem that however small it seems, turns into a near fatal experience. His daughter and Nancy's archrival, Brenda, is dating a shadowy figure whom Nancy must investigate and keep secret. As Nancy starts investigating this handsome entertainer, she draws his eye, and Brenda's jealousy. Shallow problems emerge amidst the realization that Nancy has discovered more than 1 criminal is involved in what appears to be a federal scandal.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. It is fast-paced, with many twists in the plot. What I enjoy about the Nancy Drew novels, is that the readers can distinguish the cultural norms of the time just by analyzing the characters, diction, setting, and plot of the novel. This is a well-written YA novel that introduces readers to young love, the dangers of naivety, and independence.

Content Warnings:
-Violence
-Abuse (Physical & emotional)
-Death

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my childhood re-read this book was rediscovered. I had to laugh at the cheesy lines and the over exaggerations. Overall a silly story but I remembered loving the "shocking" ending when I was 11. I am learning a lot about myself... and my life choices haha... through this childhood rereads.

[Roderick · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite cover (art by James Mathewuse) with the beautiful blue-eyed brunet boy

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun as always!

[Aaliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good nancy book book not my fav though but a good one.

[K.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Any book starring the ever annoying Brenda Carlton gets an extra half star for her presence alone. Nan and co are investigating Brenda's new boyfriend who has a history of Bad romances. This is at the behest of Brenda's dad - but cheeky after all the times Brenda tries to screw Nancy over, but naturally Brenda assumes Nancy is after her guy... hellloooo Ned is standing right there!!!!

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys throughout my school and college days.

Nancy Drew is an amateur detective who solves crimes with occasional help from her best friends, Bess and George and, her boyfriend Ned. She also has occasional help from her father Carson Drew who runs a private law practice. From finding stolen goods to missing persons and solving mysterious happenings, Nancy is a force of nature.

Until I discovered that Carolyn Keene is a pen name for a whole bunch of ghostwriters, I used to feel confused about the slight differences in each character from books to book over the many series of Nancy Drew mysteries. I like the character of Nancy best in the original books written by Mildred Wirt Benson where Nancy is truly a character to root for – an independent and street smart girl with a penchant for trouble.

[Opticalillusion · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start this story has you questioning whether you'd stick up for someone like Brenda. Perhaps a slow burner at first but towards the end it quickens in pace and you can't put the book down till you've read to the finish line.

[Emily Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this is a used book shop and fancied a quick and nostalgic read. I'd say this isn't as good as other Nancy Drew stories but is perfectly adequate for what it is.

[Ariella]

It is a spectacular book. I enjoyed it

[Camden]

On page one, but not for long!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think its going to be great

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little different for this series, but still fun and exciting.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun quick read! Brought me back to my childhood. Nothing too special

[Aarathi Burki]

Awesome book....very interesting throughout the book