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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #111
The Secret at Solaire
While staying at the exclusive Spa Solaire outside Tucson, Arizona, Nancy and her friends witness a series of strange events, beginning with a sabotage and ending with a kidnapping. Original.
160 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
13 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,005 books3,868 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 26, 2019
A decent mystery, similar to The Secret of Shadow Ranch, but with a subplot that involved tainted cosmetics. Not a bad story, but the villain of the piece was telegraphed right from the beginning.
There were two twists in the last chapter that put an interesting spin on what constitutes revenge and punishment though. Made for a nice bow to put on top of the final package.
Find it. Get it. Read it.
There were two twists in the last chapter that put an interesting spin on what constitutes revenge and punishment though. Made for a nice bow to put on top of the final package.
Find it. Get it. Read it.
August 28, 2023
approximately 10% of this book lived rent-free in my memory for 20+ years. the rest is a confusing mental mud mask.
https://www.frowl.org/worstbestseller...
https://www.frowl.org/worstbestseller...
May 2, 2020
a great mystery, a satisfying ending, and a body positive message!
October 22, 2023
Reread as an adult. First read when it came out as a kid, so excited that my favorite detective series was featuring my hometown. Definitely read like a Tucson guidebook, hitting on several of the sights and landmarks here in the Old Pueblo. Definetely some authenticy when Phoenix is referenced with such disdain and called "Congestion City."
I haven't read any Nancy Drew books in many, many years. Thought I would reminisce and picked this one up from a box of old books from my childhood. Funny how multiple near-death and attempted murder incidents don't deter this group of 18 year old gals from their spa experience or side investigation. My poor impressionable tween brain most likely suffered from unrealistic expectations of my own self when I was to be all grown up by senior year of high school. I don't think I'll be recommending this one to my own nieces. But great nostalgia for myself.
I haven't read any Nancy Drew books in many, many years. Thought I would reminisce and picked this one up from a box of old books from my childhood. Funny how multiple near-death and attempted murder incidents don't deter this group of 18 year old gals from their spa experience or side investigation. My poor impressionable tween brain most likely suffered from unrealistic expectations of my own self when I was to be all grown up by senior year of high school. I don't think I'll be recommending this one to my own nieces. But great nostalgia for myself.
July 18, 2021
Not actively bad, but not actively good, either. There's really only one suspect from the beginning, and and the mystery never struck me as very interesting or compelling. As someone who's lived in Tucson, nothing in the setting jumped out as me as incongruous, but the story never really used the desert setting, either. It really could have been set anywhere.
I did like the acknowledgement that losing weight slowly by making lifestyle changes is a much better option than trying to crash diet and binge exercise in a week, as well as Bess's ultimate realization that she likes food and there are much worse things in life than being a few pounds overweight. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was nice that Bess wasn't ultimately shamed for her weight like she often is.
I did like the acknowledgement that losing weight slowly by making lifestyle changes is a much better option than trying to crash diet and binge exercise in a week, as well as Bess's ultimate realization that she likes food and there are much worse things in life than being a few pounds overweight. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was nice that Bess wasn't ultimately shamed for her weight like she often is.
November 24, 2023
True rating: 3.5 star
Besides the constant nagging on Bess about losing weight (I know they tried to make a good message with Nancy and George trying to support her and say that she doesn’t need to be doing what she’s doing so intensely but still it feels a little much), this is a really solid Nancy book! I really like the stage coach scene, pretty dope.
Besides the constant nagging on Bess about losing weight (I know they tried to make a good message with Nancy and George trying to support her and say that she doesn’t need to be doing what she’s doing so intensely but still it feels a little much), this is a really solid Nancy book! I really like the stage coach scene, pretty dope.
March 3, 2021
Once again, I am revewing one of many of Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew books. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others in the series, although I do like the mystery of this book. I had no idea it would turn out that way, which I will not write, so you can find out for yourselves. Enjoy!
May 5, 2017
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
April 14, 2023
It's okay. It's a cute and fun read and it's short! I got this as an ebook from my library.
December 19, 2016
Nancy, George, and Bess are on vacation at Spa Solaire in Arizona, where Bess plans to lose five pounds, and George hopes to play some serious tennis. Nancy, though, can never seem to relax, and she uncovers a mystery almost immediately. It begins with the black widow spider someone clearly plants in the girls' casita, and escalates quickly, involving mysterious security measures, a kidnapping, sabotage of exercise equipment, and plenty of other evidence that suggests foul play is afoot. Nancy does what she does best, and begins investigating the various suspicious events, even to the point of risking her safety.
I have to admit that I remembered The Secret at Solaire as an amazing book. I read it for a mystery book report in sixth grade, and since that time, have always thought of it as one of the best books I read as a kid. After this rereading, however, two things are quite clear: 1. I had terrible taste when I was a kid, and 2. This book is absolutely nothing like I remember it.
In my defense, I think this was one of the first mystery novels I ever read outside of the Baby-sitters Club, so my experience with the conventions of the mystery genre was very limited. I suspect that what I have always remembered as the book's brilliance was probably just my fascination with the way an author builds a mystery. I was impressed too easily by the author's ability to mislead me and twist the plot around in certain points to make things more interesting. As an adult, I know that all mystery writers do this, and I can recognize that "Carolyn Keene" doesn't do it so well in this book. In fact, the entire thing seems pretty predictable to my adult mind, and the behavior of the villains is downright cheesy.
That said, though, there were some interesting things to take away from my re-reading of The Secret at Solaire. I was surprised, for one thing, to note that Nancy is 18 years old. It makes sense, since if she were a minor, it would be a lot less plausible for her to be at a spa unaccompanied by an adult, and much less likely that she would be able to conduct her investigations. But I couldn't really think of another middle grade heroine who was so old. And yet, I obviously had no trouble at all relating to her when I was eleven. I think it must be a function of the mystery genre. I don't need to relate to the character on a personal level to be invested in the twists and turns of the story.
Another thing that caught my attention was Bess's continual obsession with her weight. I don't think this is that common in children's books these days, but it did seem to be kind of common in the books I read as a kid. I can remember reading Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, and Blubber, books that were not necessarily all about weight, but in which girls were down on themselves about it and/or ostracized by their peers because of it. Obviously there are plenty of titles out there today about this issue, too, but the difference is that these older books almost assumed that every girl is constantly worrying over her weight, while newer titles really focus on the character's health and the importance of losing weight safely. They also tend to talk about losing significant amounts of weight, rather than just five pounds for vanity's sake.
Finally, I noticed that Nancy Drew has very little personality. I have a feeling this is on purpose, so that all girls can put themselves in her shoes and appreciate her adventures, but with the weak plotline and very little character development, there wasn't much for me to sink my teeth into. I never would have made it to the end of the story if not for my powerful feelings of nostalgia toward the book.
The Secret at Solaire is out of print, but Nancy Drew lives on in graphic novels and in the modernized Nancy Drew: Girl Detective series.
I have to admit that I remembered The Secret at Solaire as an amazing book. I read it for a mystery book report in sixth grade, and since that time, have always thought of it as one of the best books I read as a kid. After this rereading, however, two things are quite clear: 1. I had terrible taste when I was a kid, and 2. This book is absolutely nothing like I remember it.
In my defense, I think this was one of the first mystery novels I ever read outside of the Baby-sitters Club, so my experience with the conventions of the mystery genre was very limited. I suspect that what I have always remembered as the book's brilliance was probably just my fascination with the way an author builds a mystery. I was impressed too easily by the author's ability to mislead me and twist the plot around in certain points to make things more interesting. As an adult, I know that all mystery writers do this, and I can recognize that "Carolyn Keene" doesn't do it so well in this book. In fact, the entire thing seems pretty predictable to my adult mind, and the behavior of the villains is downright cheesy.
That said, though, there were some interesting things to take away from my re-reading of The Secret at Solaire. I was surprised, for one thing, to note that Nancy is 18 years old. It makes sense, since if she were a minor, it would be a lot less plausible for her to be at a spa unaccompanied by an adult, and much less likely that she would be able to conduct her investigations. But I couldn't really think of another middle grade heroine who was so old. And yet, I obviously had no trouble at all relating to her when I was eleven. I think it must be a function of the mystery genre. I don't need to relate to the character on a personal level to be invested in the twists and turns of the story.
Another thing that caught my attention was Bess's continual obsession with her weight. I don't think this is that common in children's books these days, but it did seem to be kind of common in the books I read as a kid. I can remember reading Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, and Blubber, books that were not necessarily all about weight, but in which girls were down on themselves about it and/or ostracized by their peers because of it. Obviously there are plenty of titles out there today about this issue, too, but the difference is that these older books almost assumed that every girl is constantly worrying over her weight, while newer titles really focus on the character's health and the importance of losing weight safely. They also tend to talk about losing significant amounts of weight, rather than just five pounds for vanity's sake.
Finally, I noticed that Nancy Drew has very little personality. I have a feeling this is on purpose, so that all girls can put themselves in her shoes and appreciate her adventures, but with the weak plotline and very little character development, there wasn't much for me to sink my teeth into. I never would have made it to the end of the story if not for my powerful feelings of nostalgia toward the book.
The Secret at Solaire is out of print, but Nancy Drew lives on in graphic novels and in the modernized Nancy Drew: Girl Detective series.
February 28, 2024
Although I am a huge fan of ND, this book was so disappointing. The mystery itself was pretty good, but the whole story was tainted for me by the fact that it takes place at a spa. What is wrong with that you might ask? Let me explain. It isn't a spa in the sense that it just has facials and saunas. It is basically a place to get into shape. This also would be just fine, but the way they go about getting people to get into shape. Bess has been hounded since the beginning of the ND universe for being overweight. Everyone laughs it off as gentle teasing between friends. In this book there is so much fat-shaming. It is never okay to tell anyone, especially a teenager that they need to lose to just a few pounds to be perfect. What is the message that we are sending the target audience that are reading these books? Ages 10-13 maybe? So harmful. Bess is looking at the owner of the spa and thinking that she is the picture of "wealth, beauty and perfection," and wanting to be just like her. Those are the actual words the author uses. Errrr!
The book repeatedly shows Bess working out so hard that she has circles under her eyes and isn't sleeping and is eating the "special" diet that isn't giving her enough calories to sustain her through the day. The trainer keeps telling her that she just has to work harder.
The only reason I gave it any stars at all is because in the last few pages, Bess and Nancy are talking about how teen girls are subjected to the images of the "perfect" bodies that models have. Bess explains that even though she lost 3 1/2 pounds, she was so unhappy. She concludes that she is fine just the way she is.
This book was written in 1993!! I truly hope that if this book was updated, they would remove the toxic messages that they are sending.
I would not recommend this book, which really makes me sad, as I really do enjoy Nancy Drew. Although there are often "stuck in its time" issues in these books, it is especially difficult to excuse the ghost writer, and should we excuse the continued unjust messages that we are sending the readers that look towards Nancy as a role model?
The book repeatedly shows Bess working out so hard that she has circles under her eyes and isn't sleeping and is eating the "special" diet that isn't giving her enough calories to sustain her through the day. The trainer keeps telling her that she just has to work harder.
The only reason I gave it any stars at all is because in the last few pages, Bess and Nancy are talking about how teen girls are subjected to the images of the "perfect" bodies that models have. Bess explains that even though she lost 3 1/2 pounds, she was so unhappy. She concludes that she is fine just the way she is.
This book was written in 1993!! I truly hope that if this book was updated, they would remove the toxic messages that they are sending.
I would not recommend this book, which really makes me sad, as I really do enjoy Nancy Drew. Although there are often "stuck in its time" issues in these books, it is especially difficult to excuse the ghost writer, and should we excuse the continued unjust messages that we are sending the readers that look towards Nancy as a role model?
January 13, 2017
Dans cette enquête, Alice, Bess et Marion se retrouvent à l'institut de beauté Solaris, en plein désert du Sonora, pour une semaine de remise en forme et de régime qui va vite tourner au cauchemar.
Des accidents viennent troubler leur séjour, déjà en demi-teinte à cause du couvre-feu instauré et des humeurs de certains employés. Mais lorsqu'une vague emporte la responsable des randonnées qui voulait confier à Alice un mystère, la détective commence son enquête.
Entre des patrons au lourd passé et qui s'inquiètent davantage de la mauvaise publicité que du bien-être de leurs clients, un prof de sport agressif et peu commode, un chauffeur étrange, des accidents à répétition et des clients qui agissent bizarrement, l'enquête a de quoi faire tourner la tête. Mais c'est avec intelligence qu'Alice trouvera le fin mot du mystère, risquant bien souvent sa propre vie.
Un excellent petit livre!
Des accidents viennent troubler leur séjour, déjà en demi-teinte à cause du couvre-feu instauré et des humeurs de certains employés. Mais lorsqu'une vague emporte la responsable des randonnées qui voulait confier à Alice un mystère, la détective commence son enquête.
Entre des patrons au lourd passé et qui s'inquiètent davantage de la mauvaise publicité que du bien-être de leurs clients, un prof de sport agressif et peu commode, un chauffeur étrange, des accidents à répétition et des clients qui agissent bizarrement, l'enquête a de quoi faire tourner la tête. Mais c'est avec intelligence qu'Alice trouvera le fin mot du mystère, risquant bien souvent sa propre vie.
Un excellent petit livre!
January 30, 2015
Nancy, Bess and George are spending a week at Spa Solaire because Bess has won a vacation there for selling Solaire beauty products. The spa is beautiful and the southwestern landscape is relaxing, but as soon as they arrive Nancy senses trouble at Spa Solaire, from black widows, to psychotic tennis ball machines, there are strange incidents and accidents plaguing the spa, even with the guests escorted everywhere by staff members people are getting hurt and one employee disappears! Is someone trying to ruin Solaire's reputation and run them out of business, or is the motive much more personal?
September 30, 2016
Not sure Nancy, Bess and George have been to spa before, but they have been out West, and their Western desert settings tend to yield good books and the spa angle yields novelties, like Bess losing weight. Same sabotage, but for a different reason than usual with some actual social commentary and ethical issues which makes this better than most in my book!
August 8, 2024
3.5 rounded down. The first 2/3 of this book are almost exactly the same as the NDF title that takes place at a spa -- I'm forgetting the actual name of the book -- but there's even worse messaging about food/eating/ED and exercise bulimia in this one than that one.
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December 28, 2013AR Quiz No. 19661 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 4.9 - AR Pts: 4.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 4.9 - AR Pts: 4.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
Read
September 6, 2017I don't even know what to say about this. I don't know how to review Nancy Drew books, to be completely honest.
The setting of this book is Solaire Spa, which is basically some weird cult or something. Not really, but everyone is like escorted to and from their cabins and just weird stuff like that. So Nancy becomes suspicious, because obviously. From there other things start to happen and a mystery evolves. Nancy solves it, saves the day, everyone's happy.
The end.
No but seriously, this book is hard to review because it is 152 pages of "spooky" things happening and having a logical explanation at the end. I am still waiting for the day that everyone is replaced by evil robots or an alien invasion interrupts the book. That will be the day...
The setting of this book is Solaire Spa, which is basically some weird cult or something. Not really, but everyone is like escorted to and from their cabins and just weird stuff like that. So Nancy becomes suspicious, because obviously. From there other things start to happen and a mystery evolves. Nancy solves it, saves the day, everyone's happy.
The end.
No but seriously, this book is hard to review because it is 152 pages of "spooky" things happening and having a logical explanation at the end. I am still waiting for the day that everyone is replaced by evil robots or an alien invasion interrupts the book. That will be the day...
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews