What do you think?
Rate this book
Nancy Drew: Girl Detective #36
Model Crime
In Model Crime, the first book in the exciting new Model Mystery Trilogy, Nancy’s friend Sydney is getting married, but things keep going horribly wrong at the wedding. Who would want to ruin someone’s special day? In Model Menace, just as things seem to be settling down, a mysterious menace has sabotaged Sydney’s reception. Can Nancy stop the troublemaker before it’s too late?
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2009
11 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,129 books3,915 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 20, 2026
Fun fact: There’s a Nancy Drew Nintendo DS game based on this three-book series. The Model Mysteries was released in 2010. It’s a text based mystery featuring hidden-object scenes and other mini games.
Bess and George’s cousin, famous model Syd, is getting married to reality TV star Vic. The wedding will take place in River Heights and be filmed by Vic’s TV crew. Nancy, Bess, and George are all in the bridal party. The bridal shower is next Saturday, and the wedding is set for the following week.
Right at the beginning - before any wedding sabotage even occurs - Syd lets out a “blood-curdling scream” over a photo of one of her bridesmaids wearing an ill-fitting dress. This dramatic overreaction sets the tone as Syd continues to freak out over each new act of wedding sabotage.
Although Syd can’t be completely ruled out as a potential suspect, it felt strange how often Nancy circled back to suspecting her of sabotaging her own wedding - as if she would risk seriously harming Vic via jet fuel.
Most of the characters feel superficial and not overly likable. Vic and his reality tv show friends are a bunch of show-off chads. Vic speaks like he has two brain cells and Syd cycles between panic and instant calm the moment he reassures her with something like, “Don’t stress, babe.”
Syd’s high school friend Deb giggles at everything, which makes her seem like an annoying airhead. Whereas, Syd’s model friend Akinni has dramatic meltdowns of her own whenever sabotage occurs.
The director, assistant director, PA and Pandora are some of the stronger, more fleshed out characters in this story. I enjoyed Ned Nickerson’s brief appearance and the fact that the story is set in Nancy’s hometown.
Deirdre Shannon also briefly appears and the reader is reminded that she isn’t particularly liked by the girls, especially George. Deirdre remarks that the bridesmaids dress will look good on George.
Is this teasing… or lesbian tension? The beginnings of a haters-to-lovers trope? One can only speculate.
Overall, this book was quick, readable, and mildly entertaining, though the stakes feel low and the characters could have been more engaging. I own the trilogy, but I’m not in a rush to continue. Perhaps I’ll come back to it someday.
Bess and George’s cousin, famous model Syd, is getting married to reality TV star Vic. The wedding will take place in River Heights and be filmed by Vic’s TV crew. Nancy, Bess, and George are all in the bridal party. The bridal shower is next Saturday, and the wedding is set for the following week.
Right at the beginning - before any wedding sabotage even occurs - Syd lets out a “blood-curdling scream” over a photo of one of her bridesmaids wearing an ill-fitting dress. This dramatic overreaction sets the tone as Syd continues to freak out over each new act of wedding sabotage.
Although Syd can’t be completely ruled out as a potential suspect, it felt strange how often Nancy circled back to suspecting her of sabotaging her own wedding - as if she would risk seriously harming Vic via jet fuel.
Most of the characters feel superficial and not overly likable. Vic and his reality tv show friends are a bunch of show-off chads. Vic speaks like he has two brain cells and Syd cycles between panic and instant calm the moment he reassures her with something like, “Don’t stress, babe.”
Syd’s high school friend Deb giggles at everything, which makes her seem like an annoying airhead. Whereas, Syd’s model friend Akinni has dramatic meltdowns of her own whenever sabotage occurs.
The director, assistant director, PA and Pandora are some of the stronger, more fleshed out characters in this story. I enjoyed Ned Nickerson’s brief appearance and the fact that the story is set in Nancy’s hometown.
Deirdre Shannon also briefly appears and the reader is reminded that she isn’t particularly liked by the girls, especially George. Deirdre remarks that the bridesmaids dress will look good on George.
Is this teasing… or lesbian tension? The beginnings of a haters-to-lovers trope? One can only speculate.
Overall, this book was quick, readable, and mildly entertaining, though the stakes feel low and the characters could have been more engaging. I own the trilogy, but I’m not in a rush to continue. Perhaps I’ll come back to it someday.
February 28, 2013
Oh, Nancy Drew!
Although the stories have gotten a bit juvenile for my taste, they are still awesome! How can I not love the series that started the whole book reading thing for me. Three cheers for Nancy Drew and her amateur sleuthing! And her side-kicks Bess and George!
Although the stories have gotten a bit juvenile for my taste, they are still awesome! How can I not love the series that started the whole book reading thing for me. Three cheers for Nancy Drew and her amateur sleuthing! And her side-kicks Bess and George!
September 20, 2022
Really stupid and predictable. Also weirdly racist. Twice, the writer describes the only African American girl in the novel as "exotic"??????? Bro???
Read
April 7, 2025Choosing not to rate but this one did not vibe with me as much as some of the other ones tbh
November 18, 2025
MODEL CRIME #I
Author: Carolyn Keene
Publication year: 1990
Publisher: Aladdin and Simon Pulse
SUMMARY
Model Crime is an exciting mystery story about Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George. In this
book, Bess and George’s cousin is about to get married. Everyone is happy and excited for the big day,
but suddenly, strange things start happening. Someone is trying to ruin the wedding by causing
accidents and problems that could stop the celebration from happening.
Nancy knows she must find out who is behind these actions. She uses her smart thinking to look for
clues and talk to people. With the help of her friends, Nancy follows the mystery step by step.
Together, they try to stop the person who wants to spoil the wedding.
The story is full of surprises that keep readers curious from start to finish. Nancy is brave and
clever, and she never gives up, even when things get tricky. Can the three young and talented
detectives save the wedding in time before someone could get hurt?
detectives burst open this case before it is too late?
If you enjoy mysteries with exciting adventures and strong friends working together, Model Crime is
the book for you. It’s easy to read and perfect for young readers who like solving puzzles and
following an amazing and bright young detective.
This adventure of Nancy Drew is THE most delightful book. It felt as if I were a part of it too. I love
the way Carolyn Keene writes these amazing adventures of Nancy. The pacing is not too fast and not
too slow and the language used was quite simple. I am looking forward to her next adventure in the
trilogy. I am sure it is going to be as delightful as this one. So keep an eye out for the next adventure
of this young detective!!!
Author: Carolyn Keene
Publication year: 1990
Publisher: Aladdin and Simon Pulse
SUMMARY
Model Crime is an exciting mystery story about Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George. In this
book, Bess and George’s cousin is about to get married. Everyone is happy and excited for the big day,
but suddenly, strange things start happening. Someone is trying to ruin the wedding by causing
accidents and problems that could stop the celebration from happening.
Nancy knows she must find out who is behind these actions. She uses her smart thinking to look for
clues and talk to people. With the help of her friends, Nancy follows the mystery step by step.
Together, they try to stop the person who wants to spoil the wedding.
The story is full of surprises that keep readers curious from start to finish. Nancy is brave and
clever, and she never gives up, even when things get tricky. Can the three young and talented
detectives save the wedding in time before someone could get hurt?
detectives burst open this case before it is too late?
If you enjoy mysteries with exciting adventures and strong friends working together, Model Crime is
the book for you. It’s easy to read and perfect for young readers who like solving puzzles and
following an amazing and bright young detective.
This adventure of Nancy Drew is THE most delightful book. It felt as if I were a part of it too. I love
the way Carolyn Keene writes these amazing adventures of Nancy. The pacing is not too fast and not
too slow and the language used was quite simple. I am looking forward to her next adventure in the
trilogy. I am sure it is going to be as delightful as this one. So keep an eye out for the next adventure
of this young detective!!!
January 11, 2016
An interesting idea, this is the first trilogy of several in this Girl Detective series which I have read -mostly because it was one of the first complete ones which I could get my hands on from the library. The covers are not a favourite of mine I prefer the earlier ones in the Girl Detective series, but as the saying goes "don't judge a book by it's cover" so I didn't. I've judged it by all the other Nancy Drew books I've read as well as by the fact that I love Nancy Drew.
This story in particular was a bit dreary and waffled on a bit, but the mystery was still interesting and some of the characters made it to be worthwhile reading in the end.
This story in particular was a bit dreary and waffled on a bit, but the mystery was still interesting and some of the characters made it to be worthwhile reading in the end.
January 1, 2010
very awesome
April 25, 2010
Awsome
May 16, 2010
i really liked the book a lot it is very very exciting and adventurous
July 11, 2010
I really like these updated nancy drew books. Their mysteries are so updated with this generation! Can't wait for book 2!
January 20, 2011
Ghatia......
December 31, 2011
I've always loved Nancy Drew. This was a lot of fun. The only bad thing about is that now I have to read the other books from the model trilogy.
December 18, 2012
I love Nancy Drew books and this one was no exception! :D It was great!
July 13, 2013
I loved it.
October 7, 2025
literally my first book and I will forever love Nancy drew even if people say its for children I DONT CAREEEEEE Carolyn keene Nancy drew literally got me into reading and I forever love her for that
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews