Reviews

why doesn't GoodReads admit that there are two different novels titled _Password to Larkspur Lane_?? first of all, i read TWO DIFFERENT BOOKS for which i should receive APPROPRIATE CREDIT. secondly, only one of these novels was genuinely interesting. (yes, of COURSE _i_ liked it when nancy purchases then dons the clothing that constitutes her old lady disguise, but i don't think old carolyn keene even mentioned the type of fabric...so whatev. i may be a sucker for descriptions of clothes, but i can certainly tell when someone is just going through the motions.)

when the original Nancy Drews were reissued, i really wanted to be a naysayer because i never read the old ones...but (i learned to) believe the hype! the originals are SO MUCH MORE EXCITING!

alexdandridge's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

chandaferguson's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

#10, “Password to Larkspur Lane” is another middle grade mystery thriller from the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene, accompanied with vintage illustrations as pictured.

This story immediately begins with a mysterious opening as Nancy finds a carrier pigeon with a peculiar message and no way to track the sender. An additional mystery appears into the plot, along with a special side character, Effie. There’s lots of action and excitement, along with quirky characterization in this story.

“You attract mystery like nectar in a flower attracts a bee, Nancy,” her father Carson exclaims at the beginning of this story, and the mystery in this one is threaded throughout. Is a woman being held hostage? Why is there so much effort put into these mysterious coded messages?

Then there’s the mystery of the flaming blue light and the odd missing housekeeper. About halfway through you really start to gain momentum as parts of the mysteries come together until the mysteries themselves intertwine in the plot, and of course, Nancy approaches the nifty resolutions these novels have.

I think these are such fun stories for those who are enjoying chapter books with characters of a bit older depiction, as well as those who want a comfy or nostalgic read. With excitement, steady pacing, adventure, and strong teachable moments, these are sure to be a favorite. “In the fun and excitement she found it hard to remember the threat of danger,” surely depicts just how light-hearted these juvenile crime classics are.

Book 54/150
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️