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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
This mystery is really interesting and good at clues but wow is it problematic with its discussion of indigenous people.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
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
A good mystery with an abrupt ending. Has dated language about indigenous people, restrictive eating habits & cultural appropriation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cultural appropriation
Minor: Fatphobia
Note: the copy I read was the 1930s version of the story, not the updated 1950s version which is apparently very different.
Nancy Drew books are never life-changing or astounding works of fiction, but they generally hit fun, cozy, typical whodunit beats which I find enjoyable, but this one really missed the mark. The mystery almost felt like an afterthought and most of the book was just Nancy and her friends riding around on horses getting lost over and over again. Also (spoiler) Nancy did almost no sleuthing work on her own and almost the entire mystery was solved by her dad doing research for her off-page and sending the info via telegram. It was a lame resolution.
Nancy Drew books are never life-changing or astounding works of fiction, but they generally hit fun, cozy, typical whodunit beats which I find enjoyable, but this one really missed the mark. The mystery almost felt like an afterthought and most of the book was just Nancy and her friends riding around on horses getting lost over and over again. Also (spoiler) Nancy did almost no sleuthing work on her own and almost the entire mystery was solved by her dad doing research for her off-page and sending the info via telegram. It was a lame resolution.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Love the change in setting and the adventure! It is, of course, a book of its time, so the treatment of some characters and some of the language is not what we would want to see today--good fodder for discussion, though, if you're reading this with someone younger.
Aside from that, my only complaint was [slightly spoilery] it was that the mystery itself was pretty linear (unlike the previous books which had pretty substantial twists). The more rewarding mystery was the secondary plot regarding some historical treasure. I am a sucker for a hidden treasure, though, so that's not really much of a complaint! ;)
Aside from that, my only complaint was [slightly spoilery] it was that the mystery itself was pretty linear (unlike the previous books which had pretty substantial twists). The more rewarding mystery was the secondary plot regarding some historical treasure. I am a sucker for a hidden treasure, though, so that's not really much of a complaint! ;)
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
So much fun to get back to the mystery genre. Plus, getting to revist the personalty of Nancy,Bess, and George-the best.