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A review by planet_taffy
The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This third book in the series is a lot more thrilling than the previous two, almost to the point where the drama can seem over the top. Nancy, for example, seems like a lightning rod, able to attract storms that develop in an instant out of nowhere; it stops just short of breaking the suspension of disbelief.
Like the second book in the series, "The Hidden Staircase", "The Bungalow Mystery" includes a secondary plot following Carson Drew's work as it intertwines with Nancy Drew's mystery. I found the Carson Drew mystery a little too convoluted, especially during the falling action; in general the falling action felt rushed, with a bunch of events mushed together with little breathing room in between.A man writes a whole story for magazine publication overnight! Frankly, I'd rather Carson Drew's cases take up less real estate in the book as it's not the Carson Drew Mystery Stories.
Personal gripes aside, it was a solid read with some real heartfelt moments at the end. Keene's writing continues to improve in leaps and bounds as the series progresses. Very little luncheon. No Bess & George yet.
Like the second book in the series, "The Hidden Staircase", "The Bungalow Mystery" includes a secondary plot following Carson Drew's work as it intertwines with Nancy Drew's mystery. I found the Carson Drew mystery a little too convoluted, especially during the falling action; in general the falling action felt rushed, with a bunch of events mushed together with little breathing room in between.
Personal gripes aside, it was a solid read with some real heartfelt moments at the end. Keene's writing continues to improve in leaps and bounds as the series progresses. Very little luncheon. No Bess & George yet.