Nancy Drew #7: The Clue in The Diary

This is the review for Nancy Drew book #7, The Clue in The Diary.

   The book starts out like this: Nancy, Bess and George are having a picnic outside of Mapelton (remember that town, it will get mentioned quite a few times during the series) on their way home from Red Gate Farm. The sun starts to set, so they decide to start heading home. As they are driving through the countryside, they notice a pristine white house on the hill. Just as Nancy says it looks like a dream, it explodes! they race up to the house and turn into the driveway, and Nancy tells the cousins to alert the nearby neighbors and fire department. She goes up to the house to try to rescue anyone that might be inside, but Nancy knows she won't be able to get in, and chances for anyone inside would be slim. While Nancy is doing that, Bess and George came back and with them the fire department. The firemen know they won't be able to save the house, but the try to keep it from spreading to the outbuildings. All the attention attracted passerbyers and neighbors, who parked in the driveway. As Nancy goes to move her car, she finds a young man of about 19 getting into her car! She runs alongside the car as he backs it skillfully down the driveway and says he is moving it out of the danger zone. He gets out and walks away.

   A helpful note: That man of about 19 is Ned Nickerson, Nancy's boyfriend, who lives in Mapelton (I told you to remember that!) Since Nancy meets her boyfriend of 58 books;who rescues her, helps her, gives her clues, gets into danger himself, gets kidnapped countless times (actually it's about 2) and so much more. Really, he is the ultimate boyfriend. He even gets Bess and George special friends! Overall, I would give this book a 10/10 because It's sweet, it is a big event in the series because that is where she meets Ned, and because the mystery is good, an so is the plot and characters. Go read it, and get ready for review #8, Nancy's Mysterious Letter!

- Samantha Quick

Nancy Drew #6: The Secret at Red Gate Farm

This is a review for Nancy Drew book #6, The Secret at Red Gate Farm.

The book starts off like this: Nancy, Bess and George are on the train from shopping, and Bess bought a perfume called 'Blue Jade' at a ridicules price- 20 dollars an ounce! Back when the books were written, you could buy a weeks worth of groceries for $7; so that was a lot! Across the isle, a girl about 18 was deathly pale and asleep. Bess decides she wants to try on her perfume, and when she does, the train lurches and she spills perfume everywhere. When Nancy looks over, the mysterious girl has fainted!

Actually, to be honest, I relly don't like this book. Towards the end, I just skipped pages from what I guess you would call "secondhand embarrassment" . I would give this book a 4/10. I don't really like the characters or the scenes. I didn't like the idea of a 'cult' and the boarders were rude. I know other people will have different opinions, but those are mine.

Now, to go read one of my favorite Nancy Drew books ever, The Clue in The Diary!

-Samantha Quick