Mystery Of The Tolling Bell (1973) - Plot & Excerpts
Mystery of the Tolling Bell is a children's story by Carolyn Keene (pseudonym) and the 23rd book in the Nancy Drew series. Nancy and her friends investigate the mystery of a cave that is haunted by a ghost accompanied by a bell ringing. Along the way, they encounter strange seances, kidnapping, and a fraudulent investment scheme.I’ve always been a voracious reader. So, as a child, one of my favorite things about summer was the frequent trips to our local library, which was less than a mile from our house. Like most young girls of a certain age (ahem), my love for mysteries started with Nancy Drew—there simply was no mystery too baffling that she couldn’t solve. And as I would read her most current adventure, I would imagine myself following in her footsteps … taking charge and plunging ahead, getting into mischief, chasing down culprits and solving the mystery. Even though I haven’t re-read any of these books since I was a child, I still think that Nancy is a great character—her courage, confidence and fierce independence, makes her an iconic source of inspiration for young girls everywhere. A must-read children's book, Mystery of the Tolling Bell is another wonderful Nancy Drew mystery.
Nancy Drew and her friends, Bess Marvin and George Fayne, have been invited to coast town named Candleton at the invitation of Mrs. Chantrey, one of Carson Drew’s clients. While there Nancy and her friends are supposed to investigate the embezzlement of Mrs. Chantrey’s funds – however, their investigation widens after Mrs. Chantrey tells them about a nearby cliff from which the sound of a ghostly bell emanates.Can Nancy discover who is responsible for the thefts – and the ghostly apparitions?Discussion.OBVIOUSLY the supposition is offered that a ghost is responsible for the tolling bell and rushes of water. Also, while Nancy is partially sedated, she sees two short men who she (in her sleepy state) identifies as elves.Nancy finds a letter from a young woman “which had been written by Amy to her parents. Obviously it was sent two years ago, soon after her runaway marriage. In the letter she disrespectfully referred to her mother and father as being far behind the times.” I find it fascinating that this story was written at a time when calling behavior “disrespectful” was normal.Conclusion. A fine installment.Visit The Blithering Bookster to read more reviews!www.blitheringbookster.com
What do You think about Mystery Of The Tolling Bell (1973)?
My first time reading a NANCY DREW book and it was a pleasure. It was fun reading through such polite dialog and formalities that we no longer use. I noticed how characters' thoughts were quoted just as if they were spoken. I don't think this is how we do things today in publishing; I believe thoughts are italicized. The Tolling Bell was a tricky and convoluted mystery to understand which is exactly how I see HARRY POTTER stories too. There are more relationships than a simple good guy versus bad guy. The writer has a whole gang involved and even a rather unlikable "good" guy who befriends Nancy but treats her and her friends poorly by constantly leaving them in danger.
—Elizabeth Amber Love
