The Clue Of The Velvet Mask (1953) - Plot & Excerpts
The Clue of the Velvet Mask is a children's story by Carolyn Keene (pseudonym) and the 30th book in the Nancy Drew series. When Nancy attends a masquerade party at the Hendrick estate, she discovers a stranger attempting to climb the rose trellis to the second story of the house. Who is this enigmatic man in the black cloak, and why is he so determined to retrieve the black velvet hooded mask? Is he a member of the gang of wily thieves who sneak into parties given by wealthy people and steal jewels and art treasures? And why is the owner of the mask so desperate to get it back?To find the answers Nancy and her friend devise a daring plan. The two girls switch identities! Though her friend soon discovers that while it is exciting to play amateur detective it can be dangerous to masquerade as Nancy Drew.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, The Clue of the Velvet Mask is another wonderful Nancy Drew mystery.
This is an interesting ND book. There have been a chain of robberies occurring during parties in River Heights. Nancys friend is suspected so Nancy goes undercover as a coatroom attendant to do some sleuthing. The reason this is interesting is because Nancy is working at a few parties when robberies take place and she picks up no clues. Also Nancy goes to a costume party dressed up as a Spanish senorita. Her costume consists of items that had belonged to her mother. One of the few times her mother is mentioned. Overall it's a good read and I'd recommend it.
What do You think about The Clue Of The Velvet Mask (1953)?
Nancy's at it again. This time she accidentally picks up the wrong mask at a masquerade party and falls into the mystery of a group of jewel thieves. Along the way, she helps a friend keep a job and also manages to get George Frayne kidnapped which turns George into a fearful shell of her former self (which doesn't seem in keeping with George's character, even if she was threatened). Of course, Nancy keeps her wits together and even after she and Bess are also taken, manages to use a piece of metal to free herself from her hands and feet being bound and then utilizes a child's chemistry set to create the illusion of fire and escape.
—Jessi
