The Mystery Of The Fire Dragon (1961) - Plot & Excerpts
Think 1950s when you read this book, although it was written in 1960. So much of the material is dated. Nancy is busy tracking down a kidnapped girl and her journeys take her to Hong Kong. When this book was written, Hong Kong was still part of the British Empire. Ned, who is studying there, gives the girls a quick lesson in the history of politics there. Some of the language is dated - meaning it isn't politically correct today. What amazes me is the language with which these books are written. The vocabulary is way above what your typical teenager today would understand. One word that I noticed the author du jour using was alacrity - who uses that word today? But yet in 1960, it was a word that teenage girls would know without looking up. I find many words in the series that kids today wouldn't have a clue as to the definition. I'll admit, I have even had to look up a couple because I couldn't believe that the author really meant to use a particular word, but when looking up the definition, is was clearly appropriate. Another thing that makes these books charming is the sense of decorum that Nancy and her friends employ. They are strong young women but don't resort to unlady like measures. They are always polite; they are concerned about their appearance. They respect their elders and always ask permission from their parents before going any where. The books are a fun read, and a peak into the past.
Oh my, some people take these books too seriously in the reviews! They are mystery stories for kids, this one written in 1961, so of course it's dated and such! That's part of the fun, before Hong Kong and it's people started to look and act like all other large cities in the world. It's a typical, face-paced Nancy Drew Mystery with whirl-wind trips to New York City and Hong Kong, a used bookstore, a great masquerade by George as a young Chinese woman, not once but twice and a rescue by the Fleet Air Arm of the British Royal Navy!
What do You think about The Mystery Of The Fire Dragon (1961)?
Ned Nickerson is studying Chinese culture? Since when? Since The Leaning Chimney book?Aunt Eloise(!) in NYC has a Chinese-themed mystery (nothing AT ALL to do with a Fire Dragon, though there are fireworks and a few references to dragons as Chinese legend) which conveniently leads Nancy and B&G to Hong Kong, where they were planning on going anyway. Not sure exactly who is paying for this but it sounds like Aunt Eloise picked up the tab. George masquerades as a Chinese girl, but apparently no one notices that she's 5'8".Bess gets kidnapped in NYC, and Nancy gets kidnapped (conned onto a small plane) and Ned and the Navy get them to turn around and land the plane. Good thing this happened pre-9/11. Nancy gets kidnapped AGAIN right at the end, after some obnoxious woman falls for the Georga-as-Chinese-girl ruse AGAIN and guys take Nancy right to the Chinese girl, where they escape. This book is ostensibly about a smuggling ring but is mainly just about tracking down a kidnapped girl.Nancy was knocked unconscious after someone hurled a flower pot down on her head in Chinatown.
—Melanie
I really liked this book. Nancy drew has really gotten me into reading and stuff so, I owe it to Carolyn Keene. She did an amazing job creating the story, the characters, everything. I think she did an exceptional job on the mystery part because it really makes you think. They make you want to keep reading it. The character, nancy. I'd always thought she was so cool. I meal who else runs around solving mysteries? She was nice, smart and a great role model. I have to say, I love nancy drew, I always have. I always will!!
—Ak
I really liked the adventure to save Chi Chi from the kidnappers and how George was transformed to looking like an young Asian woman.
—Hillary
