I've slowed my quest of reading all of the original Nancy Drew books to a crawl. While these were probably exciting to pre-teens in the '60s and '70s, they're quite predictable to this jaded cynical adult. I do get really excited when there is some romantic progression. In this book Aunt Eloise is introduced to Matt. Burt's uncle and a professor at Emerson University. They seem to hit it off quite well, but beyond overhearing Matt asking Eloise for a date later, that's the extent of it. I wonder if he'll pop up again. This one had some danger, but Nancy always manages to survive relatively unscathed. There is a local character who loves folk legends about ghosts and there are a couple of old tales in the book. It is interesting hearing about the possible scientific discoveries - in this one Matt discusses how scientists are working on discovering how the chemicals in lightening bugs could be used to make cold light. Oh, and quite out of character, Dave puts his arm around George as they stroll off. There is very little physical contact in these books. Things were sure different in the early 60s. The location of River Heights has moved back to the East Coast. Probably located someplace near NYC. It's interesting how it moves from Ohio (Emerson College is located on the Ohio River in one book)to Chicago, to the mid-west and New York. For what it is, it's a good book
Nancy, Bess and George have just arrived in mirror bay. They have just got down the bus to find an unwelcoming surprise. Nancy might be in a lot of trouble. She is faced in a a big dilemma. May she go to jail??? well you have to find out. Along her adventure she meets new friends that help her solve different mysteries. But will she succeed in figuring the mysteries out???. The book nancy drew and the secret of mirror bay is a nice book. I really was hooked to it at some parts (especially the action parts). I thought the plot was a bit expected though. I already knew what was going to happen. To improve it a bit, Maybe they could've added some twists in the end. But overall i enjoyed the story and theme because it really reminds me of my cousins and I helping each other out. I think this book is great for sixth graders. Because it of the theme. The theme is about friendship, Family, and never giving up on your dreams. This is a very important message and is perfect for our age, because in sixth grade you wil always have some rough times. So you have friends and family to support you. And never giving up and just working harder will help you a lot. I rate this book out of ten a 7.5. I chose this score because I already knew what was going to happen, but it was very engaging and it was very interesting.
What do You think about The Secret Of Mirror Bay (1972)?
One of my favorites from childhood... book has a frustrating schism between two storylines: neither storyline(particularily the coach) gets the attention it deserves. Book would have been much better as two books. Still, I do recommend as I found imagery interesting.Unfortunatey, Bess bashing about her weight gets uglier than usual. Book misses some of dark exciting adventure of original author's writing.... as dark elements are repeatedly and intrusively explained logically by Ned. Though this does happen in earlier books, it is particularily annoying in this. It like the author throws out this interesting dark material, is afraid of it, and then denies it repeatedly. To me its the mysterious woodland activities that catapault this from a mediocre to worth while.
—Greta
