BOOKLIST (STARRED) -- As soon as supersleuth and
fashionista Nancy Drew cracks a case about a missing school mascot, another
mystery arrives in her mail. Someone has pieced together newspaper headlines in
a threatening letter that references Nancy's late mother. Nancy returns to her
childhood hometown, reuniting with Bess, George, and the Hardy boys, and their
clue-hunting leads them to a dead body, an unsolved case, and a dangerous rave.
Quippy banter and steadfast friendships propel this amusing, action-packed
adventure in which teens rely on their instincts, and adults cannot be trusted.
The writers excel at capturing what made Nancy Drew such a plucky protagonist in
the first place while updating her story for today's teens. Bess is a chubby,
adorable gossip, who flirts with Joe Hardy. George, who must constantly be pried
from the lips of her girlfriend, sports an edgy haircut and a sarcastic
personality. Nancy's new love interest, Pete, rounds out her team and flaunts a
trendy, Erik Killmonger-inspired look. The illustrations adopt the bright,
expressive aesthetic that has so often been effective in other graphic novels.
The panels accentuate the jokes by pausing on deadpan facials and stretching out
the slapstick sequences. Lastly, the clothes-oversized sweaters, knee-high
boots, cold-shoulder crop tops, and more-will appeal to fashion-forward teens.
Highly recommended for spirited readers, whether they're familiar with Carolyn
Keene's originals or not.<br /><i>- Biz
Hyzy</i><br /><br /><br />