bargainsleuth's review against another edition
2.0
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Why do I continue on with the Nancy Drew Diaries series when all it seems Nancy can do is be filled with self-doubt, only seems to investigate cases involving sabotage, and more often than not, has the culprit reveal themselves as the baddie instead of Nancy figuring it out on her own? That, dear readers, are the mysteries I ponder as I continue to listen to the audiobooks of the current Nancy Drew series.
First off, the publisher doesn’t even get the facts right in their little description of Famous Mistakes. NedTalks is about a year old according to the text, not brand new, and Brady is not an up-and-coming comedian. He went to school with Carson Drew, for cryin’ out loud. He’s been a working comedian for at least 20 years. Who wrote the book description? Did they even read the book? One thing is for sure: it’s another case of sabotage for Nancy Drew to solve. (sigh) Why, I ask you, WHY, I ask Simon and Schuster, does it always have to be sabotage that Nancy investigates? Maybe, now that Simon and Schuster got bought out, the new publishers will return Nancy to some sense of what she once was.
Prior to returning to River Heights for the opening of the new arts center, Brady attacks a heckler by saying she should be mugged. That does not go down well. The people at the arts center are afraid featuring the comic will provoke riots since there’s already protestors. Nancy only has a few hours to solve who is threatening Brady and has trashed his room and taken his notebook of new material. Our intrepid sleuth, with the help of Bess, George and Ned, follow tons of leads that go nowhere. One thing’s for sure: nothing is as it seems in this case.
The mystery is quite obvious and simple, but even as an adult, I wasn’t always sure where the book was heading. I thought it was fairly obvious who-done-it, but don’t necessarily think kids would catch on as easily. The plotline had holes in it, although even the original Nancy Drew Mysteries did, too. I thought the fact that Ned, Bess and George had bigger parts in Famous Mistakes helped the plot immensely as they all have a different skill set that Nancy needs to deploy from time to time to gather clues.
Why do I continue on with the Nancy Drew Diaries series when all it seems Nancy can do is be filled with self-doubt, only seems to investigate cases involving sabotage, and more often than not, has the culprit reveal themselves as the baddie instead of Nancy figuring it out on her own? That, dear readers, are the mysteries I ponder as I continue to listen to the audiobooks of the current Nancy Drew series.
First off, the publisher doesn’t even get the facts right in their little description of Famous Mistakes. NedTalks is about a year old according to the text, not brand new, and Brady is not an up-and-coming comedian. He went to school with Carson Drew, for cryin’ out loud. He’s been a working comedian for at least 20 years. Who wrote the book description? Did they even read the book? One thing is for sure: it’s another case of sabotage for Nancy Drew to solve. (sigh) Why, I ask you, WHY, I ask Simon and Schuster, does it always have to be sabotage that Nancy investigates? Maybe, now that Simon and Schuster got bought out, the new publishers will return Nancy to some sense of what she once was.
Prior to returning to River Heights for the opening of the new arts center, Brady attacks a heckler by saying she should be mugged. That does not go down well. The people at the arts center are afraid featuring the comic will provoke riots since there’s already protestors. Nancy only has a few hours to solve who is threatening Brady and has trashed his room and taken his notebook of new material. Our intrepid sleuth, with the help of Bess, George and Ned, follow tons of leads that go nowhere. One thing’s for sure: nothing is as it seems in this case.
The mystery is quite obvious and simple, but even as an adult, I wasn’t always sure where the book was heading. I thought it was fairly obvious who-done-it, but don’t necessarily think kids would catch on as easily. The plotline had holes in it, although even the original Nancy Drew Mysteries did, too. I thought the fact that Ned, Bess and George had bigger parts in Famous Mistakes helped the plot immensely as they all have a different skill set that Nancy needs to deploy from time to time to gather clues.
aimmyarrowshigh's review against another edition
5.0
Now THIS one had a good twist ending. Also, the pop culture referent is scathingly unveiled.
tthe_cancerian's review against another edition
3.0
I read this because I was feeling nostalgic. Nancy Drew books were my childhood and so was the Emma Roberts movie. This reminded me why I love sleuth stories so much, cause of Nancy, she is a brilliant character.
As for this particular mystery, it was good. kept me interested.
I am also really enjoying the CW show, which has nothing to do with this book but it does follow "Nancy Drew" so I thought to mention it.
As for this particular mystery, it was good. kept me interested.
I am also really enjoying the CW show, which has nothing to do with this book but it does follow "Nancy Drew" so I thought to mention it.
meekumoh's review against another edition
5.0
You can really tell the author put in a lot of research and nuance into talking about callout culture. They managed to discuss being called out and public accountability without the reader rolling their eyes. Proper sleuthing with high suspense, and with a great reveal too! I honestly think this is a great modern take on a Nancy Drew that didn't insult its reader base.
archuxinyues's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
3.25
heres the thing: it all happens within a day but isnt quite fast-paced ; secondly, i saw that final plot twist coming, either the foreshadowing was overly obvious this time or im really getting far too old and experienced for these quick fun nancy drew diaries. i did enjoy the arts elements but is zebrafinch a real painting??
jennshelfishlife's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love the Nancy Drew Diaries! These modern retellings are far more realistic than the classics, albeit I love those, too. I love that Nancy relies more on her friends, understands and acknowledges her weaknesses, and listens to her friends and family. I loved Beth in this story, showing her many strengths and unique abilities. I also appreciated George's contributions.
In Famous Mistakes, a comedian, Brady, plans to perform at the new art complex in River Heights. He hires Nancy when his room is trashed at the urging of Ned, who is interviewing Brady for his new podcast. There is a lot of intrigue and layers of mystery in Famous Mistakes. Overall a fun mystery that I recommend to fans of Nancy Drew.
In Famous Mistakes, a comedian, Brady, plans to perform at the new art complex in River Heights. He hires Nancy when his room is trashed at the urging of Ned, who is interviewing Brady for his new podcast. There is a lot of intrigue and layers of mystery in Famous Mistakes. Overall a fun mystery that I recommend to fans of Nancy Drew.
opalescence's review against another edition
3.0
I was quite disappointed in this one. First of all, the title spoiled the mystery, because a majority of the book is about solving a mystery about a comic, and we aren’t “told” much about the paintings at all.
Second, the concept wasn’t as thought-out or compelling as the previous ones; I was really impressed with the Heliotrope Lane one, but this one was just so pedestrian? I’m just worried that this dip in quality means that the writer has changed which I hope isn’t the case!
Second, the concept wasn’t as thought-out or compelling as the previous ones; I was really impressed with the Heliotrope Lane one, but this one was just so pedestrian? I’m just worried that this dip in quality means that the writer has changed which I hope isn’t the case!
locdbooktician's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
I think for young readers reading this book there was a lot to be digest. Of those things it is understanding when a joke can offend a group of people. And understanding that every joke isn’t meant to just be purely for comedy they can literally affect someone’s livelihood. And I think this book was trying to make the argument of if you are a comedian everything should be considered a joke or just because you are a comedian doesn’t mean that everything that you say is a joke. Even though I felt like the comedian and this series kept digging his heels and trying to justify his atrocious language towards women, I think Nancy Drew was doing the best that she could to get him, an adult, to understand her point of you.
jmcneill's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
corncobwebs's review against another edition
“George, do you have your lock picks?” I asked.
“Do you even have to ask?” George responded.
Love a gal who's prepared to pick a lock at a moment's notice.
Also:
1) Carson Drew explaining "punching up" to Nancy & co. WTF
“Do you even have to ask?” George responded.
Love a gal who's prepared to pick a lock at a moment's notice.
Also:
1) Carson Drew explaining "punching up" to Nancy & co. WTF