When is the last time you read an old fashion, nail biting, "girl, get out of there" mystery?
Nancy Drew my sleuth of choice.
During fourth grade, library day was my favorite. My best friend and I would rush to the bookcase holding all the Nancy Drew books. With heads together we browsed, consulted one another and made our selections. At the end of the day, if we had planned well, one would go home with the other to spend the night. After a snack, giggling and sharing all the secrets we thought we knew, and the obligatory time playing outside, we would end up stretching out on the sofa, heads resting at opposite ends, reading our latest find. Forced to go to bed, we continued to read until sleep overtook us. The first one to wake the next morning would rouse the other and we would continue our reading before breakfast. Our reading skills were comparable; most often we finished our books within minutes of the other. One would close her book, then the other. We always claimed we had just finished our favorite, giggle, then exchange books to be read before returning to school the next Monday. This routine was repeated long after we ran out of Nancy Drew mysteries.
A few weekends ago the heat was nearing 100 and oppressive.
After a quick trip to the farmer's market, breakfast and a few errands it was time to retreat indoors. I couldn't think of anything more desirable than to stretch out with a good read. I pulled several books, read the synopsis, and without a "BFF" to consult, made my selection.
Cornelia Read's first novel, A Field of Darkness, was the perfect choice, and a most delicious escape. I was hooked the moment I opened the front cover.
"There are people who can be happy anywhere. I am not one of them. When the house on the next street went up in flames for the second night in a row, I wondered again what the hell I was doing in Syracuse. "
Madeline Dare, the poor relation of a wealthy Long Island family, is unhappily and begrudgingly living in Syracuse. Working as a lifestyle reporter for the local newspaper she becomes obsessed with the brutal murders of two young women nineteen years earlier. Upon receiving a set of dog tags belonging to a favorite cousin, and believed to be tied to the deaths, she convinces her editor to allow her to research the story. Madeline must risk her own safety and return to an unwelcome past to uncover the truth.
Curled up on the sofa, Willie at one end, I at the other, totally immersed in A Field of Darkness, I was once again that fourth grade girl clenching a book, totally immersed, and begging our gutsy heroine to turn and run.
It has been a long time since I found myself captivated by a mystery.
Ms. Read delivered!
Have you read a really good whodunnit lately?
Happy Reading!
I loved Nancy Drew. Because my sister was the big reader in the family, my parents always gave her the books and me the dolls. I remember the bookcase in our shared room filled with all the Nancy Drew books and my sister telling me that they were hers and to not touch them. This, of course, made me want them. Somehow I managed to sneak them from her and possibly because of that enjoyed them even more.
ReplyDeleteand let's not forget the Hardy Boys! I was at a thrift store not too long ago and there was a complete set of Nancy Drew on the shelf. I thought long about putting them in my cart but decided to leave them for a younger reader, who hopefully knows you can't grow up without reading them. :)
ReplyDeleteI usually only read non-fiction/historical books..I can't even remember the last mystery I've read since Nancy Drew. Right now, I am reading "Woman of Color, Daughter of Priviledge." It has me crying at every page almost.
But I always add your recommendations to my list. :)
Love a good mystery . . . One more to add to this ever growing book list! Loved your friendship story . . . do you still stay in touch with her?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, Bonnie, I don't think I was ever part of Carolyn Keene's target audience, but I did wade my way through almost all the Agatha Christies when I was about 13. Well I know the reluctance to put a book down, the falling asleep with said book on chest, the unbelievable hunt to find the answer in what are otherwise ridiculous stories...great entertainment!
ReplyDeleteOh, you really got me with this post, Nancy Drew! One of my friends had the entire set and would let us "check them out" of her library; IF we were very careful with them. It was wonderful and I have loved those books ever since. I got my hands on a full set from the 1940's and I still go back and read them once in while. Just the other night I pulled out " The Secret of Shadow Ranch" and read till I fell asleep; so nostalgic... I love medieval mystery and my favorite author in the genre is Melvin R Starr, Just read "The Unquiet Bones" for the second time.
ReplyDeleteBonnie - I think I read every Nancy Drew Mystery there ever was. In my bookcase I have four of these old Carolyn Keene novels. Growing up on a farm when the chores were done I was allowed to read and read I did. Now you have me hooked as well and I must check out that "Field of Darkness". Mysteries are one of my favorites too. Take care and have a great week-end.
ReplyDeleteoh bonnie, i can not tell a lie. it's been a long time!!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds terrific! Adding it to my list....
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