Nancy Drew 05: The Secret of Shadow Ranch

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

Only a couple weeks behind on reading this one. It was a quick read with lots of trouble for Nancy! Phantoms, finding treasure and horseback riding.

Librarybelle

Librarybelle A quick read indeed! 1w

52 likes1 comment

Roary47

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

3✨ First I liked that this was set in Arizona. There was danger like the others especially the rock slide. Yikes! We finally have Bess and George which I was excited the most about. The mystery itself didn‘t grab much of my attention, but still a fun read. #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle

Librarybelle Totally agree with your review! 3w

17 likes1 comment

kwmg40

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

I'd read the updated 1965 version of this book but some aspects still seemed very outdated and definitely cringey by today's standards. It was fun seeing Nancy and friends at a ranch setting but the plot was weaker than the previous #NancyDrewBR books. @Librarybelle

#gottacatchemall @PuddleJumper (prompt 12, Dubwool: Animal on cover)
#52bookclub24 (prompt 48,The word “secret“ in the title)

kwmg40 @Kristy_K, @LaraReads, @KarenUK, @Hooked_on_books, @BarkingMadRead, @Crazeedi, @brittanyreads, @Magpiegem, @BookBelle84, @Larkken, @jenniferw88, @julesG, @Deblovestoread, @MidnightBookGirl, @Librarybelle, @triplem80, @Tove_Reads, @Read4life, @Bluebird, @BarbaraBB, @eeclayton, @hissingpotatoes, @Book_Lover95, @TheAromaofBooks 1mo

Librarybelle I think this one was my least favorite so far 1mo

LiseWorks I remember reading this when I was very young, I used to look at that horse and think Nancy can do anything 1mo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo

53 likes4 comments

catiewithac

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

I‘m in agreement with other readers that this isn‘t Nancy‘s strongest mystery. I found the dangers of dehydration and riding horses on mountain trails really scary though! The treatment of native peoples and culture is problematic now but probably considered progressive in the 1930s. Hopefully, the next book is better. Happy reading!

Librarybelle

Librarybelle Let‘s hope it is better! 1mo

43 likes1 comment

Deblovestoread

The Secret of Shadow Ranch #5 | Carolyn Keene

pick

#NancyDrewBR

Phantom horses and a treasure hunt equal another fun outing with Nancy and her friends. Not as much danger as the first 4 books and I cringed a little with the “costumes” for the dance but a fun read.

The other pic is my new needle safe. I thought Nancy Drew fans and #LitsyCrafters would get a kick out of it.

Librarybelle Lovely needle safe!! 1mo

bthegood love the needle safe 🙂 1mo

Crazeedi Very cool needle safe!! 1mo

AmyG That is awesome. 1mo

57 likes4 comments

lauraisntwilder

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

For everyone doing the #NancyDrewBR, I just discovered there's a video game based on this one.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/572740/Nancy_Drew_The_Secret_of_Shadow_Ranch/

There's a whole series of these video games, apparently. This one is at least 20 years old and doesn't look like it has aged well. The trailer was entertaining to watch though!

PurpleyPumpkin Wow, I had no idea there were ND video games! Very interesting. 🕵️ 1mo

Librarybelle Thanks for posting this!! 1mo

16 likes2 comments

MariaW

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

I don‘t know what to make out of this one. The narrative with the curse was very interesting and would have been enough for me. I don‘t understand why there has to be a second narrative that mysteriously tangled to the first one? It is complete unnecessary and most explanations unlikely. I wonder if the series goes on like this? If yes, then it is quite foreseeable.

Librarybelle The second mystery was not needed, in my opinion 1mo

50 likes1 comment

CogsOfEncouragement

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pan

This original 1931 version was a bit boring. Lots of the girls getting lost on the trails near the ranch, or getting caught in a storm. This felt more like a story with wild coincidences at the end rather than a mystery. Discussing it with the #NancyDrewBR is fun though and I certainly don‘t 👎🏻 that!

Librarybelle I‘m so curious about the 1931 version after reading the comments about it, just for a good comparison to the 1965! 1mo

bookandbedandtea @Librarybelle I'm still planning to read the 60s version, since they were so different, but I'm not sure I'll manage. I feel really behind on a few group reads this month. 😵‍💫 I think the next one is the last that I have both versions of, so I want to try to experience both while I can. 🤞🏻 1mo

Librarybelle @bookandbedandtea Good luck! 1mo

31 likes3 comments

lauraisntwilder

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

I liked that Nancy left River Heights and found a mystery somewhere else. Even in this updated edition, the language was a bit dated in some parts (but definitely could've been worse). The overlapping mysteries were simpler than in previous books, but I enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and all the rides on mountain trails. And I got to "meet" George and Bess! #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle The scenery description was terrific! 1mo

23 likes1 comment

Ruthiella

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

For those #NancyDrewBR #LittenDetectives keeping count every time she gets coshed on the noggin! 😂😂😂

DebinHawaii, Librarybelle

DebinHawaii @Librarybelle @dabbe @Read4life Love it! 🤣 Love it! We have agreed on the following hash tags: #NancyNogginKnockout or #NNK 1mo

Librarybelle @DebinHawaii @Read4life @dabbe @Ruthiella Perfect!!! 😂 (edited) 1mo

Read4life Yes! I love it! #NNK 😂😂 1mo

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TheBookHippie 🤣🤣🤣🤣 1mo

dabbe And the current score is #threeoffive #nancyisstillalive 🤩😂🤩 1mo

kwmg40 Nancy is indestructible! 😂 1mo

Bookwormjillk 🤣🤣🤣 As a sports mom the ignored traumatic brain injuries really stands out! 1mo

jlhammar That is awesome 😂 1mo

Bookwomble This reminded me of Jerry Seinfeld's "Helmets" routine ? https://youtu.be/xgOUgrOHuFc?si=TcGcExAXFV7GTeY_ 1mo

69 likes9 comments

DebinHawaii

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

Finished on Sunday for #NancyDrewBR I am giving this one a very soft pick, rounded up solely for nostalgia. I like that we have George & Bess now, even if their intro lacked (as did the mention of Ned that just dropped in). The mysteries lacked a bit & the problematic racism, cultural appropriation & fat shaming that appear in the 60s version are not great. Still, I love Nancy & these books with the good & bad, are a throwback to childhood days.⬇️

Librarybelle

DebinHawaii …And in other notes, my unofficial “Nancy Noggin Knockout” count is that Nancy has been knocked unconscious in 3 out of the 5 books so far-including this one from a fall from her horse. Still worrying about her head! (And Carson Drew & Helen Corning‘s heads as they are also on the board!) 🤕😱 (edited) 1mo

Librarybelle I think we seriously need to keep a “Nancy Noggin Knockout” count! 1mo

dabbe Seriously needs to be a hashtag: #nancynogginknockout or the ol‘ #nnk Perfection! 🤩🤩🤩 1mo

DebinHawaii @dabbe @Librarybelle @Ruthiella @Read4life #NancyNogginKnockout or #NNK counts it is! 🤣🤣🤣 1mo

Librarybelle 😂 1mo

47 likes5 comments

MariaW

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

I am trying to keep up with my Nancy Drew reading - a bit late for today‘s discussion. But then I came across Ned - who is he? It sounds like he is Nancy‘s love interest, but he never came up before. And why is he in Europe?
I just went through a word search of the four first books to check if I missed something. But there wasn‘t anything. 🙈

DGRachel You didn‘t miss anything. They dropped a random mention of him in this book out of nowhere. Ned is Nancy‘s boyfriend and he‘ll come up a lot more in later books. 1mo

Librarybelle I thought the mention was so bizarre, since he has yet to be introduced in the series! Like @DGRachel said, you did not miss anything. 1mo

MariaW @DGRachel @Librarybelle What a weird way to introduce a character. 🤦‍♀️ (edited) 1mo

35 likes3 comments

DGRachel

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

Oh, Nancy. You are not aging well. The “subtle” ads for other books in the series are starting to irritate. The mystery is even more predictable than the earlier books, and I swear I‘ve seen this as a Scooby-Doo episode. 😂 The cultural appropriation was not funny, though, and I could feel my blood boil as Nancy & Co. went shopping for authentic “squaw dresses” as party costumes. 🤦🏻‍♀️ #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle

Librarybelle Who knows…it could have been a Scooby Doo episode! 😂 1mo

DGRachel @Librarybelle It was probably more than one! Ghost town? Haunted ranch? I‘m sure there were multiple episodes with these settings. 🤣🤣 1mo

45 likes2 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

#LittenDetectives : it‘s time to discuss this month‘s #NancyDrewBR !

I have 5 questions posted as spoilers that can be found on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR . This month‘s book & the varying editions made it a little hard for specific discussion points, so I posted some generic ones. Answer whenever, & feel free to post other thoughts in the comments.

Thanks for reading with me! Look for info about next month tomorrow!

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, DGRachel, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, PurpleyPumpkin, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, catiewithac, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, mrp27, Deblovestoread, lauraisntwilder, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, bookandbedandtea, Laughterhp, Bren912, kwmg40, jlhammar, CSeydel, Ruthiella, inthegreensandblues, dabbe, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, julieclair

Ruthiella Thanks for the great questions! 😃 1mo

mrp27 Never realized the editions were so different but I guess it makes sense to update. 1mo

MariaW Only one day late this time! 🙈🤣🙈 1mo

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Librarybelle Thanks! You‘re welcome, @Ruthiella ! 1mo

Librarybelle @mrp27 I was amazed at how staggering the differences were! 1mo

Librarybelle @MariaW Totally fine! 1mo

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Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

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5. During last month's discussion, @thebookhippie provided a couple of great articles regarding Nancy Drew, from racist depictions to book banning Nancy (links in comments).

I also came across an article about Nancy Drew and prejudice, race, and ablest narratives within the books (link in comments).

I think we're all balancing the enjoyment of reading these while acknowledging the issues presented. Any thoughts to share? #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle Articles from Christine:
https://electricliterature.com/the-not-so-hidden-racism-of-nancy-drew/

https://blog.newspapers.com/nancy-drew-and-the-attempted-banishment/ 1mo

Librarybelle Article I found:

https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2023/04/17/revisiting-nancy-drew-from-a-modern-... 1mo

Bookwormjillk I haven‘t had a chance to read these yet, but this was on my mind with the Native Americans and their artifacts present in this one. Thanks for the articles. 1mo

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jlhammar Really interesting articles. Thanks for sharing! 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement 1931. No Native Americans mentioned. George prides herself on being boyish & Nancy encourages her in being herself on pg 4. Bess: noted for always doing the correct thing, dignity & composure, dressed w/care & taste. Nancy Drew: could not be termed beautiful. It is explained in just one sentence that all the girls get tan, & gain weight on the ranch from their activities when they had been there for awhile. I understood them to be stronger. 1mo

Ruthiella As @dabbe pointed out in her review, the term squaw is offensive and there are other aspects which jar with a modern reader. But these don‘t bother me. The 1950/60s versions reflect the time in which they were written. 1mo

mrp27 I cringed a bit in this one with language and “costumes”. Articles really gave interesting perspectives. 1mo

DGRachel It‘s been so long since I first read these and I just didn‘t remember them being so…in tune with the times in which they were written. I‘m really struggling with the racism and a lot of the character depictions - even more so than I thought I would. I‘ll have to go back and read the articles. 1mo

DebinHawaii I liked what it said in the last article, “But Nancy, Bess, and George themselves remained barrier breakers. Because they were revolutionary for their time. I gave each book an honest review, because yes, we can love things while pointing out their problematic elements at the same time. In spite of all the warts of the original series, these characters paved the way for today‘s Nancy Bess, and George.” I agree that I can still like the books… ⬇️ 1mo

DebinHawaii … & treasure what they were to my childhood while recognizing & discussing the problematic parts. 1mo

dabbe @Ruthiella That's why I find banning books so infuriating or changing them to make them more acceptable. Part of reading books like these is to see the POV of the time period so that we can face it and talk about it. Side note: Squaw Peak in Phoenix was renamed Piestewa Peak in 2003, after Lori Piestewa, the 1st Native American woman to die in combat in the US military, and the 1st woman killed in the 2003 Iraq War. 1mo

kwmg40 When I read these books as a child, I was totally oblivious to the racism and other problematic aspects. It's definitely harder to read passages about the costume party and the teasing of Bess about her eating habits without cringing a little. Well, the books do reflect the era! 1mo

lauraisntwilder I wasn't surprised to see "indian," but "squaw" made me grimace. It's par for the course, reading books this old, but I do wonder if they could add an introduction for young readers. 1mo

MariaW I think it is a good idea to rewrite those novels. Even now certain terms made me cringe even we as adults are able to read them critically with our knowledge of that time and recognition of how society‘s perception changed through time. But is a young reader to do that? Most of them are just consuming what they are reading. 1mo

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @jlhammar @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @dabbe @kwmg40 @lauraisntwilder @MariaW Lucy Worsley‘s interviewed an English professor discussing Agatha Christie and the prejudice/racism in her novels…how do you revere an author with clear biases was the gist of the question. The professor said something much like Deb said in her response - we can love the novels but acknowledge the issues with the books. 1mo

AnneCecilie I read a translated version so I don‘t remember anything and as @CogsOfEncouragement states the 1931 edition seems to have less of it. 1mo

20 likes16 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

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4. As in past books in the series, Nancy has two mysteries to solve- which is true in both the original and the revised texts. Yet, the mysteries in both are somewhat different. What mysteries did Nancy have to solve in the edition you read, and what do you think of the methods Nancy takes to solve them? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk In my edition she was looking for the phantom/treasure/saboteur and Alice‘s dad. I liked how she figured out about the phosphorescent paint and the light in the pump house. 1mo

jlhammar It didn‘t feel right to not have a mystery tied to a Carson Drew case! I liked how Nancy used her chemistry knowledge to solve the phantom horse mystery. Also kind of fun to have the pastels lead to Alice‘s father. 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement 1931. There is a man named Ross who is socially awkward. A girl named Alice is a relative of George and Bess and joins them at the ranch. Alice‘s dad went missing years ago. There is a nearby cottage with a neglected and abused young girl living with a woman named Martha. An intimidating man named Zany is around. Nancy asks for help via telegram to dig up news articles and determines the girl had been kidnapped… 1mo

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CogsOfEncouragement …Nancy has a lawyer question Martha. She confesses Zany took the girl for ransom years ago. At that time, Zany feared a bystander (Ross) to intervene and hits him in the head. Martha & Zany flee leaving Ross for dead. Ross lives but lost his memory, relocated to town near the ranch. Ross is Alice‘s missing father. Martha & Zany are let go, (WHY!?!) and the kidnapped girl goes with Alice and Ross to live HEA since her folks are since deceased. 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement I was struck by how difficult it used to be to communicate and do research. I have never sent a telegram but I of course used to write letters and certainly employed microfiche for research papers. 1mo

Ruthiella Nancy always uses her smarts to make deductions and follow clues…like how she found both the green bottle and ultimately the treasure. 👍 1mo

mrp27 I don‘t care for the second mysteries that always crop up. Sometimes it works and sometimes it just seems unnecessary. 1mo

DGRachel I did like the solution to the spectral horse, but the way everything else was solved just relied too much on chance and coincidence. “We‘re searching for treasure and Surprise! There‘s Alice‘s dad tied up in a cabin! 😱” I did like the decoy treasure dig, though. That was clever, even if it ultimately failed. 1mo

DebinHawaii @CogsOfEncouragement More head injuries… I feel like everyone needs helmets! 🤕 1mo

DebinHawaii I liked how she put together the phantom horse too. Nancy using that science for mysteries & baking cakes! 😉 The other mysteries in the 60s were a little weak & it also seems like the villains do things in the most convoluted ways in these books. 1mo

TheAromaofBooks I usually am pretty willing to roll with coincidences, but they were VERY heavy-handed in this one, especially in the 1930s edition that out of all the places Alice's amnesia-dad would end up just HAPPENS to be this random tiny town on the other side of the country where she is going to spend the summer?? I was also confused by one point acting like Alice was 7-8 when her dad disappeared, yet later her saying she was too young to remember what he⬇ 1mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) looks like?? Wouldn't she at least have seen pictures of him?? To not even say, “wow this guy looks like my dad“ felt strange. 1mo

kwmg40 I liked the science references in this story but the mysteries didn't grab me like the ones in the previous books. 1mo

AmandaBlaze 1965. Solving the mystery of the phantom horse, finding the lost treasure, and finding Alice's father. 1mo

lauraisntwilder Like @DGRachel said, I don't think she solves anything for Alice. It's sort of like they all keep humoring Alice, but don't really believe her until they stumble across her dad. 1mo

MariaW I‘ve read the 60ies version as well. I really like the mystery revolving around the old curse. I always like it when superstition can be solved with normal explanations. But I think the second mystery was unnecessary and unlikely. Why does there always have to be second mystery that is somehow tangled to the major one? Why not elaborate on the curse? 1mo

dabbe @MariaW I agree 💯! 1mo

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @jlhammar @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @TheAromaofBooks @kwmg40 @AmandaBlaze @lauraisntwilder @MariaW @dabbe Great responses! I read the 1965 and certainly missed the Carson Drew tie-in! I agree that it seemed like the second mystery of Alice‘s missing dad was just kind of tagged onto the story, and stumbling upon him was not really solving. Loved the science in solving the phantom horse! 1mo

AnneCecilie @CogsOfEncouragement made a perfect summery of the mysteries in the edition that I read. It felt like the conclusions came out of nowhere towards the end. 1mo

Roary47 I have nothing to add you all said it so well. 🥰 3w

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Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

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3. We (finally!) meet George and Bess, thankfully in both the original and revised texts. What are your thoughts on them? How do they help Nancy solve the mystery (or mysteries)? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk They really liked to talk about how much Bess was eating 🙄 1mo

jlhammar Fun sidekicks, I guess. I feel like we should have gotten a better introduction. They (and Ned!) were written as if they‘d been there all along. 1mo

bookandbedandtea @Bookwormjillk Yes! That's constant through the whole series- a very big deal about how much Bess is eating. 🙄 And that she's always on the lookout for a handsome man to spend time with. I'm relating strongly to Bess this time around. 1mo

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CogsOfEncouragement 1931. They don‘t really help Nancy in this one. They are not nearly as brave or accomplished as Nancy. Maybe the point was to see them grow in skill and confidence through the series. 1mo

Ruthiella They‘re her support crew! Bess to advise caution and George to provide muscle when needed and both can do footwork. It is funny how they are introduced as if they were always a part of Nancy‘s crew @jlhammar ! And I guess Helen got married and stopped associating with single Nancy? 🤔 1mo

mrp27 I was so excited to get to George and Bess but was ultimately disappointed. I agree with @jlhammar that they were just dropped in the story like they had already been there. For being best friends this book had been their only mention. That being said, I‘m glad they are in the book and I look forward to reading more books with them in it. 1mo

DGRachel Like everyone else, I was thrilled to get Bess and George finally, and it was jarring to get no introduction to them. The one casual reference to Ned had me scratching my head, too. Bess being plump and boy-crazy is another one of the elements that hasn‘t aged well and I found it very cringy. 😔 1mo

DebinHawaii Yep, was waiting for George & Bess & it was a bit of a letdown how they were introduced for sure. And the casually dropped Ned mention that he‘d be jealous when he hasn‘t come up before. 🤔 And I also forgot all the weight shaming of Bess. 🫣 1mo

TheAromaofBooks The 30s edition didn't mention Ned at all (that I remember) and I also don't feel like it was particularly fixated on Bess eating, although maybe my brain just glossed over it 😂 1mo

Read4life As many others have said, I was disappointed in how we met Bess & George. I also forgot (or didn‘t realize at such a young age) how many comments there are about Bess in regards to food and boys. 1mo

kwmg40 I agree with everyone else that, while it was great to finally see Bess and George, they just seemed to show up out of nowhere. 1mo

AmandaBlaze Helen had more of a backstory than Bess and George. As for all the mention of Bess and food, I remember describing her as “pleasantly plump“ in later books. 1mo

lauraisntwilder I feel like Helen was a more well-rounded character, but maybe they grow? 1mo

julieclair I agree with everyone about George an Bess, and Bess‘s eating. I kind of missed Helen. 1mo

MariaW For me as a first time reader of the novels they seemed like the regular secondary characters Nancy meets in all her adventures like Emily in The Mystery at Lilac Inn. Old friends that are mentioned to give Nancy are reason to be there. I am looking forward to get to know them beeter in the next novels. What stroke me weird was the mentioning of Ned out of the blue. 1mo

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @jlhammar @bookandbedandtea @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @TheAromaofBooks @Read4life @kwmg40 @AmandaBlaze @lauraisntwilder @julieclair @MariaW The random Ned reference in the 1965 edition was bizarre, as if we were supposed to know him from earlier books! 1mo

mrp27 @Librarybelle Agreed! At first I thought I had missed something in the previous. So random just plopping him in at the end. 1mo

Librarybelle @mrp27 Me too! But then I realized that he‘s also completely new, like George and Bess. Just an odd way to introduce him. 1mo

AnneCecilie I agree with everyone else here. They were just suddenly there. I don‘t remember them from reading Nancy Drew in my teen years, and I don‘t remember any mention of Ned. 1mo

Roary47 I‘m just glad they are here now. When I think Nancy, I think Bess and George. I think this is the problem with the Ghostwriting @jlhammar @Ruthiella @mrp27 randomly placing characters 5 books in as if they were always there. I wasn‘t aware they were shaming Bess I always pictured Bess like @AmandaBlaze said and I related to her. I love food! 😋 3w

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Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

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2. Think about the adventures/dangers presented in this addition to the series. Compare to the past 4 books we have read. How do the adventures/dangers Nancy faces compare or contrast to the prior books? Which episode in Shadow Ranch was the most memorable for you? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk This one didn‘t seem as dire as the last. Nancy keeps sustaining head trauma and then going back to work though. The sports mom in me does not approve! All of the horse stuff seemed exciting here. Nancy was quick thinking when they crossed the stream, 1mo

jlhammar Being stranded in the desert without water (when the car overheated towards the start) thanks to shady Shorty was pretty memorable. Overall perhaps not quite as danger-filled as the previous few. Honestly, it‘s more the clothes and the food that stand out to me. Of course Nancy can bake a fabulous chocolate cake! 1mo

bookandbedandtea In the 30s version, Nancy and the girls have encounters with lots of dangerous wildlife but none of those encounters feel scary. They do cross a rising river at one point which feels scary. (But it also felt pretty dumb 😬) 1mo

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CogsOfEncouragement 1931. The girls get lost on the trails nearby a couple times. They need to spend the night in a cave. I had to remind myself I am not the intended audience when I got bored with this. lol Nancy is in the grasp of a bad guy for only a moment, she gets a good punch in under his chin and easily gets away. 1mo

Ruthiella This was on par for me adventure wise. The first two books were pretty tame compared to the following three. It seems like the instructions to the ghost writers was to have Nancy in peril at least every other chapter! 😆 1mo

mrp27 Not quite as intense as previous books but I liked the scenery change and that the dangers came from nature. 1mo

DGRachel 10 year old me has such different memories of Nancy Drew. 😂 For me now, this was definitely not a strong mystery and the perils are becoming repetitive. Of course, when Nancy is in danger all the time as @Ruthiella noted, the authors are probably running out of ideas. 🤣🤣 1mo

DebinHawaii I agree—the stakes felt lower this book. Probably most dramatic/traumatic were the high creek crossing, desert car stranding & Nancy falling from her horse & getting knocked out. (fyi, my Nancy Noggin Knockout count is 3/5 books so far for Nancy only not including Helen & Carson Drew‘s potential concussions… )🤕😱 1mo

TheAromaofBooks In the 30s edition there was an entire chapter of them being “stalked“ by a mountain lion that I believe may have been written by someone who had done 0% mountain lion research 😂 1mo

Read4life @DebinHawaii Nancy Noggin Knockout! 😂😂 1mo

kwmg40 I thought the dangers from mother nature (being caught in the desert without water, crossing the river) were more perilous and interesting than the encounters with the bad guys. 1mo

AmandaBlaze It wasn't as suspenseful, but I still had a lot of childhood nostalgia while reading the book. My love of horses was huge. 1mo

lauraisntwilder @TheAromaofBooks Why does the idea of a poorly researched mountain lion chapter make me want to seek out the 30s version?! 😂 1mo

lauraisntwilder The danger in this one wasn't as dramatic, but that made it feel more dangerous to me. It's much more realistic to get stranded beside the road with no water in the desert heat than to narrowly escape your cabin before a time bomb goes off. 1mo

TheAromaofBooks @lauraisntwilder - I just... I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure you don't hear a mountain lion's footsteps following you?? Aren't they supposed to be pretty much silent when they are stalking their prey?? 1mo

bookandbedandtea @TheAromaofBooks @lauraisntwilder That's exactly what I was thinking as I read it, Sarah! If a mountain lion is stalking you, you don't know it! My parents have wildlife cameras around their cabin here in Colorado and occasionally we'll see bears and mountain lions on photos when we were there but we sure didn't know they were there! 1mo

julieclair I think the perils in this one felt a bit more realistic (1960s version). Maybe because they came from nature more often than from the bad guys. 1mo

MariaW I think the rockslide seemed very dangerous. I found the ending of the chapter „An escaped dog“ with the huge surge of water sweeping over Nancy and her horse was somewhat left as a cliffhanger for the next chapter, but was then banalized at the beginning of the next one. I thought she might have to fight her way back to the surface or looses her horse or something. Instead she just went on rescuing Bess. 🤦‍♀️ 1mo

dabbe @jlhammar Well, she is excellent at chemistry, too, right? Maybe she channeled Elizabeth Zott's baking expertise from LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. 🤩😃😂 1mo

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk @jlhammar @bookandbedandtea @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @TheAromaofBooks @Read4life @kwmg40 @AmandaBlaze @lauraisntwilder @julieclair @MariaW @dabbe I felt the 1965 adventures were not as intense as in past books, but I agree that they seem more realistic. No water in the desert…yikes! 1mo

AnneCecilie The tension wasn‘t so high in this one, there was more focus on horse riding and learning to ride a horse. And maybe that was okey after two high tension books? 1mo

Roary47 I agree that it was more about food. @jlhammar the most memorable was her baking. @TheAromaofBooks there are mountain lions in Arizona. I think there is two roaming the mountains near my house after the big horns we have, but I agree they probably wouldn‘t stalk someone. It would have been nice to have kept all the wild animals everyone is mentioning. The real perils it seems are just exposure, and the rockslide, but those are scary 😱 3w

TheAromaofBooks @Roary47 - I was mostly confused because everything I've ever read talks about how silent and hard-to-see mountain lions are, but in Nancy's adventure, they could hear its footsteps stalking them through the brush. I feel like in real life it would have dropped out of a tree onto one of them before they knew it was there!! But it was all in good fun to make the story exciting; I'm sure I found that thrilling when I was younger haha 3w

23 likes23 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

This post contains spoilers

show me

1. We have seen in prior novels how much the story line between the original edition & the revised edition(s) has changed. For this month's book, the plot lines between the original (1931) & the revised (1965-present) are vastly different, one might even say completely different books with similar-ish titles.

Take a look at the edition information: http://www.nancydrewsleuth.com/mysterystories.html

Which edition did you read? #NancyDrewBR

jlhammar 1965, but, as always, very curious about the earlier edition. Sounds so different! 1mo

Bookwormjillk My library has the 1965 editions but I am so curious to go back and try the original ones. 1mo

PurpleyPumpkin I had no idea that volumes 1-34 were revised! And here I thought I was reading the original story when I was actually reading the later version. Wow! Thanks for tagging the website @Librarybelle! 1mo

See All 25 Comments

bookandbedandtea I read the 30s version- I meant to read both but haven't gotten to the 60s one yet- and it's full of adventure (see encounters with a lynx, bear, snake, and cougar) but at the same time it felt like nothing was happening for most of the book. 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement 1931. Lots of the girls getting lost on the trails near the ranch, or getting caught in a storm. Nancy carries a gun sometimes and shoots a snake and a lynx. This felt more like a story with wild coincidences at the end rather than a mystery. 1mo

Ruthiella I read the 60s version, which I‘m sticking to because they are the ones I read/would have read as a kid. The extensive revision is interesting. And yet it doesn‘t matter in many ways. Nancy is an icon who can be reinvented for each new generation. 1mo

mrp27 I read the 60‘s version. I agree with @Ruthiella that in the end the revisions don‘t really matter as Nancy is iconic no matter what. The revisions are interesting in the sense of how time has changed things. 1mo

DGRachel Wow! I read the 60s version because it‘s what my library had, but it hardly sounds like the same book at all! I‘m not sure I could tolerate a book with even more stereotypes, though, so I think I‘ll stick to the “revised” versions. I‘m curious, though, if the 30s books are more or less Scooby-Doo like. 🤔 1mo

DebinHawaii My library has the 60s versions too. Wow, such big plot differences between the two! 1mo

TheAromaofBooks @CogsOfEncouragement - “story with wild coincidences at the end rather than a mystery“ - yes!!! The 1930s edition did not feel particularly cohesive, and it felt like they had the same basic altercation with Martha repeatedly without accomplishing anything. I was left feeling very !??!!? with some of the way plot lines were “resolved“ 😂 I still enjoyed it, but this was not a strong installment of the series! 1mo

Read4life I read the 1960s version and thought it just fell flat. 1mo

kwmg40 Like @Ruthiella, I'm reading the revised versions, as I'd wanted to reread the ones I had read as a child. I might try one of the 1930's versions to compare. 1mo

AmandaBlaze The revised version, and I think I read the same version as a kid. 1mo

julieclair I read the 1960s version. There were less crazy adventures in this one (no submarines!), but I enjoyed the ranch setting. I got a kick out of the stereotypical “cowboy” dialogue! 😂 1mo

MariaW I‘ve read the 1960ies version. I think the older one is not available as an ebook. 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement @TheAromaofBooks @bookandbedandtea Agreed. They didn't seem to have enough of a plot to fill out their 25 ch / 200 pp framework. I think even as a young reader this may have been a bit boring w/them lost on the trail - again. Even a conversation between the girls to highlight their characters would have been appreciated. More details about the dance could have been fun too to take up pages. (edited) 1mo

bookandbedandtea You're both so right that there was very little plot in this book, just a series of mountain/ horse riding/ wildlife adventures with the occasional trip to town. It would have been a great opportunity, as @CogsOfEncouragement suggests, for more conversation among the girls to flesh out the story and even some background for Bess and George and their friendship with Nancy. @TheAromaofBooks 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement @bookandbedandtea @thearomaofbooks thanks for replying. I truly enjoy this community and these discussions. 1mo

Librarybelle @jlhammar @Bookwormjillk @PurpleyPumpkin @bookandbedandtea @CogsOfEncouragement @Ruthiella @mrp27 @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @TheAromaofBooks @Read4life @kwmg40 @AmandaBlaze @julieclair @MariaW Isn‘t it wild how different the two versions are?!? 1mo

CogsOfEncouragement Was there a dance in 1965? In 1931 the girls enjoy a dance in the nearby small town. The girls all end up with suitors. Nancy‘s is a doctor and when he comes out to the ranch for a visit he ends up being a great help to the neglected, abused, kidnapped girl. No mention of Ned in 1931. 1mo

Librarybelle @CogsOfEncouragement There was, and one of the ranch hands (who had his own secrets, but ends up on Nancy‘s side) is Nancy‘s “date.” 1mo

bookandbedandtea @CogsOfEncouragement I'm really enjoying these discussions too! 🩷 1mo

AnneCecilie I read the 1931 edition 1mo

Deblovestoread I read the 1965 version and am surprised it is so different from the original. 1mo

Roary47 @julieclair As an Arizonan I was like why did they have so much cowboy references? Then I remembered it was in the past when we were the Wild West too. 🤣 @CogsOfEncouragement It seems like they were staying true to the landscape there. I can‘t tell you how many times I got lost on a trail out here. 😅 3w

21 likes25 comments

jlhammar

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

So much kidnapping in these books! 😆 Probably my least favorite in the series so far. We go from an inn being sabotaged in the last book to a ranch being sabotaged in this one. Seems like they could have been a bit more creative. Fun setting though. I kind of missed Carson Drew and Hannah.

#NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle

Librarybelle It was weird to read one without any Carson Drew and very minimal Hannah interactions! 1mo

Ruthiella And dognapping! 🐶 1mo

Cathythoughts Great cover 👏🏻 1mo

67 likes3 comments

Read4life

The Secret of Shadow Ranch #5 | Carolyn Keene

so-so

This one just fell flat for me. #NancyDrewBR discussion coming up soon.
#BookSpinBingo #SeriesLove2024

Librarybelle, Andrew65, TheSpineView, TheAromaofBooks

CogsOfEncouragement Wow. What a cover. 1mo

Librarybelle Agreed! 1mo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 1mo

TheSpineView Well done! 1mo

54 likes4 comments

dabbe

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

so-so

#NancyDrewBR
@Librarybelle
Maybe because I'm a native Phoenician, I liked this one the least so far. Too many stereotypical devices to count. We don't say “hombre“ or “sandstorm“ (it's a dust storm or haboob)--nor do we say “squaw“, which crudely refers to female genitalia. Dude ranches existed primarily around Wickenburg (The Dude Capital of the West in the 1950s), which is an hour NW of Phoenix. It was hard for me to take this story seriously.

kspenmoll Thanks for your input- I would have no clue about some things you mentioned. I am starting it tonight. 1mo

dabbe @kspenmoll It still has all the ND bells and whistles, and I hated to be a Phoenician-snob, but ... 🤩😃😍 1mo

Librarybelle Definitely not the strongest in my series, in my opinion 1mo

See All 9 Comments

dabbe @Librarybelle Still a fun romp through the meadow, though! 🤩😃😍 1mo

Ruthiella But you do have secret passageways on all your horse ranches…right? Right? 1mo

Aimeesue @Ruthiella Lol! One would hope so! 1mo

dabbe @Ruthiella Of course! 🤩😂😍 1mo

Yuki_Onna But the cover...!!! 🤩👏 Spooky! 1mo

dabbe @Yuki_Onna 🤩😱😂 1mo

57 likes9 comments

Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

Sadly, not my favorite of the series so far. Maybe it‘s because the dangers Nancy faces are not as intense as in prior books…kidnapping and dust storms and falling from a horse are dangers for sure, but compared to other books, well…

I like how Nancy brings in chemistry to this one, which highlights the sciences for girls.

Discussion on Friday the 15th, #LittenDetectives ! #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle #52BookClub24 #WrittenByAGhostwriter @BarbaraBB @Kristy_K @LaraReads @KarenUK @Hooked_on_books @BarkingMadRead @Crazeedi @brittanyreads @Graciouswarriorprincess @Magpiegem @BookBelle84 @Larkken 1mo

Librarybelle @jenniferw88 @julesG @Deblovestoread @MidnightBookGirl @triplem80 @Tove_Reads @slategreyskies @Read4life @Bluebird @kwmg40 @eeclayton @hissingpotatoes @Book_Lover95 @TheAromaofBooks 1mo

Ruthiella I like how the bad guys are sign-posted pretty much from the start. 🤣 I think that might be to allow the child reader to help “solve” the mystery. I knew that Shorty guy was shifty! 1mo

See All 16 Comments

Librarybelle @Ruthiella 😂 True! 1mo

Hooked_on_books I love that you feel Nancy isn‘t imperiled enough. 😂 1mo

Librarybelle @Hooked_on_books It‘s so weird! The last two books were pretty heavy with danger. This one…not so much! 😂 1mo

TheAromaofBooks I can't believe we read two totally separate books! 😂 1mo

Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks The discussion will be so bizarre! 😂 1mo

AmandaBlaze I remember loving this one as a kid as I was horse crazy back then. In comparison to the last few, it doesn't have quite as much action. Then again, she was on vacation. lol
I was happy to see Bess and George. 1mo

TheAromaofBooks For real!! I'm pretty sure that nothing that happened in your book happened in mine except for going to a ranch and riding some horses! 😆 1mo

Librarybelle So happy to see Bess and George, @AmandaBlaze ! 1mo

Librarybelle @TheAromaofBooks 😂 1mo

Bookwormjillk This one seemed shorter than the others, but also it dragged. This is the first one where I started feeling a little bored. 1mo

Bluebird Lol! I‘m the odd one out. This is my favorite so far. However, i think it may be due to the change in media. The prior ones I read on my kindle app. This one I read via the audiobook. Laura Linney‘s narration was wonderful. I‘m hoping to get other audiobooks-but most have long library wait lists. 1mo

Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk It didn‘t feel shorter for me, but I can relate to the thought of it dragging a bit. 1mo

Librarybelle @Bluebird That‘s the beauty of reading - everyone thinks differently!!! I get the Laura Linney audio version would be perfect. 1mo

77 likes16 comments

TheAromaofBooks

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

Wow, reading the GR synopsis made me realize that my 1931 edition is LITERALLY an entirely different story from the later version! Maybe that's because this one didn't have a super cohesive mystery. It's mostly Nancy and her friends riding around mountains getting almost eaten by wild animals 😂 I was cracking up at the way some of the situations resolved themselves at the end (wife of husband with amnesia perfectly happy he's coming home with a ⬇

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) random little girl he adopted who is also an heiress and is going to have no complications or difficulty establishing who she is and I guess they'll just hand over the kid and all her money to this couple?!?!!? LOL)

BUT it's still great fun, even if I apparently missed out on a great phantom horse mystery in the later edition!!

@Librarybelle (edited) 1mo

TheAromaofBooks #SeriesLove2024 @TheSpineView @Andrew65
#100YearsofBooks (1931)
#ReadtheUSA2024 - Arizona
#BookChain
#52BookClub24 - “Secret“ in title
#BookSpinBingo 1mo

TheSpineView Awesome! 1mo

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle That sounds so different from the 1960s version! 😮 1mo

bookandbedandtea I've been thinking the same thing! Others have mentioned aspects of the story that bear no relation to what I'm reading! I'm hoping to finish this today and then read the 60s version real quick. 🤞🏻 @Librarybelle 1mo

BarkingMadRead Oh wow! I have the 60s version, that‘s crazy! 1mo

68 likes6 comments

CogsOfEncouragement

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

#NancyDrewBR Happy to finally have George and Bess in the mix!

1 out of every 671 baby boys and 1 out of every 254,212 baby girls born in 2021 are named George.
- baby name uniqueness analyzer, datayze.com

Librarybelle Yes! Good to see George and Bess! 1mo

24 likes1 comment

AnneCecilie

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

pick

So many of my buddy readers have been looking forward to George and Bess so I‘m happy that we finally get to meet them.

Bess and George asks Nancy to join them when an aunt will travel to a ranch in Arizona. The aunt has inherited the ranch

The tension and expectations of bad things to happen, was for me gone in this one. There‘s more focus on horse riding. But that doesn‘t stop Nancy from solving a mystery or two

#NancyDrewBR
#BookSpin

Librarybelle, TheAromaofBooks

Librarybelle I like the cover! So different from the English versions! 1mo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1mo

53 likes2 comments

mrp27

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

#serieslove2024 #middlegrademarch

Once again thanks to hygge hour I‘m making progress on my reads. Finished this one and I was so happy to finally meet George and Bess. More of the same formulaic plot filled with phantoms and secret passages but this time at a ranch in Arizona.

Librarybelle, Andrew65, TheSpineView, sblbooks

TheSpineView Well done! 1mo

Librarybelle Hooray!!! And yes to finally meeting George and Bess! 1mo

33 likes2 comments

BarkingMadRead

Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

Finished my #doublebookspin and I‘m one away from an actual #bookspinbingo 😳 which is also my #bookspin 🎉 I‘m halfway through that book, woohoo! @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! Great progress!! I'm almost done with this one and am actually totally hooked! 😂 1mo

47 likes1 comment

Ruthiella

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

#NancyDrewBR

“That‘s why I think they won‘t do it again”, Nancy replied. Probably they‘ll pick on a different place. Good luck! If you run into trouble, yell!”

Sound advice learned from Carson Drew in the last book!!!🙄😂 Just scream really loud when you‘re in danger ‼️

Librarybelle

jlhammar 😂 1mo

Librarybelle 😂 😂😂 1mo

dabbe 😂😂😂 1mo

58 likes3 comments

bookandbedandtea

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

Appreciation post for the pictures at the front of the 1930s version. Nancy is apparently traveling with her gun again.🙃 And Bess will be in this one! 💗

Charityann I love these vintage illustrations!😃 1mo

Librarybelle ❤️❤️❤️ 1mo

julieclair Love these! 1mo

29 likes3 comments

DebinHawaii

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

#HyggeHourReadathon #Hygge

My #Naturalitsy #HyggeHour tonight is on the couch with blankets (blankets are underneath as it‘s 72 degrees F.) getting into the latest Nancy Drew for #NancyDrewBR while eating some Cadbury mini eggs. My favorite Easter candy.😋🐣

Mood is mellow, a bit tired & sad it‘s Monday already tomorrow.

TheBookHippie, jenniferw88, Librarybelle, Chrissyreadit, AllDebooks

AllDebooks 😍 2mo

Librarybelle I love how the mini eggs complement the cover of Nancy Drew! 2mo

Chrissyreadit 💛💛💛💛 I always struggle that it‘s Monday already. 2mo

JenReadsAlot Those are my favorite too!! 2mo

TheBookHippie Oh yum! It looks so pretty together. 2mo

57 likes1 stack add5 comments

LitsyEvents

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

@Librarybelle https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2709713

#LittenDetectives : we're two weeks away from the next #NancyDrewBR discussion! I'|I have questions posted on March 15th. I'm looking forward to visiting Shadow Ranch with Nancy and with you!

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 2mo

36 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

#LittenDetectives : we‘re two weeks away from the next #NancyDrewBR discussion! I‘ll have questions posted on March 15th. I‘m looking forward to visiting Shadow Ranch with Nancy and with you!

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2mo

Pageturner1 is there a google page to track reads? 2mo

TheBookHippie I‘m stilll trying to get a copy 👀🤷🏻‍♀️ 2mo

See All 23 Comments

BarkingMadRead Started it today! 2mo

Librarybelle @Pageturner1 Are you looking for the books in order? This has the books in order: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nancy_Drew_books . I apologize…I do not have a Google page or a special page set for the group. 2mo

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie I hope you find one soon! 2mo

Librarybelle @BarkingMadRead Yay!! 2mo

TheBookHippie @Librarybelle checking school library Monday 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️ but they‘ve weeded most of them. 😵‍💫 for ….wait for it….content 🤣🤣🤣🤣🫠 2mo

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie Ugh! So disappointing! 2mo

Roary47 I‘m hoping to finish book 4 tonight. 2mo

Librarybelle Awesome, @Roary47 ! 2mo

Pageturner1 no worries @Librarybelle just making sure not missing anything 2mo

Librarybelle @Pageturner1 Perfectly understandable! 2mo

bookandbedandtea I'm ready! I may start reading this weekend. 2mo

Librarybelle Hooray, @bookandbedandtea ! 2mo

TheAromaofBooks I love that Bess and George appear out of nowhere! 😂 Also from the first chapter - “You ride, don't you, Nancy?“ “Oh, a little.“ “That probably means you're a regular top-notcher at it.“ LOL Bess has Nancy's number 😆 2mo

tpixie @TheAromaofBooks 😂 good deduction Bess! 2mo

Librarybelle Bess for the win! 😂 @TheAromaofBooks @tpixie 2mo

tpixie @Librarybelle 🏆 2mo

Ruthiella Looking forward to running toward danger with Nancy again! 😱😂 2mo

Librarybelle @Ruthiella That Nancy! 2mo

Allylu After The Secret of Red Gate Farm, you will be caught up to me!! 2mo

Librarybelle @Allylu We‘re getting closer! 2mo

51 likes23 comments

LitsyEvents

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

The next #NancyDrewBR title is the fifth in the series, and #LittenDetectives, if we thought the extremely varied last book was interesting, this next read had a slight title alteration! The 1931 edition is the tagged, and the 1965 is The Secret of Shadow Ranch. Go figure! See @Librarybelle

https://www.litsy.com/web/book/234223/The-Secret-at-Shadow-Ranchhickleberrypunch...

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 2mo

38 likes1 comment

Librarybelle

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

The next #NancyDrewBR title is the fifth in the series, and #LittenDetectives , if we thought the extremely varied last book was interesting, this next read had a slight title alteration! The 1931 edition is the tagged, and the 1965 is The Secret of Shadow Ranch. Go figure!

Discussion will be March 15th! As always, if you would to be added or removed from the tag list, let me know!

rubyslippersreads, DebinHawaii, BarkingMadRead, Jennifer3, kspenmoll, TheBookHippie, PurpleyPumpkin, MariaW, CogsOfEncouragement, catiewithac, AnneCecilie, Born.A.Reader, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Bookwormjillk, Read4life, StayCurious, Laughterhp, Bren912, kwmg40, jlhammar, CSeydel, Ruthiella, inthegreensandblues, dabbe, Enchanted_Bibliophile, Allylu, TheAromaofBooks, Charityann, Roary47, Pageturner1, KristiAhlers, peanutnine, PageShifter, AmandaBlaze, julieclair

Librarybelle @LitsyEvents 2mo

TheBookHippie Still trying to find a copy 😝 may have to purchase. 2mo

Librarybelle @TheBookHippie I hope you find a copy! 2mo

See All 16 Comments

dabbe @TheBookHippie I'm having the same trouble with all of these books! 😱 2mo

julieclair I ended up buying books 3-5 on Thrift Books. 2mo

DGRachel Would you add me to the list? I grew up with Nancy Drew and this may be just what I need to get out of my reading slump! 2mo

bookandbedandtea It's interesting that they changed the preposition 🤔 2mo

Librarybelle @dabbe @julieclair I know I have the first several somewhere at my parents‘ house, in a box, but have not found them yet! Thankfully, I‘ve been able to borrow a digital copy from my library. 2mo

Librarybelle @DGRachel Will do!! Welcome! 2mo

Librarybelle @bookandbedandtea I know! I checked several sources just to make sure I wasn‘t completely blind. So bizarre! 2mo

Allylu Yay! After this one, you all will be caught up to me. Luckily, my library has a vast collection of Nancy Drew books! Happy Reading! 2mo

Librarybelle @Allylu 😁❤️ 2mo

KristiAhlers My copy has arrived! 2mo

Librarybelle Yay, @KristiAhlers ! 2mo

lauraisntwilder I'm in! Thank you! 2mo

Librarybelle Wonderful, @lauraisntwilder ! 2mo

53 likes16 comments

AmandaBlaze

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

This is the second book to feature Bess and George. It takes place on a ranch in the southwest where Nancy is pulled into three separate but connected mysteries. There's plenty of action, including a phantom horse and a rockslide.
@Librarybelle #NancyDrewBR
#SeriesLove2024 @Andrew65 @TheSpineView
#ReadAway2024 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
#Roll100 @PuddleJumper

AmandaBlaze Should have been a Pick review. 4.5 stars. 3mo

DieAReader 🥳Awesome! 3mo

TheSpineView Fantastic! 3mo

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle I remember reading this one! It‘ll be fun to revisit! 3mo

AmandaBlaze @Libraybelle I had a lot of memories of this one too. It might have been because I was horse cra,zy at that age. 3mo

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 3mo

33 likes6 comments

AmandaBlaze

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

Blanket, check. Pillows, check. Wine, check. Nancy Drew, check. I'm all #hygged out during the polar vortex or whatever it is. The high was only 5 degrees in Ohio.
@Alldebooks

28 likes

Allylu

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

Had to get this one in for March! A quick audiobook - 3 hours - but so entertaining to me. I have to laugh at the girls in their skirts & blouses and their sweater sets. The story is fun and there are bad guys and twists! #34 #BookSpin 3 BFC23 #SERIESLOVE2023 #MarchMadness #MiddleGradeMarch #ReadySetRead #Buzzword2023 #ReadtheStates

wanderinglynn, DieAReader, Clwojick, megnews, Andrew65, TheSpineView, sblbooks, TheAromaofBooks, GHABI4ROSES

TheSpineView Awesome! 13mo

Clwojick Well done! 13mo

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 13mo

DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 13mo

Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 13mo

25 likes1 stack add5 comments

SilverShanica

Nancy Drew 05: The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

so-so

Not my favourite, especially with the language about Native Americans, though it is understandable due to the time it was written.

5 likes

Morr_Books

Nancy Drew 05: The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

Completed my 4th read of the 24-hour readathon. Thought I needed a fun childhood mystery to listen to while I did some evening puzzling. It was made even better by Laura Linney's narration. @DeweysReadathon #readathon #audiopuzzling

43 likes

Juliwyant

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

Curling up with a fuzzy blanket & a cup of tea for some nostalgia reading :)

Deifio Looks exciting! I would have loved to read that when I was a kid! 4y

Sace Woo hoo! Another Nancy Drew fan! 4y

Curly_Reader A local book store by me had all the nancy Drew books for 50 cents each. I was like ❤️ 4y

See All 12 Comments

SW-T Welcome to Litsy 😊 4y

MaGoose It's been forever since I've read Nancy Drew books! Probably time I should scout some out and do a nostalgic reread, too. Welcome to Litsy. 4y

BethM Welcome to Litsy!! I don‘t read Nancy but I collect Trixie Belden! 4y

Juliwyant @BethM I love Trixie!!! Reading my way back through that series too! 4y

erzascarletbookgasm Brings back so much memories. Loved Nancy Drew! 4y

Nute You‘re taking me down memory lane. I am happy to accompany you!💕 4y

Bklover ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4y

CrowCAH Welcome to the Litsy family!!! 📚 4y

Juliwyant @Curly_Caffeinated_Reader Wow! That's a great find! Don't you just love it when that happens!!! I got all my old vintage ND copies at a thriftstore...but am missing quite a few of them. Have a list on my phone of the ones I'm missing....will fill in the gaps over time. :) Wish I could find Trixie Belden books as easily as ND....I have to order those online. 4y

40 likes12 comments

ravenlee

Nancy Drew 05: The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

pick

Always a fun adventure with Nancy! Admittedly, this requires suspension of disbelief, as two mysteries just HAPPEN to have everything to do with each other.

A brief mention of Ned, who doesn‘t actually appear until The Clue in the Diary, so minus points for continuity here.

ravenlee Number 10 for #nancydrewchallenge down! 5y

23 likes1 comment

Christinak

Nancy Drew 05: The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

“I‘ve never been to a rodeo, “ Alice said as they started out. “What‘s it like?”
Tex grinned. “Well, Dave here is going to flip some fancy #loops and so‘s Bud.”
“He means they are going to rope cows,” said Bess
“Steers,” Tex corrected.
#QuotsyFeb19
#NancyDrew

Crazeedi 💜💕❤️ 5y

42 likes1 stack add1 comment

saresmoore

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

Sharing an audiobook by the fire—doesn‘t get much better than this (for them and for me)! #raisingreaders

AshleyHoss820 AND SHE‘S KNITTING!? You‘re NAILING this parenting thing! (Or is it crocheting? I can‘t tell if there are two needles or one hook...) 😄 (edited) 5y

saresmoore @AshleyHoss820 Haha! Thanks! It‘s crochet. She can knit, too, which is impressive because knitting totally baffles me. 5y

cathysaid Is that Hobbes? 5y

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saresmoore @cathysaid Yes, it is! That was her handmade Christmas gift last year. She went as Calvin for Halloween. 5y

cathysaid Okay...then she wins the Coolest Kid Ever Award. 👏 5y

AshleyHoss820 @saresmoore Fantastic!! I primarily crochet, but I recently learned how to knit!! Highly impressive! Good for her!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 5y

tracey38 Awesome photo all around. And I love those floor pillows. 5y

saresmoore @tracey38 Aren‘t they awesome? They‘re Hearth & Hand from Target. I got them on clearance in store a few months ago and they are great quality. 5y

saresmoore @AshleyHoss820 I‘m so impressed that you learned knitting! I‘m the hobbit of handicrafts—good with a short blade (crochet hook), but can‘t dual wield to save my life (knitting needles). 😆 5y

Branwen So cozy! 5y

Notafraidofwords Ok. I love this picture. But I need to know: do they ever misbehave ? I can‘t picture that happening. 5y

batsy What @Notafraidofwords said! They seem like angels 😇❤️ 5y

LeahBergen The wee darlings! ❤️❤️ 5y

saresmoore @Notafraidofwords @batsy My sanity hangs in the balance. They spent almost the entire day up to this point grumbling, fighting, and whining at me and each other. I love them, I do, I swear... 5y

batsy 😂💜 5y

Notafraidofwords That makes me feel a tiny bit better. My niece is a whiner. But she also has times like this where I‘m like, if only this happens all the time. 5y

tracey38 @saresmoore oh. I love that line at Target. Of course, I also love Chip and Joanna Gaines and their style! 5y

saresmoore @tracey38 Me, too! I want their whole family to enjoy long and happy lives! 5y

tracey38 @saresmoore me, too! 5y

AshleyHoss820 @saresmoore That is seriously the best analogy for crafting I‘ve ever heard!! 😂😄❤️ 5y

Moray_Reads Knitting is impossible! 5y

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AngieAvers

The Secret at Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy

so-so

It's Nancy Drew. Somewhat simple, but fun.

1 like

Kaitlyn.keith.529

The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

Day 9: I feel like Nancy Drew fits this prompt in any book but in this one specifically she's planning on going to a ranch for a fun vacation, but she's Nancy Drew so that's certainly not happening lol #getawaysgonewrong #sizzlinsummerbooks

BibliophileMomma

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JessicaPHoffman

Nancy Drew 05: The Secret of Shadow Ranch | Carolyn Keene

Day 13: Mystery Love. #17booklove I've just recently started reading a mystery series, Louise Penny's Inspecteur Gamache series 💜. My first mystery series was Nancy Drew. This one was my favorite.

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