Once upon a Thriller

Nancy Drew Diaries, Book 4

By: Carolyn Keene

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

Dear Diary... All I wanted to do was buy a new book, read, and relax. But when Bess, George, and I visited the local bookstore in Avondale, we found it in flames, and before we knew it, we were in the middle of another mystery. Or was it the middle of one of the best-selling author Lacey O'Brien's books? I know it sounds really strange, but it seemed like mysteries in her books were coming alive: first the fire; next a sinking boat; and then a missing statue. Were these innocent coincidences or chilling crimes?

©2015 Aladdin (P)2015 Oasis Audio

love the book

I was so invested in this book because of all the twists and turns. I recommend it. Best book ever.

Best Nancy drew ever

This book is the best one I have read yet. It keeps you on your feet wondering at every moment. This book is a good use of you audible credits!!!!!!!!!

Great book

The beginning was a bit slow but once it got to it... it’s.full of exiting twists the plot is an interesting one, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Review by Kiba Snowpaw

Critical Book Review by Kiba Snowpaw

Title: "Once Upon a Thriller" from the Nancy Drew Diaries Series

Essential Hook and Thesis:
"Once Upon a Thriller" attempts to modernize the timeless sleuthing of Nancy Drew for a new generation, blending traditional mystery elements with contemporary settings and technology. As Kiba Snowpaw, a furry Ice Wolf with a penchant for gaming and storytelling, I found this installment to blend intrigue and nostalgia, though not without its pitfalls.

Basic Plot Summary:
Nancy Drew, along with her steadfast companions Bess and George, embarks on a weekend getaway to Moon Lake in the quaint town of Avondale. Their relaxation is swiftly interrupted by a series of mysterious events that mimic the plots of novels written by local mystery author Lacey O’Brien. As Nancy delves deeper into the investigation, the lines between fiction and reality blur, challenging her deductive skills in new ways.

Praise:
"Once Upon a Thriller" offers a commendable effort in evolving Nancy Drew’s character to fit into the digital age, incorporating elements such as cell phones and GPS navigation into the narrative. The meta-narrative approach, where Nancy solves crimes that mirror those in a fictional detective’s books, is both a clever nod to the series' roots and a refreshing twist on the formula. The story's pacing is brisk and suitable for its intended audience, providing enough suspense to keep readers engaged without delving into overly complex or dark themes.

Critique and Criticism:
Despite its modern trappings, the book struggles to fully capture the essence that has made Nancy Drew a beloved character for generations. The integration of modern technology sometimes feels superficial, lacking deeper exploration of how these tools could truly impact Nancy’s sleuthing. Additionally, the characters, including Nancy herself, occasionally come off as one-dimensional, missing opportunities to explore more complex emotions or growth. The resolution of the mystery, while satisfying, tends toward the predictable, and the motivation behind the antagonist's actions feels somewhat contrived and underdeveloped.

Evaluation:
From the perspective of a furry Ice Wolf who thrives on the thrill of adventure and the depth of character-driven tales, "Once Upon a Thriller" lands as a mixed bag. It is commendable in its efforts to stay relevant and accessible to younger readers, yet it could benefit from richer character development and a more nuanced use of its modern elements. The narrative's attempt to intertwine the real with the fictional is intriguing but ultimately feels like it could have been pushed further.

Conclusion:
"Once Upon a Thriller" is a cozy, if somewhat shallow, addition to the Nancy Drew Diaries series. It serves its purpose as a gateway for young readers into the world of mystery and detective fiction but may leave those craving a more profound or challenging narrative somewhat cold. As Kiba Snowpaw, whose life is steeped in the mysteries and magic of HowlStrom, I appreciate the journey and the moments of intrigue, though I yearn for tales that roam deeper into the uncharted territories of character and plot complexity. For young adventurers seeking an introduction to the genre, this book opens the door, but for those of us accustomed to the howling winds of deeper narratives, the search continues.

Love, love, love it!

Love the story!
Love the narrator!
Love the book!!

Thank you Carolyn Keene!
Well done Jorjeana Marie!

I've loved these stories for YEARSSS🤩

image this....an 8 year old girl who cant stand reading and no one knew how to get her into it. for my 9th birthday my grandpa sent me a set of the first 10 books my dad started reading a chapter to me every night. and 6 years later im still purchasing/reading them!!!😌

O...M...G

Such a twist I can't believe it was, the person. Sry, no spoilers but like what?! I LOVE this book I mean lots of people think it's scary but not to me I love this book 5 stars! :) <3! But when a new chapter starts I think it is ending but ether way I love it. :) <3

The story was good, and the narration was excellent as usual.

The book was way too short...Not worth one credit that costs over fourteen dollars.