Nancy Drew: The Palace Of Wisdom HC

BOOKLIST (STARRED) -- As soon as supersleuthand fashionista Nancy Drew cracks a case about a missing school mascot, anothermystery arrives in her mail. Someone has pieced together newspaper headlines ina threatening letter that references Nancy's late mother. Nancy returns to herchildhood hometown, reuniting with Bess, George, and the Hardy boys, and theirclue-hunting leads them to a dead body, an unsolved case, and a dangerous rave.Quippy banter and steadfast friendships propel this amusing, action-packedadventure 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 inthe 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 priedfrom the lips of her girlfriend, sports an edgy haircut and a sarcasticpersonality. Nancy's new love interest, Pete, rounds out her team and flaunts atrendy, 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 outthe slapstick sequences. Lastly, the clothes-oversized sweaters, knee-highboots, cold-shoulder crop tops, and more-will appeal to fashion-forward teens.Highly recommended for spirited readers, whether they're familiar with CarolynKeene's originals or not. - Biz Hyzy