The Sign of the Twisted Candles (1933)

Nancy is at it again - solving crimes, making friends and saving the day - or in this case another orphan. Orphans play a big role in the series. But this time, Nancy has to solve the mystery without the help of her trusty side-kicks - Bess and George. They're mad at her for interferring. The case revolves around an old man and his will - of which Bess and George are named. In the end - the orphan finds family members, the will is no longer contested and the bad guys and girls are in jail.
Ned Nickerson makes a brief appearance - but does little to help Nancy in this case. It's a fun trip back in time before cell phones and computers - because there is no way Ned would leave Nancy alone at a creepy old inn with bad people stalking her to go get the cops nor would cut phone wires be a problem- they'd just whip out the cell phone. Also Nancy wouldn't have to make so many trips to check on clues - she could just google everything she needed to know these days. But the fact that she doesn't have these modern day convienences makes it a bit more creepy. ( )

Saying anything about this book would spoil it. I will just say it an atypical Nancy Drew mystery. Just mark out some time to read this. ( )

not really happy with her friends in this book. not sure i would have been so quick to forgive... ( )

Good book for 4th or 5th grade. Kids will stay intrigued. ( )

Nancy Drew has to stop thieving caretakers from stealing a man's money, stop the relatives from running off with it, and get it to the girl who is supposed to receive it. To complicate things, although her father is on her side, Bess and George aren't- they think she's cheating them of an inheritance. Nancy has to convince them that she isn't- and find secret panels throughout an inn hidden behind pictures of twisted candles. ( )