The Moonstone Castle Mystery

When Nancy Drew receives a valuable moonstone as a gift from an unknown person, she is amazed and puzzled. But it is only the first of several startling events in this complex mystery that challenge the ingenuity of the pretty sleuth.

Why are the Bowens - a missionary couple who recently returned to the United States - having so much trouble finding their missing seventeen-year-old granddaughter, Joanie Horton? Nancy and her friends travel to Deep River, the town where the young Jonie lived. From the motel where Nancy and her friends stay, they can see an intriguing castlelike structure with a drawbridge. Gossipy Mrs. Hemstead at the village tearoom insists that Moonstone Castle is haunted. Curious, the three girls attempt to explore the show more abandoned castle, but an ominous voice warns them away.

Other strange happenings in Deep River convince Nancy that there is a connection between Moonstone Castle and the mysterious moonstone gift. But what is the significance? And where does the baffling disappearance of Joanie Horton fit into the intricate puzzle? show less

Better on a re-read for the first time in nearly four years. But not great. The plot is a bit messy which clouds the overall quality and enjoyment. I do like the picture cover though. I've owned this book since the early 1980's.

*possible spoilers*

As confusing as this mystery was, I really liked it. Having to really concentrate and think about the mystery and the clues instead of it all being so obvious (like many of the more recent ND books) was very refreshing. And I like these older editions because of the differences in spelling and talk: "tyre" for tire, "storeys" instead of stories, etc. It's really interesting!

As for the storyline itself, not the best ND I've ever read, but fairly good. It was more confusing then usual, there were a lot of times where I just couldn't understand what the significance of something was, and sometimes that frustrated me. I think it also kind of got annoying that Nancy and crew spent so much time investigating the castle when show more (until the end) it wasn't even known to be connected with the actual case. But it was a good read. show less

I absolutely loved Nancy Drew growing up. This was a series I latched on to for dear life and never let go. Anytime my mom and I would go to antique stores, we'd peruse the Nancy Drews and add them to the collection (oftentimes my mom had to make deals with me on how many I could buy). So, while I don't remember the exact details of each and every one, the entire series was amazing and really fed my love for reading (especially novels full of suspense and mystery). Thank you, Carolyn Keene, for giving us an intelligent female character to fall in love with in Nancy Drew!

NANCY DREW INVESTIGATES THE MYSTERIOUS GIFT OF AN OLD CASTLE KEY, LEADING HER INTO AN EXCITING CHASE FULL OF SECRET PASSAGES AND CLEVER CLUES.

3 Stars