Suzanne A. (suzieqzie) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
An interesting look at the history of the authors of Nancy Drew and the culture of her followers. A bit slow at first, then picks up toward the middle. An easy read for a Nancy Drew fan and anyone interested in real women authors' early opportunities.
Diana M. (booklady4) -
Helpful Score: 2
A fantastic, thoroughly-written history of the creation and persistence of everyone's favorite female detective. A must-read for ND fans.
Deborah S. (debstoiber) reviewed Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A well researched look at the authors behind the original Nancy Drew novels dating from the 1930's to the 1970's. This book gives insight as to how the characters were created (including Bess, George, and Ned) and why the Nancy Drew series is still a beloved classic for young adults.
The novel also gives insight as to why the publishers decided to re-write the novels in the late 1950's and 1960's.
There is also mention of the other children's serial novels written by Syndicate and the fight of the company owner's to keep all the ghostwriters anonymous.
The only recommendation I would have to improve the book would be to list all the original novels in a summary at the end, with perhaps who was comissioned to write the basic novel (and original outline). If you have not read the Nancy Drew books in a while, it may be a bit confusing to remember all 50+ titles and the order in which they were published.
The novel also gives insight as to why the publishers decided to re-write the novels in the late 1950's and 1960's.
There is also mention of the other children's serial novels written by Syndicate and the fight of the company owner's to keep all the ghostwriters anonymous.
The only recommendation I would have to improve the book would be to list all the original novels in a summary at the end, with perhaps who was comissioned to write the basic novel (and original outline). If you have not read the Nancy Drew books in a while, it may be a bit confusing to remember all 50+ titles and the order in which they were published.
