Plot: When a plane releases an injured pigeon over her garden, Nancy Drew realizes she has a mystery to solve. Who owned the pigeon? Why did they release if from a moving plane? What does the message bound to the leg about "singing horses" mean? The mystery only deepens following a mysterious kidnapping and sudden change in a solid houseman's behavior. With the help of her friends and brand new convertible, Nancy is on the case!
Genre: Mystery
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Similar Titles: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, Hardy Boys
Personal Thoughts: Nancy Drew is an icon of literature. Her exploits find praise by traditionalists and feminists alike. She remains firmly herself and very feminine, yet she does not hesitate to take matters into her own hands and become involved with complex missions. She is, in many senses of the word, a heroine.
That said, I did not like the book. The mystery is good for what it is, but the text did not age well. Many of the terms and concepts are dated. In addition, her independence makes a swift move toward recklessness. The police are never contacted, even when she observes a known criminal stalking her. The book recalls the mentality of the old Superfriends cartoons. Drew is simply a heroine, incapable of making any mistakes, insults, or emotion.
