Book details
The Clue of the Dancing Puppet
Description
When the eerie performances of a life-size puppet begin to haunt the old Van Pelt estate, where an amateur acting group – The Footlighters – have their theater, Nancy Drew is called upon to unravel the baffling mystery. From the moment the detective and her friends Bess and George arrive at the mansion, the dancing puppet puzzle is further complicated by Tammi Whitlock, the Footlighters’ temperamental leading lady, and Emmet Calhoun, a Shakespearean actor. Nancy’s search of the mansion’s dark, musty attic for clues to the weird mystery starts a frightening chain reaction. A phone call from a stranger with a witchlike, cackling voice warns her to “Get out!” Next an encounter with two jewel theft suspects adds another perplexing angle to the puzzle. When Nancy finally sees the life-size puppet flitting across the moonlit lawn and chases it, she learns that someone with a sinister motive is determined to keep her form solving the case. Is it one of the Footlighters? Or is it an outsider?
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
192 pages
Book in series
#39
Why to read
- The Clue of the Dancing Puppet is a classic mystery novel that has been entertaining readers for generations. It's a great introduction to the genre for young readers, and it's still enjoyable for adults who love a good whodunit.
- The story follows the adventures of teenage detective Nancy Drew as she investigates a series of strange events at a secluded mountain resort. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
- The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, especially Nancy Drew herself. She's a smart, independent, and resourceful young woman who is inspiring to readers of all ages.
- The setting of the book, a remote mountain resort, adds an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere to the story. The isolated location and the strange occurrences that take place there make for a thrilling read.