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Nancy Drew Diaries #19
Hidden Pictures
Nancy, Bess, and George must find the truth behind a photographic mystery in this nineteenth book of the Nancy Drew Diaries, a fresh approach to the classic mystery series.
Nancy and her friends are spending the weekend in a small mountainside town called Shady Oaks. The local museum is displaying a never-before-seen collection from famous nature photographer, Christopher DeSantos. So the usually sleepy town is now filled with tourists. But it’s not just the dramatic lighting of the old black and white photographs that people have come to see.
Newspapers all over the country have picked up the story of two visitors who went missing in Shady Oaks only to turn up in the old DeSantos photographs, seemingly frozen in time. What’s more, there was a rumor that DeSantos was cursed by his former partner after a disagreement. Now everyone is wondering if the legend is real.
Nancy, Bess, and George are convinced that there is another explanation to be found. But it quickly becomes clear that someone is making sure they don’t find it. Can these three teenage sleuths solve this mystery before it’s too late?
Nancy and her friends are spending the weekend in a small mountainside town called Shady Oaks. The local museum is displaying a never-before-seen collection from famous nature photographer, Christopher DeSantos. So the usually sleepy town is now filled with tourists. But it’s not just the dramatic lighting of the old black and white photographs that people have come to see.
Newspapers all over the country have picked up the story of two visitors who went missing in Shady Oaks only to turn up in the old DeSantos photographs, seemingly frozen in time. What’s more, there was a rumor that DeSantos was cursed by his former partner after a disagreement. Now everyone is wondering if the legend is real.
Nancy, Bess, and George are convinced that there is another explanation to be found. But it quickly becomes clear that someone is making sure they don’t find it. Can these three teenage sleuths solve this mystery before it’s too late?
189 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2020
About the author
Carolyn Keene
1,242 books3,606 followersCarolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.
Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 2, 2021
Nancy Drew receives a mysterious note to solve a mystery in the town of Shady Oaks. She arrives there with her two best friends George and Bess. Upon arrival, they find out that there is an exhibit going on for a famous photographer, Christopher DeSantos of the yesteryears and people are disappearing and later they are found in his photographs. Nancy wonders if it is a supernatural thing or if there is more to this mystery.
I loved the mystery, it was very well thought out. I did figure most of it early on but I loved how it unfolded anyway. I love Nancy, George and Bess's friendship in these books. I wasn't expecting to but I really enjoyed this.
4 stars
I loved the mystery, it was very well thought out. I did figure most of it early on but I loved how it unfolded anyway. I love Nancy, George and Bess's friendship in these books. I wasn't expecting to but I really enjoyed this.
4 stars
June 22, 2020
book 4 out of 75
audiobook
This was just a pass-the-time audiobook I listened to because I follow the series, like my previous read and the previous book in this series, The Stolen Show .
➼ 3 stars
audiobook
This was just a pass-the-time audiobook I listened to because I follow the series, like my previous read and the previous book in this series, The Stolen Show .
➼ 3 stars
November 22, 2021
Just once I’d like to solve the mystery, but I’m always so highly entertained by this series, so solving the mystery almost doesn’t matter. But seeing how these are meant for kids… I should be able to. Right..?
August 31, 2020
I can be harsh when reviewing Nancy Drew books, though the nostalgia factor pretty much guarantees a minimum three- or four-star rating. HIDDEN PICTURES, however, I can give five stars to with no hesitation as probably the best new Nancy Drew book I've read in years. A captivating mystery, though the one behind the mystery can be guessed fairly easily. Still, highly recommended!
April 23, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Always fun to read Nancy Drew with the kids
Always fun to read Nancy Drew with the kids
June 17, 2023
3.5 the concept for the mystery was really cool. The idea that people were trapped inside a picture.
March 19, 2024
3.5 stars - nice little thrill but i guessed the ending, sort of
December 31, 2023
Cute and easy read with a fun story! Go, Nancy!
March 27, 2020
So exciting and suspenseful! The ending really surprised me. I want to read more books like this!
July 4, 2024
What a great book to get ES kids into mysteries 🕵️ Loved reading this series as a kid and this new set doesn’t disappoint.
February 15, 2020
Once again, I LOVE all the books of Nancy drew. It was pretty cool to find out it was done and how the mystery played out. Normally, I've got it all figured out but this time it was nice to be a surprise even to me. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Nancy definitely is becoming an obsession for me again to read.
March 24, 2023
Despite the nuts and bolts of this case being pretty obvious it was still a satisfying read. The problem here wasn't one of solving a puzzle, as sometimes these cases are. Instead it centered on Nancy's ability to read people to figure out whom to trust.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
June 23, 2022
I liked it A lot it was a very good book! Some parts were not interesting so I will give this a four!
May 15, 2021
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The end is in sight! I’m almost caught up with the current Nancy Drew Diaries series. Hidden Pictures is the 19th book in the series and was published in January of 2020. Just like the original Nancy Drew Mysteries, some are good, and some are not. There’s no consistency, which makes me think that there isn’t one ghostwriter but several that rotate in writing the books. Some of the ghostwriters really capture the essence of the original Nancy Drew, while some really miss the mark.
In Hidden Pictures, Nancy gets a mysterious newspaper article which tells of a missing person whose image was found in an art exhibit, which prompts her to convince Bess and George to go to the town of Shady Oaks to see the photography of Christopher DeSantos. What’s weird is that Nancy doesn’t tell Bess and George the real reason for her wanting to check out the exhibit until after they get there. The ladies just think Nancy is a fan of the photographer’s works. Why would Nancy lie to them? There’s no reason for it since the girls are usually game for Nancy’s mysteries anyway. That does not paint Nancy in a good light and is uncharacteristic of her.
Over the course of the mystery, another person disappears and their photo shows up in the exhibit, too. Nancy, Bess and George know it’s not something supernatural, like some people claim, but have a tough time figuring out the mystery. Then Nancy’s photo appears on one of the exhibit photos, but she doesn’t disappear. The culprit is warning her to back off. Which, of course, is the last thing Nancy is going to do once she receives a warning to not investigate.
In the end, this is just another book about sabotage, albeit a more clever version than in previous books. I figured out the bad guy right away but younger readers might not pick up on the clues as easily. There was also a nice twist at the end of the book that I wasn’t expecting. All in all, not a bad mystery for the Diaries series, which I’ll admit, has as many hits as it has misses. The spirit of the original Nancy Drew is captured in Hidden Pictures.
The end is in sight! I’m almost caught up with the current Nancy Drew Diaries series. Hidden Pictures is the 19th book in the series and was published in January of 2020. Just like the original Nancy Drew Mysteries, some are good, and some are not. There’s no consistency, which makes me think that there isn’t one ghostwriter but several that rotate in writing the books. Some of the ghostwriters really capture the essence of the original Nancy Drew, while some really miss the mark.
In Hidden Pictures, Nancy gets a mysterious newspaper article which tells of a missing person whose image was found in an art exhibit, which prompts her to convince Bess and George to go to the town of Shady Oaks to see the photography of Christopher DeSantos. What’s weird is that Nancy doesn’t tell Bess and George the real reason for her wanting to check out the exhibit until after they get there. The ladies just think Nancy is a fan of the photographer’s works. Why would Nancy lie to them? There’s no reason for it since the girls are usually game for Nancy’s mysteries anyway. That does not paint Nancy in a good light and is uncharacteristic of her.
Over the course of the mystery, another person disappears and their photo shows up in the exhibit, too. Nancy, Bess and George know it’s not something supernatural, like some people claim, but have a tough time figuring out the mystery. Then Nancy’s photo appears on one of the exhibit photos, but she doesn’t disappear. The culprit is warning her to back off. Which, of course, is the last thing Nancy is going to do once she receives a warning to not investigate.
In the end, this is just another book about sabotage, albeit a more clever version than in previous books. I figured out the bad guy right away but younger readers might not pick up on the clues as easily. There was also a nice twist at the end of the book that I wasn’t expecting. All in all, not a bad mystery for the Diaries series, which I’ll admit, has as many hits as it has misses. The spirit of the original Nancy Drew is captured in Hidden Pictures.
March 29, 2021
Hidden Pictures (Nancy Drew Diaries Book 19) — Carolyn Keene (13 chapters) March 26-27, 2021
I know it sounds crazy that it took me two days to listen to this audiobook, but I started it in the evening and it nearly put me to sleep. This is not a knock on the presenter. Rather, it shows how this book is potentially a good listening book to help fall asleep.
In this story, Nancy gets a mysterious letter sending her to Shady Oaks (I believe,) to investigate a “curse” on a photograph. In the course of her’s, and her faithful friends, Bess and George, investigating, two people go missing and the mystery goes deeper.
I pretty much figured this mystery out right away, but the twist at the end was not quite expected.
The thing I like the most about these sorts of books is that you don’t need to read them in order; they are quick detective stories with decent plots; and they are good family reads.
It’s hard to critique an audiobook (except I suppose you could complain about the presenter; I don’t have issues with the presenter for this book though,) but I thought it read well and was easy to understand.
Four stars.
I know it sounds crazy that it took me two days to listen to this audiobook, but I started it in the evening and it nearly put me to sleep. This is not a knock on the presenter. Rather, it shows how this book is potentially a good listening book to help fall asleep.
In this story, Nancy gets a mysterious letter sending her to Shady Oaks (I believe,) to investigate a “curse” on a photograph. In the course of her’s, and her faithful friends, Bess and George, investigating, two people go missing and the mystery goes deeper.
I pretty much figured this mystery out right away, but the twist at the end was not quite expected.
The thing I like the most about these sorts of books is that you don’t need to read them in order; they are quick detective stories with decent plots; and they are good family reads.
It’s hard to critique an audiobook (except I suppose you could complain about the presenter; I don’t have issues with the presenter for this book though,) but I thought it read well and was easy to understand.
Four stars.
July 15, 2023
I have to say that this edition of Nancy’s adventure wasn’t my favorite. Nancy has traveled to a small town ‘Shady Oaks” to investigate disappearances and what seems to be relating to one artist’s paintings. Nancy brought along her handy friends Bess and George, which in some cases I feel sad for them with how much they do for Nancy. Of course, in the end Nancy recognizes it but found that especially in this aspect of the writing that Nancy seemed to be a bit more pushy of a character than what I would have desired. Will Nancy be able to uncover the logical reasoning behind the cursed paintings?
The writing in this edition wasn’t as smooth and the characters weren’t as rounded. I feel that I could have been alright without reading this storyline but it is enjoyable to see the varying sides of the Carolyn Keene writers. The ending of course came together nicely and made sense but the writer still find a way to make it a smidgen unpredictable which was a nice addition.
The writing in this edition wasn’t as smooth and the characters weren’t as rounded. I feel that I could have been alright without reading this storyline but it is enjoyable to see the varying sides of the Carolyn Keene writers. The ending of course came together nicely and made sense but the writer still find a way to make it a smidgen unpredictable which was a nice addition.
March 30, 2024
Love this one! I guessed pretty early on the kids who were “kidnapped” kidnapped themselves and was annoyed Nancy never thought about that possibility once Jacob was kidnapped. I thought tho that Jacob’s gf would end up being a grandchild of the photographers rival and she was behind it all, that seemed to be a classic Nancy plot/villain reveal but I was wrong! A very small side character was the brains behind it but them PLUS the two kids who were “kidnapped” were all three grandchildren and cousins and acted together based on their grandpas request in his will to carry on the curse. The curse being a point in his will and that any family who carry on the curse get extra money was really clever and something I never thought. I figured the grandkids would do it just to “avenge” their grandpa, but him putting instructions in his will was even better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
I read - listen audio ND books with no particular order.
This is my fourth book and so far the best one. Not sure what to expect next for some kind of bookish critic point of view but, not even so important since I choose to read this only for my entertainment. The reading itself is good for our education and personal growth and development, it is also therapy and - what ever you like, and it required a discipline, concentration, but it can be a fun task too.
This is my fourth book and so far the best one. Not sure what to expect next for some kind of bookish critic point of view but, not even so important since I choose to read this only for my entertainment. The reading itself is good for our education and personal growth and development, it is also therapy and - what ever you like, and it required a discipline, concentration, but it can be a fun task too.
August 21, 2023
Something strange is happening in shady oaks at a museum. A week ago I got a newspaper clipping about a photography exhibit there. A museum employee went missing and her image mysteriously appeared in one of the pictures on display. The police have said that it is a stunt but however the town believes it's the work of a legendary curse. Best George and Nancy drew investigating but now a image of Nancy drew is on display. Is it a warning to stay away or a prediction of what's to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2021
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one, but the ending was strangely anticlimactic, with Nancy and her friends calmly puzzling out who the culprit was and then telling the police, who arrest them off-page. Is it really a Nancy Drew mystery if the villains don't try to kidnap or drown or otherwise wallop Nancy in a tense stand-off in the final pages?
April 13, 2023
Nancy, Bess, and George head to a sleepy mountain town for the weekend while a mysterious photography exhibit is on display at the local museum. There is intrigue and missing persons in this mystery and what makes the missing persons' case unusual is the persons appear in the photography exhibit. Are the missing persons trapped in time? Nancy thinks not, we know she doesn't believe in the supernatural, so readers will need to read to find out how Nancy solves this case.
Not one of my favorite Nancy Drew Diaries but definitely one to read for ND fans.
Not one of my favorite Nancy Drew Diaries but definitely one to read for ND fans.
September 7, 2024
Read this for old time's sake and because it was set in the Fall. I've always enjoyed ND books and this was a fun, cozy little book. Enjoyed them as a child, and I loved this one too. This would be a nice little read for a beginner just starting out with chapter books, or a good Read Aloud selection.
February 11, 2021
Not great. The girls are investigating a curse on a dead photographer - people are disappearing INTO photographs. This whole concept was dumb, and I didn't even understand the motivation behind the non-crime. It was just plain daft
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August 19, 2021Like all the Nancy Drew books the same is there with this one also. But a different story something about a photography curse. Nancy drew sloving the case. Same old story but Its Nancy Drew so its nice to read.
April 8, 2022
My daughter has to read some mystery books so I found this audiobook. It's our first ever Nancy Drew book. My two younger girls really liked it. I thought it was ok, but I was confused about how old Nancy and her friends were supposed to be.
July 31, 2024
*actual rating 3.5 stars
although i found the writing to be a little awkward in places (teenages talking in proper written grammar is a little strange to hear ngl) this was a fun mystery! glad i found this one at my library~
although i found the writing to be a little awkward in places (teenages talking in proper written grammar is a little strange to hear ngl) this was a fun mystery! glad i found this one at my library~
April 11, 2020
Okay. But somehow dialogue not as interesting or intelligent as the early works
July 10, 2020
Exciting mystery. I had formed my own two three theories from beginning but it was different than I expected. I for once want to know what is Nancy's age in this series.
#BookwithApurva
#BookwithApurva
September 14, 2020
It was a fun listen but a little predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews