The Sign of the Twisted Candles (Nancy Drew, Book 9)

I am trying to assemble a 1st edition collection of Nancy Drew. This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

It's wonderful to find the original version of this to purchase. I read it in my youth as a library book and have been unable to find a copy to purchase in recent years until now. Though my daughter prefers the updated versions of Nancy Drew books, we have both read this one and agree, with some debate, that it is our second favorite book in the series. Sadie's plight with the abusive guardians; the friction between Bess, George and Nancy; the hundred-year-old man, and the fortune makes this story an extremely interesting read for all ages of girls, even older ones like myself. We will be reading this over and over again for many years to come.

Nancy Drew is like Betty Crocker or Paul Bunyon, a famous American who never really existed. But to girls who read these books, Nancy Drew is as real as a best friend. I know many people complain that syndicated series like Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and The Three Investigators are of little literary merit because they are ghost-written. This is not strictly true for Nancy Drew, but even so, I see no real reason to pronounce these books as inferior to single author, non-serial books. Nancy Drew is leading its fourth generation of girls to reading, something that can't be said of all of the supposedly "better" books. The Sign of the Twisted Candles is one of the best books in the series, and an early one; as such, it is a great introduction to Nancy Drew (you don't miss anything by not reading the books in order). It's compelling, and just chilling enough for a thrill, but not for a real scare. It's suitable for any girl who reads well enough to read "chapter" books, which can be girls as young as seven. Once a girl picks up the Nancy Drew habit, she is generally hooked for life. She'll read the books into her early teens, and may even occasionally turn back to favorite books as an adult. The new Sign of the Twisted Candles is available, and the new book is very good, but if the girl for who it is bought keeps up with Nancy Drew, check the used book listings for an older version of the story. The early books were all updated in the sixties, so different versions exist. The 1930's & 40's 200+ page book were not only brought up to date with regard to inflation, cultural references and such, but were also reduced to 176 pages. Don't let the girls you know miss out on Nancy Drew.

This book is one of the finest in the Nancy Drew series. It is classic Nancy Drew. The Applewood facsimile books, "As you remember them!" are the only way to enjoy Nancy Drew in my opinion. I love the old fashioned clothing, sayings and settings much more than the yellow spine books of today that are so condensed they read all the same. The old style books are written with quality in mind and evoke a different period in our American history.

In attempt to help a one hundred year old man, Nancy meets a girl being harmed by cruel guardians. While trying to solve the mystery of the Twisted Candles Inn, Nancy almost loses the friendship of her two closest "chums" - Bess and George. Nancy discovers that friendship is more important than a case or two; (of course she solves the mystery as well, after patching things up with her chums!) Read the book to see how Nancy saves the day once again. A great read for mystery fans, young or old.