Captain Stone's Revenge

Nancy Drew Diaries #24

by Carolyn Keene

Nancy's sailing trip to Vermont turns into a hunt for a ghostly saboteur's lost treasure in the twenty-fourth book in the Nancy Drew Diaries, a fresh approach to a classic series.

When a family friend, Grace, opens a sailing club on Lake Champlain at the former site of the Gemstone Islands Resort, Nancy, Bess, and George are invited to enjoy a few days of boating before the club's official grand opening. But when they arrive, they learn there have been some strange things happening on the property, from missing items to holes dug all over the yard. Is someone trying to sabotage the club, and could it have anything to do with the fire that destroyed the old resort twenty years ago?

As Nancy tries to pry information from the tight-lipped locals, all clues lead back to Captain Richard Stone, the enigmatic Revolutionary War-era pirate whose tavern once stood on the same site as the resort and sailing club. Legend has it that Captain Stone's ghost still haunts the property, guarding the treasure he buried there. But it isn't a ghost that punches a hole in Nancy's sailboat, leaving her and the girls to sink in the middle of the lake when an unexpected summer storm rolls in.

Unraveling the mystery of Captain Stone's treasure will be the key to finding out who's been sabotaging Grace's club. But first, Nancy and her friends will have to make it back to shore in one piece...

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Detective, Adventure, Crime

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2023

About the author

Carolyn 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.

Reviews

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy, Bess, and George are in Vermont for their friend Megan Cho’s grand opening of the Gemstone Island Resort. The scenery is breathtaking and perfect for a midsummer getaway. Homemade ice cream, sailing on Lake Champlain, and hikes to Pirates Perch would make a trip to the resort unforgettable. Unfortunately, there is someone who resents Megan’s presence and does not want her to open, trying to sabotage the whole operation. Although she is supposed to be on vacation, Nancy Drew is on duty. She researches the local mystery of Captain Stone and the buried treasure he might have hid hundred years ago. Could this be linked to the vandalism going on at the resort ? I might not read Nancy Drew that often, but when I do, I still enjoy the teen detective and her friends as they work together to solve mysteries. Because these are geared toward kids, the books are easy reading as loose ends wrap up quickly and conveniently. If only adult mystery and thrillers could be solved without a hitch. In this diary series, a good portion of the books are set on summer vacation locations so I will be returning to Nancy Drew for parts of my summer reading.

4 stars

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always nice to go on another adventure with Nancy, Bess and George. I love the narrator of this series. She's very peppy and really brings the three friends alive!

Here they are on what is supposed to be a vacation, attending the opening of a sailing club belonging to one of Nancy's friends in Vermont. Of course Nancy is embroiled in intrigue as soon as they arrive, with too many 'accidents' happening around the newly constructed club and lodge. There is even a legend of a ghost added here to up the ante.

There's good food, lots of action and banter among the friends and it's a fun read/listen.

[Lydia Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course it was her!!!! And it was so obvious! 😭🤦‍♀️
Anywho, A+, 10/10, would recommend.👌

[Seema M. Fazil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited when I found this latest Nancy Drew book at the bookstore. 🥺 With the synopsis sounding intriguing and the cover catching, it had been on my TBR ever since I heard about its release.
In this latest installment of the Nancy Drew Diaries series, Nancy, Bess, and George are invited by Nancy's family friend, Megan Cho, to visit the new sailing club and eco-resort that she's preparing to open in Vermont. But of course, someone doesn't seem to want the resort to open as someone sabotages the resort...
Intriguing, fishy mystery that was full of surprises in the end...

Full review @ My Blog

[. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, for any age.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com. While you're there, check out all my other Nancy Drew book reviews.

I am not going to complain that once again, Nancy Drew and Company are investigating sabotage, because that’s clearly the direction Simon & Schuster wants with these mysteries, and I don’t want to sound like a broken record. But Captain Stone’s Revenge also includes a mystery of an unsolved fire 15 years ago, as well as the prospect of buried treasure. Now we’re talking!

I think I’ve finally gotten used to these Nancy Drew Diaries to know what to expect, and not to expect the same sort of mystery played out like the original series. The book was good, but I have to wonder what the future holds for Nancy and the gang. The next book in the series was not listed on the book flap, only referring back to Curse of the Arctic Star (Nancy Drew Diaries #1). .With Simon & Schuster’s new ownership, is Nancy Drew’s future in doubt? Only time will tell.

[Britney Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

While these books definitely aren't what the originals are, I can't make myself stop reading them.

I firmly believe that this series has an "A Team" of writers and a "B Team" of writers. The ones by the B Team are really rough, and Nancy seems *extremely* childish and immature, makes a bunch of dumb mistakes, etc. I think this installment was written by the A Team. It's tight, succinct, Nancy doesn't look like a bumbling stooge, and while the main villain is basically introduced in neon lights, it's a bit of a dual mystery so was slightly compelling.

Overall, maybe not the strongest entry in the series, but definitely not the weakest.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rendition within the adventures of Nancy Drew was well worth the read. The storyline was smooth enough that I was kept on the edge of my seat and a bit awe-inspired by how the ending came together. Of course, much like several other stories the ‘vacation’ that Nancy and her crew Bess and George turns out to be more than what was anticipated. It seems that mystery simply finds its way tp Nancy Drew and local law enforcement seems to be grateful given her experiences and unique perspectives. It would have been pleasant if Nancy paired with the local law enforcement rather than the local law enforcement being a simple paragraph of an interaction. Throughout the story Nancy pieces together clues while informing the reader just enough to keep up with the flow of the story without revealing everything so the ending provides a sense of closure in a way that feels like the story was worth the read. George and Bess weren’t the most involved in the story and the plot had a sense of adventure as well. Essentially, for those that like a short read that has a fun ending, it will be worth the time.

[Shaunasandberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of the old yellow "original" Nancy Drew series. They have great plots, without a lot of violence, and the vocabulary is high. Many of them are also set in interesting places. Many of the spinoffs don't come close to their quality in my opinion. So I've been pleasantly surprised by the Nancy Drew diaries. The characters have been updated, and although the plots don't have quite as many twists and turns as the originals, they still move along at a good pace and still avoid a lot of violence. The vocabulary isn't as engaging, but still I learn something new about a place, or subject, each time

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am never a fan of mere mentions of a “ghost,” and I hate when books mention seances and Ouija boards, the author did emphasize how they’re not reliable, which I guess added some merit to it. I wish that the author made it known how evil things like that are, but Nancy Drew doesn’t believe in ghosts- she never has. This quick read had an interesting ending and the story was mostly engaging. I have realized that the Nancy Drew books that take place in places other than River Heights are preferable to me. Don’t get me wrong- I’d love to visit a real-life River Heights; I just think that the writers behind the modern day Carolyn Keene write better stories in other random settings.

[V. Arrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the atmosphere and scenery in the ND Diaries books. This made me want to visit the woods near Lake Champlain in Vermont, and I am the least outdoorsy person in the history of the world. The boat-in-a-storm scene read almost verbatim as a boat-in-a-storm scene from an earlier Nancy Drew book (Nancy Drew: Girl Detective: Dressed to Steal), which probably reads almost verbatim from a boat-in-a-storm scene in an earlier ND book, too. That's OK -- you know what you're getting into with Nancy Drew, and it's part of the charm.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure if this was just a weaker book in the series or it's just because I've been reading the more mature Nancy Drew Files series recently, but this one wasn't nearly as good as others.

That being said, I do still think this series is adorable, and I'm kind of worried that this might be the last one. Every Diaries book ends with a "don't miss the next one" advertisement, but this one just re-introduced the first book in the series. I hope this isn't the last one!

[Francesca O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really great! Captain Stone's Revenge was definitely one of my favorite Nancy Drew Diaries books so far! Not really a spoiler, but the character Ricky being from New Jersey was a really cute and fun detail. I can't believe who it turned out to be! I had a small feeling because it's always someone you'd never expect with these books, but this was such a nice, light and entertaining read. Recommend this series for anyone of any age!

[Nicole Aka Grave doll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um, this one is the least favorite one of the series. Writing was lazy. Or maybe I'm just outgrowning them. Anyways should stick to the games as those still keep my interest and can give that old school spooky

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book to read. Nancy Drew books are a staple in my life and I enjoyed reading the newer version of the series. I love Vermont and all it has to offer and this book mentioned many of the things I love about the state.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read about a third of the books in the series and this one is a favorite. Great setting! I liked the mystery, too.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun mystery. I enjoyed the setting and the mystery of Captain Stone’s “ghost.” Good addition to the series.

[Deborah Ogren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, first Nancy Drew book that I have read.

[Sadistic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love reading Nancy drew book & this series is my favorite!

[Keegan Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Nancy Drew and this was my first venture in to the Nancy Drew Diaries series. It was really a delightful and fun read. I will be looking for some more from this series.

[rachel reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

audiobook on the road. tbh fell asleep for part, some millennial humor but still good

[Kate Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major twist towards the end of the book I was kept on the edge at all times with this book bring on the next book in the series but I feel the series is finishing with number 24 here

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I figured out who the culprit was when Nancy found an important clue but I have to admit that Nancy made a connection between 2 clues that I didn’t make. A solid read.

[KatlinE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery, wished that there were more clues as to who the villan was or just more investigating.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! The plot twist was exciting, and it seemed less annoying than the others in this series.

[Taylor Rose Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there was more than 1 actual run in with the ghost pirate

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Nancy Drew!

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the new

updated Nancy Drew.. Although, I do think her behavior sbd resources are a bit too mature for a teen ager...
Good little mystery that kept me guessing...

[Dr. Aditi Kapoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and breezy Nancy drew. Though George seems a bigger foodie in this one than best: different from original series