The Bungalow Mystery

We head back to River Heights, Illinois and the third mystery solved by the kindhearted teenage detective Nancy Drew. The story kicks off with Nancy and Helen Corning being rescued by newly-orphaned Laura Pendleton when their boat is overturned by a storm. Nancy immediately takes to Laura, who is at the lake awaiting the arrival of her new guardians. However, Nancy's first impression of the couple makes her concerned for Laura's well being

Nancy's concerns only increase after a foreboding phone call and later learning the Aborns have repeatedly locked Laura in her room and attempted to steal the jewels left to Laura by her recently-deceased mother (which eventually causes Laura to flee her new home and come to Nancy for help).

Three books in, The Bungalow Mystery follows the pattern established in the first two novels with Nancy following her gut and poking her nose into events leading to her into danger but also proving her suspicions correct on the way to solving a mystery. The later reprintings of the novel also include a subplot involving Hannah's recent injury, which doesn't play into the larger events, and an investigation by Nancy's father involving bank theft which will (perhaps a bit too conveniently) eventually tie back to the same thieves.

A fun third entry to the series which features Nancy's compassion, quick wits, and strong instincts, the title of the novel comes from the hidden bungalow not far from the Aborns' home where Nancy follows the man she believes is Jacob Aborn only to discover the real Jacob is being kept in the cellar (where Nancy also becomes trapped with Mr. Aborn and left to die until she manages to free them both and send the police after the imposters before they can make off with Laura's inheritance.

• Title: The Bungalow Mystery
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