Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys (GN)

BOOKLIST -- It's time to dig out your flashlight and put on your best sleuth hat because there's mystery afoot! Del Col, known for re-imagining classics, is back with another mystery set in his take on the world of Nancy Drew. After uncovering the crime organization known as the Syndicate, Nancy Drew is forced off a bridge in her car by an unknown assailant. Joe Hardy can't seem to let the case go and persists in looking into her death. He visits River Heights, the town Nancy lived in, and uncovers clues leading him to his brother Frank and a web of lies and deceit. At times the story weaves a thrilling mystery leaving the reader in suspense, though elsewhere is can be somewhat predictable. The straightforward artwork is simple, yet it gives a subtle elegance to these classic characters. Fans both new and old will find this book enjoyable, but librarians should be aware that it isn't quite as tame as the classic novels. Readers who appreciate updated takes on classic comics should also get a kick out of this. - Jonathan Khan SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -- Gr 8 Up-Someone wants Nancy Drew dead, and the only person who can finger the killer is Nancy herself-with a little help from her friends, of course. This volume collects all six issues of the series, continuing the story begun in Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: The Big Lie, in which sleuths Nancy, Joe, and Frank uncovered a dangerous crime ring in Bayport. Now the remnants of the Syndicate are hungry for revenge and on Nancy's tail. Her assailants make an attempt on her life and believe themselves successful; Nancy decides to play dead to shake her pursuers. Joe Hardy, initially fooled and heartbroken, is shocked to discover Nancy in her hometown of River Heights, lying low and already in cahoots with his brother, Frank, as she hunts for her own murderers. They join forces once again, and their investigations take them down dark, dangerous, and satisfyingly twisty roads that lead them to question everything and everyone from the corrupt local police department to their own families and some of their oldest, dearest friends. Full-color illustrations depart from the vintage style of The Big Lie for a more modern noir comic feel that suits the story well. The characters are portrayed close to their classic depictions-Joe has pale skin and blond hair, Frank is a little more tan and brown-haired, and Nancy has light skin, with a red dye job to help mask her identity. VERDICT A surefire recommendation for fans of the latest comics revival as well as the classic chapter books. Purchase alongside The Big Lie wherever adventure mysteries are in demand.