3.5/5 Maybe because I'm a native Phoenician, I liked this one the least so far. Too many stereotypical devices to count. We don't say “hombre“ or “sandstorm“ (it's a dust storm or haboob)--nor do we say “squaw“, which crudely refers to female genitalia. Dude ranches existed primarily around Wickenburg (The Dude Capital of the West in the 1950s), which is an hour NW of Phoenix. It was hard for me to take this story seriously. ( )

1931 Version:

1965 Version: 3 stars.
I enjoyed this one, it reminded me a lot of the old Westerns I used to watch with my father. It also reminded me of Barbie - I grew up reading Barbie - anything reminiscent is always good. I liked the story of Dirk Valentine and his one true love. The way in which the ghost horse was rigged up was fascinating and added an interesting dimension. The bad guys were pretty obvious but it was a nice easy going mystery. And Nancy was smart and capable as she deceived them and god knows it's hard to resist a smart capable heroine holding her own in a fight. ( )

Nancy and her two best friends, George and Bess, travel to Arizona for a vacation on Shadow Ranch which is owned by one of her friend's relations. While there they discover that there is a mystery to be solved - there are sightings of a ghost horse and the lure of a hidden treasure. As bizarre happenings occur, Nancy begins to think that one of the ranch hands is behind the trouble at the ranch. When trapped by the culprits, Nancy does what she does best - evade certain harm and solve the case.

This is finally the book where we see George and Bess make their first appearance as most Nancy Drew fans know that they are her most loyal sidekicks. Together the three girls make Nancy's adventures far more exciting and the books a great read. Laura Linney continues to do an amazing job portraying Nancy and all those around her. Nancy, although a teenager in a very different time, continues to give all young girls thoughts of solving their own mysteries. ( )

A good Nancy Drew book that gave us the masterpiece that is the Secret of Shadow Ranch computer game. I wasnt too happy with the part where Nancy and her friends dress up in culturally appropriative costumes though. ( )

This was one of my very favorites as a kid, and I still enjoyed the mystery and travel narrative very much. However, we need to get real about the Native American cultural appropriation that happens here. Nancy and friends dress up in women's regalia (cringe) and refer to their outfits as costumes (cringe). I realize that the books today would likely treat this scene VERY differently, and that's good. It's still vital to point out what is no longer accepted and how we can do better. ( )