I always heard of Nancy Drew as a kid yet none of our local libraries had the books in stock. So, fittingly, as an adult I've been trying to pick up these books whenever I can. And boy, they are a delight!

These middle grade books are fun with a mystery that is just within reach. If you pay enough attention, you can put together the pieces yourself (and any middle grade detective will love that!). This book sees Nancy, her Father, and two of her friends off to Oxford University in the U.K. During a dinner in a college, an arrow is shot near Nancy... and thus a mystery begins. One that all ties back to a black rose... Are the professors, students, or the public to blame? Nancy will surely be able to solve this one with a little help from her friends.

This book is an easy and fast read that holds up to this day. I thoroughly recommend this for middle grade readers who love a mystery or adult readers who want a little bit of nostalgia.

Four out of five stars. ( )

Well I was looking for a light read so I had picked up this book. I couldnt turn the page after around 30 as it felt pretty kiddish. Well, thats my fault - I'm currently 27. :) ( )

{spoilers!}

Awesome book! I am especially fond of ND books that center around secret symbols with hidden meanings, so I was sure this one would hold my attention. I was more then pleased with the story. The vagueness of the note on the arrow, combined with the abundence of black rose symbols Nancy finds, makes it all very interesting and curious. And I was totally shocked when it was revealed that Simon was related the the late Dame Gwyneth, and was the sole heir! My mind immediately went reeling with so many different possibilites... Which is one of the things I love about reading the ND books, I am able to really think and focus on the storyline as a detective would, not just a reader. It makes the reading experience that much better. ( )