The Activist

Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: Arts and Entertainment

Bombs, terrorists, forbidden love, and secret identities sound like a recipe for stereotype overload. However, after completing the book, I had a different appreciation of the story's intricacies and depth.

"Secrets of the Nile" is a Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Super Mystery that was first published in the early 1990's and has since become the most sought after book in the series. If you're a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys fan, this is a must in your collection.

The book centers on Frank and Joe Hardy relaxing in Egypt with their new wives, Nancy Drew and Bess Marvin, on their honeymoon.

Well, not exactly. The four teen detectives are undercover posing as newlyweds in order to flush out a new terrorist group. No sooner have they arrived when they discover that they've been set up after their hotel room is torn apart.

Parts of a bomb had been hidden in the lining of their suitcases that they unknowingly smuggled into the country, and the bomb now rests in the hands of a crazed lunatic with a deadly intent.

Meanwhile, Nancy and Bess have discovered and befriended a divorced woman searching for her ex-husband, who has taken their child.

As both of their mysteries progress, they begin to discover an intertwined trail of betrayal, deception and murder.

Beyond all of the cheesy and stereotypical aspects that can arise in any book, the plot develops in different twists that give it a unique story line.

Long-time fans of the series will most appreciate this book. The interplay between Nancy and Frank gives fans of the pairing the closest relationship ever written for the series to date. Humor, Egyptian culture and history, and overall mystery lend to one amazing story and, may I add, adventure.

Overall, I absolutely recommend this book, especially to fans of the series, and encourage you to locate a copy. I'll also wish you a bit of good luck, as the book has sadly been out of print for several years now.

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