Description:
Eleven-year-old Tippy's uncle and his boyfriend turn up in her small New Zealand town to look after her when his mother is away over Christmas, but when her schoolteacher is found dead and her best friend has a near-fatal accident, the trio turns detective, dubbing themselves The Nancys, and launching a chaotic, hilarious investigation.
Tippy Chan is 11 years old, and she lives in a small town in a very quiet part of New Zealand - the town her Uncle Pike escaped as a teenager, the moment he got a chance. Now Pike is back with his new boyfriend Devon to look after Tippy while her mom is on a Christmas cruise.
Tippy can't get enough of her uncle's old Nancy Drew books. She wants to be Nancy and is desperate to solve a real mystery. So, when her teacher's body is found beside Riverstone's only traffic light, it looks like Tippy's moment has arrived. She and her minders form The Nancys, a secret detective club. But what starts as a bonding and sightseeing adventure quickly morphs into something far more dangerous. A wrongful arrest, a close call with the murderer, and an intervention from Tippy's mum all conspire against The Nancys. But regardless of their own safety, and despite the constant distraction of questionable fashion choices in the town that style forgot, The Nancys know only they can stop the killer from striking again. Whatever the cost...
Gripping, glorious and glittering with suspense, The Nancy's is also a heartwarming, hilarious novel for anyone who's ever felt like they were on the outside, looking in, with a simmering mystery at its heart and characters you will never forget.
***WINNER of the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel***
Review Quotes:
"Tippy's obsession with her uncle Pike's old Nancy Drew books leads to the formation of a secret detective club, the Nancys. Little does she realise that she, Pike and his partner Devon will be in danger as they investigate a real murder. Head to New Zealand's Aotearoa with this fun, humorous and nostalgic crime caper that shows that there's a place in the world for everyone" --The People's Friend
"Eleven-year-old Tippy lives in Riverstone, a small town in New Zealand that her beloved Uncle Pike abandoned as soon as he could. When Tippy's mother goes on holiday, Pike comes back to look after his niece, bringing his boyfriend, Devon--the first man he has ever brought home. Tippy starts obsessively reading Pike's old Nacy Drew books and wishes she could solve a mystery herself. When Tippy's teacher dies and her best friend has an awful accident, she, Pike and Devon start sleuthing, calling themselves "The Nancys". An investigation ensues but it soon becomes dangerous. The characters are charming, the narrative romps along and the sense of place is evocative. Enjoyable." --Daily Mail
"It takes a mighty fine novel to knock King Herron off the top spot, so congratulations to Kiwi author RWR McDonald for managing the feat. It's a whodunnit what will have you crying tears of joy and sadness as young Tippy and her team slowly realise that they've bitten off more than they can chew. A tale populated with wondrous three-dimensional characters - some dippy and delightful, some downright dangerous - set in a world that you won't want to leave. It'll make you smile while taking up residence in your heart and head. A worthy winner, in my book!" --Crime Fiction Lover