A refreshing, forgotten super-sleuth!
The Vanishing Shadow is the first book of a different but somewhat forgotten series for young girls. Left in the wake of the great Nancy Drew, the Judy Bolton series didn't become as reconized as "the other" teen super-sleuth. If comparing Nancy Drew and Judy Bolton you might find them some-what similar. Both have redish hued hair, slim figures, and curiosity to share however Judy Bolton is the daughter of a doctor, more outspoken, younger and her books involve more personal problems and home-based mysteries than Nancy.
In this first book, right away Judy is kidnapped then sworn to secrecy about mysterious happenings around town. All throught the book, there are events that keep the story flowing such as a spelling bee (which Judy wins by studying hard), dance (in which she was the interest of all the boys), and a comical (if not somewhat embarrassing) ordeal ending with the adoption of her cat Blackberry.
The book ends in a dramatic event in which Judy's cowardly brother warns the town before catastrophe strikes. This is a fun take on an average teen girl with lots of curiosity putting a few clues together to solve a complicated mystery. A great book for girls sick of the same-o repating story lines of Nancy Drew.
