'As in most detective stories, the central theme of the Nancy Drew mysteries is the struggle between good and evil, honesty and criminality, justice and injustice. In addition, these books consistently emphasize humility, selfreliance, the necessity of following one's conscience, respect for legitimate authority, and consideration for those less fortunate. Snobbish, stingy, cowardly, or dishonest behavior is treated as intolerable.

Throughout the series, the main character is Nancy Drew, who in the first book (1930) is described as sixteen years old, although in 1953 her age changed to eighteen. Nancy is extremely attractive, with "intelligent blue eyes," golden blond (later reddish blond and finally titian) hair, a "slender" figure, clear complexion, and a pretty face.

Typically she considers others before herself, and her chief concern is the welfare of the innocent. From the earliest book she possesses intuition, initiative, independence, courage, persistence, tact, and a real...