I’m really glad, and judging by the title Secret of the Red Arrow it sounds like they are returning to a more “classic” format. When I bought the last Undercover Brothers and Girl Detective volumes a few weeks ago the cashier at my local bookstore mentioned that the Hardy Boys are selling really well of late. Apparently when dads look for books for their sons they go with what’s familiar, so perhaps S&S is trying to reach that market.

More on these new series as new details are released!

UPDATE: According to Paul Mular, the first title of Nancy Drew Diaries is Curse of the Arctic Star, also scheduled for publication in January 2013!

UPDATE: The second title of the Nancy Drew Diaries series is Strangers on a Train. Wikipedia lists February 2013 as the release date of the first two volumes. Apparently both series will be published in hardcover and paperback simultaneously.

A similar pattern has occurred over in the graphic novel front. A third volume in Nancy Drew: The New Case Files series appeared in August 2011, and a boxed set of all three volumes was available last November; so far no future volumes have been announced. Similarly, The Hardy Boys: The New Case Files ended with two volumes, the second of which appeared in March 2011, with no boxed set in sight. It seems unlikely that either series will resume, especially since a new graphic novel series, Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, is scheduled to begin in late October.

Given these shifts, it appears that Simon & Schuster and Papercutz have both decided to focus their energies on Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series for younger readers. Unless, of course, another set of reboots is in the works!

Also, the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew will be teaming up for a fifth Undercover Brothers/Girl Detective Super Mystery, Bonfire Masquerade.

In the series for six- to eight-year-olds, the publication trend seems fairly similar: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew saw six new books since June 2009 as well: Double Take #21, Unicorn Uproar #22, Babysitting Bandit #23, Beauty Parlor Princess #24, Princess Mix-up Mystery #25, and Camp Creepy #26. The next volume in that series, Cat Burglar Caper #27, will appear in September, followed by Time Thief #28, Designed for Disaster #29, and Dance Off #30, all scheduled for publication in 2011. Earlier this year, Aladdin Paperbacks launched a new series, The Hardy Boys Secret Files, with two titles – Trouble at the Arcade #1 and The Missing Mitt #2 – released in April. The next three volumes – Mystery Map #3, Hopping Mad #4, A Monster of a Mystery #5 – are scheduled for publication in August 2010, September 2010, and April 2011, respectively.

Although Applewood Books ceased their publication of facsimile editions of the original Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries in 2006, they are issuing a boxed set of the first six Hardy Boys Mystery Stories in September 2010! Although it is similar in format to the boxed set they released for Nancy Drew’s 75th anniversary in 2005, there doesn’t seem to be a special occasion prompting this new set.

Over on the graphic novel front, Papercutz is about to issue their last volume of both The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers (Deadly Strategy #20) and Nancy Drew: Girl Detective (High School Mystery 2: The Lost Verse #21) this August. Immediately after that, they will reboot both series in September 2010: The Hardy Boys: The New Case Files and Nancy Drew: The New Case Files.

So, in a nutshell, lots of changes in the last fourteen months, and perhaps a bit of slowing down in the publication schedule. In all likelihood, there will be more changes ahead of us in the months to come, so stay tuned.

Model Mystery Trilogy, Book One

By Carolyn Keene

First Aladdin Paperbacks edition June 2009

ISBN: 978-1-4169-7840-4

Synopsis

Sydney, Bess and George’s cousin and my good friend, is finally getting married to her fiancé, Vic! We’re so happy for her, and we’re sure it’s going to be a beautiful wedding—after all, she’s a famous model and he’s a reality TV stud. Plus, we’re all bridesmaids! Imagine seeing George in a dress….

But that’s where the fun and games stop. As Sydney prepares for her wedding, mysterious things start happening to her and Vic. Vic is almost poisoned, and Sydney’s bridal shower is sabotaged—and there are too many suspects to count. But why would anyone want to ruin Sydney’s special day?

These can’t be coincidences. I’m sure there is something sinister afoot, and I’m determined to find it out and help my friend.

Link: Nancy Drew: Girl Detective (2004-)

By Franklin W. Dixon

Designed by Sammy Yuen Jr.

First Aladdin Paperbacks edition May 2009

ISBN: 978-1-4169-7801-5

Synopsis

ATAC briefing for agents Frank and Joe Hardy:

MISSION: To find out who is trying to sabotage the opening of the brand-new X Games theme park, Galaxy X.

LOCATION: Galaxy X, a new theme park in sunny California.

POTENTIAL VICTIMS: Music producer and Galaxy X owner Tyrone McKenzie and his family, as well as anyone who shows up to the GX premiere week.

SUSPECTS: There are protestors outside the gates, but are there people on the inside who have a motive to sabotage the opening?

This mission requires your immediate attention. This message will be erased in five seconds.

Link: The Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers (2005-)