When and where did Nancy Drew books take place?

Question

I love the Nancy Drew mystery series but I have often wondered when and where it takes place. My guess is the 1950s in Connecticut (some towns listed in the series are towns in CT). I live in Connecticut so it would be lovely if that's where they took place. If anybody knows, please tell me when and where the Nancy Drew series took place. I know Nancy travels many places in the series, even France, but I mean the main residence, like where Nancy and her friends/family live in the series. Input is greatly appreciated, have a great day, Happy New Year! Blessings! Oh, and in regards to my last question, no, I did not procrastinate. The project was assigned the day before winter break and I don't see how I caused confusion, but I apologize for the misunderstanding. Blessings everyone!

Answer 1

I think Nancy Drew books have generally been more-or-less contemporary with their date of publication, though as many earlier books were updated in the 1950s and '60s, that period tends to be the most familiar. The location of River Heights seems to have changed a bit over time. This is a good summary: http://www.bookloversden.com/series/girls/Drew/RiverHeights.html

Answer 2

the Original series were the Linda Carlton Mysteries written in the late 20s/30s written by Edith Lavell

example:

Linda Carlton's Island Adventure by Edith Lavell 1931 - she flew an autogyro :)

these were well written for their time & I always thought it was set in a more southern state tho the stories never really say for certain.



as for the Nancy Drew series these are poorly written cheap copycat stories - and its no wonder when you realize that:

"Carolyn Keene is the pseudonym of the authors of the Nancy Drew mystery stories and The Dana Girls mystery stories, both produced by the Stratemeyer Syndicate. In addition, Keene is credited with the Nancy Drew spin-off, River Heights and the Nancy Drew Notebooks.



Syndicate founder Edward Stratemeyer hired writers, beginning with Mildred Wirt, later Mildred Wirt Benson, to write the manuscripts for the Nancy Drew books. The writers initially were paid $125 for each book and were required by their contract to give up all rights to the work and to maintain confidentiality."



this explains why there is no consistancy in where the stories are situated

Answer 3

The series started in the 1930s, and over the decades, they changed her character and details (not for the better in my opinion!).

This site says River Heights wasn't originally in a specific state, but later books say she lives near Chicago. The original author lived in New Jersey, but Carolyn Keene was a pseudonym under which several writers penned the books over the years.

Answer 4

I always thought she was from New England Maybe you should write your own version of mysteries inspired by her :)



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Drew