Nancy Drew's Guide to Life

My friend Joy just gave me a teeny-tiny little book that's full of wisdom from none other than super-sleuth Nancy Drew. Some excerpts:

-To stop crooks from making a clean getaway, drain the gas out of the tank, let the air out of the tires, and take the key if it's in the ignition. (The Spider Sapphire Mystery)

-When searching for important clues, anything labeled "Top Secret" might be a good place to start. (The Crooked Banister)

-Determination and spunk can elicit admiration from many arenas, even from the criminal element. (The Phantom of Pine Hill)

-Take careful note of distinct odors; they can prove to be valuable clues. (The Secret in the Old Attic)

-If tied up by a culprit, note whether they used any fancy nautical knots. It might be a valuable clue. (The Clue in the Old Stagecoach)

-Podunk towns just might surprise you with sophisticated nightclubs, if you canvass the outskirts of town. (The Moonstone Castle Mystery)

-Bold, vertical handwriting usually belongs to a literary person, and jerky, slanted-to-the-right letters are a sign of nervousness. (The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes)

-Convertibles are swell but they sure do call attention to your comings and goings. (The Haunted Showboat)