A TV reporter publicly dares Nancy to crack the unsolved death of a mayor of River Heights. She takes on the case and is plunged into danger when she discovers that the Drew's housekeeper is involved. The Nancy Drew Files" are a series of mysteries set in the 1980s that update the famous girl detective. This is achieved with moderate success, and all things considered, the original 1950s-era series is infinitely preferable to this one. The main problem is that the original Nancy Drew series had a longetivity to them; these don't. Published and set in the 1980s, the "Files" are already badly dated in their descriptions of technology, clothing and slang. In this case, Nancy is described as wearing "a khaki safari jumpsuit with a canvas belt." Yikes.However, the series does manage to give George and Bess a few subplots of their own, as well as a bit more agency when it comes to their friendship with Nancy; sometimes disagreeing or arguing with her at times. Likewise, Nancy and Ned's relationship is not exactly rock-solid, and the two are constantly having to find ways to compromise with each other as Nancy juggles her love life and her passion for mysteries. In this particular book, they've only just gotten back together after a rather serious breakup. The story is unique for several reasons. The action stays in River Heights for one thing, and the idea that it's a "cold case" is also a change from the usual pace. Brenda Carlton's dare shows the somewhat competitive side of Nancy, a trait which may not be admirable, but is certainly understandable (and humorous), and the personal element of Hannah's connection with one of the suspects actually comes to a rather bittersweet resolution.