I don't remember whether or not I read this second book in the Nancy Drew Files back in the day. Either way, the cover still drew me as it would have back then, with its red violet tones, the cityscape in the background, and Nancy in the foreground in trendy '80s fashion, appearing as if she's either going to burst into suspenseful action or bust a dance move.

A dance move wouldn't be unfitting, given this vintage YA novel's rock music theme.

No explosions or thrilling car chases in this particular mystery. But there is a little hand-to-hand combat...some of it from music industry characters who seem to have a degree of luck on their side as they physically go up against criminal thugs. Plus, the use of the common "tie up the victims you plan to kill in a few minutes instead of just killing them right now" plot device helps things out.

As for Nancy, I wouldn't say she makes her best showing in this mystery. She seems fairly excitable and easy to frustrate/confound as she tries to make headway here.

Nevertheless, my nostalgic self still got a kick out of this quick and easy entertainment. I plan to snack on more of this incredibly long series soon. ( )