The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace by RWR McDonald BLOG TOUR @OrendaBooks #TheNancys #NewZealand #Mystery #MeetTheNancys

 

Meet the Nancys…

Tippy Chan is eleven years old, and she lives in a small town in a very quiet part of New Zealand – the town her Uncle Pike escaped as a teenager, the moment he got a chance. Now Pike is back with his new boyfriend Devon to look after Tippy while her mum is on a Christmas cruise.

Tippy can’t get enough of her uncle's old Nancy Drew books. She wants to be Nancy and is desperate to solve a real mystery. So, when her teacher's body is found beside Riverstone's only traffic light, it looks like Tippy's moment has arrived. She and her minders form The Nancys, a secret detective club.

But what starts as a bonding and sightseeing adventure quickly morphs into something far more dangerous. A wrongful arrest, a close call with the murderer, and an intervention from Tippy's mum all conspire against The Nancys. But regardless of their own safety, and despite the constant distraction of questionable fashion choices in the town that style forgot, The Nancys know only they can stop the killer from striking again. Whatever the cost…

Gripping, glorious and glittering with suspense, The Nancy’s is also a heartwarming, hilarious novel for anyone who’s ever felt like they were on the outside, looking in, with a simmering mystery at its heart and characters you will never forget.

A hilarious, and heartfelt twist on Nancy Drew – with murder, mayhem and makeovers in small-town New Zealand.

The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace by R W R McDonald was published on 20 November 2025 by Orenda Books. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review as part of this Blog Tour

I have to admit that recently, I've struggled with concentration. I have really found it difficult to settle down to read. This has infuriated and frustrated me. I think this book has fixed me! It is wonderful, it touched my heart so many times, I loved it.

The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace announces R.W.R. McDonald as a bold, bright new voice in fiction, his writing is fearless, funny, and full of heart. From the very first page, this debut absolutely thrills the reader with its blend of humour, warmth, and just the right touch of mischief.

At the centre of the story is Tippy Chan, who is just unforgettable. Eleven years old and armed with such curiosity and energy.  McDonald captures her perspective with such tenderness, and so clearly that it’s impossible not to root for her. And then there are Pike and Devon, outrageous, generous, chaotic, and always entertaining. Together, the trio form a detective team as unlikely as they are endearing, each bringing their own something the adventure.

McDonald’s writing sparkles with wit and compassion. He handles small-town New Zealand with a sharp and loving style, allowing the quirks and charms of the community to shine through. It’s a setting that feels lived-in and wonderfully vibrant.

The emotional depth of this story is perfect. Beneath the glitter, jokes, and glorious mayhem lies a story about belonging, about the families we’re born into, the ones we choose, and the ones that choose us. McDonald gives the novel a warmth that lingers long after you close the book.

And of course, the mystery itself is an absolute joy: engaging, clever, and filled with that delicious “just one more chapter” pull. Without ever tipping into darkness, it delivers genuine tension, balanced beautifully with heart and humour.

The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace is a sparkling, heartfelt debut bursting with personality. A glorious celebration of friendship, bravery, and the sheer delight of a good mystery, it’s the kind of book that feels like discovering a treasure, and one you’ll want to press into the hands of fellow readers with a smile.

R.W.R. McDonald (Rob) is an award-winning author, a Kiwi and Queer dad living in Melbourne with his two daughters and one HarryCat. 

His debut novel, The Nancys, won Best First Novel in the 2020 Ngaio Marsh Awards, as well as being a finalist in the Best Novel category. 

It was shortlisted for Best First Novel in the 2020 Ned Kelly Awards, and Highly Commended for an Unpublished Manuscript in the 2017 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. 

His second novel, Nancy Business, was a finalist for Best Novel in the 2022 Ngaio Marsh Awards.