The Clue of The Whistling Bagpipes
#41 of 163 in Nancy Drew Series
on Goodreads (5,014)
What’s inside...
Nancy Drew travels to Scotland at the request of her great-grandmother to investigate a series of troubling predictions about the family and to uncover the mystery behind a missing family heirloom. Along the way, Nancy faces challenges including baffling clues, a note written in ancient Gaelic, and eerie occurrences across the Scottish Highlands. With bravery and sharp deduction skills, Nancy works to solve the interconnected mysteries, including the theft of flocks of sheep and startling discoveries in historic locations, ultimately aiming to protect her family's fortune from sinister plots. Warnings not to go to Scotland can’t stop Nancy from embarking on a thrill-packed mystery adventure. Undaunted by vicious threats, she and her two close friends, accompanied by her father, visit her great-grandmother at an imposing estate in the Scottish Highlands. They aim to solve not only the mystery of the missing family heirloom but also the fate of stolen flocks of sheep. Baffling clues, including a note written in ancient Gaelic, a deserted houseboat on Loch Lomond, encounters with a sinister red-bearded stranger in Edinburgh, and eerie whistling noises in the Highlands challenge Nancy’s deduction skills. Startling discoveries in an old castle and the ruins of a prehistoric fortress lead her closer to solving both mysteries.
Character compass
Nancy Drew
George Fayne
Bess Marvin
Nannie Drew
Carson Drew
Discussion points
How did Nancy Drew's persistence help her solve the mystery of the whistling bagpipes?
What do you think the bagpipes symbolize in the story?
How do the settings in Scotland contribute to the overall mood and mystery?
What qualities do you admire most in Nancy Drew and why?
If you were part of Nancy Drew's team, what role would you like to play and how would you help solve the mystery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the misty highlands of Scotland, enhancing their connection to the setting and mood of the story.
Discuss the characteristics that make Nancy Drew a good detective, like her observation skills and courage, which can help reinforce the value of persistence and bravery to your child.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences by asking if they have ever solved a 'mystery' and how they felt about it.
As you explore the book together, take turns guessing upcoming plot twists to keep the reading interactive and exciting.
Consider using a Scottish accent when reading dialogue from the book to make the story more engaging and lively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of cultural appreciation
Explanation: In 'The Clue of The Whistling Bagpipes', Nancy Drew travels to Scotland and immerses herself in a new culture, learning about local customs and history.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn about and respect different cultures, enhancing global awareness and social empathy.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nancy faces numerous challenges but remains determined to solve the mystery, exemplifying tenacity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of persisting through difficulties, applicable in tackling school challenges or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Nancy uses her detective skills to piece together clues and solve the mystery, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking skills to solve everyday problems or academic tasks, fostering independent thinking.
Example Lesson: Building friendships and teamwork
Explanation: Nancy collaborates with friends and locals to gather information, showing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation and building strong relationships in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of danger
Explanation: Nancy bravely navigates through risky situations to uncover the truth behind the mystery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face fears and stand up for what is right, promoting bravery and integrity in challenging situations.