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- Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl
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Author(s)
- Josephine Ruby
Publisher
Scholastic
Genre(s)
- Mystery
- Friendship
Age Range
12+
Release Date
March 03, 2020
ISBN
9781338592726
Buy This Book
It's the classic girl detectives like you've never seen them before!
Daphne Blake and Velma Dinkley have a terrifying new mystery to solve - and this time, the culprit is far more frightening than any man in a mask....
Popular Daphne Blake and über-nerd Velma Dinkley are not friends. They aren’t enemies either, but they don't have any reason to speak to each other, and that’s how they prefer it. The two girls grew up together—they’d been best friends since pre-K—but when they hit middle school, Daphne dropped Velma and never looked back.
These days, Daphne’s deep in the popular crowd, daughter of the richest family in town, while Velma’s an outsider, hiding from the world behind her thick glasses. When they run into each other in the halls of Crystal Cove High, they look the other way.
But then Daphne's best friend, Marcy—who happens to be Velma’s cousin—goes missing. A century ago, there was a wave of disappearances in Crystal Cove, and many local people believe that supernatural forces were behind it. Now the whole town believes those same forces are back . . . and up to no good.
Daphne and Velma may be the only ones who can solve the mystery and save Marcy—if they can trust each other enough to try. Especially since the truth might be stranger—and scarier—than either girl can imagine . . .
Editor reviews
2 reviews
Fun, female-centric expansion of the Scoobyverse
Overall rating
3.7
Plot
N/A
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Daphne Blake and Velma Dinkley are opposites. Daphne is popular, traditionally pretty, and sociable. Velma prefers books and information to people most days and is leery of friendship because she and Daphne used to be friends. Now they don’t look at each other if they can help it. When Daphne’s current best friend, Marcy, goes missing at the amusem*nt park Velma and her mother work at, the two form a reluctant alliance to find Marcy and solve the mystery.
With many franchises featuring an ensemble cast, it’s easy for the characters to be put in specific boxes. In Scooby-Doo, Velma is usually put in the role of the Smart One and Daphne the Pretty One. DAPHNE AND VELMA: THE VANISHING GIRL puts the two young women in the spotlight and dives further into their characters and who they really are under the surface. It looks at what they want, what motivates, what hurts them, and more. I loved getting to see an in-depth take on Daphne and Velma and how complex they truly are.
One of the best parts of this book is the female friendship (and break up) of Daphne and Velma. They used to be best friends (with Shaggy, Scooby, and Fred there as well, but a special connection between the two of them). When Velma witnessed a secret of Daphne’s parent and tells Daphne, Daphne lashes out and later doesn’t know how to apologize. The rift and distrust between them is wide, and I love how the story builds their relationship back up slowly and realistically. At the end of the day, the complement each other and make a great team, but sometimes it takes something huge (like a missing person mystery) to bring two people back together.
There are times when the writing feels a little forced and repetitive, in both Daphne and Velma’s chapters. It took me out of the story a few times, but not enough to not enjoy the book overall.
If you’re looking for media tie-in stories that bring rich imagination to beloved characters, DAPHNE AND VELMA is well worth adding to the list.
Samantha RandolphTop 50 Reviewer302 reviews
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You are here: Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl
As an avid enthusiast of young adult fiction and a dedicated follower of the Daphne and Velma series, I can confidently say that I have an in-depth knowledge of the book "Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl" by Josephine Ruby. This novel, published by Scholastic, is a captivating mystery that explores the complex dynamic between Daphne Blake and Velma Dinkley, two iconic characters from the Scooby-Doo universe.
The book delves into the lives of Daphne and Velma, portraying them as more than just their stereotypical roles. Daphne, the popular and sociable girl, and Velma, the bookish and reserved one, are portrayed as complex individuals with their own desires, motivations, and personal struggles. The story takes a thrilling turn when Daphne's best friend, Marcy, goes missing, leading Daphne and Velma to form a reluctant alliance to solve the mystery.
What makes this book truly remarkable is its exploration of the female friendship between Daphne and Velma. The narrative skillfully navigates their past as best friends and the subsequent rift that drove them apart. The gradual rebuilding of their relationship is portrayed realistically, showcasing the depth of their connection and the hurdles they must overcome.
Furthermore, "Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl" offers a fresh perspective on the characters, going beyond their familiar personas and providing a deeper understanding of their inner selves. The portrayal of their friendship, personal growth, and the challenges they face makes this novel a compelling and enriching read for young adult audiences.
In addition, the book expertly weaves a captivating mystery that keeps readers engrossed, while also addressing themes of trust, forgiveness, and the power of female camaraderie. Although the writing style may feel forced and repetitive at times, the overall storytelling and character development make this book a valuable addition to the Daphne and Velma series.
Overall, "Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl" is a must-read for fans of the Scooby-Doo franchise and anyone seeking a well-crafted, female-centric mystery with rich character development and an engaging storyline. This novel is a testament to the enduring appeal of these iconic characters and their ability to evolve beyond their established roles.
In summary, "Daphne and Velma: The Vanishing Girl" by Josephine Ruby is a compelling exploration of friendship, mystery, and personal growth, making it a standout addition to the young adult fiction genre and a captivating installment in the Daphne and Velma series.
