The Greek Symbol Mystery
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Products | Books, including Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
The Greek Symbol Mystery represents the 60th installment in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories collection, first released as a paperback in 1981 by Wanderer, a division of Simon & Schuster. The initial edition showcased cover and six interior illustrations created by Ruth Sanderson. Subsequent cover redesigns were made by Garin Baker in 1986 for the final Wanderer issue, and later by Linda Thomas in 1989 for the Minstrel release.
Plot summary
Nancy journeys to Greece to uncover the truth behind missing donations meant for a struggling village family after the New York-based organization handling the funds suddenly shuts down. During her stay, she discovers that a substantial inheritance owed to her friend Helen Nicholas from a wealthy Greek industrialist has been taken. Alongside her companions Bess and George, Nancy endeavors to find the thief and track down Helen’s cousin, Constantine. Important evidence includes a venomous snake found concealed within a basket of apples sent to their room and an uncommon Byzantine mask bearing an enigmatic Greek emblem discovered in Nancy’s shopping bag. Their inquiry reveals an art trafficking operation linked to the symbol.
The manuscript's preliminary title was "The Clue of the Ancient Mask," as indicated in the proof edition of the preceding novel.
Places
Prominent authentic sites in Greece featured in the narrative include:
- Loutraki
- Monastiraki
- Flea Market
- Skyros Hotel
- Harbour of Piraeus
- Theaters of Herodotus Atticus
- Acropolis
- Corfu Island
- Lycabettus Hill
- Plaka
Characters
INA version:
- Nancy Drew
- Carson Drew: Nancy's father
- Hannah Gruen: Housekeeper for the Drew family
- Bess Marvin: Close friend of Nancy
- George Fayne: Nancy’s close friend and cousin to Bess
- Ned Nickerson: Nancy’s boyfriend
- Burt Eddleton: George's boyfriend
- Dave Evans: Bess's boyfriend
- Helen Nicholas: Friend of Nancy (different from Helen Corning)
- Mrs. Jeanette Thompson: Neighbor who financially aids the Papadopoulos family
- Dimitri Georgiou: Manager at NY Photini Agency
- Vatis: Lawyer and proprietor of Vatis & Vatis law firm
- Isakos: Associate of Vatis
- Constantine Nicholas: Cousin to Helen
- Diakos: Antagonist figure
- Alexis: Officer in the Coast Guard
- Mousiadis: Acquaintance of Nancy’s father
- Fotis: Captain of a ship
- Stella Anagnost: Constantine’s girlfriend; employed at a jewelry store where Nancy notices a mysterious golden mask
- Papadopoulos family: Mrs. Papadopoulos and her children Maria, Michali, Anna
- Peter Scourles: Staff member at Vatis & Vatis
Greek-English dictionary
Significant Greek expressions featured in the book:
- Efharisto: Thank you
- Parakalo: Wait a moment
- Astinomikos tmima: Police department
- Voithia: Assistance
- Autokinito: Automobile
- Mihaniko: Mechanic
- Grigora: Quickly
- Maiou: May
- Nai: Yes
- Mati: Amulet
- Na min avaskathi: Wishing you well
Adaptation
This novel loosely inspired the 31st entry in the Nancy Drew point-and-click adventure game series by Her Interactive, entitled Nancy Drew: Labyrinth of Lies.