The moment Nancy boards an ocean liner leaving for New York, she becomes involved in a new and dangerous mystery. A man on the pier gestures to someone on board in sign language of the deaf. BEWARE OF NANCY DREW AND NE, he signals. Who is Ne? Can it be Nelda Detweiler, a young South African who shares a cabin with Nancy, Bess, and George? When Nancy learns that Nelda has been accused of stealing a diamond bracelet in South Africa, she wonders whether the girl is a thief or the innocent victim of a vicious plot.
Then an unclaimed brass-bound trunk, delivered to Nancy's cabin by mistake shortly after she embarks, becomes the first clue that leads her to believe international jewel thieves are aboard. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.