Let’s talk about an under-appreciated role in every detective story. The person who creates the hero, one dangerous deed at a time. Those evil-doers with dastardly motivations, overly complicated plans for revenge, and a penchant for the dramatic. 

Let’s talk about villains. 

What is a detective without someone to chase? Would Nancy Drew even be the Nancy Drew we know without bad guys to go after and plots to thwart? She might have turned out to be a newspaper executive or a baker or POTUS — who knows? She’s fictional, she can be anything. 

But without all the best Nancy Drew characters — the villains — she sure wouldn’t be one of our favorite all-time sleuths!

So, let’s take a moment to recognize those ne’er-do-wells who gave Nance a reason to exist. In no particular order, here are some of our favorite Nancy Drew villains who gave her a reason to solve crimes. And beware of spoilers ahead for some Nancy Drew games. 

1. Brenda Carlton - Alibi in Ashes

Some might consider Brenda Carlton from Alibi in Ashes one of the more dastardly and petty villains Nancy has ever faced. While we don’t judge anyone for trying to get ahead at their place of work, after all, hard work and dedication are qualities we can all applaud, but we do draw the line at attempted murder and arson. 

Brenda is a passionate news reporter who will cover any story, even going as far as to create the story. Trapping Nancy Drew in the Town Hall and then setting the place ablaze, simply out of jealousy and spite, is a pretty dark way to get attention. And to top it off, she covers the fire, framing Nancy Drew in the process! 

C’mon, Brenda, that’s just rude! All of this is born of jealousy that Nancy is out there solving crimes and getting credit. You would think, as a news reporter, Carlton would have had better luck simply teaming up with Nancy to get info every step of the way. We can’t blame her for being ambitious, though. 

2. Taylor Sinclair - The Secret of the Scarlet Hand

Want a cookie? They’re from Oaxaca. We recommend saying no if Taylor Sinclair ever asks you this question. They just don’t look right. Sinclair might not be as evil as Brenda Carlton, but he does take it upon himself to do some pretty dangerous things, including attempted murder. 

Note to criminals: maybe just stick to the simpler crimes like theft, and don’t add attempted murder to your inevitable charges. It’ll just be better for you in the long run. But also, don’t do crime at all. 

Sinclair might only want to steal some artifacts and open an ancient monolith, but he does lock Nancy inside in an effort to snuff out her life and carry on being charmingly dangerous. Not cool, man. 

3. Dwayne Powers - Stay Tuned for Danger

There is something rotten on the stage of this Nancy Drew story. Dwayne Powers was given one face, and he made himself another. That one may smile and smile and be a villain. Okay, enough Hamlet quotes and references — even if Dwayne Powers was a fan. 

Stay Tuned for Danger may have one of the most beloved villains at the heart of all the chaos. The down-on-his-luck talent agent, Dwayne Powers, has seen better times. Eviction notices and taking a loan from his only client are enough to drive anyone a little mad. Powers’ takes things to the next level, though, by also getting a little … murdery. 

Nancy Drew is called in to find out who is sending an actor death threats, and while she may accuse the wrong person at one point, she always finds the culprit in the end. 

Mr. Powers takes the cake for one of the best Nancy Drew villains for his extreme behavior, Hamlet quotes, ridiculous dedication to his disguise and alternate persona, and the fact that he keeps Nancy around after she’s thrown off the set. Did he want to get caught? Probably not, but he certainly made it easier for her by keeping her close.

4. Helena Berg - The Phantom of Venice

With a whole crime syndicate to call her own, Helena Berg might be one of the most powerful people Nancy has thwarted. Much like Brenda Carlton, Berg gets her motivation from ambition. She started as a successful journalist, but while traveling and reporting on high-profile crimes, Berg started to get a taste for trouble. 

She recruits the best team of burglars and specialists she can find, and with her guidance, they become The Phantom of Venice. Berg masterminds heist after heist until the Italian secret police are forced to call Nancy in to solve the case. 

This is classic caper material because each member of Berg’s team has a specialty that makes them valuable to every heist. Of course, Berg is the genius mind behind it all, making sure the members of her team don’t know each other. That’s some solid planning! Did we mention she’s rooming with Nancy? 

Keep your enemies close, right? 

5. Fiona Malloy - The Haunting of Castle Malloy

C’mon, you had to know we were going to include her in this list. She zipped around her castle wearing a freakin’ jetpack! Picture your grandma, blasting through the air, her thin hair waving in the wind, her skin pulled tight against her skull, a maniacal, toothless grin plastered on her face. What a sight! We’re not even mad about it. She kind of rocks. You do you, Fiona.

That about wraps it up! Those are 5 of our favorite Nancy Drew characters — all villains, of course. With Nancy Drew books, games, and a couple TV shows, Nancy has stopped so many crimes they should make a Hunt A Killer box about her. Oh wait, we did!

Keep an eye out for Mystery at Magnolia Gardens, a brand new board game from Hunt A Killer. With poisonings and some serious danger, Nancy has her hands full with this one! We won’t give away the villain, but you can bet they would make our list if we could. 

And if you want even more intrigue in your life, check out our other murder mystery games! Our games are perfect for those who are looking for new date night ideas, family activities, or a puzzling challenge to conquer solo.