It's time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans! Nancy is approached by her father Carson to come with him and her mother to solve a case for an old friend, which is when the party begins. There have been robberies and buildings being burned to cover up what's been stolen. Daniel Brumfield is the old friend and victim of a recent fire at his warehouse. Suspected gang Krewe de Crude has been pegged as the culprit of the thefts and burnings. Nancy, George and Bess are treating this case special and are supported by the ATAC, but it will also be somewhat of a vacation, especially during Mardi Gras. On their first night in town a murder occurs right under their noses. They were attending a party given by their client Daniel Burmfield, in honor of them. He is found strangled which thickens the plot of their mystery. Witnesses of some of the fires stated that the arsonists are young people in costume and are running from the scene. The police have no leads and they only strike during festivals. During the investigation Nancy and her crew run into Frank and Joe, the Hardy Boys. Together they team up to solve the mystery. As more suspects pile up, some existing ones team up to help solve the burglaries, and fires that threaten the famed New Orleans. A quick and exciting read Keene and Dixon keep the reader turning the pages and trying to guess who the bad guys are. Fun clues, extreme costumes add to the fun of solving the mysteries. ( )