Nan Sherwood on the Mexican Border

In Short

Nan Sherwood on the Mexican Border follows a group of school friends who travel to Mexico under the protection of Nan’s eccentric, cane-wielding Cousin Adair. As the girls navigate the cultural wonders of Mexico City and the tropical countryside, they stumble upon a sinister smuggling ring operating in the shadows. Blending travelogue-style descriptions with juvenile mystery conventions, the book captures the optimistic spirit of girlhood friendships and 1930s adventure fiction. It endures as a charming relic of a bygone era, reflecting the period's travel ideals and the enduring appeal of the "plucky heroine" archetype.

The Story

The narrative opens in the sleepy town of Tillbury, where Nan Sherwood and her inseparable friend, Bess Harley, are preparing for a summer of excitement. With the financial support of Nan’s generous relative, Adair MacKenzie, the girls assemble a group of school friends—Rhoda, Grace, Laura, and Amelia—for a grand expedition to Mexico. The journey is initially framed as a cultural enrichment tour, complete with picturesque train rides through tropical foliage, visits to grand haciendas, and a trip to a bullfight.

However, the lighthearted tone shifts when the group begins to encounter unexplained incidents. A precious ring goes missing, and the girls find themselves crossing paths with their old school rival, the affected and troublesome Linda Riggs. While exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City, they also encounter Walker Jamieson, a brash young reporter whose presence adds a layer of romantic intrigue and investigative curiosity to their party. As they delve deeper into the countryside, the girls discover that their surroundings are not merely beautiful but dangerous.

The mystery centers on a local smuggling operation. A seemingly simple kitchen worker at their rented hacienda is revealed to be a desperate man caught in the web of a criminal named Arthur Howard, who has been using fraudulent documents to facilitate illegal crossings. The danger escalates when the girls realize that the very plane Nan once traveled on has been compromised by these illicit activities. Nan, demonstrating her signature resourcefulness, takes it upon herself to investigate the truth.

Through a series of confrontations and a final, tense revelation from Linda Riggs—who has unwittingly been hobnobbing with the criminals—the girls manage to assist in the exposure of the smuggling ring. The climax features a swift intervention by authorities, leading to the arrest of the gang. The story concludes with the restoration of order and the promise of a bright future. The romantic tensions that simmered throughout the trip are resolved, with Cousin Adair signaling his approval for a union between Alice and Walker. The summer ends with the group reunited in a celebration of friendship and prosperity, ensuring that the girls return home with memories of a "happily ever after" vacation that far exceeded their expectations.

How It Unfolds

The invitation Nan and her friends receive an unexpected telegram from Cousin Adair, inviting them to spend their summer vacation on an excursion to Mexico. The girls pack their bags with excitement, leaving behind the constraints of school life for the promise of a grand adventure abroad.

Crossing the border The group navigates the "red tape" of customs and train travel, quickly falling under the spell of the Mexican landscape. As they travel from Laredo to the tropical regions of Tamazunchale, they marvel at the wild orchids, exotic birds, and the sheer beauty of their surroundings.

Cultural immersion The girls explore Mexico City, attend a dramatic bullfight, and learn about the ancient Aztec legends that define the country’s history. Despite the glamour, they encounter reminders of their past, including the reappearance of their school rival, Linda Riggs, and news of a friend's family illness.

The mystery deepens Tensions rise within the group as small items go missing and the girls become suspicious of the staff at their rented hacienda. Nan, refusing to remain a passive bystander, listens to conversations and begins to connect the dots regarding a local smuggling operation.

The final discovery After a period of anxiety and investigation, the truth about the smuggler Arthur Howard is revealed. The girls assist the authorities in bringing the criminals to justice, effectively ending the threat and clearing the name of the cook who had been coerced into the scheme.

Resolution and departure The summer concludes on a high note, with the promise of a wedding and the successful preservation of their friendships. Adair MacKenzie, having softened his outlook, helps ensure that everyone leaves Mexico with a sense of accomplishment and genuine happiness.

The People

Nan Sherwood is the group’s natural leader—resourceful, brave, and deeply loyal. She wants to see the world, but her primary motivation is the safety and happiness of her friends. She evolves from a curious traveler into an amateur detective, gaining confidence in her ability to handle dangerous situations.

Bess Harley, Nan’s lifelong friend, is the impulsive, romantic counterpart. She is quick to voice her suspicions and eager for the "romance" she anticipates finding in Mexico. Her journey is one of learning to moderate her temper and trust Nan’s judgment.

Adair MacKenzie, the wealthy cousin, serves as the group’s gruff protector. He is a man of contradictions—economical yet generous, irritable yet deeply fond of his young charges. By the end of the journey, his role shifts from a stern chaperone to a benevolent benefactor who supports the happiness of those around him.

Alice MacKenzie is Adair’s daughter, who shares a complex dynamic with her father. She wants to be independent but seeks his approval. Her burgeoning romance with Walker Jamieson, the reporter, forms a core emotional thread, and she grows more assertive through their interactions.

Linda Riggs remains the antagonist—a symbol of vanity and affectation. She begins as a source of embarrassment for the girls but eventually plays a pivotal role in the mystery, proving that even those who seem superficial can have an impact on the course of events.

In Its Own Voice

"For a few moments everyone listened, and then Nan pushed open the door of the car and got out."

Nan and her companions stop their journey through the Mexican jungle to witness the beauty of a tropical bird’s song.

"The world doesn't seem real, does it?"

Nan reflects on the dreamlike atmosphere of their trip as she and Bess observe the exotic landscape surrounding their hacienda.

"If you don't look out, father, I'll say 'boo!' to you and then you'll jump."

Alice challenges her father’s authoritative demeanor with a playful threat, highlighting the shifting balance of power between them.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the transition from sheltered childhood to the broader, more complex world of adulthood. The story argues that true growth comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone—whether that means traveling to a foreign country, confronting one’s own prejudices, or standing up to dangerous authority. There is a recurring emphasis on the importance of "discounting" what one hears and drawing one's own conclusions, a skill Nan masters during her time in Mexico. The narrative suggests that while the world is full of "queer places" and potential dangers, these challenges are surmountable when met with a combination of sharp observation, loyalty to friends, and a willingness to engage with the unknown.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy vintage "girls' fiction"—characterized by high-spirited heroines and episodic, world-trotting adventures—will find much to love here. It offers a fascinating, if idealized, look at how American youth in the 1930s perceived their neighbor to the south. The prose is warm, earnest, and deeply rooted in the conventions of the time, making for a nostalgic, light reading experience.

However, a modern reader should be prepared for the period attitudes embedded in the text. The book frequently displays a "tourist gaze" that simplifies Mexican culture, and the characters occasionally express viewpoints or prejudices that reflect the social limitations of the era. Some readers may find the dialogue, particularly the slang of the school-age characters, to be quite dated. Despite these complexities, the central dynamic of the girls' friendship remains genuinely affecting. What stays with you after reading is not necessarily the mechanics of the smuggling plot, but the sense of wonder that these characters feel as they navigate a vast, beautiful landscape, and the enduring comfort of being young, away from home, and surrounded by friends. It is a time capsule of a specific brand of American optimism that, while imperfect, remains undeniably charming.