Love Times Three

Holy teen supersleuth! The famous Nancy Drew makes a cameo appearance in this new River Heights series set in Nancy's hometown, but the focus is on high-school society and young love. Nikki Masters is entering junior year with a stiff upper lip--that summer she had been accused of murder until Nancy cleared her name ( Nancy Drew Files #39 ), and she knows the gossip at River Heights High will be bad. Nikki is soon able to put that trouble behind her, however, when she meets handsome newcomer Tim Cooper. But Brittany Tate, River Heights's ``vixen,'' has a chip on her shoulder about Nikki and a passel of schemes to make Tim her own. Series fans will find no surprises here: characterization is black and white, and an open ending allows for continuation. Nevertheless, smooth writing, tasteful packaging and a wholesome, soap-opera approach to the plot make this an agreeable offering. Ages 11-up. (Sept.)