The Secret of the Old Clock: 80th Anniversary Limited Edition

By Carolyn Keene

Read the original Nancy Drew mystery, the first book in the iconic mystery series that introduced readers to America's favorite teenaged sleuth!

The accidental rescue of a little girl who lives with her two great-aunts leads to an adventurous search for a missing will. Longtime fans and aspiring detectives alike will enjoy solving the case alongside Nancy Drew in this suspenseful, action-packed thriller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
• Release date: May 1, 1930
• ISBN: 9781440673641

Carolyn Keene

Carolyn Keene is the author of the ever-popular Nancy Drew books.

Book preview

CHAPTER I

The Rescue

NANCY DREW, an attractive girl of eighteen, was driving home along a country road in her new, dark-blue convertible. She had just delivered some legal papers for her father.

It was sweet of Dad to give me this car for my birthday, she thought. And it’s fun to help him in his work.

Her father, Carson Drew, a well-known lawyer in their home town of River Heights, frequently discussed puzzling aspects of cases with his blond, blue-eyed daughter.

Smiling, Nancy said to herself, Dad depends on my intuition.

An instant later she gasped in horror. From the lawn of a house just ahead of her a little girl about five years of age had darted into the roadway. A van, turning out of the driveway of the house, was barely fifty feet away from her. As the driver vigorously sounded the horn in warning, the child became confused and ran directly in front of the van. Miraculously, the little girl managed to cross the road safely and pull herself up onto a low wall, which formed one side of a bridge. But the next second, as the van sped away, the child lost her balance and toppled off the wall out of sight!

Oh my goodness! Nancy cried out, slamming on her brakes. She had visions of the child plunging into the water below, perhaps striking her head fatally on a rock!

Nancy leaped out of her car and dashed across the road. At the foot of the embankment, she could see the curly-haired little girl lying motionless, the right side of her body in the water.

I hope— Nancy dared not complete the harrowing thought as she climbed down the steep slope.

When she reached the child, she saw to her great relief that the little girl was breathing normally and no water had entered her nose or mouth. A quick examination showed that she had suffered no broken bones.

Gently Nancy lifted the little girl, and holding her firmly in both arms, struggled to the top of the embankment. Then she hurried across the road and up the driveway to the child’s house.

At this moment the front door flew open and an elderly woman rushed out, crying, Judy! Judy!

004

The next second, the child lost her balance

I’m sure she’ll be all right, said Nancy quickly.

The woman, seeing Nancy’s car, asked excitedly, Did you run into her?

No, no. Judy fell off the bridge. Nancy quickly explained what had taken place.

By this time another woman, slightly younger, had hurried from the house. Our baby! What has happened to her?

As the woman reached out to take Judy, Nancy said soothingly, Judy’s going to be all right. I’ll carry her into the house and lay her on a couch.

One of the women opened the screen door and the other directed, This way.

Nancy carried her little burden through a hallway and into a small, old-fashioned living room. As soon as she laid the child on the couch, Judy began to murmur and turn her head from side to side.

I believe she’ll come to in a few minutes, said Nancy.

The two women watched Judy intently as they introduced themselves as Edna and Mary Turner, great-aunts of the little girl.

Judy lives with us, explained Edna, the older sister. We’re bringing her up.

Nancy was somewhat surprised to hear that these elderly women were rearing such a small child. She gave her name and address, just as Judy opened her eyes and looked around. Seeing Nancy, she asked, Who are you?

My name is Nancy. I’m glad to know you, Judy.

Did you see me fall?

Nancy nodded, as the child’s Aunt Mary said, She rescued you from the river after you fell in.

Judy began to cry. I’ll never, never run into the road again, really I won’t! she told her aunts.

Nancy said she was sure that Judy never would. She patted the child, who smiled up at her. Although Nancy felt that Judy would be all right, she decided to stay a few minutes longer to see if she could be of help. The child’s wet clothes were removed and a robe put on her.

Mary Turner started for the kitchen door. I’d better get some medication and wet compresses for Judy. She’s getting a good-sized lump on her head. Nancy, will you come with me?

She led the way to the kitchen and headed for a first-aid cabinet which hung on the wall.

I want to apologize to you, Nancy, for thinking you hit Judy, the woman said. I guess Edna and I lost our heads. You see, Judy is very precious to us. We brought up her mother, who had been an only child and was orphaned when she was a little girl. The same thing happened to Judy. Her parents were killed in a boat explosion three years ago. The poor little girl has no close relatives except Edna and me.

Judy looks very healthy and happy, Nancy said quickly, so I’m sure she must love it here.

Mary smiled. We do the best we can on our small income. Sometimes it just doesn’t suffice, though. We sold some old furniture to the two men in that van you saw. I don’t know who they were, but I guess the price was all right.

Mary Turner’s thoughts went back to little Judy. "She’s so little now that Edna and I are able to manage with our small income. But we worry about the future. We’re dressmakers but our fingers aren’t so nimble with the needle as they used to be.

To tell you the truth, Nancy, at the time Judy’s parents were killed, Edna and I wondered whether we would be able to take care of Judy properly. But we decided to try it and now we wouldn’t part with her for anything in the world. She’s won our hearts completely.

Nancy was touched by the story. She knew what was in the minds of the Turner sisters—living costs would become higher, and with their advancing years, their own income would become lower.

Unfortunately, Mary went on, Judy’s parents left very little money. But they were extremely bright people and Judy is going to be like them. She ought to study music and dancing, and have a college education. But I’m afraid we’ll never be able to give her those things.

Nancy said reassuringly, Judy may be able to win a scholarship, or get other financial aid.

Mary, finding Nancy a sympathetic listener, continued, A cousin of our father’s named Josiah Crowley used to help us. But he passed away a couple of months ago. For years he used to pay us long visits and was very generous with his money. Miss Turner sighed. He always promised to remember us in his will—he loved little Judy—and I am afraid Edna and I came to depend on that in our plans for her. But he did not carry out his promise.

Nancy smiled understandingly and made no comment. But she did wonder why Mr. Crowley had changed his mind.

Josiah went to live with some other cousins. After that, things changed. He rarely came to see us. But he was here just last February and said the same thing—that Edna and I were to inherit money from him. He had always helped us and it seemed strange that he should stop so suddenly.

Mary Turner looked at Nancy. Maybe you know our well-to-do cousins that he went to stay with. They live in River Heights. They’re the Richard Tophams.

Do they have two daughters named Ada and Isabel? Nancy asked. If so, I know them.

That’s the family all right, replied Mary.

Nancy detected a hint of coolness in the woman’s voice. Do you like those two girls? Miss Turner asked.

Nancy did not answer at once. She had been taught never to gossip. But finally she said tactfully, Ada and Isabel were in high school with me. They were never my close friends. We—uh —didn’t see eye to eye on various things.

By this time Mary Turner had selected a few items from the first-aid chest. Now she went to the refrigerator for some ice cubes. As she arranged the various articles on a tray, she said, Well, when Cousin Josiah passed away, to our amazement Richard Topham produced a will which made him executor of the Crowley estate and left all the money to him, his wife, and the two girls.

Yes. I did read that in the newspaper, Nancy recalled. Is the estate a large one?

I understand there’s considerable money in it, Mary Turner replied. Some of Josiah’s other cousins say he told them the same thing he told us, and they are planning to go to court about the matter. The woman shrugged. But I guess a fight to break the will would be hopeless. Nevertheless, Edna and I cannot help feeling there must be a later will, although as yet no one has presented it.

Nancy followed Miss Turner into the living room. The cold compresses helped to reduce the swelling where Judy had hit her head on a rock. Convinced now that the little girl was all right, Nancy said she must leave.

Come to see me again soon, Judy spoke up. I like you, Nancy. You’re my saving girl."

You bet I’ll come, Nancy answered. I like you too. You’re a good sport!

The child’s great-aunts profusely thanked Nancy again for rescuing Judy. The visitor had barely reached the door when Edna suddenly said, Mary, where’s our silver teapot?

Why, right there on the tea table—Oh, it’s gone!

Edna ran into the dining room. The silver candlesticks! They’re gone too!

Nancy had paused in the doorway, startled. Do you mean the pieces have been stolen? she asked.

They must have been, replied Mary Turner, who was white with apprehension. By those men who bought some furniture from us!

Instantly Nancy thought of the men in the van. Who were the men? she asked.

Oh, Mary, how could we have been so careless? Edna Turner wailed. We don’t know who the men were. They just knocked on the door and asked if we had any old furniture that we wanted to sell. We’ll never get the silver back!

Maybe you will! said Nancy. I’ll call the police.

Oh dear! Mary said woefully. Our phone is out of order.

Then I’ll try to catch up to the van! Nancy declared.

Reviews for The Secret of the Old Clock

[funstm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A hallmark of detective fiction, Nancy Drew is a enduring and well known literary figure. From the original books, to remakes, spinoffs and television and movie adaptations, Nancy Drew is synonymous with amateur sleuth.

In her first appearance, sixteen year old Nancy is a pretty, intelligent, fiery, curious and slightly vindictive when faced with her pet peeves. A capable driver (and with her own blue roadster) and possessing a polite, well spoken and friendly demeanour, Nancy is a spunky, social butterfly with a nose for mystery and a thirst for righting injustices. She's brash, daring and athletic, mostly rational but capable of panic when endangered. She can be nice and kind and helpful to those who deserve it but also nasty, spiteful and petty to those who don't and it makes her a very real and relatable role model for readers.

The Secret of the Old Clock was published on April 28, 1930, comprises of twenty five chapters and was written by Mildred Wirt Benson under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. The following review is for the 1930's edition of the text.

Nancy is appalled when Josiah Crowley dies and leaves the entirety of his estate to the Topham's - a snobbish and arrogant upper class family Nancy dislikes and has clashed with in the past. Josiah had many poorer relatives all of whom were told they would be inheriting and Nancy finds it unfair that with the current division of the estate, they won't see a dime. When rumours that Josiah made a second will are suggested, Nancy is determined to find and decipher any clues that will help her to find it.

“ ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way,’ ” she quoted whimsically. “That old proverb is doubly true in the Crowley case. If there actually is a second will, I’m going to find it! And if I do, I hope it won’t prove to be in the Tophams’ favor!”

Keene, Carolyn; Benson, Mildred A. Wirt. The Secret of the Old Clock: Nancy Drew Mystery #1 (p. 20). Distributed Proofreaders Canada. Kindle Edition.

It's hard not to like Nancy. From the opening pages, she proves herself to be opinionated, intelligent and mischievous and I immediately found myself feeling fond. She's the kind of girl you just want to be friends with. I liked the portrayal of the close relationship between her and her father, Carson Drew, and the high esteem with which they hold one another as well. Carson was the epitome of proud father, supportive of Nancy's endeavours while also ensuring she had all the knowledge and skills at hand to help her succeed.

“Just a minute,” Carson Drew stopped her. “I wonder if you realize just what you are getting into, Nancy?”
“Why, what do you mean?”
“Only this. Detective work isn’t always the safest occupation in which to engage. I happen to know that Richard Topham is an unpleasant man when crossed. If you actually succeed in learning anything which may help the Horner girls, you are certain to have the Tophams in your wool.”
“I’m not afraid of them, father.”
“Good!” Mr. Drew exclaimed. “I was hoping you would say that. I’m glad you have the courage of your convictions, but I didn’t want you to march off into battle without a knowledge of what, undoubtedly, you will be up against.”
“Battle?”
“Yes, battle.

Keene, Carolyn; Benson, Mildred A. Wirt. The Secret of the Old Clock: Nancy Drew Mystery #1 (pp. 44-45). Distributed Proofreaders Canada. Kindle Edition.

Undoubtedly a product of its time, The Secret of the Old Clock holds up not too badly to modern sensibilities. It's not perfect - there's racism, gender and class discrimination -but it's not as excessive as some old texts are in stomping all over societal issues.

The plot itself was a bit slow at times. There is some introspection and dithering as Nancy tries to find a way to proceed with her investigation. A lot of the clues do just happen to fall into her lap as well, which can be a dealbreaker for some readers. It's simplistic in some ways but I found it to be about what I expect from this genre of book, so it didn't bother me much. The writing itself is accessible and engaging - if not a bit outdated with some phrasing.

Once it got the setup out of the way though, the plot moves at a faster clip, with adventure and danger as Nancy takes a little detour on her way to knock the Topham's off their high horse. I was amused that she steals the clock before reporting the whereabouts of the van and the thieves. Sneaky little thief. And I enjoyed the dramatic high speed car chase before a cop vs. bad guys shoot out. I was impressed they managed to hit the tire. Before curving back round to make sure they get their just desserts too. I was amused by her wanting to see their faces as the news got delivered. Her pettiness was great.

An enjoyable and entertaining mystery adventure with a spunky teenage detective. 4 stars.

[fictionvictim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was so much fun I was laughing out loud at how ridiculous everything just happened to fall together.

[hcheetham-270093 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

great read. lots of excitement from the beginnimg.

[rmarcin-630843 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is always fun to read old favorites. I remember reading this book, and all the Nancy Drew mysteries, as a child. In the first Nancy Drew book, Nancy meets some women who are raising their great niece. They mention they are having financial difficulties, but they had expected an inheritance from their friend. Yet, when he died, his nasty family members claimed the estate.
Nancy gets involved, asks questions, and discovers a secret. Fun to read how this teen sleuth is kind and interested in helping people, with a tinge of danger in the mix.

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I thought I’d read the original Nancy Drew novels, but I think I’d only read the reimagine version from the ‘90s. I liked that Nancy solved the case on her own. She didn’t need to be rescued, she was clever (and sometimes lucky), and she stood up for the underdogs who had been unexpectedly disinherited. I do wish the title didn’t give away so much of the plot. My daughter and I are both interested to read the next one.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Finally I've read this, at age 61! I can definitely see the appeal; I think that I was too young the first time I tried (probably age 11 or 12, probably one of the later books). I won't read the sequel, but I'm very glad I visited Nancy's (mostly happy) world.

[manhattanite-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I was in elementary school, I devoured these books. Devoured them. So much so that I got into trouble for skipping homework and just reading Nancy Drew. Over the years, I always wanted to revisit these as an adult to see if the magic is still there so when I came across this book in the free books bin at my local library, I leapt at the chance to re-read this.

I was disappointed. It was boring. Boring! At the 30% mark, I wanted to DNF so badly. These books did not hold up well. Like watching a sitcom that you loved as a child only to not like it as much as a fully grown person.

The story lacked suspense and moved at a snail's pace. The writing was stilted. The characters very black or white; all good or all bad with Nancy perfect. Perfect in looks, demeanor, clothing and appearance. Also, well off with the perfect father, friends, housekeeper and car. Convertible, of course. But, she's not a wallflower, nor a damsel in distress and shows plenty of moxie! That's probably what I liked as a child.

[chazzifrazz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first book in the Nancy Drew series. I’d read it back in the 1950s and enjoyed it and the rest of the books in the series. It is probably one of the books that got me hooked on mysteries.

It seems there are furniture thieves travelling around the area, stealing from vacant vacation homes: furniture, heirlooms, household good and other items that can be sold. The thefts are discovered until the families visit these homes.

There is also the matter of Josiah Crowley’s wills. For a number of years he had let it be known he would divvy his estate between a select number of friend and family that could really use the financial help. Three years before his death, he was persuaded to move in with some distant relatives. Shortly after this move, word got out that he was leaving his whole estate to this family instead of the people mentioned before. The beneficial family had had slim to no contact with Crowley before, so the change seemed unusual.

Nancy learns that Crowley had spoken with his lawyer about rewriting his will and stated he would. She sets about investigating this news and finding where he had put the new document. By accident her path crosses the furniture thieves and she is able to help solve that mystery.

Written in 1930, Nancy is a pretty independent girl who isn’t afraid of challenges. She may not be as up-to-date as today’s girls, but she is ahead of her time in her series.

[sjgirl-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

There was a pandering feel to this, like it doesn’t trust that the reader is smart enough to follow along or do any deducing of their own, with every aspect of the mystery not only spelled out and easy to solve but repeated ad nauseum, this is a short book, and could easily have been shorter for how much of it is just repeating what the reader has already been told.

The dialogue was a problem for me, too, extremely stilted and way too overloaded with exposition.

Also, if this man was so wealthy, why did he live with people he didn’t necessarily like? Did I miss something? That did not make sense.

While I struggled with much of the storytelling and writing style here, I did like Nancy herself, she’s brave, she’s determined to right wrongs, and there is something just plain fun about the image of this young woman driving around in her blue convertible solving crimes, I can see why she’s endured in so many readers’ hearts even if this first book wasn’t a good fit for me.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Mystery of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene is a 1930 publication.

Well, what a lovely reminder of a different time and a nostalgic reminder of how much I enjoyed Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries when I was growing up.

In one the earliest installments in the series, Nancy is on the hunt for a hidden will- one that will provide a great deal of financial relief to relatives who truly deserve the money- but for now it looks as if other, less charitable relatives might be the only legal beneficiaries. Can Nancy find the will in time?

I can’t recall the last time I read a Nancy Drew mystery- but I’m certain I read those published long after this one. I do remember enjoying these books, though, I didn’t read them exclusively as a teen and this series was not my first introduction to mysteries -as my parents still had some old Bobbey Twins books that got passed down to me, which I read before I ever discovered ND. But Nancy was older and a character one could sort of look up to, I think- I know I did.

In the beginning Nancy solves mysteries- but not murder mysteries, but they can still be moderately dangerous. I liked this version of Nancy- she walks that fine line of being sharp, mature for her age, and independent- and pushed an envelope here and there. But she also had values and principles and cared about those who needed a helping hand, making her popular with a broad audience and making it hard to find too much fault with her.

I liked the story, the fast pace, the time and place, the touch of suspense, but mostly I liked the purpose behind Nancy’s involvement and how everything came together in the end. A wonderful YA book – the way one should be presented to the audience it courted.

It’s too bad that young readers today do not have a recent incarnation of Nancy or the Hardy Boys mysteries to read. It’s a shame that the character was allowed to fizzle and fade- not being written in a way that made Nancy a character that young readers could admire and relate to at the same time- while enjoying a good mystery and some clean entertainment.

But at least these books are available in digital format- and can be found in many libraries. It is a relief that they are at least being preserved and who knows- maybe a young person will be curious enough to read one someday- even as the threat of Nancy fading into obscurity looms large- and be inspired to pick up the torch and breathe new life into the character, but with the spirit of the original version of Nancy we see portrayed here…. One can only hope…

Overall, I enjoyed my fun excursion into the past with the first version of Nancy Drew. Though she went through many incarnations over the decades, her mysteries always bring back fond memories and a wistful hope that future generations will someday be able experience the same enjoyment from this series and that Nancy will inspire them the way she inspired me.

4.5 stars

[crabbyabbe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.25/5 The story that turned me into a fanatic lover of detective fiction. Nancy Drew embodies the kind of girl we all wanted to be: beautiful, beyond clever, adventurous, inquisitive, friendly, I mean she even drives a convertible at 18! The story holds up well, though I found I was quite nostalgic while reading it. The puzzle is easier to solve as an adult (esp. with the title), but it doesn't make it any less fun.

[rosands-494665 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really enjoyed the book. Very exciting.

[micareads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nancy Drew is the girl detective of Riverside. When she almost hits a young girl, she meets the family members of Josiah Crowley, a wealthy older man who has recently passed away. She learns that he had promised multiple friends and family that he would leave them money in his will but instead it is discovered that he has left all of his money to the Tophams - a community family who looks down on other members of society. There are rumors that Josiah wrote a new will that excludes the Tophams and takes care of those he promised care to. Nancy takes on the mystery of finding the new will and helping her new friends.

I read these Nancy Drew novels when I was younger and they helped develop my love of reading. The narrator does a wonderful job of bringing Nancy's adventures to life. Another big plus was the great mysterious cheesy music that plays at the height of mystery and danger. All in all, I loved going back and re-reading these mysteries and the sense of nostalgia was perfect.

[delphimo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The journey into the mysteries of Nancy Drew begins with The Secret of the Old Clock. What a joy to read about stylish Nancy Drew and her wardrobe of matching clothes. And this eighteen year old has a dark blue convertible at her disposable. Nancy interviews and aids so many people in this story who have been swindled out of a hefty inheritance. Of course, the amounts mentioned in the book seem paltry compared to modern amounts, but the people involved gladly accept their inheritance. Nancy encounters a few detours in her investigation, but helps the police locate furniture thieves. The vivid description of the characters completes a poignant story.

[mutantpudding · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love Nancy Drew and believe she holds an important place in American culture and literature. However many of her individual stories are a bit ridiculous. In this first book Nancys luck seems to be either amazing or horrible with no in between.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I haven't read this series since I was in middle school, and I've been itching to do a re-read for YEARS. Well, I had just as much fun as I remembered when I was a kid. Nancy is most def. a Mary Sue, but that didn't annoy me. I love a good mystery, and seeing her coolly use her wits to deduce clues about her reminded me how thrilling that was to have such a self-sufficient protagonist to read about. In this mystery, Nancy is determined to find the last will of an elderly man who promised his fortune to deserving and impoverished relatives, while the only will known to exist left his fortunes to the haughty Topham family. Hijinks ensue.

This book is VERY dated, but I found a real charm in that. I was enthralled by the idea that Nancy went around the county in her convertible, running errands for her dad and solving mysteries along the way. I'm looking forward to continue the series. I think I'll read the "original" set from the 1959 revision onward, so I'll be confining that to Books 1-56, since those are the ones I read as a kid.

[forsanolim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I needed something quick to read for the Banned Book Week prompt for Popsugar, and this fit the bill nicely! It was definitely huge blast of nostalgia to return to this book, and I had a lot of fun reading it and remembering the books I'd read (and been read--when I was really little, Nancy Drew books were some common bedtime stories for me and my siblings) a long time ago. It's definitely very very apparent that this is a book for children, and that it was written ninety years ago, but it was a lot of fun!

[annawaffles · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I never read these as a kid, but as a curious children's librarian I thought it was delightful. I was reminded of watching Perry Mason with my parents... vintage mysteries where the good guys always win. I could see myself devouring the whole library collection.

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I first began to read the Nancy Drew Mysteries in 4th grade. I particularly remember reading Nancy Drew books during 4th grade math and tucking the book inside the long, rectangular red cover math book. When I would stand the math book up on my desk, the Nancy Drew book fit perfectly “inside” as the math book spine height was just a little taller than the Nancy Drew book. My teacher would continue teaching but walk behind me and reach down to pull out the Nancy Drew book and put it on his desk before returning to the front chalkboard. It always impressed me that he would tuck my bookmarker inside to keep my place and allow me to take the book home the same evening of my distraction from class. Now >50 years later, a dear girlfriend surprised me with a ©1959 edition of “The Secret of the Old Clock” in mint condition that she found in AZ and brought back for me in PA. I read the story again in one sitting and I was as enthralled with the mystery as I was so many years ago. I found the mystery riveting and just couldn't put it down. Now I can easily understand why I forgot to look up occasionally to act as though I was interested in that day's math lesson. Nancy Drew adventure or math? Still, no contest. lol

I had forgotten so many of the details of the series opener as well as the initial plot. The Nancy Drew Mysteries invigorated my interest in reading and particularly mysteries that has brought me a lifetime of reading adventures and treasured hours. What a priceless gift! My girlfriend also read Nancy Drew books during her childhood. She grew up to be an elementary reading teacher and I grew up to be a children's librarian.

[nx74defiant · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nancy sets out to help people. If she can find the lost will, the people who really need and deserve it will get the inheritance.

[justagirlwithabook · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

 I absolutely loved Nancy Drew growing up. This was a series I latched on to for dear life and never let go. Anytime my mom and I would go to antique stores, we'd peruse the Nancy Drews and add them to the collection (oftentimes my mom had to make deals with me on how many I could buy). So, while I don't remember the exact details of each and every one, the entire series was amazing and really fed my love for reading (especially novels full of suspense and mystery). Thank you, Carolyn Keene, for giving us an intelligent female character to fall in love with in Nancy Drew!

[eyelit-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

no matter how paper thin the plots are or how under-developed the characters are to me now, I still love these books. When I was young I wanted to be Nancy Drew (she was actually 4th or 5th in line of characters I wanted to be...).

[gail616 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely fun to read. Completely not based in reality. My goal is to reread all the books in the series. I first read them when I was 10 years old.

[katcoviello · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

a childhood favorite
i started reading nancy drew mysteries in 2nd grade

[cathywoolbright · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Okay, I'll confess, I read the 1959 series, and for the most part, I prefer them. It has nothing to do with familiarity, it has everything to do with character development, setting up of the scenery and the cool cars everyone drove. Nancy had such a neat relationship with her dad, and it was so believable that he would allow her such responsibility. One longed for the ability to drive - and to drive a little roadster, have a relaxed relationship with a boyfriend, and use one's brain and not be considered a 'dork,' our word for nerd. I read every Nancy Drew I could get my hands on, as well as Hardy Boys, in order. Couldn't get enough of them. It was almost a right of passage for girls in 4th grade or later depending on reading level and interest. It fully developed my love for mystery and detective reads, those of you who put off reading them until adult hood, remember the attention span of elementary school girls, and their infatuation with 16, 17 and 18 year old girls and boys! I really cannot speak too much about the 'new' editions, I read through one twelve years ago when my daughter was of the age to read them and did not care for the updated version. Maybe because I had read the older ones so much I had them memorized! Oh, well, the Nancy Drew movie was charming, but NOTHING like the books, new or old, but charming.

[bravenewbks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yes, I've decided to re-read my old Nancy Drew books. I think for a sub-200-page children's book, it's pretty great. The text is more difficult than I think we would give to second-graders nowadays, but the story itself is fairly simple. I look forward to reading a few more to see if they all seem as simplistic now, or if they can manage to seem as intricately mysterious as I thought they were a couple of decades ago (I remember The Crooked Bannister as being particularly impressive).

[tracie_shepherd-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My mother handed down her Nancy Drew books to me. I think this book started my love of mysteries and I devoured her whole collection. It's fun to see that some of my students are returning to this classic.

[engpunk77 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I think it was probably Nancy Drew books that first made a real "reader" out of me. I devoured most of the collection during the years of 5th grade to 7th, along with the Babysitter's Club series. Then I moved on to Christopher Pike thrillers.

[macjest · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The book that launched Nancy Drew. It was entertaining slipping back into another era. Nancy drives down a country road looking for a house. She stops at several places along the way for directions. Well, that wouldn't happen today. A couple of plot points were annoying. Nancy's brand new convertible roof won't go back up and later gets a flat tire. I did, however, enjoy how helpful people were back then. And, a hundred thousand was quite a fortune back then. Yes, Nancy can be a little too perfect, but maybe we could use a few more people like her in real life.

[lit_chick_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

2007, Listening Library, Read by Laura Linney

Book Description: Girl sleuth, Nancy Drew, is introduced in this audio version of the first book in the series. After aiding an injured child, Nancy accidentally stumbles upon the mystery of Josiah Crowley's missing will. While several of Crowley's impoverished relatives claim that he had included them in his will, his arrogant relatives, seem to possess the only copy, which leaves them in total possession of the deceased man's fortune. Nancy is intrigued by the situation and begins searching for Crowley's missing antique clock, an object that reportedly contains a clue to the will's location. During her investigation, she encounters a series of obstacles, one of which is the theft of the clock by thieves. Nancy's rescue of the clock ultimately leads to her discovery of the real will.

My Review:
Who knew discovering Nancy Drew in my mid-fifties would be such a delight! Nancy herself, of course, is the star of the show, but I am impressed with the secondary cast of characters here, too: the aging Turner sisters, guardians of little Judy, who want only the best for their ward; the much younger Hoover sisters, childhood neighbours of the deceased Crowley, who were fond of him; 80-year-old invalid Abbey Rowen, always pleasant despite her challenges; Jeff Tucker, a kindly farmer who’s dreamed of travelling; and, by contrast, the arrogant, entitled, and greedy Topham family. I’m expecting to meet again with Carson Drew, Nancy’s father and successful attorney, and their housekeeper come family friend, Hannah Gruen. The plot plays out well, as does the mystery story, but I was more impressed with the theme: that those who have help those who have much less – and in doing so, enrich their own lives as well as the lives of others. Laura Linney, who narrates this audio version, is, well, Laura Linney: fabulous! Her pronunciation and timing are perfect, and all of the characters are clearly delineated. Occasional background music is used effectively to indicate moments of tension. Highly recommended!