Nancy Drew: #1-3 [3-in-1]

by Carolyn Keene

Contains three Nancy Drew mysteries:
- "The Bungalow Mystery,"
- "The Secret of the Old Clock,"
- "The Hidden Staircase"
all three being popular choices for fans of Nancy Drew, mysteries, or teen readers looking for adventure.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

558 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1999

About the author

Carolyn Keene is a writer pen name that was used by many different people- both men and women- over the years. The company that was the creator of the Nancy Drew series, the Stratemeyer Syndicate, hired a variety of writers. For Nancy Drew, the writers used the pseudonym Carolyn Keene to assure anonymity of the creator.

Edna and Harriet Stratemeyer inherited the company from their father Edward Stratemeyer. Edna contributed 10 plot outlines before passing the reins to her sister Harriet. It was Mildred Benson (aka: Mildred A. Wirt), who breathed such a feisty spirit into Nancy's character. Mildred wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew Mystery Stories®, including the first three. It was her characterization that helped make Nancy an instant hit. The Stratemeyer Syndicate's devotion to the series over the years under the reins of Harriet Stratemeyer Adams helped to keep the series alive and on store shelves for each succeeding generation of girls and boys. In 1959, Harriet, along with several writers, began a 25-year project to revise the earlier Carolyn Keene novels. The Nancy Drew books were condensed, racial stereotypes were removed, and the language was updated. In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.

Other writers of Nancy Drew volumes include Harriet herself, she wrote most of the series after Mildred quit writing for the Syndicate and in 1959 began a revision of the first 34 texts. The role of the writer of "Carolyn Keene" passed temporarily to Walter Karig who wrote three novels during the Great Depression. Also contributing to Nancy Drew's prolific existence were Leslie McFarlane, James Duncan Lawrence, Nancy Axelrod, Priscilla Doll, Charles Strong, Alma Sasse, Wilhelmina Rankin, George Waller Jr., and Margaret Scherf.

Reviews

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, since I had only a few days of 'commuter reading' after finishing my previous book, I decided to download the Nancy Drew, The Hidden Staircase, for a fast read. Without giving away the plot I will say there was a hidden staircase involved in the mystery.
Gosh, it was fun! I had read a couple of dozen of the Nancy Drew books as a kid so it was quite a nostalgic read. Not sure if I can do too many more books of the ‘youthful sleuth’ gathering clues but it was a kick.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found an early edition on eBay. Much different from later issues. Hannah Gruen is "an elderly servant". Nancy is 16. The roads are not paved and she carries chains to use when the roads get too muddy. She pumps water at the kitchen sink and the houses outside of towns tend to not have electric or telephone. Her father gives her a hand gun for protection. An interesting look at life in the 30's.

[Janice Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read everything that was Nancy Drew as I grew up & she was my intro into her little mysteries. She was a BIG beginning to my love of both her & the library! All the ones I read were the old first books.... The very best in my opinion. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Shanna Barney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read Nancy Drew as a young girl so I loved reading them for our book club. They were a very good read and lots of fun.

[Jeanann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Drew-go-to comfort stories. I wonder why Keene (folk) always had repeat Hannah's last name?