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The Secret of the Old Clock / The Hidden Staircase
A special treat for Nancy Drew fans! Out just in time for Nancy's 80th anniversary, we're releasing a limited number of copies of The Secret of the Old Clock , the first book in the series. It's the exciting mystery that readers have fallen in love with for 80 years, with a terrific new look and bonus material! Collectors won't want to miss this.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published September 2, 1987
99 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
951 books3,833 followersCarolyn 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
July 29, 2021
nobody is doing it like nancy!!!
except for nancy in the remaining 247 books. but this is the first one, so: nobody is doing it like her!!!
sure, maybe the following hundreds of installments contain the exact same descriptions of platinum blonde hair and convertibles and boyish best friends and sweet best friends and dumb jock boyfriends. maybe almost every story follows a similar story structure. maybe that structure goes from "the soul equivalent of comfort food" to "boring and annoying" fast.
but we don't have to consider any of that, because this is the first one!
part of a series i'm doing where i review books a long time ago, either making myself want to reread them immediately or forget about them forever, or somehow both
except for nancy in the remaining 247 books. but this is the first one, so: nobody is doing it like her!!!
sure, maybe the following hundreds of installments contain the exact same descriptions of platinum blonde hair and convertibles and boyish best friends and sweet best friends and dumb jock boyfriends. maybe almost every story follows a similar story structure. maybe that structure goes from "the soul equivalent of comfort food" to "boring and annoying" fast.
but we don't have to consider any of that, because this is the first one!
part of a series i'm doing where i review books a long time ago, either making myself want to reread them immediately or forget about them forever, or somehow both
August 29, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
This edition here actually says it has two Nancy Crew mysteries, but I read my book from childhood and it's the The Secret of the Old Clock.
It was so nice to take a little step back into my childhood and read one of my favorite books. I loved Nancy Drew and always wanted to be a sleuth like her, among other things :)
I recommend these books to anyone that have little girls that love mysteries. I think they would get great joy out of this series.
This edition here actually says it has two Nancy Crew mysteries, but I read my book from childhood and it's the The Secret of the Old Clock.
It was so nice to take a little step back into my childhood and read one of my favorite books. I loved Nancy Drew and always wanted to be a sleuth like her, among other things :)
I recommend these books to anyone that have little girls that love mysteries. I think they would get great joy out of this series.
April 13, 2017
One of my childhood faorites! Its been ages snce I read this. Who knew a book could bring back so many memories outside the pages. :)
October 6, 2018
I was a huge Nancy Drew fan and loved her mysteries. Since my library has many books that I read as a child, I thought I'd revisit some of them.
Nancy Drew meets some older women who are taking care of their great niece. They tell her a story of a relative who recently died. He told them he would leave them money in his will, but the will that was recently read left them penniless. Nancy believes there may be a more recent will and is determined to find it.
The story was simple and fast moving. I was surprised that the dialogue seemed so formal. Most people do not speak that way. Still, it was an entertaining mystery. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
Nancy Drew meets some older women who are taking care of their great niece. They tell her a story of a relative who recently died. He told them he would leave them money in his will, but the will that was recently read left them penniless. Nancy believes there may be a more recent will and is determined to find it.
The story was simple and fast moving. I was surprised that the dialogue seemed so formal. Most people do not speak that way. Still, it was an entertaining mystery. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
March 7, 2017
When there is too much to do and you are dying for a respite,
your teenage year's best detective comes and makes life a little less trite.
Absolutely enjoyed the first Nancy Drew which I had missed in my teenage years.
And I am so happy after reading a Nancy Drew again, that I am planning to read all the sixty-four 'Nancy Drew Mystery Story' series, including the ones I missed and the ones I had already read in my tween-teen years all over again!
Ah! How great that will be!
Happy reading! :)
your teenage year's best detective comes and makes life a little less trite.
Absolutely enjoyed the first Nancy Drew which I had missed in my teenage years.
And I am so happy after reading a Nancy Drew again, that I am planning to read all the sixty-four 'Nancy Drew Mystery Story' series, including the ones I missed and the ones I had already read in my tween-teen years all over again!
Ah! How great that will be!
Happy reading! :)
November 3, 2016
Don't laugh! I have been doing some pretty heavy reading and I wanted to switch to something light and quick! This is the 1st Nancy Drew Mystery (I have read #2,#3 and #4 previously), and what I love about these books is that 1) My mother read these books when she was a little girl and loved them! 2)It is refreshing to "listen" to Nancy talk to her friends, her father and other adults and use perfect manners and respect. Just a refreshing change! Quick and easy read...perfect for younger readers, teens who will give it a chance, and Literature majors!
October 31, 2018
Lifelong Nancy Drew fan and I read a few books as a kid but thought I would go back and read them again. I found this to be a good start. Nancy uses her smarts to help find the second will in order to help a few women who were left out of the first will. It wasn't anything too exciting honestly but feel like you have to start with this book. I liked the mention of Moon Lake since I played the games too and didn't know that reference..
Good quick read!
Good quick read!
November 10, 2023
While I was in elementary school, I read some of these Nancy Drew books as I did not really like the Hardy Boys and the "Alfred Hitchcock Three Explorers" series books were harder to come by.
I revisited this book after picking it up at a book clearance sale last week.
Nancy Drew still appeals as a strong, bright young lady who has a promising future in law enforcement!
I think that this series is still a good source of reading material for young readers as it lacks the edgy worldliness that saturates so much of the reading material that is produced for youths at the present time.
I revisited this book after picking it up at a book clearance sale last week.
Nancy Drew still appeals as a strong, bright young lady who has a promising future in law enforcement!
I think that this series is still a good source of reading material for young readers as it lacks the edgy worldliness that saturates so much of the reading material that is produced for youths at the present time.
September 11, 2023
It was so much fun to go back and revisit a childhood favorite. I will definitely seek out more of these to read.
October 14, 2014
THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK was wonderful from page one until the end. I truly enjoyed riding along with Nancy as she found herself involved in her first case.
Reading the interactions between Nancy with her father, Hannah her house keeper, and the wide cast of characters she meets and befriends in the story, was great fun. As a girl, Nancy’s kindness was the first thing that drew me to her. And she holds that same appeal to this day.
While Nancy was working so hard to help the families that stood to benefit from her finding the clock, she found herself in many dangerous situations. I really like that she didn’t always get herself out of them. She had no problem with yelling for help. Had no problem taking help that was offered. This made Nancy not only heroic, but human.
Sure, the times have changed. They have even changed for Nancy. The edition I read has been updated and changed from the original, first edition story from 1930. Yet that makes no difference. I still find Nancy Drew to be timeless.
If I had a daughter, I would encourage her to read this entire series. I do however have a niece, and when she is old enough to read at this age level, I will be proud to buy her, her very first Nancy Drew book, THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK.
Reading the interactions between Nancy with her father, Hannah her house keeper, and the wide cast of characters she meets and befriends in the story, was great fun. As a girl, Nancy’s kindness was the first thing that drew me to her. And she holds that same appeal to this day.
While Nancy was working so hard to help the families that stood to benefit from her finding the clock, she found herself in many dangerous situations. I really like that she didn’t always get herself out of them. She had no problem with yelling for help. Had no problem taking help that was offered. This made Nancy not only heroic, but human.
Sure, the times have changed. They have even changed for Nancy. The edition I read has been updated and changed from the original, first edition story from 1930. Yet that makes no difference. I still find Nancy Drew to be timeless.
If I had a daughter, I would encourage her to read this entire series. I do however have a niece, and when she is old enough to read at this age level, I will be proud to buy her, her very first Nancy Drew book, THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK.
December 4, 2020
I remember having read this series as a child, but almost nothing else about it. Reading it again was... interesting because I did not feel a sense of nostalgia, as you might expect to in rereading old children's books. Rereading things to my daughter I'm often nostalgic or surprised at how racist some authors were, or how gruesome children's literature can be (Black Beauty stands out), but I didn't have any of those feelings about this. It is cute, well crafted (enough - the title seems like a spoiler), and the character compelling enough without actually serving any function other than to be compelling (I'm talking about the minor character here, not Nancy Drew herself, whose story we probably hear the least of...). Good enough, is my final thought.
November 11, 2019
I decided to read this book because I want to watch the new Nancy Drew show on the CW so thought I’d give the book a try before I watch the show. The audiobook was a dramatized version with music at suspenseful parts which I didn’t like, but this particular book is hard to find and audio was my only option. The language is older and it was a simple mystery. If I read another I’ll probably try a paperback vs audio.
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June 6, 2018I read this at home my grandmother recommended this series to me and she has all of the books.
January 6, 2023
the nostalgia in these books is just the best
August 19, 2024
idk if she gets better at solving mysteries as the series goes on but in this one everything just kind of happens to her.
October 12, 2016
Nancy Drew is an 18 year old detective who loves solving mysteries. One day she was driving past a bridge and a little girl about 8 years old fell off. Nancy, of course, saved the little girl; that's how Nancy Drew got caught up in this adventurous mystery. The little girl's aunts, Mary and Edna Turner, are very poor folk. They had barley enough money to keep their house. When Nancy had lunch with them after saving Judy, Mary Turner was surprised to see that their silver candlesticks and plates were gone. They believed the objects were stolen. Nancy tries to catch the thieves but she was too late.
Over time, in this adventure, Nancy keeps on hearing the same name, Mr. Crowley. She learns that Mr. Crowley was a very wealthy and kind man. In a short period of time Nancy figured out that most of the time Mr. Crowley was ill was spent with the Turners sisters, Matthew brothers, Hover girls and Abby Rowen. These people were all friends and family of Mr. Crowley.
After Mr. Crowley died, all of his estate was given to the Tomphans. These people were very wealthy like Mr. Crowley, but were spoiled and obnoxious and undeserving of Mr. Crowley's inheritance. Nancy Drew's quest was to find out if there was a second will. All of Mr. Crowley's friends and family were told that they would be mentioned in his will, but they weren't in the original will. As Nancy's adventure continues she talks to Abby Rowen who is the sister of Mr. Crowley's wife. She also is in desperate need of money, care and barley remembers a thing. After Nancy and Ms. Rowen's conversation was done, Abby told her that there was an old family clock that had a notebook in it that could help Nancy with her mystery. Abby tells Nancy the clock is in the Tomphans house. After she talks to the Tomphans without raising suspicion, she finds that the clock is at their cottage. She races to the cottage as fast as she can. Finally when she gets there she quickly discovers thieves in the Tomphan's cottage that matched the description of the men that stole from the Turner sisters.
When Nancy tries to be a hero, she ends up in closet for what feels like hours. Finally, she gets out when the Tomphan's caterer opens the door and lets Nancy out. She thanks him and is on her way.
Finally Nancy catches up to the burglars. She sees them hiding out in a old barn behind a broken down motel. As the burglars are packing up, Nancy snatches the clock from the burglar's truck. She tries to bolt out of the truck but took her chances and hid in the truck. When the robbers were turning the corner, Nancy jumped out and called the police.
When the police got to Nancy, she told them where the robbers went, eventually the police caught the burglars. When Nancy got the clock, she was surprised that there was a key inside the notebook. She later found out that the key was to a safe where the second will was located. In the end, everyone got there share of the estate, except the Tomphans. Mr. Tomphan was going broke but in the end everyone was happy and the Turner sisters got back the candelsticks and plates.
When I read this book it made me feel excited because there was always a new adventure just around the corner. What I liked about this book is that there was always a new clue or lead to the story and the adventure was always breathtaking. What I disliked about the book is when the same topic was repeated over two to three chapters.
I think people who like adventure, mystery and excitement would definitely LOVE this book.
I would compare this book, The Secret of the Old Clock To Percy Jackson because they both have that excitement and adventure to the stories.
Over time, in this adventure, Nancy keeps on hearing the same name, Mr. Crowley. She learns that Mr. Crowley was a very wealthy and kind man. In a short period of time Nancy figured out that most of the time Mr. Crowley was ill was spent with the Turners sisters, Matthew brothers, Hover girls and Abby Rowen. These people were all friends and family of Mr. Crowley.
After Mr. Crowley died, all of his estate was given to the Tomphans. These people were very wealthy like Mr. Crowley, but were spoiled and obnoxious and undeserving of Mr. Crowley's inheritance. Nancy Drew's quest was to find out if there was a second will. All of Mr. Crowley's friends and family were told that they would be mentioned in his will, but they weren't in the original will. As Nancy's adventure continues she talks to Abby Rowen who is the sister of Mr. Crowley's wife. She also is in desperate need of money, care and barley remembers a thing. After Nancy and Ms. Rowen's conversation was done, Abby told her that there was an old family clock that had a notebook in it that could help Nancy with her mystery. Abby tells Nancy the clock is in the Tomphans house. After she talks to the Tomphans without raising suspicion, she finds that the clock is at their cottage. She races to the cottage as fast as she can. Finally when she gets there she quickly discovers thieves in the Tomphan's cottage that matched the description of the men that stole from the Turner sisters.
When Nancy tries to be a hero, she ends up in closet for what feels like hours. Finally, she gets out when the Tomphan's caterer opens the door and lets Nancy out. She thanks him and is on her way.
Finally Nancy catches up to the burglars. She sees them hiding out in a old barn behind a broken down motel. As the burglars are packing up, Nancy snatches the clock from the burglar's truck. She tries to bolt out of the truck but took her chances and hid in the truck. When the robbers were turning the corner, Nancy jumped out and called the police.
When the police got to Nancy, she told them where the robbers went, eventually the police caught the burglars. When Nancy got the clock, she was surprised that there was a key inside the notebook. She later found out that the key was to a safe where the second will was located. In the end, everyone got there share of the estate, except the Tomphans. Mr. Tomphan was going broke but in the end everyone was happy and the Turner sisters got back the candelsticks and plates.
When I read this book it made me feel excited because there was always a new adventure just around the corner. What I liked about this book is that there was always a new clue or lead to the story and the adventure was always breathtaking. What I disliked about the book is when the same topic was repeated over two to three chapters.
I think people who like adventure, mystery and excitement would definitely LOVE this book.
I would compare this book, The Secret of the Old Clock To Percy Jackson because they both have that excitement and adventure to the stories.
December 18, 2018
The Nancy Drew series was originally published in 1930, just three years after the first Hardy Boys mystery. Carolyn Keene doesn’t try to be showy or write the girl version of the Hardy Boys. Her writing is authentic and warm, simply telling the story of an intrepid, clever, kind 18-year-old who is curious and wants to help. I like Keene just as much as I like Nancy.
The Secret of the Old Clock is mainly plot-driven, with limited characterization and a brief mention of clothes. Nothing about the story is dated or boring, not the writing, the dialogue, or characters’ attitudes. I would recommend this book to upper elementary and middle school readers.
This appealing book shows that American culture, even 82 years ago, has valued strong women for a very long time.
Note: The author page shows that Carolyn Keene was a pen name assumed by many who wrote Nancy Drew books and that the series was revised in 1959. The updating authors did a great job. However, the book cover should reflect its revised status, or second edition, for accuracy.
The Secret of the Old Clock is mainly plot-driven, with limited characterization and a brief mention of clothes. Nothing about the story is dated or boring, not the writing, the dialogue, or characters’ attitudes. I would recommend this book to upper elementary and middle school readers.
This appealing book shows that American culture, even 82 years ago, has valued strong women for a very long time.
Note: The author page shows that Carolyn Keene was a pen name assumed by many who wrote Nancy Drew books and that the series was revised in 1959. The updating authors did a great job. However, the book cover should reflect its revised status, or second edition, for accuracy.
August 7, 2014
After hearing a great discussion on CBC radio's Sunday Edition about Nancy Drew, I decided to go back and read the series as they're now available as ebooks. While being highly repetative in the storyline - the author won't let readers forget that Nancy is hell-bent on finding an updated will that will benefit three separate parties whom she's only just met, I did enjoy the time period, and Nancy's elegant waredrobe, including a linen sports dress with matching cardigan. And her awesome little sports car which she drives very competently around town. Nancy's dad doesn't seem fazed by her activities even when he learns that she'd been shoved into closets by furniture theives - she's obviously a smart cookie if she managed to escape on her own. I'll attempt a few more for the fun of it, but may get bogged down by the formula.
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February 16, 2017The novel "The Secret of the Old Clock" is a great reading choice for those who love mystery and suspense. First, Keene narrates the journey of a young adult, Nancy, and her quest for a later will that may or may not be a rumor. In the beginning of the story, Nancy learns that there is a man who had said he would include many people in his will, that he ended up not including, but Nancy hears that there is a later will, so she searches for it, which brings her to many adventures and exciting moments. Also, Nancy experiences moments where she is confused or scared, and doesn't know what to do.Near the middle of the story Nancy gets locked in a closet (pg 109), and then was almost captured by the men who locked her in the closet but narrowly escapes again (pg 131). Anyone who loves the feeling of thrill and excitement, will love the story of Nancy Drew.
June 10, 2019
This was my first time ever reading Nancy Drew! I was really into it, I like that it's super old (1930) and I like the mysterious/spooky element to it. And I 10/10 would recommend to my future children because Nancy is a stand-up gal and is never selfish throughout the entire book, she only seeks to help people. She straight up wins friends and influences people the whole time!
September 29, 2019
Picked this up for nostalgia reasons, and in the process of reading the books found out that ND had been re-edited in the 1950s to make her more palatable (in some good and some bad ways...less racism, more docility). Very interested in getting my hands on the originals to get a sense of the cultural shifts.
July 4, 2015
an easy, quick, fun read.
June 29, 2025
I grew up reading the Nancy Drew series and largely attribute my love of them to leading me to enjoy reading as an adult. I decide to (re)read The Secret of the Old Clock as an adult and although there was so nostalgia, the story just lands differently. It is predictable and Nancy is a little reckless and unsafe at points, but there is something so fun about a mystery. I can still say, “I love Nancy Drew!”
April 29, 2025
Throwback to my childhood with this one! I owned quite many of these Nancy Drew books, and I was excited a nearby library had a ton available.
Reading this again was like a breath of fresh air- just a simple, down-to-earth kind of mystery that I don't read very often. Only 4 stars, but still very good nonetheless.
Reading this again was like a breath of fresh air- just a simple, down-to-earth kind of mystery that I don't read very often. Only 4 stars, but still very good nonetheless.
May 6, 2023
My sister and I collected Nancy Drew books when we were growing up, and I decided to take a walk down memory lane and reread them. This was unintentionally hilarious, with in depth descriptions of Nancy's outfits, meals, and generally everything else. It brought back some wonderful memories.
November 2, 2023
Hell yeah she solves the mystery and does her Robin Hood thing drives around in a blue convertible and eats plenty of pleasant lunches. Never read these at all so I figured I'd better check one out and I was sufficiently entertained! seems like a cool universe and a good hero
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July 3, 2023Nancy Drew is a meddling kid. Also how rich is Josiah Crowley that so many people are depending on his fortune? What a 1930-rip roarin' good time.
September 8, 2023
The first book was a 4 stars, the second was a 3!!
December 8, 2023
This one has always been one of my favorite Nancy Drew books. Still is!!
June 12, 2025
Nostalgia is strong but still holds up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews