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Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #26
The Clue of the Leaning Chimney
A rare and valuable Chinese vase is stolen from a pottery shop which leads Nancy, Bess, and George on the trail of thieves. Along the way they search for a leaning chimney and missing pottery experts.
212 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1949
139 people are currently reading
2535 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Keene
948 books3,854 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 In a few cases, outdated plots were completely rewritten.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 194 reviews
May 15, 2020
Nancy and her chums solve another mystery. This time expensive Chinese vases and other Chinese items are being stolen, so the first part of the book is spen have been stolen, and then picking up clues. The first clue comes when Nancy and her friends are driving down a country road and Nancy accidently hit a man. When they go to check him out, he gets up off the ground and asks them to leave him alone, but not before Nancy has picked up his bag and notices a Chinese vase in it, one like that she had seen in a store window downtown. She then learns that it was stolen.
Next, they are driving to another town to find a clue, a leaning chimney. The book picks up when they find a leaning chimney in the country and go to investigate it. Eventually, this leads to arrests, and the book ends on a warm note.
Next, they are driving to another town to find a clue, a leaning chimney. The book picks up when they find a leaning chimney in the country and go to investigate it. Eventually, this leads to arrests, and the book ends on a warm note.
July 14, 2020
Nancy's #26 has missing Chinese nationals that may or may not still be alive, and a kaolin pit (best clay for pottery, so say the authors/publishers that are Carolyn Keene) may or may not be on land which has shown up on Carson Drew's lawyerly case radar. And we are OFF!
[NOTE. I GO A LITTLE NUTS HERE.]
Pretty good tale as NDs go. More and more I notice the indicators of "otherness" that are intentionally rolled out for the reader to know who is who, and why this character should be regarded in that assumed category. For instance, there is Poor Bess, ever the girl who will run to fat as she ages, but she's rich so that's ok. And then George, athletic and spunky, in the last few books given to ejaculating "Hypers!" every few pages. (Yeah, you read that right. . . .a hint there, too, I think - a vote leaning toward Character Most Likely To Be Later Discovered Gay.)
So far, most male and older female villains are slovenly, dirty, fat, foreign, clever but stupid and are usually dark-haired, dark-eyed, and dark-skinned. Young female villains are brassy, wearing cheap fur, satin, silk or fake jewels, bold eye contact, and if they are blonde, it is usually a wig. Most victims are female - various ages, but most meek, whiny, untethered by family, friends and community support. Usually they are pale, wan, sickly, on the edge of sanity. There is a 50/50 mix of economic status - they are either rich by means of inheritance or some unexpected source (not their own effort) or they are penniless and at the mercy of the Drews' generosity. Exceptions to this victim rule are the cases brought to the Drews by regular characters' family members (of which there are a number.)
Teenage males are all cute and able to exactly match the number of available girls on the page, and anyone of them sniffing around Nancy will be gently rebuffed, and good old Ned will take the high road. Each of them will do whatever Nancy says, no questions, no better ideas presented.
Most supporting grownups are white, older, wealthy, have a car, own a business, have a meal on the table or food ready to hand out at the moment they are story-featured, and are more than willing to let the teenagers go away to strange towns, dances, parties with strangers for days and overnighters without further checking.
Her dad and mom-sub Hannah Gruen, well. Nancy had them by the . . .anyway. . Ok, let's go with wrapped around her little finger. (Surely they were having a little something-something on the side? A spring-autumn, summer-winter thing? Just a thought.) Bottomline, Carson Drew is a character that needs review. He's never around enough. He needs rescue every few books. What the hell is he doing?? I've worked in law firms. Lawyers get to choose where they are way more than they'd like you know about. As for "work" - yeah. They have people for that. So what was he doing and with who????? And getting your kid to do your leg work. . . well, that is not just an indulgent way to have a daddy-daughter moment day at work - unless that kid is in law school and can be counted as a law clerk, it will get you crosswise with the bar.
When I read these as a young girl, I never questioned anything in these books, and just accepted this was how life was when you got past 13 and looked forward to this absolute version of heaven. Of course it was not that way in my life, nor yours. Nor anyone's.
Wow. Sorry for the rant. Not really a rant, just a strong observation that I never ever had when I first read these, so it just needs to get out. You may quietly judge me and scroll on by. I get it. S'ok.
I continue on with ND #27. Take care and be safe.
[NOTE. I GO A LITTLE NUTS HERE.]
Pretty good tale as NDs go. More and more I notice the indicators of "otherness" that are intentionally rolled out for the reader to know who is who, and why this character should be regarded in that assumed category. For instance, there is Poor Bess, ever the girl who will run to fat as she ages, but she's rich so that's ok. And then George, athletic and spunky, in the last few books given to ejaculating "Hypers!" every few pages. (Yeah, you read that right. . . .a hint there, too, I think - a vote leaning toward Character Most Likely To Be Later Discovered Gay.)
So far, most male and older female villains are slovenly, dirty, fat, foreign, clever but stupid and are usually dark-haired, dark-eyed, and dark-skinned. Young female villains are brassy, wearing cheap fur, satin, silk or fake jewels, bold eye contact, and if they are blonde, it is usually a wig. Most victims are female - various ages, but most meek, whiny, untethered by family, friends and community support. Usually they are pale, wan, sickly, on the edge of sanity. There is a 50/50 mix of economic status - they are either rich by means of inheritance or some unexpected source (not their own effort) or they are penniless and at the mercy of the Drews' generosity. Exceptions to this victim rule are the cases brought to the Drews by regular characters' family members (of which there are a number.)
Teenage males are all cute and able to exactly match the number of available girls on the page, and anyone of them sniffing around Nancy will be gently rebuffed, and good old Ned will take the high road. Each of them will do whatever Nancy says, no questions, no better ideas presented.
Most supporting grownups are white, older, wealthy, have a car, own a business, have a meal on the table or food ready to hand out at the moment they are story-featured, and are more than willing to let the teenagers go away to strange towns, dances, parties with strangers for days and overnighters without further checking.
Her dad and mom-sub Hannah Gruen, well. Nancy had them by the . . .anyway. . Ok, let's go with wrapped around her little finger. (Surely they were having a little something-something on the side? A spring-autumn, summer-winter thing? Just a thought.) Bottomline, Carson Drew is a character that needs review. He's never around enough. He needs rescue every few books. What the hell is he doing?? I've worked in law firms. Lawyers get to choose where they are way more than they'd like you know about. As for "work" - yeah. They have people for that. So what was he doing and with who????? And getting your kid to do your leg work. . . well, that is not just an indulgent way to have a daddy-daughter moment day at work - unless that kid is in law school and can be counted as a law clerk, it will get you crosswise with the bar.
When I read these as a young girl, I never questioned anything in these books, and just accepted this was how life was when you got past 13 and looked forward to this absolute version of heaven. Of course it was not that way in my life, nor yours. Nor anyone's.
Wow. Sorry for the rant. Not really a rant, just a strong observation that I never ever had when I first read these, so it just needs to get out. You may quietly judge me and scroll on by. I get it. S'ok.
I continue on with ND #27. Take care and be safe.
July 24, 2023
Another great Nancy Drew! This one flowed seamlessly, was captivating from start to finish, and was literally digested within 24 hours haha.
Nancy finds herself in some scary predicaments, but like always, she’s perfection itself and comes out unscathed, her brains and beauty solving half the cases for her.
Gotta love Nancy!
Rereading this series is so sweet and nostalgic 🥹
Nancy finds herself in some scary predicaments, but like always, she’s perfection itself and comes out unscathed, her brains and beauty solving half the cases for her.
Gotta love Nancy!
Rereading this series is so sweet and nostalgic 🥹
February 4, 2021
5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I love Mr. Soong! I wish he'd show up again! Lei & Moy were so sweet too. But C. was such a disappointment...!! This mystery was intriguing and rather sad. The villains were simply horrid. I liked Mark, though; he was a nice addition, even if a small one. So was Dick. I wish some of those nice characters would come back! (And am I the only one who thinks Chief D. is awesome?? Also, Nancy has the coolest policemen show up. Or, state troopers... I wonder why troopers figure so prominently in the Nancy books...) An exciting and interesting mystery, all told.
March 18, 2023
This is, and always has been, my favourite Nancy Drew. It was the first one I ever read and was a bit of a reading milestone. My dad got it for me, told me to try it out, and see if I want to read more such "advanced" books, and I was hooked! It felt very therapeutic reading this once again weeks after my dad passed away suddenly, and I felt such a connection and so much comfort! He's gone, but still around in so many ways.
I love the way the book starts. Nancy and Bess are passing through some woods and come across a stranger who runs away on seeing them. They realise that he has dropped a bundle, which contained a Chinese-style vase. What's the secrecy surrounding it? It is then discovered that there is a gang out there selling fake Chinese vases. A separate mystery also falls into Nancy's lap, when a Chinese professor asks her help to find his missing friends, who had set out from China years ago but had disappeared. The solving of both mysteries depend on Nancy finding a leaning chimney.
For a Nancy Drew, this dealt with a very sensitive and interesting topic: human trafficking. I didn't really realise it as a child, but the bleakness I felt at times, and the sense of urgency that these people should be rescued at any cost, is something I understand better now. A large number of Chinese immigrants moved to the US in the 1800s and quickly ended up in pretty bad situations. Some of it is depicted in this book, though very lightly.
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and even the villains. The atmosphere was very engrossing and the whole 'enclosure in the woods' stuff was rather creepy. The Chinese characters were also quite interesting with decent backgrounds. There were fun scenes of investigating the enclosure, reunion between the Chinese friends, and the confrontation with the criminals. I think this is probably one of the best Nancy Drew books.
I love the way the book starts. Nancy and Bess are passing through some woods and come across a stranger who runs away on seeing them. They realise that he has dropped a bundle, which contained a Chinese-style vase. What's the secrecy surrounding it? It is then discovered that there is a gang out there selling fake Chinese vases. A separate mystery also falls into Nancy's lap, when a Chinese professor asks her help to find his missing friends, who had set out from China years ago but had disappeared. The solving of both mysteries depend on Nancy finding a leaning chimney.
For a Nancy Drew, this dealt with a very sensitive and interesting topic: human trafficking. I didn't really realise it as a child, but the bleakness I felt at times, and the sense of urgency that these people should be rescued at any cost, is something I understand better now. A large number of Chinese immigrants moved to the US in the 1800s and quickly ended up in pretty bad situations. Some of it is depicted in this book, though very lightly.
I enjoyed the story, the characters, and even the villains. The atmosphere was very engrossing and the whole 'enclosure in the woods' stuff was rather creepy. The Chinese characters were also quite interesting with decent backgrounds. There were fun scenes of investigating the enclosure, reunion between the Chinese friends, and the confrontation with the criminals. I think this is probably one of the best Nancy Drew books.
September 10, 2016
I don't know why George started saying "Hypers!" every third word, but I'd like it to stop.
Also, I love that Nancy just jumps on a plane to New York to question someone rather than just, you know, USING A PHONE.
All in all, this was a weird one.
Also, I love that Nancy just jumps on a plane to New York to question someone rather than just, you know, USING A PHONE.
All in all, this was a weird one.
March 11, 2020
3.5 stars
Fun Nancy Drew. I was a little confused why Nancy didn't notify the police before going in (trying not to spoil anything), which she usually does. But still a good mystery.
2020 challenge: a book from a series with more than 20 books
Fun Nancy Drew. I was a little confused why Nancy didn't notify the police before going in (trying not to spoil anything), which she usually does. But still a good mystery.
2020 challenge: a book from a series with more than 20 books
March 18, 2018
Happily, my six year-old borrowed this from her school library because she knows I'm currently reading the series. Generously, she's letting me read it, so now she won't have to (which is possibly her motive all along). Most of the common words in elementary chapter books she can understand now, which impresses me, but a lot of Nancy Drew's outdated phrasing would elude even advanced readers!
Examples:
~"Say, you big so-and-so!"
~her plump friend
~"Hypers!"
~Federal dicks
~Chinaman
It would be a total waste of time reading this outloud with her and explaining what all this crap used to mean.
The overly complicated plot here revolves around Ming pottery, thefts of the aforementioned pottery, and resulting fakes that appear on the market.
Surprisingly, the racist elements are only slightly embarrassing in this book, as opposed to ridiculous and rage-inducing. The Chinese culture is referenced respectfully. The character Mr. Soong is intelligent and appreciated in his town. He educates Nancy about handwritten Chinese characters, and translates for her. The bottoms of vases are etched with maker's marks such as Made in the studio of deep peace; and Made for the hall of fragrant virtue.
Those phrases intrigue me. They're actually beautiful (even though when I really think about it, "fragrant virtue" might smell a little gross.)
An action-packed chase through New York City is a great highlight. Nancy has traveled there to catch a crook, and she enlists the help of a policeman, her awesome aunt, and someone named Mr. Tallow who totally screws everything up. It is up to Nancy alone to pursue the suspect! Readers see a hint of true realism as Nancy yells at nearby New Yorkers to "Stop that man!" and the locals ignore her.
Random observations:
~During a wedding reception, Nancy purposely avoids catching the bouquet.
~Was it a common practice at the time to leave babies/children outside in their carriages/strollers? Again at this reception, Nancy chats with one of her married acquaintances, and it is expressly mentioned that instead of bringing the 15 month-old inside to the party, the parents left the child and stroller out on the porch. Also, when Nancy is babysitting this kid, she puts the toddler outside during naptime, again in the carriage on the porch. (Did the author of this book know anything about children, or is that honestly what people did back then?)
~Nancy and her friends stumble upon a super-weird compound in the woods. A bunker-like group of buildings is surrounded by a tall wooden fence, and when the girls finally gain entrance, they meet a possible cult named "The Lavender Sisters." The ladies wear purple monk-like robes, and they are guarded by a sole lazy mastiff. I couldn't help thinking to myself: This must be where they put all the lesbians during the McCarthy years.
Examples:
~"Say, you big so-and-so!"
~her plump friend
~"Hypers!"
~Federal dicks
~Chinaman
It would be a total waste of time reading this outloud with her and explaining what all this crap used to mean.
The overly complicated plot here revolves around Ming pottery, thefts of the aforementioned pottery, and resulting fakes that appear on the market.
Surprisingly, the racist elements are only slightly embarrassing in this book, as opposed to ridiculous and rage-inducing. The Chinese culture is referenced respectfully. The character Mr. Soong is intelligent and appreciated in his town. He educates Nancy about handwritten Chinese characters, and translates for her. The bottoms of vases are etched with maker's marks such as Made in the studio of deep peace; and Made for the hall of fragrant virtue.
Those phrases intrigue me. They're actually beautiful (even though when I really think about it, "fragrant virtue" might smell a little gross.)
An action-packed chase through New York City is a great highlight. Nancy has traveled there to catch a crook, and she enlists the help of a policeman, her awesome aunt, and someone named Mr. Tallow who totally screws everything up. It is up to Nancy alone to pursue the suspect! Readers see a hint of true realism as Nancy yells at nearby New Yorkers to "Stop that man!" and the locals ignore her.
Random observations:
~During a wedding reception, Nancy purposely avoids catching the bouquet.
~Was it a common practice at the time to leave babies/children outside in their carriages/strollers? Again at this reception, Nancy chats with one of her married acquaintances, and it is expressly mentioned that instead of bringing the 15 month-old inside to the party, the parents left the child and stroller out on the porch. Also, when Nancy is babysitting this kid, she puts the toddler outside during naptime, again in the carriage on the porch. (Did the author of this book know anything about children, or is that honestly what people did back then?)
~Nancy and her friends stumble upon a super-weird compound in the woods. A bunker-like group of buildings is surrounded by a tall wooden fence, and when the girls finally gain entrance, they meet a possible cult named "The Lavender Sisters." The ladies wear purple monk-like robes, and they are guarded by a sole lazy mastiff. I couldn't help thinking to myself: This must be where they put all the lesbians during the McCarthy years.
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February 24, 2025I just realized—one of the things I look forward to after finishing a Nancy Drew book is reading all the funny reviews. I think we all share this unspoken understanding that we’re mostly reading these books for nostalgia, and sometimes, we just can’t help but poke fun at some of the silly plot points. :)
Almost halfway through my quest of reading the original series!
Almost halfway through my quest of reading the original series!
December 30, 2019
"As a result of an encounter with a sinister stranger on a lonely country road, Nancy Drew and her friend Bess Marvin discover that a rare and valuable Chinese vase has been stolen from the pottery shop of Dick Milton, a cousin of Bess. — Dick had borrowed the vase from his Chinese friend, elderly Mr. Soong. He is determined to repay Mr. Soong for the loss and tells Nancy that if he can find "the leaning chimney," he feels he will be on the track of a discovery which will solve his financial problems.
Nancy finds the leaning chimney, but it only leads her into more puzzles. Can there be any connection between the vase theft -- one of a number of similar crimes -- and the strange disappearance of the pottery expert Eng Moy and his daughter Lei?
Join Nancy and her friends in their exciting adventures as they unravel all the twisted strands of this intriguing mystery. "
This is my first time ever reading this book! Its one of only three Nancy Drew books I haven't read before and I'm very excited to read it.
- The book summary mentions that there is a character named Mr. Soong. There is also a Mr. Soong (Grandfather Soong) in Mystery of the Fire Dragon. I guess Harriet Stratemeyer didn't know any other Chinese names, eh?
- It's nice to see Masonville mentioned again.
- The way Nancy asked to be told about how pottery is made was so awkward.
- I thought Mrs. Wendell was going to be difficult with Nancy. I was pleasantly surprised when she turned out to be an old family friend of Hannah's.
- I found it hilarious that Nancy hacks down the secret panel door instead of trying to figure out how to open it. Maybe its because I just finished reading The Hidden Staircase wherein Nancy takes forever to find a secret panel but I just loved that she got straight to business with it. I also liked that the villain had put in the secret passage instead of it just happening to be there.
- Nancy gives Helen a kitten for her birthday and Helen says "you remembered I've been meaning to get one". I thought "meaning to get one" was such a weird way to describe getting a pet. Also I love that Bess' present to Helen is a figurine she made in her pottery class.
- Nancy take on 4 cases I'm this book; the theft of Mr. Soong's vase, finding the location of the China clay pit, finding the Engs, and Helen's parents missing vase. Nancy's lucky these all intertwined.
- The Hotel Royalton that Carr is staying at is an actual hotel however it appears The Oregon, the restaurant Nancy chases Carr through, either does not exist or no longer exists.
You can read the rest of this review at VintageGirlsBooks.blogspot.com
You can see all the illustrations from this book at www.pinterest.com/Nancydrewart
September 23, 2011
One of the first Nancy Drew books that I had ever read, and therefore, one of my favorites.
March 18, 2024
Awhile back, I had been consistently reading through all the Nancy Drew mysteries but decided to continue again as I need a respite from this troubling world. For me, that's my childhood and that means Nancy Drew. Self-assured, elegant, and clever, Nancy Drew was inspiring to me as a young girl and my mother would gift me a new mystery every Easter Sunday throughout my childhood. I hope to start that tradition with my niece this year.
In this mystery, Nancy helps friends new and old solve the mystery of some missing friends as well as rare stolen Chinese porcelain objects. Nancy's "gang" (friends Bess and George and boy friend Ned Nickerson) joins her in some risky missions while her father, distinguished attorney Carson Drew, and her mother-figure housekeeper, Hannah, provide consistent concern and objectiveness. Oh, and Nancy's glamorous Aunt Eloise makes an appearance as Nancy visits her briefly while sleuthing in New York City.
In this mystery, Nancy helps friends new and old solve the mystery of some missing friends as well as rare stolen Chinese porcelain objects. Nancy's "gang" (friends Bess and George and boy friend Ned Nickerson) joins her in some risky missions while her father, distinguished attorney Carson Drew, and her mother-figure housekeeper, Hannah, provide consistent concern and objectiveness. Oh, and Nancy's glamorous Aunt Eloise makes an appearance as Nancy visits her briefly while sleuthing in New York City.
May 6, 2024
This mystery was delightful and clever, and it would have been five stars if not for the dated language 😬.
Also, I gasped in horror and amusement when Nancy left a baby she was watching OUTSIDE, unattended, in a carriage 😂. How did children survive?!
Fun fact! My library accidentally gave me the original edition, so I read that one while waiting for the updated edition. Two notes there: the language was definitely updated to 1970s standards (which are NOT 2024 standards lol), and the original edition allowed for more fleshing out of the story. Now I’m wondering if I should go back through the ORIGINAL-original 34 when I finish this revised read through of the classic 56 🙃.
I loved the Miles Monroe professor, more backstory on Aunt Eloise, and that we were left in doubt about the Engs to create more suspense!
Also, I gasped in horror and amusement when Nancy left a baby she was watching OUTSIDE, unattended, in a carriage 😂. How did children survive?!
Fun fact! My library accidentally gave me the original edition, so I read that one while waiting for the updated edition. Two notes there: the language was definitely updated to 1970s standards (which are NOT 2024 standards lol), and the original edition allowed for more fleshing out of the story. Now I’m wondering if I should go back through the ORIGINAL-original 34 when I finish this revised read through of the classic 56 🙃.
I loved the Miles Monroe professor, more backstory on Aunt Eloise, and that we were left in doubt about the Engs to create more suspense!
May 3, 2017
In which NANCY AND NED ATTEND A WEDDING.
Nancy and Bess are heading home after running a charity rummage sale in a neighboring town, transporting the funds, when Nancy takes a lonely shortcut in the dark. (Side note: Who in their right mind would allow/ask Nancy to run such a thing? Criminals follow her places. ALL THE TIME.) Nancy sees a strange man in the road! She almost hits him, then gets out to help, but he yells at her to go away. She glimpses that he's carrying a vase with an unusual Chinese design, but he gets away. Bess recognizes Nancy's description of the vase as being similar to one in Dick Morrison's pottery shop window. Bess is taking pottery classes there. Nancy drives by and - the vase is gone!!! It was stolen! Nancy probably saw the thief!
Dick is, predictably, totally heartbroken by the robbery, since he isn't making great money, and the vase was on loan from Mr. Soong. Mr. Soong had also let him borrow a couple of jade elephants, and those are gone too, so fuck everything. Nancy offers to try to track down the thief. (I still don't know what the living fuck the thieves were doing just loitering in the damn road in the middle of the night.) Dick mentions that if he can find a leaning chimney, he's heard that might help him locate a pit of China clay, which would be great for him - he could use it to make fantastic porcelain, and to pay Mr. Soong back for the stolen pieces. Dick is married, btw, and has a baby daughter.
Nancy talks to Mr. Soong, a super-nice Chinese guy, who mentions to her that his friend Eng and Eng's daughter were supposed to come visit him like FIVE YEARS AGO and haven't shown up yet. Girl. It is well past time to report them missing. Anyway, Soong just assumed they went back to China without visiting. (As all ND readers know, NANCY'S GONNA FIND THEM 'CAUSE SHE'S LIKE THAT.)
Nancy talks to a local geologist, Miles Monroe, to find out if he can give her clues about the China clay, but he can't.
The Notorious NBG head out to where the China clay might be, which is near the Mysterious Bridge of China Smugglers, and find another asshole smuggler! He drops the china he's carrying and runs off, and Nancy can't tell much about it. Ahh well. The girls find a walled enclosure, and there's the damn leaning chimney! Nancy can't tell if there's a pit of China clay nearby, though.
She also tracks a lead on a possible smuggler to a nearby town, and when she goes up to the room he's renting, she sees someone disappearing into the back of the closet! Sadly, he's not heading into Narnia. There's a hidden false back leading to the next house, which is attached. Nancy finds a bunch of listings for china pieces and is like "awesome, smuggler clues!"
Nancy picks Ned up from Emerson from the wedding; he's an usher. Why is this the best?
1) Nancy thinks Ned looks "even more handsome than usual" in his wedding formalwear. HELL YEAH GIRL.
2) George is disdainful of the bride's elaborate outfit and is like "bitch I'm gettin married in a pantsuit. If I get married." And I'm like "...I mean yeah that remark could be interpreted a certain way. No judgement."
Nancy starts finding counterfeit porcelain pieces, and when NBG return to the strange enclosure, they find not a village set in Revolutionary War times, but a shack and a strange lady who identifies herself as a "Lavender Sister" and says the girls will be cursed if they come inside the walls.
Nancy figures out she's looking for an asshole named David Carr, who has a half(?)-brother who looks quite Chinese. She sneaks into the enclosure and a big ol' mastiff is placed at the gate, so she throws a rock (not AT the dog, near the dog) to distract him and escape.
Also, after the wedding, N&N headed out to go dancing and, because that was not enough for those two lovebirds, Nancy asked Ned to drive by the Bridge of Smuggling Adventures. Nancy found a jade elephant... but someone stole her fucking car! When she escaped from the mastiff at the enclosure, she found her abandoned car there and re-stole it.
Eventually Nancy and Mr. Soong find the pit of China clay and then, in the house with the leaning chimney, find his missing friend and friend's daughter! They can't speak English and David Carr basically kidnapped them and forced them to work for him! They also imported some additional Chinese laborers who also can't speak English, and they have to work for David Carr (and his wife, the "lavender sister") too! Since they're illegal, they would be even less likely to go to the cops. Nancy and Mr. Soong are discovered and locked in the old smelter so Carr can kill them, but Nancy manages to climb out through the chimney and go get help. She comes back with a bunch of cops, and the bad guys (and the Chinese laborers) are arrested. Then the laborers are freed.
Mr. Soong and his friend and friend's daughter make Nancy a super awesome vase depicting her in armor slaying a dragon! It's a metaphor for what she did for them! Nancy is super touched and says that she absolutely loves it.
And Ned's like "girl why did you hang back at the end of that wedding 'cause if you had caught that bouquet, WE WOULD BE PLANNING A WEDDING RIGHT NOW." He doesn't actually say that but I like to think he would have.
Nancy and Bess are heading home after running a charity rummage sale in a neighboring town, transporting the funds, when Nancy takes a lonely shortcut in the dark. (Side note: Who in their right mind would allow/ask Nancy to run such a thing? Criminals follow her places. ALL THE TIME.) Nancy sees a strange man in the road! She almost hits him, then gets out to help, but he yells at her to go away. She glimpses that he's carrying a vase with an unusual Chinese design, but he gets away. Bess recognizes Nancy's description of the vase as being similar to one in Dick Morrison's pottery shop window. Bess is taking pottery classes there. Nancy drives by and - the vase is gone!!! It was stolen! Nancy probably saw the thief!
Dick is, predictably, totally heartbroken by the robbery, since he isn't making great money, and the vase was on loan from Mr. Soong. Mr. Soong had also let him borrow a couple of jade elephants, and those are gone too, so fuck everything. Nancy offers to try to track down the thief. (I still don't know what the living fuck the thieves were doing just loitering in the damn road in the middle of the night.) Dick mentions that if he can find a leaning chimney, he's heard that might help him locate a pit of China clay, which would be great for him - he could use it to make fantastic porcelain, and to pay Mr. Soong back for the stolen pieces. Dick is married, btw, and has a baby daughter.
Nancy talks to Mr. Soong, a super-nice Chinese guy, who mentions to her that his friend Eng and Eng's daughter were supposed to come visit him like FIVE YEARS AGO and haven't shown up yet. Girl. It is well past time to report them missing. Anyway, Soong just assumed they went back to China without visiting. (As all ND readers know, NANCY'S GONNA FIND THEM 'CAUSE SHE'S LIKE THAT.)
Nancy talks to a local geologist, Miles Monroe, to find out if he can give her clues about the China clay, but he can't.
The Notorious NBG head out to where the China clay might be, which is near the Mysterious Bridge of China Smugglers, and find another asshole smuggler! He drops the china he's carrying and runs off, and Nancy can't tell much about it. Ahh well. The girls find a walled enclosure, and there's the damn leaning chimney! Nancy can't tell if there's a pit of China clay nearby, though.
She also tracks a lead on a possible smuggler to a nearby town, and when she goes up to the room he's renting, she sees someone disappearing into the back of the closet! Sadly, he's not heading into Narnia. There's a hidden false back leading to the next house, which is attached. Nancy finds a bunch of listings for china pieces and is like "awesome, smuggler clues!"
Nancy picks Ned up from Emerson from the wedding; he's an usher. Why is this the best?
1) Nancy thinks Ned looks "even more handsome than usual" in his wedding formalwear. HELL YEAH GIRL.
2) George is disdainful of the bride's elaborate outfit and is like "bitch I'm gettin married in a pantsuit. If I get married." And I'm like "...I mean yeah that remark could be interpreted a certain way. No judgement."
Nancy starts finding counterfeit porcelain pieces, and when NBG return to the strange enclosure, they find not a village set in Revolutionary War times, but a shack and a strange lady who identifies herself as a "Lavender Sister" and says the girls will be cursed if they come inside the walls.
Nancy figures out she's looking for an asshole named David Carr, who has a half(?)-brother who looks quite Chinese. She sneaks into the enclosure and a big ol' mastiff is placed at the gate, so she throws a rock (not AT the dog, near the dog) to distract him and escape.
Also, after the wedding, N&N headed out to go dancing and, because that was not enough for those two lovebirds, Nancy asked Ned to drive by the Bridge of Smuggling Adventures. Nancy found a jade elephant... but someone stole her fucking car! When she escaped from the mastiff at the enclosure, she found her abandoned car there and re-stole it.
Eventually Nancy and Mr. Soong find the pit of China clay and then, in the house with the leaning chimney, find his missing friend and friend's daughter! They can't speak English and David Carr basically kidnapped them and forced them to work for him! They also imported some additional Chinese laborers who also can't speak English, and they have to work for David Carr (and his wife, the "lavender sister") too! Since they're illegal, they would be even less likely to go to the cops. Nancy and Mr. Soong are discovered and locked in the old smelter so Carr can kill them, but Nancy manages to climb out through the chimney and go get help. She comes back with a bunch of cops, and the bad guys (and the Chinese laborers) are arrested. Then the laborers are freed.
Mr. Soong and his friend and friend's daughter make Nancy a super awesome vase depicting her in armor slaying a dragon! It's a metaphor for what she did for them! Nancy is super touched and says that she absolutely loves it.
And Ned's like "girl why did you hang back at the end of that wedding 'cause if you had caught that bouquet, WE WOULD BE PLANNING A WEDDING RIGHT NOW." He doesn't actually say that but I like to think he would have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2021
It was hard to follow. Nothing really happens in the beginning. Then in the end, they rush it.
December 29, 2018
Nancy comes across this mystery when Bess’ cousin, Dick Milton, has antique Chinese pottery stolen from his store. Nancy offers her assistance in helping track down the thief and stumbles across another mystery. This one, involving the disappearance of two Chinese nationals. Through many obstacles, Nancy and her friends manage to solve the cases.
The main mystery was actually interesting. Nancy works alongside a detective in New York for a hot second. And there is a plot twist at the end that managed to surprise me. Also, Togo reappears again. (Yay!)
Also, while Nancy is in New York, she visits her Aunt Eloise. The book then mentions how after Nancy’s mom passed away, Aunt Eloise considered moving to River Heights to help Mr. Drew raise her. But Hannah was doing such a wonderful job and Aunt Eloise had work engagements, so she decided to stay in New York. This is a detail that hadn’t been revealed before which I thought was interesting.
But boy, what bothered me about this story was how they kept referring to Mr. Soong, the owner of the missing artifacts, as “the Chinese“. And it wasn’t the characters that referred to him in this way. It was the narration. The Chinese sat down. The Chinese said this. The Chinese said that. It happened so many times, it frustrated me. How difficult is it to refer to him by his damn name?! A sign of the times, I guess.
Anyway I got a nice pottery lesson. I now know more about the history of clay than I have ever wanted to know.
The main mystery was actually interesting. Nancy works alongside a detective in New York for a hot second. And there is a plot twist at the end that managed to surprise me. Also, Togo reappears again. (Yay!)
Also, while Nancy is in New York, she visits her Aunt Eloise. The book then mentions how after Nancy’s mom passed away, Aunt Eloise considered moving to River Heights to help Mr. Drew raise her. But Hannah was doing such a wonderful job and Aunt Eloise had work engagements, so she decided to stay in New York. This is a detail that hadn’t been revealed before which I thought was interesting.
But boy, what bothered me about this story was how they kept referring to Mr. Soong, the owner of the missing artifacts, as “the Chinese“. And it wasn’t the characters that referred to him in this way. It was the narration. The Chinese sat down. The Chinese said this. The Chinese said that. It happened so many times, it frustrated me. How difficult is it to refer to him by his damn name?! A sign of the times, I guess.
Anyway I got a nice pottery lesson. I now know more about the history of clay than I have ever wanted to know.
September 25, 2020
The Clue Of The Leaning Chimney is not that good an addition to the series.It was merely okay.Nancy Drew books are always good but some get to be dull.As always,it was an easy read but it felt boring at times.The story was pretty straightforward and predictable.Nancy moves on easily and quickly and never does she get a serious threat from the crooks — who are extremely bland and uninteresting.The villains are the worst thing that ever has happened to this book.They never felt serious and are as boring as the protagonists.Lavender Sisters and Miles Monroe leave a mark though.The action on the other hand was okay especially during the scenes involving the mastiff or the scenes in New York. For me,the feats involving the Hunter’s Bridge and Creek were the highlights.The atmosphere was enjoyable as always.This book was admittedly great in parts but gets to be executed averagely.This book particularly starts out fine and gets to be dull as we move on.A 2.5 star-rating would do good.
March 8, 2011
I know, these are juvenile books but I absolutely love Nancy Drew. I read them all when I was young (at least everything in my school library) and I still continue to read them again. These Nancy Drew books belong to my daughter and I decided to read them all over again. They are good, simple reads that is clean and interesting. A good book is always a good book no matter what your age happens to be!!
October 26, 2016
Another great installment in this series.
December 9, 2023
A decent entry into the series. George and Bess were barely in the book however. The same for Ned. A couple of new residents of River Heights were introduced, a cousin to Bess and Mr. Soong, a wealthy Chinese businessman. This is where things get a little difficult.
Content Warning: I rarely ever do this, but some of the writing is borderline racist, even for the 1950s. For today's readers, it might just cause a lot of us to put it down and then beat it flat with a meat tenderizer hammer. Warning over.
Mystery wise, this was pretty good. Nancy and friends had to work hard to get to the solution, which included kidnapping, mysterious symbols, stolen artwork, fraud, and a whole host of other crimes. The resolution is effective, realistic and satisfactory.
Recommended for hardcore Nancy Drew fans, but not one to read to the kids as a bedtime story or as an introduction to the series.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
Content Warning: I rarely ever do this, but some of the writing is borderline racist, even for the 1950s. For today's readers, it might just cause a lot of us to put it down and then beat it flat with a meat tenderizer hammer. Warning over.
Mystery wise, this was pretty good. Nancy and friends had to work hard to get to the solution, which included kidnapping, mysterious symbols, stolen artwork, fraud, and a whole host of other crimes. The resolution is effective, realistic and satisfactory.
Recommended for hardcore Nancy Drew fans, but not one to read to the kids as a bedtime story or as an introduction to the series.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
April 28, 2020
I read this book years ago, and remembered parts of it as I re-read. This time I had the added enjoyment of viewing the mystery as a period piece, as well as a sociological study of the women's movement. So much has changed in the world since this book was written, and still, it is a well-planned mystery with lots of tension.
August 2, 2025
A decent ND outing, with lots of fun info on how Chinese pottery is made. I was, TBH, expecting it to be more racist than it was, a nice surprise. Lots of great Nancy Drew bravery — dropping over tall fences, shimmying up chimneys.
March 28, 2019
This one was pretty good. It was kinda boring to me, but aside from that it was an another great edition to Nancy Drew!
January 29, 2024
3.5 stars
pretty easy reading, but entertaining
pretty easy reading, but entertaining
February 2, 2024
Never a favorite of mine this book does however have much of the quaint charm of the original ND stories.
June 10, 2011
Charles Wood
INFO 683 w/ Professor Morris
Resource Review #3
May 17, 2009
Keene, Carolyn. The Clue of the Leaning Chimney: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories # 26, New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1949, 88 pages. Hardcover.
ISBN: 0-448-09526-2. Recommended for ages 9-12.
This exciting story is the 26th adventure of the famous young detective, Nancy Drew. There is no need to start with the first book; the fast moving plot will quickly capture young readers’ attention. Readers will enjoy following the adventures of this daring and attractive teenager, as she fights crime while keeping all of her social engagements.
This installment of the classic children’s mystery series involves stolen Chinese antique pottery, dangerous criminals, a strange religious cult, and missing persons. The story unfolds quickly in a chronological manner, with many seemingly disparate clues that one can guess might be significant later on in the story. Readers will enjoy the foreshadowing of danger and the author provokes, when she describes the lonely back roads Nancy and her friends drive on one rainy night, coming across mysterious strangers. Adult readers might worry about Nancy as she seems to make bad choices about chasing bad guys without letting her parents or the police know what is going on, but kids will see her as an action hero, setting wrongs right where ever she goes. The story provides challenges for Nancy that she struggles with until the end.
The story focuses much of its attention on the protagonist. When she is not on an adventure, she is doing things that younger kids might think teenagers do to have fun, like going to birthday parties, driving a convertible, and babysitting. She even travels to bustling New York City by airplane to hunt for clues. Though series fiction is often based on an exciting plot, Nancy’s character is well-rounded as many of her interests are described. On the other hand, she doesn’t have many flaws, but that might be because this is an action story.
There is some concern over outdated language, as the book written 60 years ago. Nancy’s friend Bess is described as “her plump friend”. Also, the book consistently referred to a Chinese man as “the Chinese”. If one reads further, they would find that Mr. Soong was not portrayed as a flat character, but as a well loved, multi-faceted old man. Furthermore, the story described Chinese porcelain art in great detail, exposing young minds to the nobility of other cultures. Most importantly, Nancy Drew is an extremely capable person that helps people in trouble; the definition of a strong, modern female hero that has inspired generations of young people to emulate her integrity.
Though some language might be dated, young reader will enjoy Nancy Drew books and this story in particular. Some children might be interested reading a book that their parents read long ago, and parents will appreciate having something to bond over with their child. Some readers might enjoy that it is light on romance, and has high contrast between right and wrong. The excitement of the book will propel young readers along, as they pick up on notions of morality while developing their powers of deduction. It is clear why this series has stood the test of time.
INFO 683 w/ Professor Morris
Resource Review #3
May 17, 2009
Keene, Carolyn. The Clue of the Leaning Chimney: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories # 26, New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1949, 88 pages. Hardcover.
ISBN: 0-448-09526-2. Recommended for ages 9-12.
This exciting story is the 26th adventure of the famous young detective, Nancy Drew. There is no need to start with the first book; the fast moving plot will quickly capture young readers’ attention. Readers will enjoy following the adventures of this daring and attractive teenager, as she fights crime while keeping all of her social engagements.
This installment of the classic children’s mystery series involves stolen Chinese antique pottery, dangerous criminals, a strange religious cult, and missing persons. The story unfolds quickly in a chronological manner, with many seemingly disparate clues that one can guess might be significant later on in the story. Readers will enjoy the foreshadowing of danger and the author provokes, when she describes the lonely back roads Nancy and her friends drive on one rainy night, coming across mysterious strangers. Adult readers might worry about Nancy as she seems to make bad choices about chasing bad guys without letting her parents or the police know what is going on, but kids will see her as an action hero, setting wrongs right where ever she goes. The story provides challenges for Nancy that she struggles with until the end.
The story focuses much of its attention on the protagonist. When she is not on an adventure, she is doing things that younger kids might think teenagers do to have fun, like going to birthday parties, driving a convertible, and babysitting. She even travels to bustling New York City by airplane to hunt for clues. Though series fiction is often based on an exciting plot, Nancy’s character is well-rounded as many of her interests are described. On the other hand, she doesn’t have many flaws, but that might be because this is an action story.
There is some concern over outdated language, as the book written 60 years ago. Nancy’s friend Bess is described as “her plump friend”. Also, the book consistently referred to a Chinese man as “the Chinese”. If one reads further, they would find that Mr. Soong was not portrayed as a flat character, but as a well loved, multi-faceted old man. Furthermore, the story described Chinese porcelain art in great detail, exposing young minds to the nobility of other cultures. Most importantly, Nancy Drew is an extremely capable person that helps people in trouble; the definition of a strong, modern female hero that has inspired generations of young people to emulate her integrity.
Though some language might be dated, young reader will enjoy Nancy Drew books and this story in particular. Some children might be interested reading a book that their parents read long ago, and parents will appreciate having something to bond over with their child. Some readers might enjoy that it is light on romance, and has high contrast between right and wrong. The excitement of the book will propel young readers along, as they pick up on notions of morality while developing their powers of deduction. It is clear why this series has stood the test of time.
September 26, 2014
Carolyn Keene's ghost writer goes exotic in this one with Chinese porcelain, religious cults, non-English speakers and slave labor. First, what happened to Keene's ghost writer involving a mastiff? The damned dog breed makes another appearance to menace Nancy and her chums or cousins or whatever relationship Bess and George have to her. Note to Carolyn, other dog breeds frighten people as well. Second, beyond the mastiff, the book certainly shows its age and cultural white-ness" by referring individually to its Asian characters as "The Chinese". Oddly, Nancy seems more culturally sensitive than the author somehow.
Beyond these peccadilloes the proceedings follow the formula with intrepid Nancy leading her pals against the violent human traffickers eventually outsmarting them as well as the police. Like other books in the series, the rules of society, particularly trespassing, don't apply to the girl-sleuth. She stumbles on the slavery ring after deciding she is within her rights to climb a wooden fence clearly designed to keep out intruders and to protect the valuable clay inside. Luckily in her world, the ends justify the means.
In short, other than emphasizing to your daughter that we don't refer to people by their ethnicity, this episode makes for good bedtime reading and an exemplar (if overly enthusiastic) of female empowerment.
November 30, 2023
A little stereotypically racist in its depiction of Chinese people, but really for it's time I think it did fantastically well
They are depicted as fully as any temporary characters in the books.
The story itself is good as well. A fun adventure.
They are depicted as fully as any temporary characters in the books.
The story itself is good as well. A fun adventure.
August 18, 2014
One thing that bugs me after reading about 22 of these books, more or less in sequential order, is that Nancy never seems to remember anything from her past cases. This one is obviously going to deal with forgery from the beginning. Chinese stereotypes out the wazoo. I keep picturing Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's or maybe Pat Morita (who isn't Chinese, but details details).
A major significant character ends up being a double-crosser, which isn't a new trope but not one I recall in this series. Also, in this book, a character uses the phrase "Federal Dicks" to refer to government agents. I'm not sure if that's a mistranslation or if that is what actually appears in print copy.
Nancy is knocked unconscious by an unknown assailant.
A major significant character ends up being a double-crosser, which isn't a new trope but not one I recall in this series. Also, in this book, a character uses the phrase "Federal Dicks" to refer to government agents. I'm not sure if that's a mistranslation or if that is what actually appears in print copy.
Nancy is knocked unconscious by an unknown assailant.
August 27, 2015
I really like the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, the original books, a lot. This one was a tad different from others in that the bad guys are some of the most evil of any villains in the series. It was a fun thing to see a resourceful character stop such horrific people. Good stuff.
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