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The Secret of the Old Clock
A Nancy Drew Detective Story
Part of Mini Mysteries
Illustrated by Ryan Wheatcroft
Published by Gibbs Smith
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
“Fully accessible to younger readers, Nancy Drew’s first mystery is sure to delight those who love whodunits and puzzles, as well as fans of all ages.”—School Library Journal
This retelling of the very first Nancy Drew mystery, The Secret of the Old Clock, originally published in 1930, is the third book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children.
The Secret of the Old Clock is the originating volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. The book, published in 1930, first introduced the teenage sleuth in a cozy mystery (no violence or gore). The story has Nancy solving the case of a missing will, hidden in an old clock, and helping the struggling relatives and friends of Josiah Crowley receive the promised money from his estate. Of course there are robbers, greedy will-altering heirs, suspense, and resolution. Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Nancy Drew mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.
There is also a glossary of mystery-related terms.
This retelling of the very first Nancy Drew mystery, The Secret of the Old Clock, originally published in 1930, is the third book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children.
The Secret of the Old Clock is the originating volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. The book, published in 1930, first introduced the teenage sleuth in a cozy mystery (no violence or gore). The story has Nancy solving the case of a missing will, hidden in an old clock, and helping the struggling relatives and friends of Josiah Crowley receive the promised money from his estate. Of course there are robbers, greedy will-altering heirs, suspense, and resolution. Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Nancy Drew mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.
There is also a glossary of mystery-related terms.
About The Illustrator
Product Details
- Publisher: Gibbs Smith (April 21, 2026)
- Length: 32 pages
- ISBN13: 9781423669210
- Grades: K - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
Intrepid Nancy Drew is introduced to younger readers in this amiable adaptation of The Secret of the Old Clock. Rhyming text and a special case file introduce the famous girl detective, important characters and suspects, and details that are relevant to the case. After the passing of a gentleman named Josiah, Nancy must hurry to find a second will he left behind before his mean cousins inherit everything. Readers follow Nancy as she meets with characters, gathers clues, and gets ever closer to the lost will. Activities on each spread encourage readers to join in the case, while lovely colorful illustrations beautifully depict the 1930s and the different settings Nancy investigates. Information included about the case and in the detailed illustrations are sure to have readers returning to look again at every page. A glossary helps for bolded words in the text. Characters are diverse. VERDICT Fully accessible to younger readers, Nancy Drew’s first mystery is sure to delight those who love whodunits and puzzles, as well as fans of all ages.
– School Library Journal
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Book Cover Image (jpg): The Secret of the Old Clock
Hardcover 9781423669210
The Secret of the Old Clock
A Nancy Drew Detective Story
Part of Mini Mysteries
Illustrated by Ryan Wheatcroft
Published by Gibbs Smith
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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