36 pages 1 hour read

The Secret of the Old Clock

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1930

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Book Brief

Carolyn Keene

The Secret of the Old Clock

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1930
Book Details
Pages

210

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

River Heights • 1930s

Publication Year

1930

Publisher

Applewood Books

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Secret of the Old Clock, teenage detective Nancy Drew helps uncover a missing will hidden by the deceased Josiah Crowley, challenging a greedy family's unjust inheritance claims. Set in River Heights, Nancy's investigation leads her through various adventures, including rescuing a young girl and solving the mystery, ultimately ensuring the rightful heirs receive their inheritance. The novel portrays people using racial and ethnic stereotypes.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.3

85,234 ratings

71%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene is widely praised for its engaging plot and strong, resourceful protagonist, Nancy Drew. Reviewers appreciate its nostalgic charm and straightforward narrative. However, some criticize the dialogue as dated and the character development as superficial. Overall, it remains a beloved classic in children's mystery fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret of the Old Clock?

A reader who enjoys The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene typically appreciates classic mystery adventures featuring a young, intelligent female detective. They likely enjoy series like The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon or Trixie Belden by Julie Campbell, which combine puzzled-solving and coming-of-age themes.

4.3

85,234 ratings

71%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Nancy Drew

An independent and resourceful 18-year-old girl with intellectual curiosity who uses her keen deductive skills to solve mysteries, often finding herself in dangerous situations to help others.

Nancy's widowed father, a distinguished local lawyer who supports and assists Nancy in her investigations while showing concern for her safety.

The Drews’ caring housekeeper, who has a maternal interest in Nancy's well-being and occasionally offers helpful insights in her detective work.

A recently deceased wealthy man whose eccentric decision to hide his will sets off a series of events, impacting the lives of those he intended to benefit.

An elderly cousin of Josiah Crowley’s wife, who lives in poverty and plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the mystery surrounding the missing will.

A playful five-year-old girl who initially draws Nancy into the story’s central mystery after Nancy rescues her from a stream.

Edna and Mary, Judy’s great-aunts, who care for her after her parents’ tragic accident and struggle financially as seamstresses.

Allison and Grace, orphaned siblings who run a farm and were close to Josiah Crowley, hoping for a chance at a better future through his promised inheritance.

Fred and William, two lifelong bachelors who run a fruit farm and were former suitors of the Turner sisters, sharing ties with Judy’s family.

Ada and Isabel, social-climbing former classmates of Nancy, who are anxious about their family’s claim to Josiah Crowley's fortune.

An arrogant couple focused on social status and wealth, who tried to secure Josiah’s inheritance for their own benefit.

Book Details
Pages

210

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

River Heights • 1930s

Publication Year

1930

Publisher

Applewood Books

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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