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210
Novel • Fiction
River Heights • 1930s
1930
Applewood Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
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
85,234 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
85,234 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Carson Drew
Nancy's widowed father, a distinguished local lawyer who supports and assists Nancy in her investigations while showing concern for her safety.
Hannah Gruen
The Drews’ caring housekeeper, who has a maternal interest in Nancy's well-being and occasionally offers helpful insights in her detective work.
Josiah Crowley
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.
Abby Rowen
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.
Judy
A playful five-year-old girl who initially draws Nancy into the story’s central mystery after Nancy rescues her from a stream.
The Turner Sisters
Edna and Mary, Judy’s great-aunts, who care for her after her parents’ tragic accident and struggle financially as seamstresses.
The Hoover Sisters
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.
The Mathews Brothers
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.
The Topham Daughters
Ada and Isabel, social-climbing former classmates of Nancy, who are anxious about their family’s claim to Josiah Crowley's fortune.
Mr. and Mrs. Topham
An arrogant couple focused on social status and wealth, who tried to secure Josiah’s inheritance for their own benefit.
210
Novel • Fiction
River Heights • 1930s
1930
Applewood Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
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