The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene
As someone who grew up on a steady and beloved diet of Nancy Drew mysteries, it is heartwarming to see that they still appeal to the next generation. Thanks Dani for the wonderful review - and for renewing my faith in the power of a good old fashioned mystery.
‘Nancy Drew, your average 18 year old girl, has her life flipped upside down by a thrilling mystery. It all starts one day as she’s driving and manages to see a little girl fall from a stone wall. After rescuing the little girl and bringing her home she meets the girl's two aunts. This is where Nancy learns of old Josiah Crowley who has recently passed. The two aunts tell Nancy how they expected an inheritance since that is what the old man himself had told them and some other relatives and family friends, but alas there was no money left for them. Josiah Crowley’s entire estate had been left to the stuck up Topham family, who Josiah hadn’t even been fond of. Leaving most to believe that there had to be a later will.
This is enough to stir Nancy who ends up on a nail biting adventure filled with sleuthing, robbers, new friends and a solid mystery. The mystery of an old man with a secretive way of writing his last will, so secretive that it stumps almost everyone except for Nancy Drew.
I picked this up mostly for the nostalgia factor. But I had forgotten what a joy this series is to read. I’ve always loved mysteries and grew up reading Nancy Drew and watching the Nancy Drew movies of the 2000’s so I can’t see a world where I don’t like this book. This book is fun, light and a page turner, especially great for this time of year. I love that the main character is a young woman who manages to be a good person all while outsmarting the antagonist and saving the day in the end. I find this especially impressive since the books first came out in the 1930’s. What I also really love about these books is that even though they make a series they are great stand alones as well!
So grab a Nancy Drew book, get comfy and see if you can figure out the mystery before Nancy does.
- Daniela Sarah Gram