Carolyn KeeneNancy Drew 01: the Secret of the Old Clock

I use to read the old mystery books when I was younger. I can remember the warm summer evenings spent in the garden with this book and the other titles from the author. Nancy's character and her way of solving mysteries stay with you for a very long time and you are hooked from the very first chapter. Highly recommend for nostalgic reason and for any young person this is brilliant.

As a young girl I was an avid Nancy drew reader. As an adult I am reading through the books again. This first case was just as exciting as I remember. The writing is simple and to the point. Brilliant for a young reader and exciting for any young girl to dream of being like Nancy drew.

Very good read from start to finish you won't be disappointed can't wait to see what other mysteries she gets up to

This book is a one and truly fantastic book if u like a good mystery then this is the book for u

I was very much into reading Enid Blyton books as a child, and never read any Nancy Drew books. No idea why, but perhaps there weren't any copies in my small village library here in the UK in the 1950s/1960s? Nancy Drew books appear to remain popular, and I thought that I'd read one book purely out of curiosity.I understand that the Nancy Drew books, like many other early books, have been rewritten in order to be politically correct etc. I read the kindle version, so I've no idea what has been altered/amended from the original 1930s first edition. Personally, I'd have preferred to read the original version.This was a very quick easy read, and easy to deduce from very early on what the outcome was going to be. However, if I was reading this as say an eight year old child, I may be totally enthralled and love the storyline.......after all the book was written for children, not adults. The book is shown as being for the age group 8 - 13, but in my opinion is really only suitable for an 8 - 10 year old. Can imagine a 13 year old will find this book far too young for them.Will not be reading any further books in the series.

I read the first chapter of this to my nine year old daughter and then she was hooked. She finished it herself and has since read five more. I think that Nancy Drew stories talk to children more as young adults than much of the current childrens' fiction. It is also fantastic that my nine year old can relate so easily to a story written in the 1930s. This has really increased her interest in books.

Nancy Drew Mysteries, a firm favourite of my wife when growing up in the USA. Bought for a niece here in the UK , she did not like it as the cultural references for her were to obscure. Probably a great gift for an American 11 year old!

Some people would probably say I'm a little too old to be reading Nancy Drew, I'm twenty seven, but each one is a nostalgia trip. These books were some of the earliest I read and remind me to this day why I enjoy losing myself in a good book. This isn't even one of the best but it is still a delightful read. I wonder how many of the books released today will survive for eighty years. I doubt there are that many so long live Nancy Drew.

The Secret of The Old Clock, the first installment in the Nancy Drew Mystery series, is a unique and captivating read. Its exceptional writing and timeless appeal make it a pleasure to read. As a seasoned reader of various genres, I can confidently say this book stands out among the best of the young adult mystery genre, even though it was written in 1930. Much like Agatha Christie, author Mildred Wirt Benson (aka Carolyn Keene) has a firm grasp of human nature. That's probably why the story doesn't seem dated, despite the use of old-school landline telephones and names written on mailboxes.The Secret of the Old Clock introduces us to Nancy Drew, a remarkable 18-year-old amateur detective. Her father, Carson Drew, a respected local attorney, not only supports Nancy's sleuthing but also occasionally aids her in her investigations. Nancy and her father come across as honorable, hard-working, and authentic, adding depth to the story.The book's plot revolves around Nancy's quest to uncover a possible hidden will from a deceased individual named Josiah Crowley, which could invalidate an existing will that unjustly bequeaths a substantial estate to a conniving, unlikeable family. The Old Clock, while seemingly insignificant, plays a crucial role in the unfolding mystery.Although it's possible I read a couple of Nancy Drew books back in the 1960s and 1970s, along with some Hardy Boys, I'm looking forward to getting into this series, book by book, in numerical order, especially those written by Mildred Wirt Benson.Note: Mildred Wirt Benson was a prolific author who wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew books for the Stratemeyer Syndicate under the pen name of Carolyn Keene. She also wrote numerous other books and series, including the Penny Parker Mysteries, which she favored over Nancy Drew.

Love the series

The media could not be loaded.  Couldn't keep it down once started reading

This book reminded me a lot of my childhood, when I used to read Tiny books. However Tiny is more a children's book and Nancy Drew is more YA. The book starts with "Nancy Drew, an attractive girl of eighteen, was driving home along a country in her new, dark-blue convertible." I know when it was written, they were living in different and older times, so the writing style is much different than now. Nancy drew is a perfect girl of eighteen years old. She can do everything, and everything happens directly.For example: "I must figure out a way!" Nancy said with determination. "I want to help little Judy." She awoke the next morning thinking about the mystery.I completely missed the part were she got into bed, and now it's already morning?? This happens a lot in the book. There are parts missing that complete the book more. However, it reads very fast.Nancy Drew's character is a fun character, she is curious to everything and wants to solve things. Her dad is eager curious as her and together they solve things. It's very fun to read their bond and how he supports his daughter. But nobody is that perfect at eighteen (or any age). She really likes to help others without getting rewarded and that's something I admire about her!Anyhow, I solved the mystery myself when I finished page 7. The mystery was pretty predictable. I think this book is a fun book to read aloud before your kids bedtime (depending on their age). You can ask them some questions during the reading, like "What do you think will happen next?" But if your an adult, this book will be fun as well because it's a true classic one. The book contains beautiful images.Nancy Drew are classic books, and I really enjoy them. The mystery is predictable but still fun. Will I read more books of Nancy Drew? Yes, I probably will. I have a thing for old and classic books/stories.

Mi hija no deja de leerlo, está muy contenta