SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK THE

“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.

Marci Kay Monson is an avid reader, crafter, and gardener. She received her BS in Technical Communications from Utah State University and a graduate certificate in publishing from the Denver Publishing Institute. She found a love for Agatha Christie when her book club read And Then There Were None and never looked back. She loves stories, bright colors, and a little bit of (cozy and fictional) murder. Raised in Japan, England, and Germany, she now lives in Layton, Utah.

Ryan Wheatcroft was born and raised in Sheffield, England, where he still lives on the outskirts of the city. He graduated from the University of Lincoln with a degree in illustration in 2014 and has been making artwork for books ever since.