36 pages • 1 hour read
Carolyn KeeneThe Secret of the Old Clock
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1930A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Action / Adventure
Gender / Feminism
Class
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed
Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance