The Secret of the Old Clock is the first volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. It was first published on April 28, 1930, and rewritten in 1959 by Harriet Stratemeyer Adams.

Nancy Drew is a 16-year-old high school graduate (her age was changed to 18 in the 1959 rewrite). Her father, Carson Drew, is a well-known criminal defense lawyer. The Drews reside in River Heights and employ a housekeeper, Hannah Gruen. In early editions, she is depicted as a mere servant; later in the series, she becomes more of a family member.

In 2001, the novel ranked 53rd on Publishers Weekly’s list of the all-time best-selling hardcover children’s books in English, having sold about 2.7 million copies.

Summary

In The Secret of the Old Clock, a ticking antique clock holds the key to a fortune in this debut mystery that introduced the world to Nancy Drew, the intrepid teenage sleuth who would become a cultural icon. Penned by Mildred Wirt Benson under the Carolyn Keene pseudonym, the story begins with Nancy assisting an elderly stranger, her kindness unwittingly drawing her into a bitter inheritance dispute. When the woman reveals her dying uncle may have left a revised will hidden inside an old clock—a will that would provide for her and other deserving relatives rather than the greedy Topham family currently claiming the estate—Nancy’s sense of justice compels her to investigate.

The mystery unfolds through keen observation and deductive reasoning as Nancy traces the clock’s whereabouts, uncovering a trail of clues in unexpected places—from the dusty shelves of a country general store to the hidden compartments of a wealthy family’s limousine. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters who reflect the social tensions of the Great Depression’s early days: struggling farmers, overworked shopkeepers, and the arrogant Tophams who flaunt their ill-gotten wealth.

The 1930 original showcases Nancy’s signature blend of intelligence and courage as she outwits the Tophams’ attempts to thwart her investigation. In one particularly daring scene, she narrowly escapes being locked inside a burning building, using her wits to signal for help. The titular clock itself becomes more than a plot device—its intricate mechanisms mirror Nancy’s methodical mind, its hidden compartment representing truths waiting to be revealed by those persistent enough to seek them.

This groundbreaking novel established the template for the series, featuring Nancy’s roadster, her supportive father Carson Drew, and her unwavering moral compass. Unlike later revisions, the original text presents a more independent and assertive Nancy, one whose quick thinking and determination shine against the backdrop of a changing America. The clock’s secret ultimately delivers not just financial justice, but emotional closure for those wronged by the Tophams’ greed.

Nancy Drew #1 – The Secret of the Old Clock First Edition Book Identification

Only the first few printings of the first/second year are included. Printings codes are based on the Farrah Guide, 12th printing. Please refer to the guide for later printings.

Note: Glossy+: Glossy frontis + 3 glossy internals.

Nancy Drew #1 – The Secret of the Old Clock First Edition Dust Jacket Identification

Note: ao: and other titles; G&D: Grosset & Dunlap

Reference:

• Farah’s Guide to Nancy Drew, 12th printing