The Clue of the Velvet Mask is the thirtieth volume in the original Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series. It was Mildred Benson‘s final ghostwrite for the series.

Summary (original edition)

The Clue of the Velvet Mask plunges Nancy Drew into a world of stolen jewels, secret identities, and a cunning gang that operates behind the velvet masks of masquerade balls.

The adventure begins when Nancy and her friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne attend an exclusive masquerade party hosted by the wealthy Pembroke family. Amid the glittering costumes and lively music, Nancy notices suspicious behavior—a mysterious woman in a distinctive velvet mask slips through the crowd, and valuable jewelry disappears before the night ends. When the same masked figure appears at another high-profile event, Nancy realizes this is no ordinary thief but part of an organized ring targeting elite gatherings.

Her investigation leads her deep into the criminal underworld, where she discovers the gang uses elaborate disguises and sophisticated techniques to bypass security. The stakes rise when Nancy herself dons a velvet mask to go undercover, only to be mistaken for one of the thieves. Suddenly, she’s pursued by both the police and the real criminals, forcing her to outwit them all while uncovering the mastermind behind the operation.

Danger lurks at every turn—Nancy narrowly escapes a staged “accident” meant to silence her, deciphers coded messages hidden in party invitations, and infiltrates a secret hideout where the gang stores their stolen loot. The climax unfolds at a grand gala, where Nancy must expose the thieves before they vanish into the night, their identities still concealed behind masks.

Published in 1953, this original edition crackles with tension and retains the thrilling edge that later revisions softened. The novel stands out for its glamorous setting and Nancy’s bold undercover work, proving that even in a world of deception, her sharp mind and courage can unmask the truth.

Nancy Drew #30 –The Clue of the Velvet Mask First Edition Book Identification

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

Nancy Drew #30 –The Clue of the Velvet Mask First Edition Dust Jacket Identification

Reference:

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