The Secret of the Golden Pavilion is the thirty-sixth volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series. It was first published in 1959 under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. The actual author was ghostwriter Harriet Stratemeyer Adams.

Summary (original edition)

The Secret of the Golden Pavilion transports Nancy Drew from River Heights to the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii for one of her most exotic cases. This tropical mystery weaves together inheritance intrigue, cultural secrets, and a thrilling treasure hunt centered around a legendary family heirloom.

The story begins when Carson Drew takes on a puzzling legal case involving Kiyabu, a young Hawaiian man whose grandfather’s will has mysteriously disinherited the family in favor of a stranger. Sensing foul play, Nancy accompanies her father to Honolulu, joined by her loyal friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne. Their investigation quickly reveals that the answer to the inheritance mystery lies hidden within a priceless family treasure – the golden pavilion, an ornate antique said to contain a secret compartment holding either a fortune or devastating family secrets.

As Nancy delves deeper, she faces numerous obstacles: a shadowy rival claimant to the estate who resorts to intimidation, a missing jade tiki charm that serves as a crucial clue, and dangerous sabotage attempts including a deliberately caused blackout. The Hawaiian setting amplifies the peril as Nancy narrowly escapes a volcanic steam vent, evades pursuers through dense jungle terrain, and deciphers clues rooted in Hawaiian traditions and folklore.

The climax builds to a dramatic revelation about the pavilion’s true nature and a shocking family connection that explains the forged will. True to classic Nancy Drew form, the young detective’s sharp intellect and courage prevail as she uncovers both the physical treasure and the truth about the family’s disputed inheritance.

Originally published in 1959, this first edition presents a more perilous adventure and richer cultural details than later revisions, which softened some of the danger and modified certain depictions of Hawaiian culture. The novel stands out in the Nancy Drew series for its vivid tropical setting and blend of legal mystery with treasure hunt excitement. The Hawaiian backdrop, rare for the series, adds unique local color and challenges that showcase Nancy’s adaptability and respect for different cultures.

Nancy Drew #36 –The Secret of the Golden Pavilion First Edition Book Identification Guide

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.

Nancy Drew #36 –The Secret of the Golden Pavilion First Edition Dust Jacket Identification Guide

Reference:

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