The Clue in the Old Stagecoach is the thirty-seventh volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series. It was first published in 1960 by Grosset & Dunlap under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. The actual author was ghostwriter Harriet Stratemeyer Adams.
Summary (original edition)
The Clue in the Old Stagecoach sends Nancy Drew on a thrilling treasure hunt through rural America with historical twists and dangerous adversaries.
The mystery begins when Nancy and her friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne meet elderly Mrs. Pauling, whose family has long believed in a lost fortune hidden in an antique stagecoach. Years ago, Mrs. Pauling’s grandfather, a stagecoach driver, allegedly concealed a large sum of money to protect it from thieves, leaving behind only cryptic clues to its whereabouts. Now, with her home facing foreclosure, Mrs. Pauling desperately needs to find the treasure before greedy land developers seize her property.
Nancy’s investigation leads her to a decaying old stagecoach hidden in the woods, where she discovers tantalizing clues pointing to the fortune’s location. However, she isn’t the only one searching—a ruthless group of treasure hunters will stop at nothing to claim the money for themselves. From sabotaged cars to booby-trapped trails, Nancy faces escalating dangers as she deciphers riddles linked to local history and the stagecoach’s original route.
The novel blends classic Nancy Drew problem-solving with Americana charm, featuring hidden compartments, historical letters, and clever deductions. Nancy’s quick thinking and courage shine as she races to uncover the truth, protect Mrs. Pauling, and outwit her cunning rivals.
Nancy Drew #37 –The Clue in the Old Stagecoach First Edition Book Identification Guide
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.
| Printing | Frontis | Copyright Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960A-1 | Plain | Nancy Drew #1-37, Dana Girls #1-21 | Title "The Secret of the Fire…" on page 180. |
| 1960B-2 | Plain | Nancy Drew #1-37, Dana Girls #1-21 | |
| 1960C-3 | Plain | Nancy Drew #1-37, Dana Girls #1-22 |
Nancy Drew #37 –The Clue in the Old Stagecoach First Edition Dust Jacket Identification Guide
| Printing | Price | Front Flap | Rear Panel | Rear Flap | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960A-1 | 100100 | Synopsis | Dana Girls #1-21 | Nancy Drew #1-37 | 16 |
| 1960B-2 | 100100 | Synopsis | Dana Girls #1-22 | Nancy Drew #1-37 | 16 |
| 1960C-3 | 100100 | Synopsis | Dana Girls #1-22 | Nancy Drew #1-37 | 16 |
Reference:
- Farah’s Guide to Nancy Drew, 12th printing
