The Mystery of the Fire Dragon is the thirty-eighth volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series. It was written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, and was first published in 1961 by Grosset & Dunlap.
This is the final Nancy Drew published with a Dust Jacket and a conclusion to our Collectors’ First Edition Guide to Nancy Drew. Hope you’ll enjoy the guides. It has been a long journey producing it.
Summary (original edition)
The Mystery of the Fire Dragon takes Nancy Drew on an exhilarating international adventure from River Heights to the vibrant streets of 1960s Hong Kong. The story begins when Carson Drew is approached by an old friend, Ching Wah, whose family has fallen victim to a sinister plot. Ching’s elderly uncle, Jade-Mark Foo, was supposed to transfer the family’s fortune from Hong Kong to America, but the money has vanished, and Foo’s cryptic letters have abruptly stopped.
Suspecting foul play, Nancy, along with her loyal friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne, travels to Hong Kong to investigate. They soon uncover a dangerous criminal organization known as the Fire Dragon, which has kidnapped Foo and stolen the family’s wealth. The mystery deepens as Nancy deciphers ancient Chinese puzzles, coded scrolls, and hidden messages, all while navigating a world of deception and peril.
From narrow escapes to treacherous double-crosses, Nancy faces grave danger as she races against time to rescue Foo, recover the stolen fortune, and dismantle the Fire Dragon’s operations. The novel blends classic Nancy Drew sleuthing with exotic locales and high-stakes intrigue, showcasing Nancy’s trademark intelligence, bravery, and resourcefulness.
Nancy Drew #38 –The Mystery of the Fire Dragon 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.
| Printing | Frontis | Copyright Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1961A-1 | Plain | Nancy Drew #1-38, Dana Girls #1-22 | |
| 1961B-2 | Plain | Nancy Drew #1-38, 4, Dana Girls #1-22 | |
| 1961C-3 | Plain | Nancy Drew #1-38, Dana Girls #1-23 | Last printing with Dust Jacket |
Nancy Drew #38 –The Mystery of the Fire Dragon First Edition Dust Jacket Identification Guide
| Printing | Price | Front Flap | Rear Panel | Rear Flap | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961A-1 | 100100 | Synopsis | Dana Girls #1-22 | Nancy Drew #1-38 | 16 |
| 1961B-2 | 100100 | Synopsis | Dana Girls #1-22 | Nancy Drew #1-38 | 16 |
| 1961C-3 | 100100 | Synopsis | Dana Girls #1-22 | Nancy Drew #1-38 | 16 |
Reference:
- Farah’s Guide to Nancy Drew, 12th printing
