The Secret of the Old Clock is the very first book in The Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series, establishing the iconic teenage detective and her world. The story centers on Nancy Drew’s attempt to help the poor, distant relatives of Josiah Crowley, a wealthy but eccentric man who has died and supposedly left a fortune to a distant cousin. However, a later, more favorable will is believed to be hidden, the key to which is somehow connected to an old clock. Nancy must use her detective skills to unravel the mystery of the missing will, facing off against greedy, malicious relatives who will stop at nothing to secure the inheritance. The novel introduces Nancy as the resourceful, stylish, and intelligent heroine she is known to be, setting the template for decades of thrilling, wholesome mystery adventures.
