The Secret of the Old Clock (Nancy Drew, Book 1)

I might have liked this more as a kid. I prefer Trixie Belden. :)

The Secret of the Old Clock – A Nancy Drew Review This month, I’ve been diving into comfort reads—revisiting favorites from my childhood and teen years. And of course, that meant returning to one of the first series I ever loved: Nancy Drew. There was no way this cozy reading month could pass without including at least one of her mysteries! Goodness, what nostalgia! It was so refreshing to read a story free of foul language and explicit content, one that transported me back to simpler days—where neighbors knew each other, kindness was commonplace, and a stranger could quickly become a friend. These stories brim with wholesome charm, strong family ties, and a sense of community that feels increasingly rare today. Who else misses those days like I do? The Secret of the Old Clock is the very first book in the iconic Nancy Drew Mystery series, first published over 80 years ago. Set in the fictional town of River Heights (believed to be near Chicago), it follows a young Nancy as she takes on her first real mystery. After Josiah Crowley passes away, rumors swirl about a missing will—one that could redirect his inheritance away from the greedy Topham family and toward more deserving people. With her signature curiosity and determination, Nancy jumps in to solve the case, meeting new friends along the way and getting a little help from her father, lawyer Carson Drew. Will she uncover the will before it’s lost forever? We all know Nancy Drew always gets to the bottom of things—but that doesn’t make the journey any less enjoyable. Yes, the plot is a bit predictable, but it’s also incredibly comforting. This book reminded me exactly why I loved these stories so much growing up. And honestly? I loved it just as much now. ✨ Highly recommend to readers of all ages—especially if you’re in need of a cozy, feel-good escape. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars) ❤️ QOTD: Have you ever read a Nancy Drew book? Which one is your favorite? What are some of your ultimate comfort reads—childhood favorites or ones you’ve found more recently? #NancyDrew #ThesecretoftheOldClock #ComfortReads #Bookstagram #CozyMystery #BookReview #NostalgicReads #BookLover #VintageReads #BookishNostalgia

The story that turned me into a fanatic lover of detective fiction. Nancy Drew embodies the kind of girl we all wanted to be: beautiful, beyond clever, adventurous, inquisitive, friendly, I mean she even drives a convertible at 18! The story holds up well, though I found I was quite nostalgic while reading it. The puzzle is easier to solve as an adult (esp. with the title), but it doesn't make it any less fun.

My impression as an adult is that it’s outlandish. Drew puts herself in mortal danger and her father doesn’t even mind. However, I appreciate what the book suggests about values with regard to money and inheritance.

Along with the other 54 books in this collection, Book 1 and the spunky Nancy Drew character will forever be a favourite of mine. Young or old, these are the books I can read in a day. Each one reads like a breeze and usually contains a few thrills!