Reviews (8)

THE BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES!
I own the entire set of the Applewood re-releases, and this was the best of the lot.

Inexplicably the writing of this book was far superior to the rest of the novels in this series (and they were all very good!) Several other readers that I have spoken with agreed that "The Sign of the Twisted Candles" was their fave!

I wonder if a different "ghost writer" worked on this particular novel? Hmmmm... I guess that will remain a mystery!

An Excellent Story
This review concerns both the original 1933 edition and the revised 1968 edition, which is the one with which most younger readers would be familiar. Both books have a similar story; except the revised edition is shorter, some characters names were changed and some events were either eliminated or altered. During a storm, Nancy, Bess and George seek shelter at an old tea room. While there, they meet a one hundred year old man named Asa Sidney, as well as an orphaned girl and her dishonest guardians. This launches Nancy into the middle of an old family feud between Asa Sidney's relatives and the relatives of his deceased wife, who happens to have been the sister of Bess and George's great-grandfather. Nancy's involvement in the feud ultimately costs her her friendship with Bess and George. Nancy has a lot of work to do as she tries to end the long-standing feud, repair her friendship with Bess and George, discover the parentage of the orphaned girl and prevent the girl's guardians from stealing the fortune that Asa Sidney has amassed. There really isn't much of a mystery to this book; however, the story more than makes up for that. Like all of the other books in the series, it features unscrupulous people up to something dishonest and Nancy usual desire to help someone in need, but this time she is affected personally because of the loss of her friends. I found the book to be very interesting and the writing was very descriptive (at least in the original version). I recommend reading the original version over the revised edition, if possible, but either way this book should not be missed if you are a fan of Nancy Drew. In my opinion it is one of the 5 best books of the series.

Masterful!
This is definately a great Nancy Drew mystery. I read a lot of them often, and this one is definately extremely descriptive and you can just be there with Nancy through thick and thin. I was right there the whole time. Certainly a must for readers!

One of the best books in the Nancy Drew series!
This book is one of the finest in the Nancy Drew series. It is classic Nancy Drew. The Applewood facsimile books, "As you remember them!" are the only way to enjoy Nancy Drew in my opinion. I love the old fashioned clothing, sayings and settings much more than the yellow spine books of today that are so condensed they read all the same. The old style books are written with quality in mind and evoke a different period in our American history.

Great!
In attempt to help a one hundred year old man, Nancy meets a girl being harmed by cruel guardians. While trying to solve the mystery of the Twisted Candles Inn, Nancy almost loses the friendship of her two closest "chums" - Bess and George. Nancy discovers that friendship is more important than a case or two; (of course she solves the mystery as well, after patching things up with her chums!) Read the book to see how Nancy saves the day once again. A great read for mystery fans, young or old. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An Exciting Adventure
This review concerns the original 1935 edition and the revised 1972 edition which is completely different from the original. In the original, Nancy wins a piece of land in northern Canada in a radio contest and almost immediately people are trying to buy the land from her. Could it be valuable? Determined to see the land for herself, Nancy, along with her friends Bess and George, set out for the remote wilderness of northern Canada. Along the way the three girls meet an authoress who tells them a sad story of how she was kept apart from her first love many years ago. Upon arriving at her land, Nancy finds that a ruthless group of swindlers is trying to steal her land from her. How Nancy reunites the authoress with her first love and outsmarts the group of swindlers makes for a rather interesting story. This really isn't a mystery story, it's more of an adventure; however, it is quite an exciting book. The story grabs your attention very quickly and there is plenty of action. The northern Canadian setting is used very effectively. The end of the book was very good, as it displays two of Nancy's best qualities, her courage and her willingness to sacrifice something that is hers to help someone else. Unfortunately, this edition is not the one found in new book stores; however, if you ever find it at a used book store, buy it, you won't be disappointed with it. In the revised edition, Nancy goes to the Ohio River area of Illinois to search for a hollow oak. Legend has it, that in the 1600s a French missionary hid a treasure in a hollow oak but was killed before he could reveal its location. This version isn't bad. The book kept me interested throughout but it never had me so engrossed that I couldn't put it down. I would recommend reading this book, but I enjoyed the original version so much more.

Mysteries, Mysteries, Mysteries!
Nancy Drew in The Message in the Hollow Oak is very interesting and was fun to read about. I thought it was very interesting to see in her point of view on how to solve her mysteries. She has a very creative mind.
I thought that Nancy was interesting because she always knows what to do when everyone else is stuck. She tends to always find a way to solve her mystery and help other people that are also part of it. Nancy and her friends may at some times get in a little mischief, but always, no matter how bad the situation, find different ways to get out of it. It also occurs to me that in this book, they never have gotten in any illegal problems, but had to phone the police a couple of times to keep Nancy safe. One thing that I also like is that she thinks of things that I would have never thought of before and it helps me just in case I might need something to solve, but not as intense.
The Message in the Hollow Oak is a great book for young and older readers. They're not scary, and not too boring. it's just the right thing. It was a great book to me and will be to you if you read it.

Read this book
I think you should read this book. Carolyn Keene has made this book exciting with a little bit of history along with it. This is a great book!

A really good read
This book is about Nancy going to Illinois and trying to solve the mystery of Pere Francois and his treasure. She stays at a dig site with Ned's cousin Julie Ann and is terrorized by a man with many identities named Kit Kadle. He will stop at nothing to find the message Pere Francois left and ultimately find the treasure. Will Nancy find it....... READ THE BOOK!

The Message in Hollow Oak was exciting .
The Message in Hollow Oak is a tale everyone should read. It is an exciting tale with an twist of history. Some of the most beloved Nancy Drew characters come alive once again to bring another mystery filled with suspense and danger. ... Read more

Book Description

Reader t.b.a.
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes

Nance Drew's keen mind is tested when she searches for a missing will. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

The Secret Of The Old Clock
This book is great! It is about Nancy Drew and how she has to find a will that a man named Josiah Crowley may have made. But Ada and Isabel, the people who would get the will if no one found a later one,are no help! They hope there isnt a later will. Ada and Isabel are rich, and the people the later will is going to go to are poor. Nancy Drew has to find out the mystery. She has to find a blue notebook which tells of where the will is! Josiah Crowley is a very smart man and has great hiding places! The time is running out! The will is going to go to the mean twin sisters who dont even need it, Ada and Isabel! If you read this great story, you will find out if she finds it!!

The Secret Of the Old Clock Book Review
The Secret of the Old Clock is the first Nancy Drew mystery story by Carolyn Keene. Unlike most mysteries I couldn't figure out what was going to happen from the beginning. In matter of fact not tell the end I knew what was going to happen, which I liked. It seems like in the book that the author wrote this book for kids to enjoy and have a great book in their hands to read. There are over sixty-five books in the series, which also might mean that she enjoys writing these mysteries. The Secret of the Old Clock is about a very wealthy man who has dies recently. For the past two years that he was alive, he was under the care of a very wealthy family but not so nice. The only reason that they took care of him was so that they could get all of his money when he died. There were three other families that were in bad need of money for various reasons. When he dies he made his will out to the very wealthy family, but he told the three other families that he made a large portion out to them. Nancy is trying to figure out if the wealthy man who died had made a later will. Do you think that Nancy will solve the mystery? The setting in The Secret of the Old Clock is very realistic. The story is based in a suburb. The houses are not right next to each other like in a city, but there not like the country far apart. They have green grass, trees, paved road, hills, and a lot of bridges with creeks following under them. About twenty minutes away from the town are farms with wide open fields. On the fields they have big red barns. Then about an hour away from the town are forests with lakes surrounding the woods. There are many cabins on the lake including a coupe of camps. All the roads are dirt. When I was reading the book I could easily imagine the setting when I closed my eyes because she gave many details. There are many characters in The Secret of the Old Clock. Carolyn Keene made me believe in them as people because they live in houses, played ball, eat food, drive cars ect. I liked all the characters except burglars and the wealthy family who took care of the man who died. The burglars took peoples prized passions. The wealthy families' girls, Isabel and Ada, were snobs and they took advantage of the wealthy man. Without the burglars and the wealthy family the book would not be possible. Nancy was my favorite because she will do all she can to help people. For example, a little girl fell off a bridge and Nancy rescues the girl, after somebody got robbed Nancy said, "I'm afraid I'm exceeding the speed limit," she thought. "But I almost wish a trooper would stop me. Then I could tell him what happened to the poor Turner sisters." Nancy almost killed herself by stopping another robbery. Mary Turner and her sister Edna take care of a little girl named Judy because her parents died. They manage a small income. Mary said, "To tell you the truth, Nancy, at the time Judy's parents were killed, Edna and I wondered whether we would be able to take care of Judy properly. But we decided to try it now we wouldn't part with her for anything in the world. She's won our hearts completely."
Isabel and her sister Ada are the wealthy snobs. They were waiting in the dress shop and Ada said, "Do you realized that my father owns considerable stock in Taylor's? If we report your conduct to him, he could have you discharged."
At the beginning of the book Nancy Drew was in her car and a little girl, Judy, ran out into the street and fell off the rode into the creek. Nancy saves the girl and when she brings her back inside Judy's aunts tell her about there issue with the money and Joseph Crowley was supposed to leave them money in his will when he died, but the money went to a very wealthy family. Nancy said she will try to find if Joseph made a later will. The two aunts tell Nancy to go to this family's house to try to find more information. There are two girls, Allison and Grace, in the next family that was also supposed to get money from the will. There parents dies and did not leave money to them. Joseph also said to them that they would get money from the will. Then there is an elderly woman, Abby, who can not pay for nursing. Abby can not remember many things and Joseph mention something to Abby about a will but she can not remember. Do you think that the later will will be discovered? To find out what happens you should read the book! The Secret of the Old Clock was one of those books were you can not put down. In some books the beginning to the book is really slow and you have to read about forty pages till the good part comes in. Well, In The Secret of the Old Clock the good part came in at the very start of the book. I thought that it was a extravagant. Also in most mysteries you can tell what is going to happen form the first few chapters and guess right. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good book in their hands and a excellent book .

A good Nancy Drew mystery...
I read both the 1930 and 1959 versions of this book. Both are just as entertaining, only the original version is better written. Unfortunately, the 1930 version also contains some of the worst Black stereo-typing of the series, but otherwise, it's a good book.

A lover of Carolyn Keene
Would you be surprised if someone made a secand will? Nancy Drew had that experience. Nancy's adventure begins after saving a little girl from walking into the road. After saving her life, one of the little girls aunts tell Nancy that there have been rumors that a man named Josiah Crowley had made a second will right before he died.She tells her that many robbers wanted to find the will and take away his money.Nancy agrees to help and find the missing will and begins searching for people who knew Crowley in her town of River Hights. Nancy finds some strange clues and soon finds the will in an unexpected place.

My Review
Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock
By: Keene, Carolyn
Reviewed by: Gandhi, Rujuta
Period: P.1
In the beginning, Nancy witnesses a girl almost getting hit by a truck. Fortunately, the young child crosses the road in time, however, she falls over a bridge. Nancy quickly runs and picks up this five year old child. Nancy finds everything is all right and then the child's aunt rushes outside. The child awakens at her house where her and her aunt live. Nancy slowly gets involved in her first mystery ever! She learns that Judy and her aunts, Allison and Grace, are very poor and trying to get a will that was left behind by Allison and Grace's uncle. Nancy also learns that the money is in a secret clock that was stolen by movers. One of the mover's name was Josiah Crowley. The mover was riding in the truck that almost hit Judy. In general, Nancy solves the mystery when she finds a key to the movers truck. The key was next to one of the tires. Therefore, the clock is given back to the owners, Allison and Grace. In the clock is a big stash of money that their small family needs.
I liked this book because it was descriptive. It also kept you guessing. For instance,"An instant later she gasped in horror." This sentence doesn't say much, but it makes you want to read on to see what was wrong. Since I read the books out of order it told me something was going to go wrong. This quotation doesn't simply keep you reading on, it gives some description. The author could have wrote,"Nancy gasped." Instead, she decided to give you a hint of what was going to happen. I like this in a story.
Similar to all the other Nancy Drew books, it was hard to find a point where it got a bit tedious. This time it was the part when Nancy and the police were trying to find the movers. It took quite a few pages to present this. However, I was still interested because of the high amount of description. For example,"Then, unexpectedly, she caught a glimpse of a red taillight on the road far ahead." It was hard to find a tedious part. I would say this book was almost PERFECT!
My favorite part of the book was the beginning. It was very descriptive. In the beginning, a girl, Judy, was nearly run over by the movers. Then Nancy saw and went to go rescue the girl when the young girl fell over the bridge. It was also dramatic. I really enjoyed this book, especially, the beginning! ... Read more

Book Description

Let me introduce myself. I'm Nancy Drew. Some call me a girl detective. Others call me "that girl who cooked my goose." But everyone calls me sharp -- especially when it comes to crime. And since mystery and I follow each other everywhere, I'm pretty busy. Take a look inside at some of my favorite cases, and you'll see what I mean!

#1 Without a Trace

#2 A Race Against Time

#3 False Notes

#4 High Risk

Reviews (9)

The most poetic title in the Drew series.
"Password" and "Larkspur Lane" -- these terms echo each other as much as "Lenore" and "Nevermore" do in Poe's "The Raven." It is fitting, then, that this is one of the better Keene books in the Nancy canon. I am reviewing my childhood reading, made possible by Applewood reissues and the continued availability of the Grosset & Dunlap revised titles. It is a truism that the early books (despite their out-of-fashion references and language, and their social stereotypes) are always better than the revisions, and it's often true that the originals are more satisfying, stylish stories. I enjoy the mysteries screeching to a halt while the girls indulge in their noon "luncheon." However, in this title I have to go with the revision. It's a masterful rewrite, condensing and reorganizing the early story while cutting out a lot of leisurely pacing that slows the story down. Perhaps Nancy's greatest strength as a detective is her unwillingness to give up; when she has no clues or prospects of any in this novel, she drives the roads outside of her midwest town until she finds one (a crude sign on a tree with "L. L." posted on it). Can't get into a prison-like old folks' home? Impersonate an elderly lady. Get thrown into a deep cistern? Use the pieces of a ladder thrown in after you to claw your way up the wall. The criminals are getting away in a small plane? Let the gas out of it before they can take off. Meanwhile she still has time to win first prize in a flower arranging competition. Nancy is simply too much, and knowing her has been one of the delights of my life.

I Prefer The Original Version
This review concerns the original 1933 edition and the revised 1966 edition which has a story similar to the original version. Nancy finds a carrier pigeon which contains a strange coded message. Later, the family's doctor tells Nancy of how he was kidnapped and taken to a large home to treat an elderly lady, whom he believed was being held against her will. Armed with a bracelet the doctor managed to slip off of the old lady's wrist as her only clue, Nancy sets off determined to find the house and free the old woman. The revised edition has an added mystery concerning a spooky, blue circle of fire which has been appearing recently in the woods outside of the new home of Nancy's friend Helen's grandparents. Personally, I liked the original edition much better than the revised edition. The writing was better and the book flowed along a lot better than the revised edition did. The extra mystery in the revised edition seemed out of place and really didn't make the book more interesting. The main mystery of the book, Nancy trying to find the elderly woman, was good and is typical Nancy Drew, with Nancy risking her life attempting to help someone else. Both editions were fairly suspenceful and had exciting endings; although again, I prefered the ending in the original story. Either edition is worth reading, but I give the original 3 1/2 stars, while I give the revised 3 stars.

Great fun!
As I lay in bed sniffling this weekend I read Password to Larkspur Lane. Carson gives Nancy a new black and green roadster for her birthday (she gets it early as she needs to evade some thugs who have been spying on the house and they would have recognized her old maroon roadster.) Then she speeds off to Sylvan Lake to join Helen Corning and her parents at the much larger cottage they have taken this summer. Ned Nickerson is also there and Nancy is the belle of the Yacht Club dance, in addition to beating the pants off the snooty "amateur swim champion" who instigated a diving competition because she resented Nancy getting all the male attention on the swim platform. She also wins the adulation of everyone at the lake when she rescues a tot who falls in the water in front of a speedboat, but is duely modest about it, considering that the little girl fell in as a result of Nancy's having questioned her after hearing her name. Nancy and Helen enjoy a few luxurious rides in the splendid new machine as they search for a remote estate surrounded by larkspurs/delphiniums to solve the mystery Nancy stumbled upon as she happened to drive by a car that mysteriously had the windows up even though the weather was clear (actually, the book said the curtains were drawn--did cars come with window curtains in 1933?) Nancy actually falls into dire straits but, fortunately, had the foresight to call Ned beforehand so he could fly in with some burly pals (and Carson, who just happened to be at the local airport as they were about to take off in their just-the-right-size-to-land-in-the-back-yard plane) in the nick of time to thwart the evildoers who were bilking wealthy older women.

Oh, Nancy also won 1st place for her flower arrangement of larkspurs at the Blenheim Flower Show. Of course.

I desperately want this cold to go away so I can drive around in my splendid machine and stumble upon adventures. I will need some new sport frocks though.

Password To Larkspur Lane
~ Hi I have to tell you this is the best book that I have read! It was exciting and heart jumping book. You guys out there have to read this book. It is an awsome book. You have to buy it!~

rewritten is not better
I am a Nancy Drew fan...for over thirty years..as my mother was before me and my daughter after me. This rewitten version is not up to the thrills and chills of the edition by Mildred Wirt Benson in the 1930's. This edition lacks the intrige of the first..it is more "up to date" and P.C. than the first, but I suggest that anyone who loves Nancy and has only read this book obtain a copy of the original that has been published by Applewood Books..it even has the fantastic old illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Keene Very Keen on Mystery Books
Nancy's Mysterious Letter is only one of many well-written books by Carolyn Keene. Keene does it again. With each book, the action starts on page 1. Sometimes it's so suspenseful that I actually worry about Nancy's predicament. Keene's vivid descriptions of the characters really bring out the color in them. I haven't read this particular book in a few years, but the style of Keene's writing is still fresh in my mind. This series of mystery books is a must-have for Nancy Drew lovers abroad.

Nancy's Mysterious Letter Review :)
In "Nancy's Mysterious Letter", Nancy receives a letter from London. Not just any letter though, it tells of her inheritance of a small fortune. Unfortunately, the inheritance is for a different Nancy Drew. But before all this, Nancy invites her elderly mail carrier, Ira Nixon, in the house for some hot chocolate because it was winter and very cold. When Ira has bid Nancy farewell and is about to leave, he discovers his mailbag has bean stolen! Then later on, Nancy discovers the thief who stole Ira's mailbag is planning to marry the other Nancy Drew for her fortune. Meanwhile, nobody told the other Nancy Drew about her inheritance! Nancy's out on a mystery to discover who stole the mail, and who the real heiress to the fortune awaiting in London is.

Overall, it was ok. Maybe if it had more suspense and action, I prefer those kinds of books. I'm not sure if this was just a dud, or if all the Nancy Drew books are like this because this is the first one I've read. The thing that bugs me is that everything works out so perfectly through the story, so it gets boring, and there's no surprise in the ending. Just because I don't care for it though, don't you not read it. If you like innocent mysteries and old-fashioned stories, you'll probably love this. *_~

Don't judge a books by its cover :)
This book has to be the very first Nancy Drew book that i ever read. True it may not be as exciting as her other books and the drama may not be so convinving. But if you think about it, what Nancy went through in the older versions of these books was a lot for people "way back in those times" I recommend this book for any young, middle aged, or older aged reader. Happy reading!

Awful!!!
This review concerns the original 1932 edition as well as the revised 1968 edition which tells a story similar to the original. Nancy mistakenly receives a letter intended for another Nancy Drew, informing her that she has inherited a large sum of money. Also, when Nancy invites her elderly mailman in for a drink of cocoa, his mailbag is stolen from Nancy's porch. Nancy sets out to find the other Nancy Drew and to locate the person who took the mailbag so that she can restore the tarnished reputation of her mailman. Personally, I found this book to be very boring. The mystery is not exciting and there is very little action in the book. Nancy solves the mystery in the end, but it is not through brilliant detective work, it is because she attends a football game at Emerson University. I know that chance encounters always play a big part in solving the case in Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, but this was just pure dumb luck and nothing else. I wouldn't even waste your time on this one.

Roxie's Review of a magnificant Book
I thought it was a awesome book, especially if you love mysteries and old fashioned fun. When I read it, I just couldn't take my eyes off of it. It is fun, frightening, and wonderfully entertainig. at first, I thought I was going to be scared to death, but it was really cool. I totally recomend it. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Great Book!!!
I thought this book was one of the best Nancy Drew books I've ever read! It was so good with a whispering statue and all. I loved this book because you never know who did it until the end. Nancy Drew books like this one always have me tangled up in suspects until they reveal who it is!

A Rather Dull "Mystery"
This review concerns the original 1937 edition as well as the revised 1970 edition, which tells a story completely different from the original. In the original version, Nancy, Bess and George are going to the coastal town of Seacliff with Mr. Drew who has business there. Before leaving, Nancy meets a woman who tells her about a statue of a whispering woman which is on the grounds of an abandoned estate near Seacliff. The woman tells Nancy that Nancy resembles the statue. Also, on the train to Seacliff, Nancy meets a woman who she fears is going to be swindled by a man she just met on the train. Nancy tries to help the woman, but she basically tells Nancy to mind her own business. Nancy being Nancy, decides to try to help the woman anyway. As well, Nancy gets her stupid dog, Togo, who is a complete nuisance throughout the book. In the revised edition, Nancy is asked for help from a woman who suspects that she is being swindled by a man she commissioned to sell some rare old books for her. She believes that the man is only giving her a small fraction of what he is actually getting for the books. In order to investigate, Nancy, Bess and George travel to Waterford where Nancy uses the alias Debbie Lynbrook and gets a job in the bookstore of the suspected swindler. There is also a side mystery concerning a stolen whispering statue. Personally, I didn't find either version very good. The original edition is the better written of the two (no surprise there), but it didn't have much of a mystery and only the last few chapters were that interesting. I found the whole Debbie Lynbrook thing in the revised edition rather neat and different, but for whatever reason the mystery never really grabbed in this version. Neither book is really that bad, but they are not ones that I'd highly recommend.

Nancy Drew and You- Solving the Mystery
Nancy Drew has another mystery on her hands, and she needs your help. This mystery book is called The Whispering Statue by Caroline Keene. The book is very good. It is interesting and mysterious. When you are reading this book, you are solving the mystery too. When I read the book, Nancy thought of everything before me in the beginning of the book. However, later in the book, I caught on quicker than before and even found one clue before Nancy did. I really liked solving the mystery with Nancy and her friends. I liked it because I felt like I was in the book too. Finding the Whispering Statue was hard, but we did it, and so can you! All of the Nancy Drew books are mysteries, but this one is particularly mysterious. Nancy has a disguise, and Nancy and her friends must be very careful, so they are not caught. All sorts of things happen, but we make it through and find the Whispering Statue. I won't tell you how, but read The Whispering Statue, and you'll find out!

A Chore to Get Through...
This is true even of the 1936 version...This book simply couldint keep my attention! I had to force myself to finish it, or else I'd have felt I had wasted the [money} paid to get it! Only get it to complete youre collection of Applewoods...Don't put youreself through this "adventure"...

Supirior!
This book is good if you are looking for a good mystery to read! It has Nancy, Ned, George, and Bess, they all help solve a very baffling mystery! I own this book and like it very much! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Boring Book!!
This review concerns the original 1936 edition and the revised 1974 edition which is slightly different from the original but basically tells the same story. Nancy meets a young Indian boy (named Coya in the original, Rishi in the revised) who lives with a circus. The boy is being mistreated by a man named Rai who claims to be the boy's father, but Nancy doubts this claim. Nancy saves Rai from an elephant and to show his thanks he gives Nancy an ivory, elephant charm which he says can protect the wearer from harm. Coya/Rishi runs away from the circus and Rai and the Drews take him in. Later, Rai changes his mind and wants the charm back and he will do anything to get both the charm and Coya/Rishi. Also figuring into this "mystery" are a strange woman and a bizarre house out in the middle of the woods. The house, apparently, has no floor, but it does have a secret passage and a bunch of swings and trapezes hanging from the ceiling. This book was just plain awful!! The mystery, what there is of one, is stupid and boring. The house serves absolutely no purpose other than to use up pages and it makes no sense. Who would build a house like that out in the middle of nowhere? The strange woman in the book is more annoying than anything and comes off as too scatterbrained and weak-minded to be the great criminal mastermind that the plot requires her to be. The book has little in the way of action or suspence. This book is just bad, bad, bad! Take my advice and don't read it.

An exciting mystery!
In this book, Nancy Drew goes to see a circus and feels sorry for a little boy who appears to be abused by his master. Nancy is surprised when he shows up at her home. He wears a mysterious ivory charm in the shape of an elephant that is supposed to protect the wearer from harm. He gives it to Nancy. She will surely need protection soon after, because she must investigate a mysterious hideout and missing jewels. Could it be that the mystery of the room in the cave and the shady circus are related? read to find out! I would also recommed buying the applewood books fascimle edition of this story. It is priced higher but it is the original story from the 30's. Buy both versions for some flavor and to see how the story was changed. ... Read more

Book Description

In this book, originally published in 1940, A trunk that Nancy receives from her father for a trip to Buenos Aires becomes the center of a mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Almost Perfect
Of course, every detective needs a day off of sluething! So naturally, Nancy decides to go on a cruise with her fellow detectives, Goerge Fayne and Bess Marvin. While boarding the ship, Nancy notices a man on the pier spell out her name saying 'Beware of Nancy Drew and Ne' but did not see the rest. As she goes to her cabin, she finds Nelda Detwieler in the cabin too. At first, Nancy distrusts the native girl. Then Nelda tells Nancy of what happened to her, and mysterious things happen when a mysterious trunk is delivered to their cabin that is identicle to Nancy's but is not hers.
I think this book is very good and I highly recomend it so that if you go on a cruise and your trunk is not delivered but someone elses and a desparete girl with an amazing story is set in your cabin, you now what to do!

Not Much Mystery Here
This review concerns the original 1940 edition. The trunk which Nancy takes with her on a cruise to South America, along with a similar trunk owned by another passenger, appear to be at the center of a mystery. This book was alright, but I found that it really didn't have a mystery to it until the last few chapters. The first part of the book concentrates on the efforts of the mother of one passengers to keep Nancy from sailing. Ultimately, the mystery is somewhat dull and predictable and the book lacks much action. The book is probably worth reading, but I doubt that it will be one of many people's favorites.

One of the BEST Nancy Drews
This is one of the best Nancy Drews! the other one is the Tolling Bell. Anyway, in this one, Nancy meets Nelda Detwiler (N. D., same anishiles) and she has been acused of stealing a dimond braclet! A mysterieous trunk appears that LOOKS like Nancy's but is not. (They can't find Nancy's, so she has to use Bess, George and Nelda's close) Anyway, I can't tell you much more. Oh, and they are all on a cruse ship, so Nancy has to solve the mystery before it's over. BUY THIS BOOK OR GET IT SOMEHOW!!

AN INTERESTING BOOK
I have read many of Nancy Drew books and like this book. Although this is not in my top list but it still good. This book is worth to read. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Original Edition Is Better
This review concerns the original 1941 edition and the revised 1971 edition, the one commonly found in book stores. In the original edition, Mr. Drew has Nancy help him track down a missing heiress and Nancy, Bess and George stumble upon a mysterious moss-covered mansion. They later hear that someone was murdered near the mansion and they repeatedly hear strange noises coming from inside the mansion. I really enjoyed the first 100 or so pages of this book, but I found that after that I was gradually losing interest in the story. Any of the chapter endings toward the end of the book that had even the smallest bit of interest were quickly resolved in the next chapter. The end of the book was rather bad as the two best things about the book, the murder and the mansion, were resolved with dull explanations. Most of this book is worth reading and I rate it 3 stars. In the revised edition, Nancy, George, Bess, Mr. Drew and Hannah travel to Florida when a friend of Mr. Drew is accused of trying to sabotage the space program by sending a truck of explosive oranges to the Space Center complex at Cape Kennedy. When you finally stop laughing over how lame this plot sounds and actually read the book, it; unfortunately, isn't any better. There is not much action in the book, the mystery isn't very exciting and the writing style is vastly inferior to the original edition. I didn't enjoy the revised edition of this book at all and I'd give it a 1 1/2 star rating.

Best Nancy Drew Book Ever
Nancy Drew: The Case of the Moss-Covered Mansion was one of the best Nancy Drew books I have ever read. It had more action than some other Nancy Drew books. Nancy Drew was working three different cases at the same time. She saw tigers two feet away and dangerous things happen to her and her friends, Bess and George. In the last four or so chapters, I couldn't put down the book. I like the way that the author describes the scenes where Nancy and her friends are at. It was one of the best, most intense, Nancy Drew endings ever.

The Best Nancy Drew Book Besides Whispering Statue
I love Nancy Drew Do You? I'm In 3rd Grade And I Love Nancy Drew Books.My Friend Susanah W. Got Me In To Nancy Drew Books. I've Read About 7 Nancy Drew Books And Im Only 8 years Old. Nancy Drew Isnt JUST For Girls Is It. Because Im A Boy And I Love Nancy Drew.In The Story Nancy Goes To Florida And Has To Find Out Who Deliverd Explosive Oranges To The Kennedy Space Center After That She Finds Out That She's Closer To A Black Lepord Than She Ever Will Be!

The book is about the Kennedy space center, and other places
The Mystery Of The Moss-coverd Mansion is a great book. There is a lot of really exiting parts, and some parts that are funny. I am 12 years old and I am planning on reading all of the other Nancy Drew Books. I have so far read 28 of them and enjoied them all. I think it is a great book!!! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

One Of The Best Nancy Drew Books
This review concerns the original 1931 edition and the revised 1961 edition, which tells a story similar to the original, but it is shorter. While on a shopping trip, Nancy, Bess and George meet a young girl named Millie (Joanne in the revised edition) who lives at Red Gate Farm with her grandmother. Millie/Joanne and her grandmother may be forced to sell their farm because they don't have enough money, so they decide to take in boarders. Nancy, George and Bess go to the farm to spend some time with their new friend and she tells them about a weird nature cult that rents part of their land and performs strange rituals at night. Nancy; however, suspects that the cult is not quite what it seems. To find out if she is right you'll have to read the book. I really enjoyed this book. I found the mystery intriguing and the writing was very good (at least with the original edition, which was the one I read). I'd recommend reading the original edition, if possible, but either way, this is a very good story that fans of the series would enjoy.

Great Book
I loved reading this book. It was very interesting and made me analyze all the characters to figure out who the counterfeiters were. I was amazed at the twists and turns of this mystery story. This book is about a group of people who make false money and try to pass it off as real money. Nancy, Bess, George, and Joan help uncover the group and stop the production of the fake money. There is a strong climax when Nancy and her friends are trapped in a cave and a caught. Basically, this was one of the best books I have read. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a great mystery.

A pretty good book!
I read the 1931 version. As usual with the original Nancy Drew books, the writing was good. But this particular volume stands out as being one of the better Nancy Drew books. While the whole book is good, the ending at the cave is really exciting.

Kindness Personified
I read this book not too long ago after a long break from reading the hardcovers. I forgot how much I liked it!
In this book, Nancy and the gang helps out a girl and her granny at their farm, and becomes entangled in solving a mystery involving counterfeiting, greed, and a KKK-like "clan."
What really stood out in this book was Nancy's eagerness to help others, and her generosity. I love how Nancy shows so much concern for Joanne. She drove Joanne to different towns in search of a job, and went to her farm to be a paying boarder just so they wouldn't have to sell the place. You don't read about that sort of thing in the paperbacks nowadays. I haven't read a YSPC in a really long time, so it was a treat to read something so refreshing and different! You really lose sight of the real Nancy when you start reading paperbacks. I've never really realized how different Nancy had become since the 50s, or the 30s, for that matter, until now.
This book is the quintessential example of Nancy Drew being a great role model.

S.J.

Excellent, ONE OF THE BEST NACY DREW BOOKS EVER!
This is one of the most thrilling Nancy Drew books EVER published. I would encourage ANYONE to read this book(the original version of course) ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Laura Linney
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes

Teenage detective nancy Drew uses her courage and powers of deduction to solve the mysterious happenings in an old stone mansion. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

The Hidden Staircase
This book is about a detective named Nancy Drew who likes to solve mysteries and solving problems. She is a 18-years-old girl who hangs out with her two friends and sometimes they both help Nancy to solve mysteries. This Nancy Drew book is about two people living in a house and start seeing weird things like: something at the window, something moving, house's ceiling shakes like it is falling, and other actions that had frighten the girls and the two people living in it. There was a hidden staircase in the house that leads to another house that the two people had not know about. But can you find out who the person is that is behind all the troubles that had happened?

For all the people who likes to read mystery books, this book might be good for you. Maybe some people might now like it, but I consider that you should read the book. I like to read this book. I like to read mystery books. So for those people who likes to read mystery books, you can start reading Nancy Drew books with her solving crimes, missing things, and other mysteries.

The Hidden Staircase
The Hidden Staircase was a great book. It was exciting and sad at the same time. It made you want to read it over and over again because it is so good. I do think that that could have been more action because there was a little to much talking in it. I'm not one to really enjoy mysteries and this book gave me a whole new perspective of these kinds of books. I gave it 4 stars, again for the lack of action (not that there wasnt any but it neede more). I fully believe that every girl should read the Nancy drew series, they are so good every time you read it you never want to put it down. Every word keeps you on the ege of your seat.

The Hidden Staircase
For you kids out there that don't know, the Nancy Drew series has been around since 1929. It was originally written by Mildred A. Wirt Benson, under the pseudonym 'Carolyn Keene'. The originals looked exactly like this- well, except they didn't have the gold sticker-thing.

But the terrible thing is that the originals were re-written, under the same name, but not by the same person, in the fifties. The books lost the spirit and fire that they had originally had, and, unless you were a frequenter (a LUCKY frequenter) of antique malls, you wouldn't be able to find the original text.

Until now.

These books are the originals, and I personally like them much more than the other, later editions. The stories are longer, the pictures are wonderful (they are) and the story itself is much better.

If you have a choice between a newer version and this one- there's no choice. Get this one.

One of the better Nancy Drew mysteries...
I read the 1930 version of this book. Although all the original Nancy Drew books are fairly well-written, this is one of the more interesting and exciting books of the series.

The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene
This story is about an 18 year old detective named Nancy Drew.Her aunt Rosemary owned a mansion.There had been some strange things happening that were frightening the people living there.It was up to Nancy to figure out who was frightening them and why. Nancy did every thing she could, such as looking for footprints.But she, at first, was unsuccessful.Nancy wanderd how a person could come in the mansion without leaving any signs.This stunned Nancy but did not stop her from solving the mystery.Eventually she found a hidden staircase leading to a nother mansion owned by someone else.Nancy's aunt knew nothing of this secret staircase.To find out how Nancy finds the hidden staircase and who was frightening them, you must read this book.I found that the story was at times to predictable because of the title of the book.I kept wondering when the hidden staircase would be found. I liked it however that Nancy had a friend to help figure out the mystery.Over all I enjoyed this book and would reccomend it to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description

Originally published in 1939, Nancy solves the mystery of a lost love. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

An Average Book
This review concerns the original 1939 edition and the revised 1969 edition. Both books tell the story of a woman who owns many cats, of her long-lost love and of spooky tapping noises which she hears inside her house. However, each book tells the mystery in a different way so that they are basically two different stories. These were average books, not particularly exciting, but not boring either. The mystery isn't bad and there is a moderate amount of action. Personally, I thought that the revised edition was a little more interesting, but either one is worth reading. I'd give them both 3 stars.

THis Is Very Sly!
This book is bone-chilling, did you here me? I said REALLY bone-chilling! Not just bone-chilling! I mean really, really bone-chilling! I mean read this book. THanks!

PS Did I tell you this book is bone-chilling?

PSS Well if I didn't it is! Read it!

A good Nancy Drew mystery
Nancy and her friends Bess and George get involved in a mystery that involves an invalid woman, her prizewinning Persian cats, a long-lost neighbor, tapdancing and Nancy's starring role in a play in River Heights. Nancy wows everyone with her mystery-solving prowess, George gets exasperated a lot and Bess spoils her diet (again). Long live Nancy Drew!

A very good book
This book is probably one of the best ones. Nancy Bess and George fall upon a Mystery that is very unusual. But they usually are aren't they! I'd recomend this book because it's very entertaining and it keeps you in suspense. And if you like cats and tap dancing you'll love this book.

A Great Book to have on the Book Shelf
This book is a very good book if you like mysteries. This is a great book to have on the bookshelf. Int he beginning it is a little boring but it gets a lot better. Do not let the beginning stop you from reading it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nancy Is Great Again!!
This book is amazing like all other Nancy Drew books.It has excitement,suspense,and very enjoyable.Buy your copy right now!

This is a great book
I think out of all the titles in the series this would be one of the best. I loved this when I was eight (now I can read it in half an hour). This is a great childrens book. I suggest it to young readers everywhere.

I loved this book!
I loved this book because it had lots of interesting characters. It was fun trying to solve the mystery and I had to think hard about who stole the locket. I would recommend this book to all girls who love mystery stories. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Book Review: The Clue in the Jewel book
The Clue in the Jewel Box by Carolyn Keene was an exciting novel. It is part of the Nancy Drew series. It was a little slow getting into the mystery, but after the mystery part of the book got started, it got really good. It was definitely a cliffhanger. Nancy helps a former queen from Europe find her long lost grandson. Before long, Nancy finds the prince, or so she thinks. Nancy catches the prince taking small amounts of money from the queen, Mrs. Alexandria. Her grandson is also has very bad manners for a prince. What's going on with the prince? Read the book to find out! If you enjoy this suspenseful book, be sure to read the rest of the series!

Better Than I Thought It Would Be
This review concerns the original 1943 edition as well as the revised 1972 edition which is merely a shortened version of the original. Nancy meets an elderly lady, Mrs. Alexandra, who was formerly a queen in a European country. When a revolution erupted in the country, the woman's entire family perished except for her grandson who was brought to America by his nurse. When Mrs. Alexandra escaped to America, she was never able to find her grandson and hopes that Nancy could locate him for her. Also, pickpockets are at work in River Heights. To anyone that just read my summary of the book and thinks that it will be boring, don't let that stop you from reading this book; it is actually a fairly decent book. I liked the fact that through the course of the book, Nancy was fooled and used many times by the criminals to get away with their crimes, it made her seem more human and not like the SuperNancy we see in many of the books. However, in the end her intelligence and intuition won out over the criminals. I particularly thought that it was clever the way in which the pickpockets managed to fool Nancy. The book has a moderate amount of action, is written well and I found that for the most part it held my interest all the way through. I think that most Nancy Drew fans would enjoy reading it.

A jewel of a book
This book was pretty good and it was interesting to read it. There was some really exiting parts and some really boring parts, but overall it was a good book.

Great Book
This book was a great suspense/thriller book. Nancy helps an elderly woman named Mrs. Alexandra. Nancy befriends her and learns she is a queen from a distant country. Mrs. Alexandra tells her of a long lost grandson, which she is determined to find. Nancy is trying to solve that mystery, when she notices many pick-pocket thefts in her town of River Heights. Nancy then finds out the two mystery's are connected, and Nancy is determined to solve it. Nancy figures out the confusing burglury of wallets, and finds the long lost grandson of Mrs. Alexandra. This is a wonderful book, like all Nancy Drew's.

This Book Was Great
At first I thought this book might not be as exciting as the others, but I was wrong!! I was always in suspence. If you like this book, I know you will love all the others! The Nancy Drew Files are the best! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

An Exciting Fast-paced Mystery
This review concerns the original 1948 edition as well as the revised 1967 edition which is a shorter version of the original. A widow seeks Nancy's help after she is robbed of a fortune in jewels. It seems the woman's deceased husband's spirit instructed her to bury the jewels in the forest to prevent them from being stolen from her home. Nancy is certain that the woman is the victim of a clever group of swindlers. Her investigation puts her into contact with several young women who are being cheated out of their hard-earned paychecks and leads her to abandoned Blackwood Hall. There, Nancy encounters an eerie, glowing ghost that inhabits the mansion. This is definately one of the best Nancy Drew books. The mystery is interesting and the story is fast-paced and well-written with lots of action. I really enjoyed the middle chapters, particularly the first two times Nancy investigates Blackwood Hall and meets the ghost. The whole book is great and a must-read for fans of the series.

the most wonderful book that i have ever read!
Hey, if youre looking for something really cool and very thrilling,why not read Carolyn Keenes The Ghost Of Blackwood Hall with the super sleuth Nancy Drew. In the story, she was determined to solve a case of an old client involving some jewelry thievery and later on, it was complicated with a ghost playing on an organ in a dark,old mansion. She was also been assigned to study the cases of 3 working ladies for they are giving and donating money on a crook company. The very interesting part in the story is that when Nancy, with her friends George and Bess, first went to the old mansion. Come on, share the thrill and go on screaming when you read this wonderfull stuff. thanks!!!!!!

out of the ordinary
This is a rather unusual Nancy Drew mystery involving seances, hynoptism, and a journey to New Orleans for Nancy, George and Bess. Nancy is attempting to help Mrs. Putney, a woman recently widowed, who, while gullible in some matters, does not completely trust Nancy.

The action is non-stop and the plot moves breathlessly and will sweep you up. "The Ghost of Blackwood Hall" is a thriller, and highly recommended.

A Wonderful, Wonderful, Fun & Exciting Book.
I think the book was wonderful and interesting. It was myfavorite book out of all Nancy Drew books. It was fun to read. Icouldn't wait to see what would happen. The ending was extremely exciting. What a wonderful book!

Best of Carolyne Keene
This book is about swindlers who swindle innocent people by posing to be connected with the spirit world. They hold up seances, and hypnotize women into doing absolutely foolish things which often get their lives in danger.Nancy Drew picks up their trail but these people are far too much clever.But she doesn't lose hope and clears up the mystery at last. This book keeps changing with every chapter with new developments on the case. This book is the best of all the others I have read of this author. A perfectly thrilling mystery. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Laura Linney
approx. 3 hours
2 cassettes

Nancy believes her friend's guardians are trying to steal her inheritance.As she investigates, she has a perilous experience near the deserted bungalow. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Still great after all these years!
What a teriffic book. It got me hooked on Nancy Drew books for many years. I found my original a while back...it is still a wonderful book. You are all in for a great treat!

an exciting adventure
This book was one of the best Nancy Drew books. It captivated your interest and was suspenseful. It was a story of friendships made and renewed. You'll like the surprise ending and how Nancy goes about solving the case.

Boring title, Good book...(*** 1/2 stars...)
I read the 1930 version of this book. The title is boring, tho somehow caught my intrest as well; what in the world could be so mysterious about a bungalow? The book is a pretty good installment in the series, anyway. The part where Nancy hides inside the dark bungalow is suspenful, and is one of the rare moments is a Nancy Drew book where I was on the edge of my seat!

The Bungalow Mystery
The Bungalow Mystery is exiting and thrilling!Nancy Drew and Hellen Corning,are invited to Lilac Inn to help there friend Emily plann her wedding, but then strange things begin happening at Lilac Inn,as always Nancy Drew takes the case! The It is one of my favorite books of the series of Nancy Drew! It is pretty intriging and exiting!

A Very Original Plot
This review concerns the original 1930 edition and the revised 1960 edition which follows a similar plot to the original, with a few changes. Nancy becomes friends with an orphaned girl named Laura when she rescues Nancy and her friend Helen after their motorboat sinks during a violent storm. Upon meeting Laura's new gaurdian, Nancy immediately dislikes him. After Laura runs away from him, Nancy's suspicions of him are aroused even more. Nancy goes to confront the man only to discover that Laura's gaurdian is not who he seems to be. It's unfortunate that this book has the title that it does because I imagine that very few people were enticed to read the book based on its title. Those that passed over this book missed a very interesting and original story for either this series or the Hardy Boys. The book is very well-written (the original version, anyway) and from chapter 10 onwards is hard to put down. Something that I particularly liked about this book was that Nancy actively had a hand in capturing the criminal (criminals in the revised edition). Don't passover reading this book because of its blah title. I believe that most people who read this book will enjoy it. ... Read more

Book Description

The 19th in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series, this is a facsimile reproduction of the original book, which was first published in 1942.

Reviews (5)

A Fun Adventure
This review concerns the original 1942 edition and the revised 1969 edition which is an edited version of the original. Nancy becomes involved in the search for the missing half of a treasure map and investigates the mysterious happenings at a cottage on an estate just outside of River Heights. This is a pretty good book; more deserving of 3 1/2 stars. The story is intriguing and well-written. One thing that I like about this story is that there are numerous dishonest people also searching for the missing half of the map and you don't know if they are working together against Nancy or if they are working seperately. This is an enjoyable adventure and is highly recommended.

A fun book to read - a review by OF
I like this book a lot. I like it because of the people in the book and because of what happens in the book. Lots of people in this book are very nice, they try to help each other as much as possible. People that I like in this book are : Nancy , Hanna Gruen , Ellen ,Mrs Chatham , Mr Smith , Mrs Smith and Ned. This book is fun.

This book is about is about a treasure. Nancy and Mr and Mrs Smith want to find a treasure. They had two maps of the treasure. One day, a man stole one of the maps at Mr and Mrs Smith's house. Nancy and Ellen were trying to stop the man and they couldn't. Nancy had the other map, and one day someone stole the other one from Nancy when she was walking.
One day, they tried to make a map with their imaginations because they had to find the treasure. It took them a little while to make a map. But they found the treasure later.

MY review for the book
In this story, Nancy again solves a treacherous mystery. nancy becomes friends with a girl named Elle, who is trying to get a job babysitting a small 7-year old. her only problem is she is scared of the city in which Trixie, the little girl, lives in. Then Ellen tells Nancy about a map that shows treasure left by Ellen's grandfather. Her father has only half the map. His long-lost twin brother has the remaining half. Nancy is anxious to find his brother and the lost map, and find where the treasure is hidden. She finds many clues before she concludes that the second half of the map was right under her nose. While she is trying to get the two maps together, another couple is also trying to steal the maps from Nancy to get to the treasure first. Once again, the wise Nancy Drew outsmarts the thieves and gets the two half maps together. They all go together on a trip to get the treasure. Everything turns out just fine at the end, with Nancy rewarded as a hero.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was the third Nancy Drew book that I ever read. I like to read mystery and suspense stories where you just can't figure out who the thief would be. It is fun to read the end of mystery stories and finding out who the culprit really was. I have read "The Boxcar Children" books before and also enjoyed them because of the mystery and su