The secret of the old clock

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

77924

Title

The secret of the old clock

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In this Nancy Drew mystery, the sixteen-year-old sleuth investigates a missing will that would have stripped the arrogant Topham family of Josiah Crowley's fortune. After discovering clues hidden in an old clock and tracking down thieves who stole it, Nancy unearths a second will leaving the estate to deserving relatives, delivering a satisfying moral victory.

Summary up to 500 words

In Carolyn Keene's *The Secret of the Old Clock*, sixteen-year-old Nancy Drew finds herself entangled in a legal dispute concerning the estate of the late Josiah Crowley. Although an official will left his entire fortune to his unkind relatives, the Tophams, Nancy's father, Carson Drew—a noted lawyer—suspects a second will exists that favors Crowley's neglected neighbors and friends. Nancy begins her investigation by questioning Abigail Rowen, an old friend of the deceased, who vaguely recalls a notebook hidden somewhere in a clock. The mystery takes a dangerous turn when Jeff Tucker, the caretaker at the Topham bungalow, is robbed and kidnapped by three men. Nancy pursues them to a roadside inn called 'The Black Horse,' discovering they have stolen the old Crowley clock, which she believes contains the missing notebook or will. Racing back to the scene, she retrieves the clock from the garage before the police arrive. With physical evidence secured, Nancy returns home to confront the Tophams with the contents of the second will found in a safety deposit box. The document reveals that Crowley intended to leave his fortune to neighbors Allie and Grace Horner, Abigail Rowen, and several cousins, effectively cutting off the greedy Tophams. Although the family attempts to contest the will, claiming it is a fraud, they are left with nothing but their furniture, as the court rules in favor of the new beneficiaries. The story concludes with Nancy receiving a reward not in money, but in the old clock itself, which she prizes as a trophy of her first major detective adventure. The narrative highlights themes of justice versus greed and the importance of helping those in need, showcasing Nancy's logical thinking and courage as she solves the case.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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2026-08-19 21:17 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Mystery