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1.45k reviews for:
THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories No. 1.
Carolyn Keene, Carolyn Keene
3.75 AVERAGE
1.45k reviews for:
THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories No. 1.
Carolyn Keene, Carolyn Keene
3.75 AVERAGE
With an admirable and loveable protagonist along with a thrilling plot full to the brim with mystery and adventure, this book was everything I want for a light, comfort read and more.
I was first introduced to Nancy Drew in the 2007 movie adaptation, starring my childhood crush, Emma Roberts. While it was cute, fun, and rather intriguing, the movie wasn’t enough to lure me, then a pre-teen, into picking up the classic series, for I was more interested in “The Clique”, “Mates, Dates, and…”, and other more ‘dramatic’ and ‘scandalous’ portrayal of teenage girls. Almost a decade later, when these books caught my eye purely by luck, I decided to give the infamous girl detective a chance, finally, and I’m more than glad I did. This book, written in 1930 and revised in 1959, carried a particular tone in writing and storytelling that made me feel incredibly nostalgic for my childhood reads. I have been on a journey for about two years now, revisiting all the books I grew up with. Unfortunately, while carrying a lot of memories, not many of them were able to live up to expectations or bring back the magical, almost enchanted feelings I experienced as a child. Oddly enough, this book, one that I had never read before, could do just that effortlessly. I am in awe, and eager for the second book.
I was first introduced to Nancy Drew in the 2007 movie adaptation, starring my childhood crush, Emma Roberts. While it was cute, fun, and rather intriguing, the movie wasn’t enough to lure me, then a pre-teen, into picking up the classic series, for I was more interested in “The Clique”, “Mates, Dates, and…”, and other more ‘dramatic’ and ‘scandalous’ portrayal of teenage girls. Almost a decade later, when these books caught my eye purely by luck, I decided to give the infamous girl detective a chance, finally, and I’m more than glad I did. This book, written in 1930 and revised in 1959, carried a particular tone in writing and storytelling that made me feel incredibly nostalgic for my childhood reads. I have been on a journey for about two years now, revisiting all the books I grew up with. Unfortunately, while carrying a lot of memories, not many of them were able to live up to expectations or bring back the magical, almost enchanted feelings I experienced as a child. Oddly enough, this book, one that I had never read before, could do just that effortlessly. I am in awe, and eager for the second book.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What can you say about Nancy Drew. I was 8 all over again. And I can see what the appeal was for these books. Here is Nancy, smart, pretty, loving family. Good manners abound and just good “sleuthing” solves the mystery. MurderShe Wrote for the 8-10 set.
12 year old me would’ve really enjoyed this series, present day thought it’s fine
i had forgotten that Nancy’s sidekicks Bess and George aren’t in this first book, and i missed them—they add so much to the tone and voice of the books. This first installment is simple, inoffensive, and tidy. A few signs that the author was just getting started include such groaners as 1) the entire first page, in which Nancy muses verbally to herself about basic facts of her own life; 2) “she thought… she wondered”, back to back in chapter 6; 3) Nancy realizing she’s hungry and saying to herself, “um, food,” like a person would. Also, she definitely wears outfits.
Re-read this as part of “throwback” book club for Jan 2020
fast-paced
There’s a charm to this book! It’s the same feeling I get when I watch old classic tv shows and movies that are nostalgic for me, like the Parent Trap, the Brady Bunch, Bewitched or The Thin Man mysteries. A happy, wholesome, hopeful charm. It feels golden, like kids playing on white porches, eating popsicles in summer, cozy family dinners, chiffon dresses, old convertibles and chunky corded telephones.
The second half of this book is where it really picked up for me. The beginning was adorable but began to get pretty slow towards the middle - then suddenly picked up speed again.
I enjoyed getting lost in the tall pines of Moon Lake, the still blue water and the sunny boat ride where Nancy took a hunch. The best part of this book though was probably Nancy’s heart and determination to help others. She did not give up to serve many different people in this story, and never for her own interest. She was humble and truly noble. Characters tried to offer her rewards for her efforts and throughout the book she always politely declined them.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the sweet relationship she has with her kind father and others in the story. She is a smart sleuth with the biggest heart. I am now so excited to read more of the series!
The second half of this book is where it really picked up for me. The beginning was adorable but began to get pretty slow towards the middle - then suddenly picked up speed again.
I enjoyed getting lost in the tall pines of Moon Lake, the still blue water and the sunny boat ride where Nancy took a hunch. The best part of this book though was probably Nancy’s heart and determination to help others. She did not give up to serve many different people in this story, and never for her own interest. She was humble and truly noble. Characters tried to offer her rewards for her efforts and throughout the book she always politely declined them.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the sweet relationship she has with her kind father and others in the story. She is a smart sleuth with the biggest heart. I am now so excited to read more of the series!