THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK: A NANCY DREW DETECTIVE STORY, by Marci Kay Monson and Ryan Wheatcroft, Gibbs Smith, April 21, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Introduce young readers to a multi-generational favorite with The Secret of the Old Clock: A Nancy Drew Detective Story, by Marci Kay Monson and Ryan Wheatcroft.
The Secret of the Old Clock is the originating volume in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. The book, published in 1930, first introduced the teenage sleuth in a cozy mystery (no violence or gore).
The story has Nancy solving the case of a missing will, hidden in an old clock, and helping the struggling relatives and friends of Josiah Crowley receive the promised money from his estate. Of course there are robbers, greedy will-altering heirs, suspense, and resolution.
Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Nancy Drew mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.
There is also a glossary of mystery-related terms. —Synopsis provided by Gibbs Smith
The Secret of the Old Clock is the third book in the Mini Mysteries series by Marci Kay Monson. She previously teamed up with illustrator Greg Paprocki for adaptations of Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles and The Mystery of the Blue Train. These interactive picture books are perfect for kids who love a good mystery.
As with her other books, Monson tells the story of The Secret of the Old Clock rhythmically. Her bouncy text is fun to read aloud or to oneself.
Artist Ryan Wheatcroft not only accompanies the story with vibrant illustrations; he also incorporated the numerous activities into said images. And he does so seamlessly.
The Secret of the Old Clock is a delightful caper that will get kids excited for reading full Nancy Drew mysteries when they get older.
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