Nancy Drew Mystery Stories — by Carolyn Keene

The Secret of the Old Clock Carolyn Keene Book - 1
1930

The Hidden Staircase Carolyn Keene Book - 2
1930

The Bungalow Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 3
1930

Mystery at Lilac Inn Carolyn Keene Book - 4
1930

Secret at Shadow Ranch Carolyn Keene Book - 5
1931

Secret of Red Gate Farm Carolyn Keene Book - 6
1931

The Clue in the Diary Carolyn Keene Book - 7
1932

Nancy's Mysterious Letter Carolyn Keene Book - 8
1932

The Sign of the Twisted Candles Carolyn Keene Book - 9
1933

Password to Larkspur Lane Carolyn Keene Book - 10
1933

The Clue of the Broken Locket Carolyn Keene Book - 11
Jan-1934

The Message in the Hollow Oak Carolyn Keene Book - 12
Jan-1935

The Mystery of the Ivory Charm Carolyn Keene Book - 13
1936

The Whispering Statue Carolyn Keene Book - 14
1937

The Haunted Bridge Carolyn Keene Book - 15
1938

The Clue of the Tapping Heels Carolyn Keene Book - 16
1939

The Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk Carolyn Keene Book - 17
1940

The Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion Carolyn Keene Book - 18
1941

The Quest of the Missing Map Carolyn Keene Book - 19
1942

The Clue in the Jewel Box Carolyn Keene Book - 20
1943

The Secret in the Old Attic Carolyn Keene Book - 21
1944

Clue in the Crumbling Wall Carolyn Keene Book - 22
1945

The Mystery of the Tolling Bell Carolyn Keene Book - 23
1946

The Clue in the Old Album Carolyn Keene Book - 24
1947

The Ghost of Blackwood Hall Carolyn Keene Book - 25
1948

The Clue of the Leaning Chimney Carolyn Keene Book - 26
1949

The Secret of the Wooden Lady Carolyn Keene Book - 27
1950

The Clue of the Black Keys Carolyn Keene Book - 28
1951

Mystery at the Ski Jump Carolyn Keene Book - 29
1952

The Clue of the Velvet Mask Carolyn Keene Book - 30
1953

The Ringmaster's Secret Carolyn Keene Book - 31
1953

The Scarlet Slipper Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 32
1954

The Witch Tree Symbol Carolyn Keene Book - 33
1955

The Hidden Window Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 34
1956

The Haunted Showboat Carolyn Keene Book - 35
1957

The Secret of the Golden Pavilion Carolyn Keene Book - 36
1959

The Clue in the Old Stagecoach Carolyn Keene Book - 37
1960

The Mystery of the Fire Dragon Carolyn Keene Book - 38
1961

The Clue of the Dancing Puppet Carolyn Keene Book - 39
1962

The Moonstone Castle Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 40
1963

The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes Carolyn Keene Book - 41
1964

The Phantom of Pine Hill Carolyn Keene Book - 42
1965

The Mystery of the 99 Steps Carolyn Keene Book - 43
Jun-1966

The Clue in the Crossword Cipher Carolyn Keene Book - 44
1967

The Spider Sapphire Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 45
1968

The Invisible Intruder Carolyn Keene Book - 46
1969

The Mysterious Mannequin Carolyn Keene Book - 47
1970

The Crooked Bannister Carolyn Keene Book - 48
1971

The Secret of Mirror Bay Carolyn Keene Book - 49
1972

The Double Jinx Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 50
1973

The Mystery of the Glowing Eye Carolyn Keene Book - 51
1974

The Secret of the Forgotten City Carolyn Keene Book - 52
1975

The Sky Phantom Carolyn Keene Book - 53
1976

The Strange Message in the Parchment Carolyn Keene Book - 54
1977

Mystery of Crocodile Island Carolyn Keene Book - 55
1978

The Thirteenth Pearl Carolyn Keene Book - 56
1979

The Triple Hoax Carolyn Keene Book - 57
Nov-1979

The Flying Saucer Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 58
Jun-1980

The Secret in the Old Lace Carolyn Keene Book - 59
Nov-1980

The Greek Symbol Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 60
Jun-1981

The Swami's Ring Carolyn Keene Book - 61
Nov-1981

The Kachina Doll Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 62
Nov-1981

The Twin Dilemma Carolyn Keene Book - 63
Nov-1981

Captive Witness Carolyn Keene Book - 64
Nov-1981

Mystery of the Winged Lion Carolyn Keene Book - 65
Jul-1982

Race Against Time Carolyn Keene Book - 66
Jul-1982

The Sinister Omen Carolyn Keene Book - 67
Jul-1982

The Elusive Heiress Carolyn Keene Book - 68
Jul-1982

Clue in the Ancient Disguise Carolyn Keene Book - 69
Jan-1983

The Broken Anchor Carolyn Keene Book - 70
May-1983

The Silver Cobweb Carolyn Keene Book - 71
May-1983

The Haunted Carousel Carolyn Keene Book - 72
Oct-1983

Enemy Match Carolyn Keene Book - 73
May-1984

The Mysterious Image Carolyn Keene Book - 74
May-1984

The Emerald-Eyed Cat Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 75
Oct-1984

The Eskimo's Secret Carolyn Keene Book - 76
Jun-1985

The Bluebeard Room Carolyn Keene Book - 77
Nov-1985

The Phantom of Venice Carolyn Keene Book - 78
Nov-1985

The Double Horror of Fenley Place Carolyn Keene Book - 79
Sep-1987

The Case of the Disappearing Diamonds Carolyn Keene Book - 80
Nov-1987

The Mardi Gras Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 81
Jan-1988

The Clue in the Camera Carolyn Keene Book - 82
Mar-1988

The Case of the Vanishing Veil Carolyn Keene Book - 83
May-1988

The Joker's Revenge Carolyn Keene Book - 84
Jul-1988

The Secret of Shady Glen Carolyn Keene Book - 85
Sep-1988

The Mystery of Misty Canyon Carolyn Keene Book - 86
Dec-1988

The Case of the Rising Stars Carolyn Keene Book - 87
Feb-1989

The Search for Cindy Austin Carolyn Keene Book - 88
Apr-1989

The Case of the Disappearing Deejay Carolyn Keene Book - 89
Jun-1989

The Puzzle at Pineview School Carolyn Keene Book - 90
Aug-1989

The Girl Who Couldn't Remember Carolyn Keene Book - 91
Oct-1989

The Ghost of Craven Cove Carolyn Keene Book - 92
Dec-1989

The Case of the Safecracker's Secret Carolyn Keene Book - 93
Feb-1990

The Picture-Perfect Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 94
Apr-1990

The Silent Suspect Carolyn Keene Book - 95
Jun-1990

The Case of the Photo Finish Carolyn Keene Book - 96
Aug-1990

The Mystery at Magnolia Mansion Carolyn Keene Book - 97
Oct-1990

The Haunting of Horse Island Carolyn Keene Book - 98
Dec-1990

The Secret at Seven Rocks Carolyn Keene Book - 99
Feb-1991

A Secret in Time Carolyn Keene Book - 100
Apr-1991

The Mystery of the Missing Millionairess Carolyn Keene Book - 101
Jun-1991

The Secret in the Dark Carolyn Keene Book - 102
Aug-1991

The Stranger in the Shadows Carolyn Keene Book - 103
Oct-1991

The Mystery of the Jade Tiger Carolyn Keene Book - 104
Dec-1991

The Clue in the Antique Trunk Carolyn Keene Book - 105
Feb-1992

The Case of the Artful Crime Carolyn Keene Book - 106
Apr-1992

The Legend of Miner's Creek Carolyn Keene Book - 107
Jun-1992

The Secret of the Tibetan Treasure Carolyn Keene Book - 108
Aug-1992

The Mystery of the Masked Rider Carolyn Keene Book - 109
Oct-1992

The Nutcracker Ballet Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 110
Dec-1992

The Secret at Solaire Carolyn Keene Book - 111
Feb-1993

Crime in the Queen's Court Carolyn Keene Book - 112
Apr-1993

The Secret Lost at Sea Carolyn Keene Book - 113
Jun-1993

The Search for the Silver Persian Carolyn Keene Book - 114
Aug-1993

The Suspect in the Smoke Carolyn Keene Book - 115
Oct-1993

The Case of the Twin Teddy Bears Carolyn Keene Book - 116
Dec-1993

Mystery on the Menu Carolyn Keene Book - 117
Feb-1994

Trouble at Lake Tahoe Carolyn Keene Book - 118
Apr-1994

The Mystery of the Missing Mascot Carolyn Keene Book - 119
Jul-1994

The Case of the Floating Crime Carolyn Keene Book - 120
Aug-1994

The Fortune Teller's Secret Carolyn Keene Book - 121
Oct-1994

The Message in the Haunted Mansion Carolyn Keene Book - 122
Dec-1994

The Clue on the Silver Screen Carolyn Keene Book - 123
Feb-1995

The Secret of the Scarlet Hand Carolyn Keene Book - 124
Apr-1995

The Teen Model Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 125
Jun-1995

The Riddle in the Rare Book Carolyn Keene Book - 126
Aug-1995

The Case of the Dangerous Solution Carolyn Keene Book - 127
Oct-1995

The Treasure in the Royal Tower Carolyn Keene Book - 128
Dec-1995

The Baby-Sitter Burglaries Carolyn Keene Book - 129
Feb-1996

The Sign of the Falcon Carolyn Keene Book - 130
Feb-1996

The Hidden Inheritance Carolyn Keene Book - 131
Jun-1996

The Fox Hunt Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 132
Sep-1996

The Mystery at the Crystal Palace Carolyn Keene Book - 133
Oct-1996

The Secret of the Forgotten Cave Carolyn Keene Book - 134
Dec-1996

The Riddle of the Ruby Gazelle Carolyn Keene Book - 135
Feb-1997

The Wedding Day Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 136
Apr-1997

In Search of the Black Rose Carolyn Keene Book - 137
Jun-1997

The Legend of the Lost Gold Carolyn Keene Book - 138
Aug-1997

The Secret of Candlelight Inn Carolyn Keene Book - 139
Oct-1997

The Door-to-Door Deception Carolyn Keene Book - 140
Dec-1997

The Wild Cat Crime Carolyn Keene Book - 141
Feb-1998

The Case of Capital Intrigue Carolyn Keene Book - 142
Apr-1998

Mystery on Maui Carolyn Keene Book - 143
Jun-1998

The E-Mail Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 144
Aug-1998

The Missing Horse Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 145
Oct-1998

The Ghost of the Lantern Lady Carolyn Keene Book - 146
Oct-1998

The Case of the Captured Queen Carolyn Keene Book - 147
Jan-1999

On the Trail of Trouble Carolyn Keene Book - 148
Mar-1999

The Clue of the Gold Doubloons Carolyn Keene Book - 149
May-1999

Mystery at Moorsea Manor Carolyn Keene Book - 150
Jul-1999

The Chocolate-Covered Contest Carolyn Keene Book - 151
Sep-1999

The Key in the Satin Pocket Carolyn Keene Book - 152
Jan-2000

Whispers in the Fog Carolyn Keene Book - 153
Mar-2000

Legend of the Emerald Lady Carolyn Keene Book - 154
May-2000

The Mystery in Tornado Alley Carolyn Keene Book - 155
Jul-2000

The Secret in the Stars Carolyn Keene Book - 156
Sep-2000

The Music Festival Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 157
Nov-2000

The Curse of the Black Cat Carolyn Keene Book - 158
Jan-2001

The Secret of the Fiery Chamber Carolyn Keene Book - 159
Apr-2001

The Clue on the Crystal Dove Carolyn Keene Book - 160
Jun-2001

Lost in the Everglades Carolyn Keene Book - 161
Jul-2001

The Case of the Lost Song Carolyn Keene Book - 162
Sep-2001

The Clues Challenge Carolyn Keene Book - 163
Nov-2001

The Mystery of the Mother Wolf Carolyn Keene Book - 164
Jan-2002

The Crime Lab Case Carolyn Keene Book - 165
Mar-2002

The Case of the Creative Crime Carolyn Keene Book - 166
May-2002

Mystery By Moonlight Carolyn Keene Book - 167
Jul-2002

The Bike Tour Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 168
Sep-2002

Mistletoe Mystery Carolyn Keene Book - 169
Nov-2002

No Strings Attached Carolyn Keene Book - 170
Jan-2003

Intrigue at the Grand Opera Carolyn Keene Book - 171
Mar-2003

The Riding Club Crime Carolyn Keene Book - 172
May-2003

Danger on the Great Lakes Carolyn Keene Book - 173
Jul-2003

A Taste of Danger Carolyn Keene Book - 174
Sep-2003

Werewolf in a Winter Wonderland Carolyn Keene Book - 175
Nov-2003

Series Premise

The series follows Nancy Drew, an attractive, resourceful, and fearless 18-year-old amateur detective living in the fictional town of River Heights. Nancy is the daughter of renowned criminal defense attorney Carson Drew, and she lives with her father and their beloved housekeeper Hannah Gruen (who functions as a maternal figure after Nancy’s mother died when Nancy was young). Each book presents a self-contained mystery that begins with a seemingly minor or personal incident—a missing will, a stolen piece of jewelry, a strange message, a rumor of a haunted house, or a puzzling disappearance—that quickly escalates into a larger case involving theft, fraud, kidnapping, sabotage, or hidden treasure. Nancy investigates using classic sleuthing techniques: keen observation, interviewing witnesses, following clues, researching documents, and occasionally taking calculated risks (driving fast, sneaking into forbidden places, confronting suspects). She is almost always right about her hunches, rarely makes serious mistakes, and brings the culprit to justice with the help of local police or her own ingenuity. Recurring elements include: - Nancy’s blue convertible roadster (a symbol of her independence and mobility). - Her loyal friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne (Georgia Fayne), who often assist (or get into trouble) during investigations. - Her boyfriend Ned Nickerson, a college athlete who provides moral support and occasional muscle. - Frequent brushes with danger—being locked in rooms, chased, or threatened—but Nancy always escapes unharmed and triumphs. - A moral framework: honesty, fairness, helping others, and standing up to bullies or crooks. The mysteries are light, clean, and optimistic—there is no graphic violence, no sex, and no moral ambiguity; the bad guys are caught, the innocent are saved, and order is restored.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Series Characters

Nancy Drew is the central protagonist: an 18-year-old amateur detective who is beautiful, intelligent, brave, resourceful, and unfailingly polite. She drives a blue convertible, excels at everything from sports to academics to sleuthing, and never panics. She is independent, self-confident, and always ready to help others, making her an aspirational figure for young readers.

Carson Drew, Nancy’s father: a successful criminal defense attorney, widowed, and quietly proud of his daughter’s detective skills. He is wise, supportive, and occasionally worried about her safety, but trusts her judgment.

Hannah Gruen, the Drew family housekeeper: warm, maternal, and an excellent cook. She has been with the family since Nancy’s mother died and serves as a nurturing, grounding presence.

Bess Marvin and George Fayne, Nancy’s two best friends:
- Bess: plump, romantic, boy-crazy, and easily frightened; she loves fashion and food.
- George: short-haired, athletic, practical, and bluntly honest; she is Bess’s cousin and often the voice of reason (or sarcasm).

Ned Nickerson, Nancy’s steady boyfriend: a college student and athlete—handsome, kind, and supportive. He often helps on cases and provides a romantic subplot.

Chief McGinnis and other local police: generally helpful but sometimes skeptical of Nancy’s involvement.

Recurring antagonists: a rotating cast of thieves, swindlers, smugglers, and schemers—usually greedy, dishonest adults who underestimate Nancy.

Setting of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Series

The series is set in the fictional Midwestern town of River Heights, a safe, prosperous, all-American community that feels timeless yet vaguely mid-20th-century. River Heights has a quaint downtown, a high school, a country club, a lake, parks, historic homes, and a mix of middle-class and wealthy families. It is a place where neighbors know each other, crime is rare, and Nancy is already known as the town’s resident sleuth.

Mysteries take Nancy beyond River Heights to nearby cities, rural areas, vacation spots, and occasionally farther afield (New York, Washington D.C., Europe, or the South). Common locations include:
- Old mansions, abandoned houses, or historic sites rumored to be haunted or hiding treasure.
- Schools, colleges, museums, and libraries.
- Farms, summer camps, resorts, and lakeside cabins.
- Boats, trains, planes, and Nancy’s famous blue roadster.

The setting is deliberately idealized—clean, orderly, and optimistic—reflecting a mid-century vision of small-town America where problems are solvable and good always triumphs.

Tone & Themes of the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Series

The tone is bright, optimistic, empowering, and gently adventurous—classic wholesome children’s mystery with an upbeat, can-do spirit. The writing is straightforward, fast-paced, and engaging, with short chapters, clear language, and a sense of excitement that keeps young readers turning pages. Nancy is portrayed as nearly perfect—beautiful, intelligent, brave, polite, athletic, and always composed—which gives the series an aspirational quality: she is the ideal role model of a capable, self-reliant young woman. The stories are reassuring rather than frightening: danger is real but never overwhelming, villains are ultimately outsmarted, and Nancy’s confidence and resourcefulness always win the day. There is no cynicism, no moral grayness, and no lingering darkness—every book ends on a positive, triumphant note with friendship, family, and justice affirmed. Humor is light and situational—Nancy’s quick wit, Bess’s boy-craziness, George’s blunt practicality, or Ned’s earnest attempts to help. The tone is comforting and empowering: it tells young readers (especially girls) that intelligence, courage, and kindness can overcome almost any problem.

Carolyn Keene’s Nancy Drew Mystery Stories is a foundational work of children’s literature and one of the most enduring mystery series ever created: timeless novels that introduced generations of young readers—especially girls—to the idea that intelligence, courage, and determination can solve any problem. Through Nancy Drew’s unflappable poise, her loyal friends Bess and George, and the cozy, idealized world of River Heights, the books celebrate curiosity, fairness, friendship, and the belief that truth and justice always prevail. With its clean, optimistic tone, vivid yet safe mysteries, and an aspirational heroine who never gives up, the series remains a comforting, empowering classic—proof that a teenage girl with a blue roadster and a sharp mind can outwit any villain, one clue at a time. For nearly a century, Nancy Drew has been the ultimate symbol of youthful agency and the enduring power of a good mystery.