The Unexpected Rescue

While driving home, Nancy Drew narrowly avoids hitting a little girl, Judy, who falls into a river. Nancy rescues her and meets Judy's great-aunts, Edna and Mary Turner. They reveal their financial struggles and mention a promise from a deceased relative, Josiah Crowley, who had assured them of an inheritance. However, the will left everything to the wealthy Topham family, leaving the Turners and other deserving relatives with nothing. Nancy is intrigued and decides to investigate the mystery of the missing will.

A Mysterious Will

Nancy discovers that Josiah Crowley had promised several relatives and friends, including the Turners and the Hoovers, that they would be beneficiaries in his will. However, the Tophams, who had taken him in during his last years, produced a will that left everything to them. Nancy suspects there might be a later will and begins her investigation by visiting the Turners and other relatives to gather more information.

The Topham Confrontation

Nancy visits the Topham family under the guise of selling charity tickets. She learns that the Tophams have a cottage at Moon Lake where they have stored some of Crowley's belongings, including a clock. Nancy suspects the clock might hold the key to the mystery and plans to visit the cottage to investigate further.

Clues and Suspicions

Nancy's investigation leads her to the Hoover sisters, who also expected an inheritance from Crowley. They reveal that Crowley had mentioned a surprise for them in his will. Nancy's suspicions grow, and she decides to visit the Topham cottage at Moon Lake, hoping to find the clock and any hidden clues it might contain.

The Clock's Secret

At the Topham cottage, Nancy finds the clock but is interrupted by thieves who have been stealing from the property. She manages to hide and later retrieves the clock, discovering a hidden notebook inside. The notebook reveals the existence of a later will stored in a safe-deposit box under a different name, Josiah Johnston.

A Dangerous Encounter

Nancy narrowly escapes the thieves and reports the robbery to the police. She follows the thieves' van and helps the police capture them. With the clock and the notebook in her possession, Nancy returns home, eager to reveal the contents of the will and bring justice to Crowley's rightful heirs.

The Final Discovery

With her father's help, Nancy accesses the safe-deposit box and finds Crowley's last will. The will names several deserving relatives and friends as beneficiaries, including the Turners, the Hoovers, and Abby Rowen. The Tophams are left with a small sum, and their plans to inherit the entire estate are thwarted.

Justice Served

The will is accepted in court, and the rightful heirs receive their inheritance. The Tophams, facing financial ruin, are forced to downsize their lifestyle. Nancy's detective work brings happiness and security to the deserving beneficiaries, and she is celebrated for her bravery and determination. The mystery of the old clock is solved, and Nancy looks forward to her next adventure.

Characters

Nancy Drew

Nancy is an eighteen-year-old amateur sleuth with a keen sense of justice. Her intelligence, bravery, and determination drive her to solve the mystery of Josiah Crowley's missing will. She is compassionate and empathetic, always willing to help those in need, and her quick thinking often saves her from dangerous situations.

Carson Drew

Carson is a well-known lawyer and Nancy's father. He supports Nancy's detective work and provides guidance and legal expertise. His trust in Nancy's abilities and his willingness to assist her in solving the mystery are crucial to the successful resolution of the case.

Josiah Crowley

Josiah is a deceased relative who promised several people an inheritance. His decision to leave his fortune to the Tophams in an earlier will is questioned, leading to the discovery of a later will that fulfills his promises to his deserving relatives and friends.

The Topham Family

The Tophams are a wealthy family who manipulated Josiah Crowley into leaving them his fortune. They are arrogant and dismissive of others, and their greed and dishonesty are ultimately their downfall when Nancy uncovers the true will.

Edna and Mary Turner

The Turner sisters are Judy's great-aunts who struggle financially after being left out of Crowley's will. They are kind-hearted and grateful for Nancy's help in securing their rightful inheritance, which ensures Judy's future.

Grace and Allison Hoover

The Hoovers are young women who were promised an inheritance by Crowley. Allison, a talented singer, dreams of taking voice lessons. Nancy's discovery of the will allows them to pursue their dreams and secure their future.

Abby Rowen

Abby is a cousin of Crowley's late wife who cared for him during his illness. She is left in financial difficulty after being excluded from the will, but Nancy's discovery ensures she receives the support she needs.

Jeff Tucker

Jeff is the caretaker of the Topham cottage who is tricked by the thieves. Despite his initial mistake, he assists Nancy in reporting the robbery and is grateful for her help in clearing his name.

Plot Devices

The Missing Will

The missing will is the key to the entire story, as it determines the rightful heirs to Josiah Crowley's fortune. Nancy's quest to find the will and uncover the truth about Crowley's intentions is the main focus of the narrative.

The Old Clock

The old clock is a crucial plot device, as it contains the notebook that leads Nancy to the discovery of the true will. It symbolizes the hidden secrets and mysteries that Nancy must unravel to bring justice to Crowley's heirs.

The Notebook

The notebook, hidden inside the clock, provides the vital clue that leads Nancy to the safe-deposit box containing Crowley's last will. It serves as the turning point in the story, allowing Nancy to solve the mystery.

The Thieves

The thieves who rob the Topham cottage add an element of danger and suspense to the story. Nancy's encounters with them test her bravery and resourcefulness, ultimately leading to their capture and the recovery of the stolen items.

Analysis

"The Secret of the Old Clock" explores themes of justice, perseverance, and the triumph of good over greed. Nancy Drew's determination to uncover the truth and help those in need highlights the importance of integrity and empathy. The story also emphasizes the value of family and friendship, as Nancy's relationships with her father and the people she helps are central to her success. The narrative encourages readers to stand up for what is right and to use their skills and intelligence to make a positive impact on the world. Through Nancy's adventures, the book conveys the message that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and courage can lead to justice and fulfillment.

Last updated: April 28, 2025