The Secret Of The Old Clock/The Bungalow Mystery/The Mystery Of The 99 Steps

the best of Nancy Drew; Volume 1

Plot

#1: The Secret of the Old Clock Nancy, unaided, seeks to find a missing will. To the surprise of many, the Topham family will inherit wealthy Josiah Crowley's fortune, instead of deserving relatives and friends who were promised inheritances. Nancy determines that a clue to a second will might be found in an old clock Mr. Crowley had owned and she seeks to find the timepiece. Her search not only tests her keen mind, but also leads her into a thrilling adventure. Original vs. Revision: This is the revised text from the 1930 original book. The plot is the same with minor revisions. The Turner sisters (Edna and Matilda now Mary) are guardians of a great-niece. Allison Hoover (formerly Allie Horner) wants to become an operatic singer instead of a chicken farmer. Grace Horner is Grace Hoover. Miss Abigail Rowen is Mrs. Abby Rowen. Jeff Tucker is a tall, thin white man, and not as an intoxicated black man. Mrs. Topham’s first name is not given. #3: The Bungalow Mystery Nancy and Helen Corning are trapped in a violent lake storm and rescued by young orphan, Laura Pendleton. Upon meeting Laura's guardian, Jacob Aborn, the girls are disturbed by Mr. Aborn's odd and crass behaviors. Soon Laura confides in Nancy about Mr. Aborn's mistreatment toward her. While trying to help Laura, Nancy has a perilous experience in and around a deserted bungalow at the hands of a crafty villain. Original vs. Revision: This is the revised text from the 1930 original book. The plot is the same with minor revisions. Jacob Aborn (Marian) and Stumpy Dowd (Alma) acquire wives. There is a sub-plot about securities fraud. #43: The Mystery of the 99 Steps Nancy, Bess and George travel to France to search for a flight of 99 steps to solve the mystery of a friend's strange dream. During her quest, Nancy encounters a sinister villain known as Monsieur Neuf! Additionally, while in France, Nancy and her father investigate a wealthy financier who has been frightened into selling large amounts of securities.