Carolyn Keene Books In Order

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Books

Publication Order of Dana Girls Mystery Stories Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Files Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys: Super Mystery Books

Publication Order of River Heights Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Notebooks Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew on Campus Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Detective Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Detective Super Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Super Mystery (II) Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Mystery Perfect Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Mystery Identity Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Mystery Model Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Mystery Eco Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Mystery Sabotage Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Girl Mystery Malibu Mayhem Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Diaries Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Clue Chapter Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Super Mystery Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew CW Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Companion Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew Files Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew & Hardy Boys: Be A Detective Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew: Picture Book Books

Publication Order of The Dana Girls Mystery Stories, Second Set Books

Publication Order of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Super Sleuths! Books

Perhaps best known for their infamous Nancy Drew series of novels, Carolyn Keene was to be the American pseudonym that would spawn an entire industry. Leaving behind a legacy, there is much speculation as to who the original author was behind this pen-name. Many believe it to be Harriet Stratemeyer who begun the company which was to produce this ongoing series of books.

Early and Personal Life

With the real identity of ‘Carolyn Keene’ being largely unknown, there are many that have their theories as to who she was originally. The first officially recognized writer using this particular pen-name was Mildred Wirt Benson who would use it to continue the franchise. This was from the years of 1929 to 1947 as she produced over 23 original works for the popular line of books. In regards to the name of Keene itself, it originally came from the ‘Stratemeyer Syndicate’ that were formed to publish the long-running line of novels. Edward Stratemeyer was the initial founder of the syndicate and it was his daughter, Harriet, that was to later rewrite many of the books adding new titles along the way. This then all would lead up to creating the legacy of Nancy Drew and the impact it has had on literature to this day.

Having created a vast and expansive body of work under this particular pseudonym, this is has now become an institution. Creating the books, various ghostwriters have managed to lend their own unique take on the much beloved character over the years. Following the release of a film, this trend shows no signs of stopping as the books will continue for many years yet.

Writing Career

The first Nancy Drew book was published in 1930 on the 28th of April with the release of ‘The Secret of the Old Clock’. Following this an industry was born and it hasn’t stopped since, as young people worldwide have flocked around the franchise with its ever relatable central character. With over 175 books and counting in the series it’s an ongoing brand that has an enduring appeal for its audience. Changing titles in 2003, they retitled the series ‘Nancy Drew (All New) Girl Detective’ in order to combat low-sales. This appeared to work and, after a film that was released in 2007 featuring Emma Roberts as the eponymous character, interest in the brand was renewed. The name of Carolyn Keene, along with the books themselves, have become brands that work hand-in-hand with one another. Both are instrumental to each others success and it’s a winning formula that many others have been inspired by over the years.

As a number of authors have used the name Carolyn Keene throughout the years, it doesn’t have any one distinct voice. Overall though, it still retains to the rules of the character who has seen many transformations of her own with each passing decade. Reflecting the era, she adapts to suit the mood of the time, something that is not only found within the books, but upon the cover designs as well. It would appear that this isn’t going away anytime soon either, as the international appeal surrounding the franchise continues with more books under the name of her ‘diaries’ now, set to be released on the horizon.

The Secret of the Old Clock

First published on the 28th of April, 1930, this was to be the book that launched an entire industry of Nancy Drew novels. Introducing the character for the first time, it set-up the world and the environment she was going to be residing within for the many books to come. It also allowed the readers to get a sense of what to expect and what was to come with the character arcs over the oncoming series.

Looking to help a family known as the Turners, Nancy Drew now eighteen years old hopes to provide assistance after their relative Josiah Crowley passed away recently. Helping her with this particular case is her friend Helen Corning who also wants to offer her assistance in the case. They also do it as they don’t appreciate the Tophams, a group of nouveau-riche snobs looking to make their way through social-climbing, as they are the heirs presumptive following the death. Learning that a clock is the key to her quest, she seeks to uncover the mystery behind it and locate its whereabouts. The only thing that stands in her way is the Tophams as they will do all it takes to prevent her from doing so and discovering the truth. Will she be able to find the clock in time and can she uncover it from the burglars after it’s stolen from them? Can she get past the Tophams and restore the rightful heirs, as she goes about using her wits to stop them from getting their way? What will become of them all along with Nancy Drew and her friend as they attempt to discover the secret of the old clock?

The Triple Hoax

Following on from ‘The Thirteenth Pearl’ and preceding ‘The Flying Saucer Mystery’ this was to be the 57th book in the series. First published in 1979, it managed to continue the tone of the novels whilst maintaining Nancy’s overall character that readers had come to love. Not only that, but it also worked in keeping the arcs in place whilst taking different styles of its own as well.

Along with Georgie, Bess and her Aunt Eloise, Nancy Drew this time goes to New York in order to provide assistance to a friend. It is here that they see a group of magicians that have come to be known as the ‘Hoaxters’ perform their act. Foul play is suspected though after Nancy notices something suspicious when they take the wallets and bags of audience members before returning them. Going down to Mexico she learns of a missing child before returning to find them threatening her to stay away from the case. Will she be able to find out what’s going on before it’s too late, or will they get away with it? Where exactly did the missing child go? What became of the group known as the Hoaxters as they attempt to undertake the triple hoax?