Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Nancy Drew 22: The Clue in the Crumbling Wall
Nancy Drew 22: The Clue in the Crumbling Wall | Carolyn Keene
26 posts | 26 read | 3 to read
When Nancy is asked to find a professional dancer who disappeared several years before, the young detective becomes involved in a mystery reaching far beyond a missing-persons case. During Nancys investigation at Heath Castle, she and her friends Bess and George realize that its crumbling walls contain a secret, but what is it? And who are their enemies that try to foil their every attempt to unravel the intricate puzzle? Danger lurks in a castle tower and throughout the vine-tangled grounds of the estate. The girls gripping adventures culminate in a dramatic climax when Nancy exposes a sinister plot to defraud the dancer of her inheritance.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
review
Roary47
post image
Mehso-so

3✨ Another mystery of a missing person. Nancy is to look for a sister who is to inherit a home before the time runs out on the offer. As always Nancy, Bess and George find themselves in trouble, and Ned is away for school so he can‘t save them! Monica enjoyed cuddling while I enjoyed a seasonal treat. 🥰 #DogsofLitsy @Librarybelle #NancyDrewBR

dabbe 💛💜🧡 1mo
Librarybelle So lovely! 1mo
25 likes2 comments
review
MariaW
post image
Pickpick

Just when I was on the verge of quitting the series, no. 22 ends up being one of the best Nancy Drew stories so far. It is only one story that actually makes sense instead of two far-fetched narratives that are weirdly linked to each other.

JenlovesJT47 Oh good, glad to hear it! The plots have gotten more and more ridiculous! But fun. 😆 1mo
Librarybelle This is one of the better ones! 1mo
48 likes2 comments
blurb
MariaW
post image

It‘s not a Nancy Drew story, if there isn‘t a good kidnapping!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Ruthiella And at least one hidden passage or room! 😂 1mo
46 likes1 comment
review
DGRachel
post image
Pickpick

Lots of action in this installment of Nancy Drew's adventures! Multiple noggin‘ knockouts for more than just Nancy, a missing dancer, a crumbling “castle”, secret formulas, boat crashes, and more kidnappings than you can shake a stick at. This one was pretty fun. #nancydrewbr

Librarybelle It was fun! 2mo
dabbe 😍😍😍 2mo
52 likes2 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

Let‘s discuss Heath Castle and a missing heiress! I have five questions posted as spoilers. You can find them on my feed, the book‘s feed, or by searching #NancyDrewBR .

Next month, Nancy has to uncover The Mystery of the Tolling Bell, which now makes me think of Hemingway and For Whom the Bell Tolls. 😂

Official post tomorrow!

DGRachel I totally forgot that the 15th was today and didn‘t get this read over the weekend. I did start it last night but I am only 1/4 done. 😭😭 2mo
dabbe Thank you! 💛🤎🧡 2mo
Ruthiella I also need to start reading this. Time slipped up on me! 2mo
42 likes3 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

5. A Chaucer reference! Nancy makes note that she learned to read Middle English, as she read Chaucer. I was amazed at this.

The other quirky element I wanted to mention was Salty, who I dearly wish we see again, and his clam song. I think I actually giggled when I read his lyrics. Something about a door-to-door clam salesman does make me wonder about product safety...

Were there any elements that surprised you or made you giggle? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk The Chaucer thing definitely made me laugh. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement This might not be exactly what you are looking for, but the “lucky we wore jeans” is really something. The Hardy Boys get to wear pants for every adventure. Nancy, George, and Bess are usually doing all this in skirts, hosiery, and possibly kitten heels. 2mo
BarkingMadRead I loved Salty! I also loved the secret clue in the castle, very creative! 2mo
See All 13 Comments
dabbe As someone who taught a few of the CANTERBURY TALES to my sophomore honors students, not ONE of them became an avid reader of Middle English, so I really had to suspend my disbelief on that one.

The fake Juliana is exposed because her feet are too big, like Cinderella's stepsisters. Nancy literally stares at the woman‘s shoes to solve the case: no DNA tests, just “Nope, those feet are definitely not ballet material!“ 😂
2mo
DGRachel I‘d forgotten about the jeans conversation, but I did laugh at that. I just remember thinking “of course she translates Middle English” 🙄. Random side note, for one of the requirements for my English Lit degree I had to choose between Shakespeare Studies or an entire semester spent reading Chaucer in Middle English. I chose Shakespeare and have never regretted that decision. 😂 2mo
DGRachel @Librarybelle product safety! 😂😂 2mo
DebinHawaii Yes, I worried about the safety of eating those mollusks quite a lot even while appreciating Salty. And of course Nancy studies Middle English! (Do you think she can tap dance it out too?) 🤪 2mo
kwmg40 Nancy knowing how to read Middle English did seem amazing. That girl can do anything! 2mo
Librarybelle OMG, @DebinHawaii ! She might be able to—such a talented girl is our Nancy! 😂 I forgot about the jeans observation, @CogsOfEncouragement , but you‘re right! I‘m all for trying Chaucer in Middle English, but probably not when I was 18. 😂 @Bookwormjillk @BarkingMadRead @dabbe @DGRachel @kwmg40 2mo
Ruthiella Nancy knowing enough Middle English to translate sure made me laugh! 😂 2mo
MariaW I took an Old English class once at university, even got the dictionary and everything- still I am not fluent. 🤦‍♀️ And Bess just had to put her head over the wall and the dogs would start barking, she definitely must be a cat person. 😂 1mo
Librarybelle @MariaW 😂 That‘s so funny! 1mo
12 likes13 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

4. Think about the adventures in this one. It almost seemed like a comedic adventure when Bess was trapped because of the dogs, George was without clothes in the outbuilding, and Nancy, who decided sleuthing was better than helping George, gets locked in the tower. But, there were some creepy adventures too--bet me I'd lay on the ground of an abandoned garden!

What did you think of the adventures in this one? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk There were some good ones. The part where Bess got knocked out and flung into the water was scary! 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement @Bookwormjillk I forgot about that one. Which then reminded me of the explosion which threw Nancy into a closet and shut her in behind rubble! The whole George undressed in the tool shed was crazy to me. I‘ll stay in my wet clothes, thankyouverymuch. When Nancy finally gets out of the parapet after being stuck for hours (chap IX, pg 82) she says, “What an adventure!” I thought that was such a Nancy thing to say - in a good way. Always positive. 2mo
BarkingMadRead So many funny ones for comic relief over the distressing ones! Nancy has horrible luck 🤣 2mo
See All 10 Comments
dabbe I thought the revised 1973 version added quite a threat to Hannah Gruen, raising the personal stakes. I don't like when ANYONE messes with Hannah! 😂 2mo
DGRachel @dabbe Right?!? Leave Hannah alone! This one seemed to have a lot of high stakes danger, and Bess got more than her fair share! I‘m pretty protective of Bess, too. I‘m with @CogsOfEncouragement re: wet clothes. I thought that was a little nuts. Also, I know I‘m obsessed with this, but so many unconscious people: Bess, Nancy, and Salty! My head was starting to hurt! 🤣🤣 2mo
dabbe @DGRachel You had your own #NNK! 💛🤎🧡 2mo
DebinHawaii Way too many head blows for my liking! 🤕 Will my greatest concern remains with Nancy‘s noggin & the #NNK no one‘s head is safe. The George‘s clothes thing made me both laugh & shake my head. “Sure you go investigate while I stay naked in a tool shed at a creepy old place that might have bad guys running amok…” 😳🙄 (edited) 2mo
kwmg40 This story was definitely full of action, and though some of the dangers were comedic, they were at least not eye-rolling like the random meteorite from an earlier book. 2mo
Librarybelle I forgot about Hannah‘s ordeal, @dabbe ! You know things are really bad when Hannah is also in peril. This certainly had a ton of entertaining and not-so-good-for-the-head moments! @Bookwormjillk @CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @kwmg40 2mo
MariaW As mentioned in the early posts, although there might have been a lot incidents, they haven‘t been over the top like in some other books of the series. The story acutally made sense and is conceivable. I prefer it this way. 🫶 1mo
12 likes10 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

3. Did anyone else have an issue with Julianna not letting her sister know she was alive? I had hoped her accident left her with amnesia, preventing her from remembering her past. Alas, no. So crazy!

But, Nancy and friends (no Ned, who's in South America!) must find Julianna and also uncover the secrets of the castle. They meet some shady people along the way. Thoughts on the characters in this book? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I liked Salty and appreciated the break from Ned. I agree that she should have gotten in touch with her sister or at least checked on her. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement Yes! I thought she was going to be a Jane Doe situation as well. It reminded me of the movie An Affair to Remember. This was so sad, the lost years, but I feel the ending made the point. This chapter book gives hope and purpose in this kind of situation. Life isn‘t over, don‘t isolate, we all make a difference. (edited) 2mo
BarkingMadRead I was definitely thinking amnesia! I can almost understand not telling her fiance, but not her sister! 2mo
See All 9 Comments
dabbe Perhaps Juliana's secrecy stems from embarrassment about her condition, and she fears pity or being a burden to anyone, including her sister. You'd think she would have at least kept track of her, though. RE: the shady characters: the lawyer definitely fulfills the “greedy professional“ trope; the henchman seem to function more as thugs and are more brutish than cunning. And we barely know anything about the woman imposter to analyze. 2mo
DGRachel I really expected an amnesia plot. The shady lawyer was a stereotypical “curse you meddling kids” kind of villain, which was fine. Cobb and Biggs felt very cookie cutter, too, but I found Salty humorous (other than some rather sexist comments). I liked getting more Dad time and I really like the policewoman that got Nancy involved in the first place. Also, like @Bookwormjillk I liked the lack of Ned. 2mo
DebinHawaii I am always for a break from Ned swooping in! I agree about the Affair to Remember” vibe, along with the Cinderella vibe from the tiny feet. 2mo
kwmg40 Yes, that complete break from her sister seemed strange to me, but not as implausible as some other plot elements from earlier books. 2mo
Librarybelle Good thought on An Affair to Remember, @CogsOfEncouragement ! There are definite shades of that with the choice of not sharing whereabouts and condition. Ned can be a drag! 😂 @Bookwormjillk @BarkingMadRead @dabbe @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @kwmg40 2mo
MariaW I agree with @BarkingMadRead. Her family out of all would have understood and helped her. The other characters were portayed well for the plot. I liked how Carson defended Hector in the beginning because being unfriendly doesn‘t automatically make you shady. 1mo
11 likes9 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

2. Now on to the story! There are not really any reported changes between the 1945 and the 1973 editions, so no matter which edition you read, we've all had pretty much the same story.

What are your overall thoughts? How does this compare to the prior books? We're up to book 22 in the series, which is so hard to believe!

Bookwormjillk Other than thinking it was weird that they were kind of trying to make the river seem like the ocean I liked this one. I read the 1970‘s version but I can see how people in the 30‘s would have liked that Nancy always finds a way to make income from these old buildings. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement @Bookwormjillk I liked that Nancy helped the women set up a vibrant livelihood for themselves in this one too. This had maybe the best feel good ending of any we‘ve read so far. The sisters were helped and immediately started helping others with their resources. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement I was so happy to see Nancy and her friends leave a note to say where they were going! George brought a whistle! Nancy pretended to faint so the bad guys would unhand her and she could get to a room with a lock and a phone. It was nice that Nancy wasn‘t bound and gagged again in this one. 2mo
See All 15 Comments
BarkingMadRead It‘s a good mystery, and the ending was so happy 2mo
dabbe To me, this is a solid mid-series Nancy Drew mystery with classic elements—hidden treasure, a missing heiress, and a decaying estate. The pacing is brisk, and the stakes (a race against time to find Juliana before the inheritance deadline) add tension. However, the plot relies on some dated tropes, like the “disabled woman hiding out of shame“ angle, which feels outdated by modern standards. 2mo
DGRachel I agree with @CogsOfEncouragement that it was one of the best feel-good endings we‘ve seen, and also how the girls were at least a little better prepared for potential problems. The note that saved them from the room under the trap door was brilliant. But so many noggin knockouts. 😂 2mo
DebinHawaii I found this one pretty solid. I sometimes miss the crazier aspects like exploding oranges & black widow spiders but I agree that I like the ending with Nancy helping them be self-sufficient & together. 2mo
kwmg40 I enjoyed this mystery very much, and found it more plausible than many of the others we'd read earlier. I agree with @dabbe that there are some dated tropes that seem uncomfortable today, but I guess the books really do reflect the times in which they were written, and the “updated“ versions often still show the attitudes of the original books. 2mo
dabbe @kwmg40 🎯🩵🎯 2mo
Librarybelle I liked this one, and I loved the feel-good ending too. It didn‘t make me want to roll my eyes like some feel-good endings do. @Bookwormjillk @CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead @dabbe @DGRachel @DebinHawaii @kwmg40 2mo
Ruthiella @Bookwormjillk I also appreciated Nancy‘s money making skills in this one! 💰💰💰😆 2mo
TheAromaofBooks I thought it was very strange that they named the river in this one - the only Muskoka River I can find is in Ontario?? I feel like they usually keep it vague, so I thought that was odd. 2mo
Librarybelle That was strange, @TheAromaofBooks . Maybe Mildred Benson once visited there and wanted to pay homage to it. 😂 2mo
TheAromaofBooks The name Muskoka immediately rang a bell because that area is the setting for The Blue Castle, one of my all-time favorite books! 😆 2mo
MariaW Just when I was on the verge of quitting the series, we read no. 22 and it ends up being one of the best so far. It is only ONE story and it makes sense actually. I dreaded the read (being late anyway) and ended up reading it excitedly. 💪 1mo
11 likes15 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
This post contains spoilers
show me

1. Let's start with the setting first this time. A spooky castle with crumbling walls and secret passages would have spooked me out a bit as a kid! But, to get us into the setting, there is an older article with abandoned castles from around the world.

Maybe it was just me, but I felt the setting of the castle really added to the story this time, almost as a character. What do you think? Have you visited a castle? #NancyDrewBR

Bookwormjillk I liked the castle too. I‘m a big fan of turrets. I have visited castles when I studied abroad. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement Yes, I agree it was a huge part of the story, and I hated the picture in my head of the needless destruction to such a place. I‘ve been to Hearst Castle, in San Simeon California. lol 2mo
See All 12 Comments
BarkingMadRead I‘ll be visiting my first castle next fall! I loved the castle, and it was totally a character in this book! I was so angry when they were destroying it 2mo
dabbe The castle definitely provided an eerie setting for this one. I love how it just happens to be located near River Heights because of course it does. I have visited quite a few mansions but never a castle that I recall. 2mo
DGRachel I loved the castle as the setting, as it offered so many opportunities for getting trapped, lost, or nearly buried alive. So much room for danger and adventure! 2mo
DebinHawaii Late to the party as usual. I too liked the castle setting, very atmospheric & yes, @dabbe right by River Heights of course! 🤣 2mo
kwmg40 I too really liked the castle setting. It definitely added to the atmosphere. 2mo
Librarybelle I‘ve only visited one castle ever, located in Vermont, and I remember thinking how cool it was. Heath Castle was such a cool setting! @Bookwormjillk @CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead @dabbe @DebinHawaii @kwmg40 2mo
Ruthiella I‘ve visited castles before but nothing quite like what was portrayed in the book. I liked it and like @dabbe and @DebinHawaii find it hilarious that this just happens to be in River Heights! 😅 2mo
MariaW It‘s funny reading all the castle comments because it made me realize how huge our European cultural heritage actually is. For me - as German - there is nothing unusual about visiting a castle, either abondoned or still in use. 🙈 Makes me pretty lucky. I like it as a setting for the story and I could picture it well, but - like mentioned by @dabbe - River Heights seems to be a small town with everything. 😂 1mo
dabbe @MariaW IKR? I would love to live there! 🩶🤍🖤 1mo
11 likes12 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

I got to read a copy my daughter earned in a library summer reading program a dozen years ago (or so). I liked this one, Nancy and her friends seemed to have learned a thing or two and took more precautions for their safety, and are getting quite good at outsmarting the bad guys that would cause them harm. One would hope so by caper twenty-two. #NancyDrewBR

review
Librarybelle
post image
Pickpick

Nancy, Nancy, Nancy…she‘s on a mission this time to find info on the rightful owner of a crumbling castle. This one has a lot of adventures and nail biting moments, plus a moment where Nancy finally gets back at Bess and George for hurting her feelings several books ago. 😂

Personally, I love Salty‘s song. It‘s a cute balm for a crappy day. 😂

Discussion tomorrow in the AM for #NancyDrewBR !

Bookwormjillk I loved Salty in general 2mo
Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk It would be nice if he became a recurring character! 2mo
dabbe Loved #sassysalty! 💛🤎🧡 2mo
53 likes3 comments
blurb
Bookwormjillk
post image

AITAH?

I, Nancy (f18, titan hair), was trying to solve a mystery with my friend George (f18) when she fell in a weird salt pond and got wet. I told her to go in a random building and strip while I dried her clothes in the sun. While her clothes were drying I got distracted by some whelk shells. Of course a boy chose that moment to steal her clothes and she was left naked in the woods. I think I am pretty and clever but George is mad. AITAH?

Librarybelle OMG…this scene! Yes, Nancy, you are! 😂 2mo
dabbe 😂👏🏻😂 2mo
DGRachel Best review ever! 🤣🤣 And yes, Nancy. You are totally that person. 2mo
53 likes3 comments
review
dabbe
post image
Pickpick

#NancyDrewBR @Librarybelle
The 22nd installment in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series follows teenage sleuth Nancy Drew as she investigates the disappearance of Juliana Johnson, a professional dancer whose inheritance is tied to the decaying Heath Castle. The mystery revolves around Nancy‘s quest to find Juliana before the estate‘s deadline expires, uncovering a plot involving forged documents, hidden clues in the castle walls, ... ⬇️

dabbe and a shady lawyer. The pacing is brisk, with Nancy and her friends Bess and George facing dangers like explosions, boat collisions, and attempted kidnappings. While the plot is engaging, some twists—like the imposter dancer with “large feet“—feel contrived, and the resolution leans heavily on coincidences (e.g., Carson Drew conveniently finding a lead) where one has to seriously suspend their disbelief. Still, a fun read in the ND series. 2mo
Librarybelle Always so many coincidences 😂 2mo
SilversReviews Love Nancy Drew!! 2mo
See All 6 Comments
dabbe @Librarybelle IKR? 😂 2mo
dabbe @SilversReviews 🎯🩵🎯 2mo
SilversReviews @dabbe 😀😀 2mo
63 likes6 comments
review
DebinHawaii
post image
Pickpick

#Read2025 #SeriesLove2025

Finished last week for #NancyDrewBR I kinda, sorta remember this one from my childhood. This one involves a missing dancer & just a few weeks to go to find her & get the “castle” & money left to her by the business tycoon who loved her (which will help her sister & niece as well.) Without saying too much, this one has a little Cinderella vibe to it & some serious dangers for Nancy. Slight spoiler for the Nancy Noggin ⬇️

DebinHawaii …Knockout counter or the #NNK as it increases to 10/22. (Bess gets knocked out too.) Also a health issue in my book is the neighborhood singing door-to-door clam seller “Salty” who helps Nancy with the mystery.😳🤢 It just seems like food poisoning waiting to happen. I read the 70s version & it was fine. ⬇️ 2mo
DebinHawaii …There was a female police lieutenant who lended support which is positive & some interesting choices made by Nancy & friends (George‘s outfit drying situation …) that will be fun for this week‘s discussion. (edited) 2mo
Librarybelle I had to laugh about the door-to-door clam salesman. His tune was quite catchy, though! 😂 (edited) 2mo
DieAReader 🤕#NNK is climbing for sure😬 2mo
50 likes4 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

Can you believe we‘re just a few days away from our next #NancyDrewBR discussion?!? I‘m starting the book tonight. Discussion on Friday!

dabbe No, I can't! I gotta get reading! 😂😱😂 2mo
JenlovesJT47 @dabbe same, same! 😱😅 2mo
Librarybelle Thank goodness these are fast reads, @dabbe @JenlovesJT47 ! 😅 2mo
See All 9 Comments
BarkingMadRead I finished the other day, let‘s goooooo… I‘m a few days 🤣 2mo
Ruthiella I‘ve just downloaded the ebook from the library! 👍 2mo
Bookwormjillk I completely forgot. Thanks for the reminder! My birthday is the 14th- maybe my present to myself will be reading this front to back while eating something delicious. 2mo
Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Happy early birthday! 2mo
42 likes9 comments
blurb
DebinHawaii
post image

#Naturalitsy #HyggeHourReadathon

Spending my #HyggeHour with Nancy Drew for #NancyDrewBR & ice water & an apple-cinnamon turnover.🍎

Mood is tired, the weekend went by quickly & I‘m behind on so much. I‘m not ready for Monday & another busy week with 2 Hilo trips for meetings. 😵‍💫

AnnCrystal
🫂💝...🍎🥟🍏😋👍🏼💝.
2mo
AllDebooks ❤️ Wishing you a pleasant week. x 2mo
Librarybelle Great way to spend the hour! 2mo
TheBookHippie ♥️ 2mo
47 likes4 comments
blurb
BarkingMadRead
post image

Action and adventure from the start! #nancydrewbr

Librarybelle Yay!! 2mo
51 likes2 stack adds1 comment
blurb
LitsyEvents
post image

Repost for @Librarybelle

Wonderful discussion so far for the Old Attic, #LittenDetectives ! Our August #NancyDrewBR involves Nancy and crew, an inheritance, and a race against time before the bad guy finds the clue in the wall.

Discussion August 15th. All are welcome. Please let me know if you to be added or removed from the tag list.

See original post at https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2883744

Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! 3mo
29 likes1 comment
blurb
Librarybelle
post image

Wonderful discussion so far for the Old Attic, #LittenDetectives ! Our August #NancyDrewBR involves Nancy and crew, an inheritance, and a race against time before the bad guy finds the clue in the wall.

Discussion August 15th. All are welcome. Please let me know if you to be added or removed from the tag list.

BarkingMadRead Can‘t wait! 3mo
See All 7 Comments
Ruthiella A crumbling wall! Curious! 👀 3mo
Sace Looking forward to it! 3mo
48 likes7 comments
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

Day 14 of #scarathlondailyprompts is clue.
My daughter earned these during summer reading programs at the public library years ago. I‘ve adored Nancy Drew since elementary school and it was fun to have my girl enjoy these mysteries too.
#TeamSlaughter #scarathlon

review
SilverShanica
post image
Pickpick

When Nancy is asked to help locate a long lost woman she had no idea how big, or dangerous, the mystery she was walking into would be.

blurb
IndoorDame
post image

Today and yesterday were dedicated to some classic MG mystery stories. Nancy Drew was definitely my favorite, but they were all a pretty fun blast from the past. #scarathlon2021 #teamslaughter @Clwojick +111 pts

review
Brinx
post image
Pickpick

Chugging through the series; finished this one in 2019; still enjoyable 😊

4 likes2 stack adds
review
ravenlee
post image
Pickpick

Number 21 down for #nancydrewchallenge with the kiddo! (Well, ok, I did 6 on my own)

A solid mystery, with some good detective work from Nancy - following leads, tracking down witnesses, and so on. The child welfare angle seems contrived, but this is more believable than a lot of them.

robinb Nancy Rocks. 6y
24 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
Eliza-beta
post image

From my grandmother's basement. Love old books.

MrBook Me too! You should do some #VintageEdition posts 😎👌🏻. 9y
23 likes2 stack adds1 comment