The Secret in the Old Lace
| Company type | Book imprint |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Parent | Simon & Schuster |
The Secret in the Old Lace represents the fifty-ninth installment in the Nancy Drew detective series. Authored under the pen name Carolyn Keene by ghostwriter Nancy Axelrad, it debuted in 1980 through Wanderer Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. This title has seen reissues via both Wanderer and Minstrel imprints with refreshed cover art. In 2005, Grosset & Dunlap published a distinctive yellow hardcover edition featuring a glossy flashlight design. The initial edition showcased cover artwork and six interior illustrations by Ruth Sanderson, which were omitted from subsequent editions.
Plot summary
Nancy enters a magazine competition centered on unraveling a Belgian enigma involving a vanished aristocrat, but her entry is stolen and submitted by another individual. To receive proper recognition, she must uncover the thief's identity. Simultaneously, Bess Marvin’s mother is contacted by her Belgian acquaintance, Madam Chambray, who invites Bess, Nancy, and George Fayne to Belgium to explore a mystery connected to an old property recently acquired by Madam Chambray. During their journey, Nancy’s suitcase is taken. At Madam Chambray’s home, they discover a valuable cross composed of gold, diamonds, and Lapis Lazuli found with the estate. With assistance from their Belgian associate Hilda Permeke, they delve into local lace-making traditions and visit a museum where Nancy notices a portrait of the missing nobleman. She ultimately resolves the magazine contest mystery, which also ties together the incidents involving the stolen cross and suitcase. The proof edition hinted at Nancy’s forthcoming adventure titled "The Clue of the Ancient Mask," later retitled "The Greek Symbol Mystery" for publication.
Book covers
The Secret in the Old Lace features three American cover editions showcasing two unique design concepts: