If Your 8-12 year-old loved Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock, they might also like…

• The Westing Game

• Chasing Vermeer

• The Mysterious Benedict Society

These stories feature clever young problem-solvers tackling layered mysteries, using observation, logic, and teamwork to uncover secrets and outwit adults in satisfying, puzzle-filled adventures.

Here’s what they’re about

Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock

Teen detective Nancy Drew is determined to help a family who have been unfairly denied an inheritance. When a mysterious old clock becomes the key to the case, Nancy follows a trail of clues involving hidden documents, suspicious characters, and long-buried secrets. Using sharp observation, courage, and quick thinking, she works to uncover the truth before time runs out. This classic mystery combines clever puzzles with a confident, capable heroine, making it a timeless introduction to detective stories for young readers.

The Westing Game

Sixteen strangers are brought together in a strange apartment building and named heirs to the fortune of the mysterious millionaire Sam Westing. When Westing dies, they are invited to play a game to solve his murder — with clues hidden in riddles, wordplay, and unexpected connections between the players. As alliances form and secrets are revealed, one young participant may be closer to the truth than anyone realises. Clever, twisty, and full of surprises, The Westing Game rewards readers who love puzzles and thinking ahead.

Chasing Vermeer

When a valuable Vermeer painting disappears, sixth-graders Petra and Calder find themselves drawn into a mysterious case filled with strange coincidences, hidden patterns, and coded messages. As they investigate, they must rely on observation, logic, and a willingness to question what they think they know. Blending art, mathematics, and mystery, Chasing Vermeer invites readers to think deeply and notice details others might miss. It’s a thoughtful and engaging story perfect for curious readers who enjoy puzzles and layered storytelling.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

After responding to a peculiar advertisement, four gifted children are recruited by the eccentric Mr Benedict for a secret mission. Their task is to infiltrate a strange school where something sinister is happening and stop a plot that could influence minds around the world. Each child brings unique strengths — intelligence, creativity, empathy, and courage — and must work together to succeed. Blending mystery, humour, and adventure, this story celebrates teamwork, problem-solving, and the power of thinking differently.