Carolyn Keene

Carolyn Keene is a house name used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate for the long-running Nancy Drew mystery series. The first Nancy Drew book, The Secret of the Old Clock, was published in 1930, written by journalist Mildred Wirt Benson under contract. Subsequent volumes were penned by a succession of ghostwriters, including Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, who also edited and shaped the series for decades. The Keene name has appeared on over 175 titles, making Nancy Drew one of the most enduring characters in juvenile fiction. The series is credited with popularizing the girl detective genre and inspiring generations of young readers. The Bungalow Mystery (1930) is the third book in the original series, showcasing Nancy's resourcefulness and independence.