The Mystery at the Ski Jump

"You never know where these juvenile delinquents will come from!" — Officer’s remark upon meeting Nancy Drew in the 1952 edition.

Basic Book Details

• Full Title: The Mystery at the Ski Jump (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #29)
• Publication Year: 1969 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover edition)
• Copyright Year: Originally 1952; Revised Text 1968
• Page Count: 180 pages (20-chapter format)
• Endpaper Design: Black and White Multi-Scene Endpapers (Standard for 1969–1981 yellow spine editions)
• Cover Artist: Bill Gillies
• Original Language: English
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap

Authorship Information

• Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
• Ghostwriter: Alma Sasse (Original 1952 text); Harriet Stratemeyer Adams (1968 revision)
• Notable Contributor: This 1969 printing contains the Revised Text, which was shortened from 25 to 20 chapters to modernize the pacing and eliminate outdated language.

Story Synopsis

When the Drews’ housekeeper, Hannah Gruen, is swindled by an elegantly dressed woman into buying a stolen fur piece, Nancy begins a search for the clever thief. To her shock, she discovers the impostor is using her own name! This daring criminal is selling fake stock and stolen furs, leaving a trail of victims who believe the young detective is the culprit. Following the trail to New York and eventually across the border into Canada, Nancy must track down the swindler before her own reputation is ruined.

The investigation leads Nancy, Bess, and George to the snowy slopes of Vermont and the freezing climates of Canada. Amidst the excitement of a high-stakes ice skating competition and the danger of an isolated holiday home, Nancy faces kidnapping and peril. With the help of her father, Carson Drew, she uncovers a complex web of fraud involving mink trapping and stock manipulation.

This volume belongs to the Revised Text Era (post-1959), characterized by its fast-paced 20-chapter structure and the iconic yellow spine picture cover format. Collectors will appreciate the vibrant Bill Gillies cover art, which was used for the transition into the picture cover era. Reference: series-books.com.

Collector's Q&A

How can I tell if this is a 1969 printing rather than an earlier 1960s version?
This 1969 edition features the magnifying glass logo in the upper right corner of the back cover. Earlier yellow spine versions (1962-1968) featured Nancy looking from behind a tree. Additionally, it contains the black and white multi-scene endpapers typical of this production window.

Does this book have a dust jacket?
No. As a "Picture Cover" edition printed after 1962, the artwork is printed directly onto the hard boards. These were designed for durability and did not include paper dust jackets.

Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business owned and operated by collectors. My commitment to you is simple: I only offer items I would proudly display in my own collection. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced, authenticated, and handled with the reverence it deserves.

Physical Condition & Seller Notes

“Please Note: I have multiple copies of each Nancy Drew volume, so the book you receive may not be the exact book pictured. However, I guarantee the quality of the book will be as good as or better than the one shown. The volume number, edition, cover art, and end pages will match exactly what is pictured. I offer a no-questions-asked return policy for your peace of mind.”