The Clue of the Dancing Puppet

"A mysterious puppet is dancing in the moonlight on the Van Pelt estate... and it's up to Nancy to find out who is pulling the strings!" — The Clue of the Dancing Puppet

Basic Book Details

• Full Title: The Clue of the Dancing Puppet (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #39)
• Publication Year: 1962
• Total Page Count: 176 - 192 pages
• Endpaper Design: Blue Multi-Scene (Multi-Pic). This iconic 1960s pattern features 22 distinct scenes from various Nancy Drew volumes, specifically depicting moments from books #1 through #35.
• Cover Artist: Rudy Nappi
• Original Language: English
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
• ISBN: 0448095396

Authorship Information

• Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
• Ghost Writer: Harriet Stratemeyer Adams

Story Synopsis

Nancy Drew finds herself immersed in the world of marionettes and puppet theaters when she is asked to help solve a haunting mystery at the Van Pelt estate. A mysterious, life-sized puppet has been seen dancing in the moonlight, terrifying the residents and creating an atmosphere of dread. The local Footlighters troupe is caught in the middle of the drama as Nancy begins to pull back the curtain on this eerie performance.

As Nancy, Bess, and George investigate, they encounter a series of strange accidents and threatening warnings intended to keep them away from the estate. From hidden rooms to mysterious puppet-making secrets, the trail leads Nancy through a maze of theatrical intrigue. She must determine if the "ghostly" puppet is a supernatural occurrence or a clever cover for a more sinister plot involving a long-lost family secret.

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.

Collector's Information

This 1962 edition is a “Yellow Spine” picture cover book. It features the artwork printed directly on the boards with no dust jacket. Collectors should note the specific “Yellow Bar” on the front cover and the red numeral on the spine. The back cover design features Nancy Drew looking out from behind a tree in the upper right corner, characteristic of the 1962-1968 era. Reference: series-books.com.

Collector's Q&A

What type of endpapers does this 1962 edition have?
This edition features the "Blue Multi-Scene" (Multi-Pic) endpapers, which were standard for yellow spine books produced during the early-to-mid 1960s.

Is this the original 25-chapter story?
No, this version contains the revised 20-chapter text and includes six internal plain paper illustrations, consistent with the 1962 modernization of the series.

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 piece is personally sourced, authenticated, and handled with the reverence it deserves.