The Moonstone Castle Mystery

"A castle should have a mystery, and this one certainly has more than its share!" — Nancy Drew, The Moonstone Castle Mystery

Basic Book Details

• Full Title: The Moonstone Castle Mystery (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #40)
• Publication Year: 1963
• 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: 0448095408

Authorship Information

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

Story Synopsis

Nancy Drew receives a strange gift from an anonymous donor: a beautiful moonstone. The mystery deepens when she learns that the stone is linked to a hidden inheritance and a long-lost family secret. The trail leads Nancy and her friends, Bess and George, to the eerie Moonstone Castle, a massive stone structure surrounded by a deep, dark moat and rumors of a ghostly presence.

As Nancy investigates the castle's history, she discovers a series of strange occurrences—disappearing items, mysterious lights, and a sinister figure lurking in the shadows. The stakes are raised when a valuable moonstone is stolen, and an innocent young artist is wrongfully accused of the crime. Nancy must navigate the castle's secret passages and outwit a group of ruthless treasure hunters to uncover the truth.

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 1963 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 back cover design: Nancy Drew looking out from behind a tree in the upper right corner, which is characteristic of the mid-60s printings. Reference: series-books.com.

Collector's Q&A

Is this the revised text or the original text?
Because The Moonstone Castle Mystery was originally published in 1963, it was written during the 20-chapter era. There is no "original" 25-chapter version of this specific title.

How can I tell if this is a 1960s printing?
The most reliable indicator for this edition is the back cover. This version features Nancy looking from behind a tree. If the back cover showed Nancy with a magnifying glass, it would be a printing from 1969 or later.

Is GoFigment Legit?
Absolutely! GoFigment is a small business founded by a lifelong collector who still remembers the joy of unwrapping those first treasures in the late 1970s. Every item we offer, including our Nancy Drew collection, is personally sourced, authenticated, and handled with the reverence it deserves.