The Clue in the Crossword Cipher
"Nancy's determined efforts to decode the crossword decipher take her to the magnificent, awe-inspiring Incan ruins at Cuzco and Machu Picchu." — Promotional synopsis for the 1967 edition.
Basic Book Details
- Full Title: The Clue in the Crossword Cipher (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #44)
- Publication Year: 1967 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover)
- Copyright Year: 1967
- ISBN: 0448095440
- Total Page Count: 192 pages (20-chapter format)
- Endpaper Design: White Endpapers (Standard for 1967 releases)
- Cover Artist: Rudy Nappi
- Original Language: English
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Authorship Information
- Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
- Actual Ghostwriter: Harriet Stratemeyer Adams
- Notable Information: This volume was published during the era when the Syndicate already produced stories in the 20-chapter format. As such, no 25-chapter version of this title exists.
Story Synopsis
Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George are invited to Peru to solve a "monkey mystery" centered around an ancient wooden plaque carved with a cryptic crossword cipher. The artifact, which promises to lead to a fabulous treasure, is stolen by a notorious gang headed by "El Gato" (The Cat), sparking a dangerous chase through South America.
The investigation takes Nancy from Lima to the magnificent Incan ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Facing ruthless smugglers and decoding the old cipher, she pieces together clues to unearth an astounding archaeological discovery and bring the criminals to justice.
This 1967 edition marks a transition in the Yellow Spine Era. Artist Rudy Nappi shifted to a symbolic cover style, moving away from descriptive scenes. This variant is prized for its white endpapers, typical of the year of release. Reference: series-books.com.
Collector's Q&A
Is there a revised version of this book?
No. Unlike volumes #1–34, which were revised to 20 chapters, volumes #35–56 were originally written in this format. This 1967 text is the original story.
What identifies this as a 1967 printing?
This printing features the yellow spine format with the picture printed on the boards and the copyright date of 1967. The white endpapers are a key identifier for this specific release year.
Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business founded by collectors. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced and authenticated to ensure it meets our high standards for your collection. We stand behind our items with a no-questions-asked return policy.
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.”

Grosset & Dunlap, Inc.
44 The Clue in the Crossword Cipher Nancy Drew Mystery 1967 (white-endpages)
The Clue in the Crossword Cipher
"Nancy's determined efforts to decode the crossword decipher take her to the magnificent, awe-inspiring Incan ruins at Cuzco and Machu Picchu." — Promotional synopsis for the 1967 edition.
Basic Book Details
- Full Title: The Clue in the Crossword Cipher (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #44)
- Publication Year: 1967 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover)
- Copyright Year: 1967
- ISBN: 0448095440
- Total Page Count: 192 pages (20-chapter format)
- Endpaper Design: White Endpapers (Standard for 1967 releases)
- Cover Artist: Rudy Nappi
- Original Language: English
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Authorship Information
- Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
- Actual Ghostwriter: Harriet Stratemeyer Adams
- Notable Information: This volume was published during the era when the Syndicate already produced stories in the 20-chapter format. As such, no 25-chapter version of this title exists.
Story Synopsis
Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George are invited to Peru to solve a "monkey mystery" centered around an ancient wooden plaque carved with a cryptic crossword cipher. The artifact, which promises to lead to a fabulous treasure, is stolen by a notorious gang headed by "El Gato" (The Cat), sparking a dangerous chase through South America.
The investigation takes Nancy from Lima to the magnificent Incan ruins of Cuzco and Machu Picchu. Facing ruthless smugglers and decoding the old cipher, she pieces together clues to unearth an astounding archaeological discovery and bring the criminals to justice.
This 1967 edition marks a transition in the Yellow Spine Era. Artist Rudy Nappi shifted to a symbolic cover style, moving away from descriptive scenes. This variant is prized for its white endpapers, typical of the year of release. Reference: series-books.com.
Collector's Q&A
Is there a revised version of this book?
No. Unlike volumes #1–34, which were revised to 20 chapters, volumes #35–56 were originally written in this format. This 1967 text is the original story.
What identifies this as a 1967 printing?
This printing features the yellow spine format with the picture printed on the boards and the copyright date of 1967. The white endpapers are a key identifier for this specific release year.
Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business founded by collectors. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced and authenticated to ensure it meets our high standards for your collection. We stand behind our items with a no-questions-asked return policy.
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.”

