Status Updates From The Secret of the Old Clock

“Then what were you doing in that closet?” the thief demanded”

“This man fits the Turners’ description”

What, the super vague one?

“A tingling sensation crept up Nancy’s spine.
But resolutely she shook off her nervousness”

So...Fear can be removed like an old shirt?

“Those men may be the same ones who robbed them”

The mysterious van she can't seem to pay attention to.

“An air of complete desertion hung over the place.”

First description of atmosphere

“The front and side doors of the cottage stood wide open”

Surprise!

“I think I’ll walk down to the shore and look at the cottage from there,” Nancy determined”

Nancy sure does talk to herself a lot.

“Where was Jeff Tucker, the caretaker? Why wasn’t he on hand”

Mysterious

“one hand accidentally touched the horn. It blared loudly in the still woods.
“That must have scared all the birds and animals.” Nancy chuckled.”

Random.

“The tracks appear fresh,” Nancy mused”

We've had no indication Nancy knows anything about tracks.

“Nancy became increasingly uncomfortable as the hot sun beat down on her. Also, she was growing weak from hunger”

Weak from hunger! Hasn't even been half a day!

“But all of a sudden there was a sputter from the engine. The next instant, to Nancy’s utter dismay, the motor gave one long wheeze and died”

Bad luck.

“Nancy was swept into another whirlwind of activity by the campers of Avondale. The entire day passed without a chance for her to break away.
“Oh, Helen!” Nancy groaned as she tumbled into bed that night”

Another paragraph of nothing happening.

“Whew!” she exclaimed, as she started on her way again”

What was the point of that? One paragraph of her changing a tire. Quit wasting my time, book!

“As she had suspected, a rear tire was flat.
“Oh dear!” she murmured in disgust. “Such luck”

“Resuming her journey, Nancy soon branched off”

Speed by just to give an update?

“fun with the girls will provide a much-needed vacation.”

Vacation from what? As far as I can tell Nancy is idle

“but Helen Coming’s invitation to Camp Avondale provided a valid reason to visit the resort”

What great luck!

“They never dared disturb him when he was absorbed in the stock-market reports”

So. Neglectful dad. Check. Prideful mother. Prideful daughters

“Helen explained, “trying to sell six tickets for a charity ball. But I haven’t had much luck. Would you like a couple?”

You're kidding me. Another lucky break for Nancy?

“exclaimed Nancy, as a slim, attractive school friend of hers ran up”

A lot of attractive people walking around.

“Do you know what became of the notebook, Mrs. Rowen?”
“Oh dearie me! There goes my memory again. No, I don’t.”

Classic plotting.
I remember! (Only a little bit to get you on your way)

“I know Josiah said something about a clock, but whatever it was has slipped my mind”

I just remembered another clue ! How nice!

“I wrote it myself and signed it. But I did have it witnessed”

Well that's nice.

“putting it where nobody could get it unless they had legal authority”

Geez. Some huge easy to follow clues. Like a 10 piece jigsaw puzzle

“It’s my opinion that Josiah did provide for me,” Mrs. Rowen returned emphatically”

Nancy had not mentioned knowing who Josiah Crowle is, nor how she knows the Tophams, nor how she knows about a will.

Abby Rowen going along with plot without regard to character.

“don’t know what would have happened to me if you hadn’t come.”
“Oh, someone would have dropped in,” said Nancy cheerfully”

Nancy needs to stop lying to people.

“Not a soul has been here and I couldn’t get in touch with anybody. I have no telephone.”
“Can you walk at all?” Nancy asked”

I don't think Nancy realizes that a few more days and this lady would be dead.

“She was disappointed that the brothers could offer her no clues”

Dead-end. Is that we got that weird two paragraphs dog attack ? Just to have something happen?

“Looking toward the house, Nancy suddenly saw a sight that appalled her. Wedged between two stones of a broken wall was a police dog puppy”

What's happening. Another random chance occurance.

“What a shame!” Nancy exclaimed. “But I’m sure the stolen articles will be found.”

Why would you say that? How or why are you sure ? More like you 'hope they will be found'