The Bungalow Mystery, originally published in 1930, is the third of the acclaimed series featuring teenage amateur sleuth Nancy Drew. By 2000, in its various editions, it had sold 1.5 million copies in the U.S. market.

This version—the original—begins with Nancy and her friend Helen Corning boating on Moon Lake. Overtaken by a sudden storm, they are rescued by Laura Pendleton.

Nancy and Helen learn that Laura is an orphan, having lost both her parents. Her mother having died recently, she has been put into the guardianship of one Jacob Aborn. Laura has never met Jacob Aborn but is apprehensive about him.

When Jacob Aborn arrives on the scene, he proves to be brutish and harsh. But because he is the court-appointed guardian, Laura must accept his custodianship.

Returning home from Moon Lake, Nancy encounters Laura, who has already run away from Jacob Aborn's custody. He has proved to be brutish, with sinister intentions, wanting to get his hands on Laura's fortune. Nancy resourcefully uncovers the truth behind Jacob Aborn and his motives.

The Bungalow Mystery was published under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, although it was written by Mildred Wirt Benson, the author of several other early Nancy Drew novels and creator of the adventurous title character.

The Nancy Drew mysteries debuted in a fast-changing America, where women were rapidly discarding traditional roles and asserting themselves. Nancy models this new American woman: strong-willed, intelligent, indomitable, educated, and sharp-minded—but with strong moral values and great humility. She has remained a role model for American women for nearly a century. In the years since their debut, the Nancy Drew mysteries have become an integral part of the American feminine mythos.

The evergreen popularity of the Nancy Drew series has led to many film and television adaptations. Today, nearly 100 years after their launch, the Nancy Drew books remain classics of young adult fiction. This edition brings the original to an entirely new audience.