Author

Joan Clark

1905-2002

Joan Clark (1905-2002) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.

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Subjects

Detective and mystery storiesThieves -- Juvenile fictionAdventure and adventurers -- Juvenile fictionArt thieves -- Juvenile fictionArtists -- Juvenile fictionBildungsromansBrigands and robbers -- Juvenile fictionCliff-dwellings -- New Mexico -- Juvenile fictionDude ranches -- Juvenile fictionGirls -- Juvenile fictionHaunted houses -- Juvenile fictionHorses -- Juvenile fictionJewel thieves -- Juvenile fictionKivas -- New Mexico -- Juvenile fictionMystery and detective storiesOrphans -- Juvenile fiction

Books by Joan Clark

Connie Carl at Rainbow Ranch

"Connie Carl at Rainbow Ranch" by Joan Clark is a novel written in the late 1930s. The story centers around sixteen-year-old Connie Carl, who returns to her family's ranch in New Mexico after three years of schooling in the East. With a sense of nostalgia, Connie aims to take charge of Rainbow Ranch, but upon her return, she discovers that the ranch is beset by financial troubles and changes that threaten its future. As she navigates her new role, she faces both external challenges and internal conflicts regarding trust and authority. The opening of the book sets the stage for Connie's homecoming and her initial realizations about the state of the ranch and its management. Upon arriving in Red Gulch, she learns from locals that many of her father's loyal cowhands have left, and she encounters Forest Blakeman, the ranch's foreman, who seems to be running things with a heavy hand. Connie also discovers troubling issues regarding the ranch's debts and mismanagement, which lead her to take a firm stand in reclaiming her rightful place as its owner. As she settles back in, she begins to practice for an upcoming rodeo, which holds the promise of financial relief but also foreshadows ongoing struggles and conflicts, notably with Blakeman and the mysterious new cowboy, Jim Barrows.

Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key

"Penny Nichols and the Mystery of the Lost Key" by Joan Clark is a mystery novel first published in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the protagonist Penelope "Penny" Nichols, a clever and adventurous young girl who finds herself entwined in a web of intrigue while assisting a new acquaintance, Rosanna Winters. Initially, Penny's life takes a dramatic turn after witnessing a theft in a department store, which introduces her to Rosanna, who has recently inherited an estate—leading Penny on a quest filled with potential dangers and hidden treasures. At the start of the story, Penny and her friend Susan are rushing to a jewelry counter just before the store closes, where Penny witnesses a man quickly stealing a valuable diamond ring. As she raises the alarm, she becomes involved with Rosanna, who is distressed after narrowly losing a significant letter and key that explain her inheritance from a deceased uncle. The opening chapters explore Penny's resourceful nature as she offers to drive Rosanna to meet a lawyer regarding her inheritance, creating a backdrop ripe for mystery as they discover that many others are also vying for the estate, each presenting their own claims and secrets. The mix of theft, inheritance, and personal drama sets the stage for an engaging mystery with a young detective at its heart.

Penny Nichols Finds a Clue

"Penny Nichols Finds a Clue" by Joan Clark is a young adult detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the adventurous and resourceful fifteen-year-old Penny Nichols, who often finds herself embroiled in intriguing mysteries alongside her father, a detective. With the theft of car wheels plaguing their city, Penny navigates through various challenges, including encounters with criminals and the pursuit of clues. The opening of the novel introduces Penny as she engages in playful banter with her father, Christopher Nichols, about her missing allowance and the potential postponement of a family vacation due to his new case involving auto thefts. Soon after, Penny and her friend Susan experience an unsettling adventure when they discover Penny's roadster has been stripped of its wheels. As the girls investigate further, they stumble upon hints of a larger gang operation and become entwined in a web of mystery, with Penny’s curiosity leading her to encounter a young boy named Jerry Barrows, who may have deeper ties to the criminal activity in their town. The dynamic between Penny, her father, and her friends sets the stage for an engaging narrative filled with excitement and suspense.

Penny Nichols and the Knob Hill Mystery

"Penny Nichols and the Knob Hill Mystery" by Joan Clark is a mystery novel written in the late 1930s. The story revolves around Penny Nichols, a young aspiring detective who embarks on a vacation with her father, a seasoned detective himself, to a seemingly dull location called Knob Hill. However, their peaceful retreat quickly takes a turn as they encounter intriguing characters and puzzling situations that hint at deeper mysteries waiting to be solved. The opening portion of the narrative introduces us to Penny and her father's journey to Knob Hill, establishing their desire for a quiet getaway. Penny's initial skepticism about the dullness of their destination is met with her father's eagerness to escape his detective work. Upon arrival, they encounter unusual characters, including a strange man named Walter Crocker, whose abrupt departure raises concerns and piques Penny's curiosity. The stage is set for a blend of light-hearted adventure and suspense as both Penny and her father sense that their vacation may not be as monotonous as expected, foreshadowing the mysteries that will unfold in Knob Hill.

Penny Nichols and the Black Imp

"Penny Nichols and the Black Imp" by Joan Clark is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young amateur sleuth, Penelope "Penny" Nichols, and her friend Susan Altman as they navigate an art world intrigue involving a stolen Rembrandt painting and a sculptor named Amy Coulter, who is accused of theft after her contest entry doesn't win a prize. The plot intertwines art, competition, and elements of suspense, keeping readers engaged with Penny’s adventurous spirit and deductive reasoning. The opening of the book introduces Penny and Susan rushing to an art exhibition where a prestigious prize is to be awarded. On the way, a minor car accident leads them to encounter a hostile driver named Hanley Cron, who is later revealed to be the judge of the art contest. When the prize statue, the "Black Imp," does not win, the young sculptress Amy is devastated, especially when a valuable painting is reported stolen from the gallery right after her departure. As the police link her with the theft due to suspicious circumstances, Penny takes it upon herself to investigate, setting the stage for a mystery filled with unexpected twists and character interactions that promise to captivate readers.