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.