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rainynook's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is the second in the Nancy Drew mystery series. It's not as good as the first one. The copyright date is 1959, so it does not include the racist viewpoints I found in "The Mystery of the Ivory Charm" (1936). That said, it's an all-white cast. The story just isn't that interesting; it seems to me that with the success of the first book, a second book with a lackluster plot was quickly churned out. There isn't much of a mystery; there's a hidden staircase, it's in the title. The plot is just dumb and a bit forced. Not my favorite.
planet_taffy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Keene presents us with two mysteries that intertwine, both with high stakes and exciting twists and turns. I really liked the closed setting of this one, focusing mainly on Twin Elms mansion and taking us out of River Heights for a change; old colonial mansions are one of my favorite settings for mysteries (and hauntings). The quality of the mystery and of the writing itself is greatly improved from the first book. I have no complaints really, other than I'm disappointed to have misremembered George and Bess as being introduced much earlier in the series. (Still no sign of them.)
The deciding factor between four and five stars was how much of this book stayed with me since first reading it in middle school. I'm still haunted bythe idea of a face appearing in a darkened window or faint music coming from the empty second floor . Hard to deny a book that stayed with me for that long a five star rating.
The deciding factor between four and five stars was how much of this book stayed with me since first reading it in middle school. I'm still haunted by
camping4life's review against another edition
2 copies
1 is part of the double book with book 1
1 is an older yellow spine copy
1 is part of the double book with book 1
1 is an older yellow spine copy
brittybcl's review against another edition
3.0
Laura Linney reads the audiobook which makes the story that much more enjoyable. There are some long pauses in the version I listen to, but still fun.
mkaybaker07's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one much more than its predecessor. Definitely going to read more of these!
annareadsmysteries's review against another edition
5.0
We catch up with Nancy at home, bored, as some time has passed since she solved her ‘debut’ mystery aka the Secret of the Old Clock. Her friend Helen drops by to invite her to solve the issue her aunts are having (and to get her to be a bridesmaid at her wedding). It looks like the house they lived at for several years is now haunted! Before Helen’s visit, an evil lawyer drops by and tells Nancy to make sure to take care of her father, as his believed to be in danger. I say an evil lawyer because these books are written for kids, where the suspicious people are usually the villains, and everything is black and white when it comes to justice.
So, this story is mostly about Nancy tackling the ghost issue and rescuing her father, who indeed ends up kidnapped. Also, in true Nancy Drew fashion, the two mysteries end up being linked.
While I really liked book one, as it felt nostalgic for the Nancy Drew games, this one was even better. It had everything the game had – the friend who helps, the option to call someone if you get stuck, the touching everything to see if it opens a secret passage – and on top of that, while it hasn’t kept me guessing, it definitely kept me entertained.
The addition of the friend was a great idea on Keene’s part – Helen compliments Nancy’s personality and the dynamic between them truly sells the girls having fun.
Of course, I will always have to switch off disbelief when it comes to the Nancy Drew series. As I mentioned, there is no mystery when it comes to the bad guys. You can tell who they are from the first time they’re introduced. There is also a hefty amount of plot armour, miraculously convenient resolutions and Nancy is sold as a golden child with many talents. And while I haven’t lived in the 1930s’, I’m sure that the police were probably never this helpful, regardless of what year you live in.
But turning a blind eye to all of this, I can only say this was a fun time and by a milestone better than the first book. Can’t wait to read the next one!
So, this story is mostly about Nancy tackling the ghost issue and rescuing her father, who indeed ends up kidnapped. Also, in true Nancy Drew fashion, the two mysteries end up being linked.
While I really liked book one, as it felt nostalgic for the Nancy Drew games, this one was even better. It had everything the game had – the friend who helps, the option to call someone if you get stuck, the touching everything to see if it opens a secret passage – and on top of that, while it hasn’t kept me guessing, it definitely kept me entertained.
The addition of the friend was a great idea on Keene’s part – Helen compliments Nancy’s personality and the dynamic between them truly sells the girls having fun.
Of course, I will always have to switch off disbelief when it comes to the Nancy Drew series. As I mentioned, there is no mystery when it comes to the bad guys. You can tell who they are from the first time they’re introduced. There is also a hefty amount of plot armour, miraculously convenient resolutions and Nancy is sold as a golden child with many talents. And while I haven’t lived in the 1930s’, I’m sure that the police were probably never this helpful, regardless of what year you live in.
But turning a blind eye to all of this, I can only say this was a fun time and by a milestone better than the first book. Can’t wait to read the next one!