A review by srivalli
The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.5

Published in 1930, the book is the second in the super-long series featuring a teen sleuth, Nancy Drew. It was a no-brainer to pick this book for the ghostwriter reading challenge prompt. Can’t get easier, right? 

I read a few books in the series 12-13 years ago. These are light reads where Nancy manages to solve the cases with her sleuthing and tenacity. Not necessarily realistic, but we can see how the books inspired a whole range of cozy mysteries with female sleuths (after Agatha Christie, of course). 

The book has two cases, which may or may not be related. Nancy fails many times but doesn’t give up until she succeeds. I rather like this trait. She and her dad are quite perfect, which is okay. I read these books for fun. 

Grab The Hidden Staircase for a quick mystery if you are bored and have an hour to spare. It shouldn’t take longer than that.