The hidden staircase

“I have a hunch from reading about old passageways that there may be one or more rooms off this tunnel," Nancy told Captain Rossland.””

— Keene, Carolyn

“NANCY DREW began peeling off her garden gloves as she ran up the porch steps and into the hall to answer the ringing telephone. She picked it up and said, “Hello!””

— Keene, Carolyn

“One thing is for sure, she thought. Work is the best antidote for worry. I'll get back to Twin Elms and do some more sleuthing there.””

— Keene, Carolyn

“Nancy said good-by and put down the phone. She waited several seconds for the line to clear, then picked up the instrument again and called Hannah Gruen.””

— Keene, Carolyn

“NANCY DREW””

— Keene, Carolyn

“Perching on a high-backed stool, she read the menu over and over.””

— Keene, Carolyn

“Since solving The Secret of the Old Clock, she had longed for another case. Here was her chance! Attractive, blond-haired Nancy was brought out of her daydreaming by the sound of the doorbell. At the same moment the Drews’ housekeeper, Hannah Gruen, came down the front stairs, “I’ll answer it,” she offered. Mrs. Gruen had lived with the Drews since Nancy was three years old. At that time Mrs. Drew had passed away and Hannah had become like a second mother to Nancy. There was a deep affection between the two, and Nancy confided all her secrets to the understanding housekeeper. Mrs. Gruen opened the door and instantly a man stepped into the hall. He was short, thin, and rather stooped. Nancy guessed his age to be about forty.””

— Keene, Carolyn

“The young sleuth smiled. Although she was glad it was all over, she could not help but look forward to another mystery to solve.””

— Keene, Carolyn

“Nancy had taken an instant dislike to Gomber and now it was quadrupled.””

— Keene, Carolyn