 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Hidden Staircase: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories No. 2
- By Carolyn Keene
- Genre: Mystery
Common Sense Media says
Predictable yet appealing Nancy Drew classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic Nancy Drew mystery -- the best-selling of the whole series -- includes scenes of Nancy's father being drugged and kidnapped, a truck purposely running Nancy and her father off the road, and threats made to many characters. Today's readers may find Nancy dated in terms of dress, language, and lack of high-tech gizmos, but her pluckiness, problem-solving tenacity, and fearlessness make her a timeless heroine. The version of this book you'll usually find for sale was updated in the '50s from an edition first published in 1930.
What's the story?
When Nancy's friend Helen tells her about a ghost haunting her great-aunt's mansion, she's determined to check it out. But she's sidetracked when a suspicious character tells her that her father is in danger. Sure enough, her father is kidnapped and as she rushes to find him she also finds a connection between her father and the ghost.
Is it any good?
Nancy Drew, a name synonymous with female-teen sleuthiness, provides a model for young readers of determination, courage, and problem solving. She makes friends easily, garners the admiration of the chief of police, gets confessions out of criminals without breaking a sweat, and most of all, she's her father's daughter. These mysteries, in circulation since the 1930s, are each page-turners, where Nancy naturally comes out on top. They're predictable and sometimes repetitive, but when Nancy gets herself into a dangerous situation, the reader will follow along with nail-biting interest. The syndicate behind author Carolyn Keene has figured out a formula that works and has stood the test of time.
The scary scenes -- like when a truck chases Nancy down, or when Nancy confronts a criminal -- are less frightening than anything found in a Harry Potter book. So tween mystery buffs should definitely consider working some classic Nancy Drew into their libraries.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the difference in lifestyles of today's teens compared with characters found in these books. How do Nancy and her family and friends communicate with each other without cell phones, computers, text messages, etc.? How has technology improved detective work?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
I LOVE Nancy Drew Mysteries!!
I have read almost all of the Nancy Drew books. They are all exciting and spine tingling!! I love the way Carolyn Keene leaves each chapter ending in a suspicious thrill. I would recommend this series to kids around my age but not too young because some of the situations that Nancy gets herself into are scary for young children. I am a NANCY DREW fan!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I liked it!
I liked the book but i thought so people woudl not injoy it because it had violence in it like when someone took Nancy to the hidden elevator and they drugged her. I'm not sure if some parents would appreciate it. But i thought it was a really good book!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Nancy Drew
Nancy Drew started in 1930. Since then, she's sold over 200,000,000 copies and is still going strong.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Best of all the books.
This is my favourite book of all the Nancy Drew novels I have read. Unlike "The Secret of the Old Clock" you can't guess what's going to happen half way through the book. But also unlike the "The Bungalow Mystery" it gives you enough information to keep you guessing and interested.
There is a bit more violence in this particular book than in some of the others, however I think the book would would be quite boring with a bit of danger. There's no blood or gore, no sexuality and no alcohol. Drugs are in the book but it's not as if Nancy does drugs. Characters are drugged and gagged but seems how this is a 1930's story for girls they make it out alright.
I recommend this particular book and all the Nancy Drew Novels to any girl from eight to eighty-one.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I wanted to read another Nancy Drew book!
I love the Nancy Drew series, including the computer games! They teach detective skills without having all this fancy, expensive equipment! I have read almost all of the Nancy Drew books and hope to get all of the computer games as well! I like them because they teach you how to get away from danger and how to deal with crooks!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
good book!
I really enjoy mystery books, but they also have to have some action in them. This book was just like that. I would recommend it for anyone over 8 years of age.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A classic!
This book is a timeless classic. Kids as young as 5 or 6 can enjoy the earlier books (before other authors took over). They're good and clean-- even what little violence there is is still much better than the majority of daytime children's TV shows. They get repetitive after a while, but the first 12 books or so are definitely worth reading.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great series for kids
Great girls series. My 7 year old is an advanced reader and loves them. Not sure why people are saying sexual content and drinking and drugs are issues in this book - there are none of those things. Violence is very mild (see description)- Disney cartoons have way more violence, plus you aren't seeing it, just reading it. Great alternative to vampires, wizards, and the like that seem to be in everything these days. Nancy is a positive role model with good manners and a good head on her shoulders.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Carolyn Keene |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Mystery |
| Publisher: | Grosset & Dunlap |
| Publication date: | December 31, 1969 |
| Number of pages: | 192 |
| Hardcover price: | $6.99 |
| Paperback price: | $4.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you read The Hidden Staircase: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories No. 2?
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
