The Hidden Staircase

by Mildred A. Wirt Benson

Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2020

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this series since I was six years old. Recently I was asked to join a virtual book club that discussed this book, both in old and in revised text. Though the basic concept of the story is the same the book underwent a major revision in 1959. I enjoyed both books. The original edition reflects certain bias of the times and Carson Drew actually gives young Nancy a revolver to take with her to the old Mansion! The original version is more atmospheric and almost has a gothic quality to its descriptions of the old mansion. The revised text definitely has a more upbeat, energetic tone. That being said, the story, both in its original and revised text remains wonderful.

[Maria Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful 2nd mystery solved by ND!!

[Lillian Angelovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun to go back and read classic Nancy Drew! Also fascinating to witness how it was re-written to eliminate both the more-blatant racism
as well as the references to slavery. Whitewashed, but probably better as a result. Nancy Drew stories should be innocent. Readers can learn the ugly truth of life from other, different stories.