Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your overall impression of the novel, knowing it was originally written in 1930 and revised in 1959? Did the story feel timeless to you, or were there elements that still felt connected to a specific era?

2. How did you feel about Nancy’s independence and competence as a teenage detective? Have you encountered similar young protagonists in other mystery series, such as The Hardy Boys (the first book of which is The Tower Treasure) or The Famous Five (the first book of which is Five on a Treasure Island)? How does Nancy’s approach differ from theirs?

3. Of all the “hauntings” at Twin Elms, from the gorilla face at the window to the swaying chandelier, which did you find the most memorable or effective? What made that particular moment stand out to you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Throughout the novel, Nancy consistently chooses logical analysis over emotional reaction. Think about a time when you faced a situation that felt intimidating or confusing. Did you find yourself approaching it similarly, or were you guided more by intuition and emotion?

2. Nancy’s relationship with her father is built on mutual trust and respect. Discuss how you feel this impacts her ability and confidence by connecting it to someone in your life who treats you similarly.

3. Helen tends to react to danger with visible fright, while Nancy narrates facts aloud and keeps moving. Think about a friendship in your own life where you and a friend had very different reactions to a shared challenge. How did you navigate those differences and support one another?

4. At several points in the novel, Miss Flora refuses to leave Twin Elms even as the hauntings worsen and her health declines—her identity seems inseparable from the house itself. Discuss a place in your life that makes you feel this way. How would you react if you were in Miss Flora’s position?

5. Harry, a taxi driver who witnessed Gomber’s scheme, is silenced by threats against his family and holds back information that could have resolved the mystery earlier. Have you ever felt like you were in a similar position to stay silent despite witnessing wrongdoing? How did you react, and how does this impact your understanding of Gomber’s character?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does Nancy’s character challenge the gender roles of the 1930s, the era in which she was created? In what ways has our cultural idea of a “strong female character” evolved since then?

2. Gomber’s plan to build a housing project on the historic Twin Elms and Riverview Manor properties pits modern development against heritage preservation. Where do you see similar conflicts playing out in communities today, and what values does the book seem to favor?

3. The 1959 revision removed specific dialect caricatures and ethnic stereotypes that appeared in the 1930 original. Knowing that, readers can ask what the cleaned-up text still carries forward from its original assumptions. How does this knowledge affect your reading of the story and your view of the Nancy Drew series as a cultural artifact?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Nancy solves the mystery through careful observation, but she also benefits from fortunate discoveries and helpful allies. Which plays the greater role in her success? Discuss specific scenes to support your response.

2. Discuss the ways that Carolyn Keene develops suspense and drama in the novel. Did knowing that there would probably be a rational solution reduce the suspense, or did it make the mystery more engaging? Why?

3. Many mysteries feature brilliant detectives paired with an incompetent police force, such as The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman or Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson. Do you think The Hidden Staircase follows that pattern, or does it portray law enforcement more positively than many detective stories?

4. The novel ends by looking ahead to Nancy’s next adventure, The Bungalow Mystery. For those who have read other books in the series, how does Nancy’s characterization in The Hidden Staircase compare to her portrayal in other mysteries? Does she evolve as a character, or do her core traits remain consistent?

5. Looking back after finishing the novel, which clue(s) now seems like the strongest piece of foreshadowing?

6. The hidden staircase gives the novel its title but appears only near the end. Why do you think Keene chose it as the title rather than the ghost, Twin Elms, or another recurring element? What makes the staircase the best symbol for the story as a whole?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were adapting The Hidden Staircase for a modern audience, what key elements would you change? How might you update the “hauntings,” Nancy’s investigative technology, or the nature of Gomber’s criminal scheme?

2. Imagine you’re designing the set for a film version of the novel. What specific details would you include in your designs for Twin Elms and the neglected Riverview Manor to capture their distinct atmospheres?

3. Suppose you were hired to write a short story from the perspective of another character, such as Helen or Wharton. What new insights on the events of the mystery might that character’s viewpoint offer?