The Mystery at Lilac Inn

Published in 1930, the fourth Nancy Drew story sends the detective to Lilac Inn, where her friend Emily Crandall is preparing to claim an inheritance of valuable diamonds. Trouble arrives from every direction: the jewels vanish, an impostor begins passing herself off as Nancy around town, and the young owner’s future is suddenly at risk. Nancy works out who is really behind the thefts and the impersonation, untangling a scheme that reaches into the inn’s kitchen and the family that runs it. Brisk pacing and a clever double make this an enjoyable early puzzle for readers meeting the amateur sleuth for the first time. Free PDF and EPUB edition.