Clue of the Silken Ladder

Clue of the Silken Ladder by Mildred A. Wirt introduces readers to Penny Parker, a brilliant teenage sleuth and amateur reporter who unravels three interconnected mysteries in her hometown of Riverview. When a mysterious silken ladder surfaces at a secretive Japanese curio shop, Penny suspects foul play. Simultaneously, she's determined to expose a traveling spiritualist troupe as heartless con artists for her father's newspaper, the "Riverview Star." But her investigation intensifies when a series of impossible burglaries—defying all logic and security—plagues the town. Adding personal stakes to her detective work, Penny faces a domestic crisis: the beloved Parker housekeeper, Mrs. Weems, has inherited a fortune and plans to leave the family. Created by the original architect of Nancy Drew, Mildred A. Wirt crafted Penny Parker as a more daring and independent alternative after being asked to tone down her most famous character. Unlike her predecessor, Penny combines cheerful charm with a shrewd, keenly observant mind, proving herself resourceful, outspoken, and remarkably tenacious. Wirt herself declared that Penny Parker surpassed Nancy Drew as her finest creation. Perfect for fans of classic children's mystery and adventure stories, this audiobook showcases a fearless young detective navigating complex cases with intelligence and courage, making it essential listening for anyone seeking timeless mystery entertainment.