The Mystery at Lilac Inn
The Mystery at Lilac Inn is a mystery novel written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene and first published in 1930. It is the fourth book in the Nancy Drew Mystery Stories series.
Nancy Drew travels to Lilac Inn to help her friend Emily prepare for her upcoming wedding. Their plans are soon disrupted by strange accidents, mysterious warnings, and the disappearance of valuable jewels.
The case becomes even more disturbing when Nancy discovers that someone is impersonating her and using her identity for criminal purposes. As she follows the clues, she uncovers a dangerous scheme involving deception, theft, and hidden motives.
Filled with secret passages, suspicious visitors, and unexpected threats, The Mystery at Lilac Inn follows Nancy as she uses her courage and intelligence to expose the criminals and protect her friends.
"A bright blue roadster, low-swung and smart, rolled swiftly along the winding lake road to halt suddenly before a large signboard which boldly proclaimed to all who chanced that way:
LILAC INN: CHICKEN DINNERS OUR SPECIALTY.
The driver, a pretty girl of perhaps sixteen, attractive in a frock which either by accident or design exactly matched the blue of the automobile, smiled whimsically as she read the words."
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Public domain (US)·No sign-up·DRM-free·Real text, not scans
Copyright note. The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading The Mystery at Lilac Inn in PDF or EPUB.
- Pages
- 149
- Reading time
- 3 hours 12 minutes
- Pace
- intermediate
- First published
- 1930
- Language
- English
96 years later, still timely
Why Read The Mystery at Lilac Inn in 2026?
Nancy Drew arrives at Lilac Inn to help a friend and walks into a case of vanished jewels — then learns someone is impersonating her, committing crimes under her name. Secret passages, suspicious visitors, and a sleuth of sixteen who refuses to be scared off.
Today's connection
An impersonator trading on your good name feels newly relevant in an age of stolen identities. Underneath the vintage roadster is a heroine who trusts evidence over rumor.
Stolen identity
Someone is wearing her name.
Cliffhanger chapters
Momentum built for binging.
Loyal friendship
Facing danger for a friend.
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About the author
Carolyn Keene
The name on every Nancy Drew cover — one pen, many hands, and a girl detective who outlived them all.