Embracing Adventure: My Quest to Conquer the Dana Girls Series by Carolyn Keene

As an avid bookworm, I have always cherished the joy of getting lost in the world of literature.

There’s something magical about diving into the pages of a book and exploring new realms, unearthing mysteries, and meeting fascinating characters. However, I find myself guilty of sticking to my favorite genres and authors, rarely venturing beyond my literary comfort zone. So, in an attempt to challenge myself and broaden my horizons, I have decided to embark on an exciting quest: to read all of the books in the Dana Girls series by Carolyn Keene.

The Dana Girls Series

The Dana Girls series, written by the pseudonymous author Carolyn Keene, follows the adventures of two sisters, Jean and Louise Dana. Like many of the classic mystery series, each book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with intriguing mysteries, clever detective work, and unforgettable friendships. To immerse myself fully in this captivating series, I have compiled a list of all the books in the Dana Girls series:

The First Series

1. By the Light of the Study Lamp, 1934
2. The Secret at Lone Tree Cottage, 1934
3. In the Shadow of the Tower, 1934
4. A Three-Cornered Mystery, 1935
5. The Secret at the Hermitage, 1936
6. The Circle of Footprints, 1937
7. The Mystery of the Locked Room, 1938
8. The Clue in the Cobweb, 1939
9. The Secret at the Gatehouse, 1940
10. The Mysterious Fireplace, 1941
11. The Clue of the Rusty Key, 1942
12. The Portrait in the Sand, 1943
13. The Secret in the Old Well, 1944
14. The Clue in the Ivy, 1952
15. The Secret of the Jade Ring, 1953
16. Mystery at the Crossroads, 1954
17. The Ghost in the Gallery, 1955
18. The Clue of the Black Flower, 1956
19. The Winking Ruby Mystery, 1957
20. The Secret of the Swiss Chalet, 1958
21. The Haunted Lagoon, 1959
22. The Mystery of the Bamboo Bird, 1960
23. The Sierra Gold Mystery, 1961
24. The Secret of Lost Lake, 1962
25. The Mystery of the Stone Tiger, 1963
26. The Riddle of the Frozen Fountain, 1964
27. The Secret of the Silver Dolphin, 1965
28. Mystery of the Wax Queen, 1966
29. The Secret of the Minstrel’s Guitar, 1967
30. The Phantom Surfer, 1968

The Second Series

1. The Mystery of the Stone Tiger, 1972
2. The Riddle of the Frozen Fountain, 1972
3. The Secret of the Silver Dolphin, 1972
4. Mystery of the Wax Queen, 1972
5. The Secret of the Minstrel’s Guitar, 1972
6. The Phantom Surfer, 1972
7. The Secret of the Swiss Chalet, 1973
8. The Haunted Lagoon, 1973
9. Mystery of the Bamboo Bird, 1973
10. The Sierra Gold Mystery, 1973
11. The Secret of Lost Lake, 1973
12. The Winking Ruby Mystery, 1974
13. The Ghost in the Gallery, 1975
14. The Curious Coronation, 1976
15. The Hundred-Year Mystery, 1977
16. Mountain-Peak Mystery, 1978
17. The Witch’s Omen, 1979
18. The Strange Identities, unpublished
19. The Thousand Islands Mystery, unpublished

The Challenge

I have set myself a considerable challenge, as the Dana Girls series comprises a total of 32 books. As a lover of mystery and adventure, this series promises to be an enthralling journey, filled with suspense and twists. Throughout this challenge, I aim to celebrate the timeless art of storytelling and dive headfirst into the captivating world of Carolyn Keene.

My Expectations

As I embark on this literary quest, I anticipate an array of emotions. I expect to be hooked from the very first book, to eagerly unravel the mysteries alongside Jean and Louise, and to find myself unable to put the books down. With each turn of the page, I hope to discover the fascinating character development and engaging plots that have made the series a beloved classic.

In challenging myself to read all of the books in the Dana Girls series, I hope to open myself up to new literary experiences, expand my appreciation for different genres, and celebrate the mastery of storytelling by Carolyn Keene. This endeavor is not just about completing a reading list; it is about embracing the sense of wonder that books instill in us and rediscovering the joy of getting lost in a good story.

I invite you all to join me on this adventurous journey as I delve into the enigmatic world of the Dana Girls. Stay tuned for updates, book reviews, and insights as I progress through this exciting challenge. Let’s embark on this literary expedition together and embrace the magic of the written word!