The Crooked Banister
"I've never seen a house like this. It's as if the walls themselves are trying to hide something." — Nancy Drew
Basic Book Details
- Full Title: The Crooked Banister (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #48)
- Publication Year: 1971 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover edition)
- Copyright Year: 1971
- ISBN: 0448095483
- Total Page Count: 180 pages (20-chapter format)
- Endpaper Design: White Endpapers (Standard for 1971 releases)
- Cover Artist: Rudy Nappi
- Original Language: English
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Authorship Information
- Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
- Actual Ghostwriter: Harriet Stratemeyer Adams
- Notable Information: This volume is unique for its modern 1970s atmosphere, featuring a zigzag-shaped house equipped with advanced technology. It was originally written in the 20-chapter format.
Story Synopsis
Nancy Drew, Bess, and George are drawn into a bizarre mystery involving a zigzag-shaped house owned by a mysterious recluse. The estate is a marvel of 1970s technology, featuring a "crooked banister" that serves a much more sinister purpose than mere decoration. Nancy must investigate the odd house to help a young man wrongfully accused of a crime.
The mystery deepens as the girls encounter traps, a silent robot, and a phantom-like figure. From discovering secret rooms to decoding high-tech alarms, Nancy must navigate a house designed to keep intruders out—or trap them in. The case uncovers the truth behind a stolen treasure and the secret of the crooked banister.
This 1971 printing is a classic of the Yellow Spine Era, featuring high-gloss picture boards. This specific variant is identified by its white endpapers, typical of the early 1970s print cycle. Reference: series-books.com.
Collector's Q&A
Is this the original text for this volume?
Yes. Unlike the early classics, #48 was originally written in the 20-chapter format. This 1971 text is the original version of the story.
What identifies this as an early-1970s printing?
The yellow spine format with the artwork printed on the boards and the copyright date of 1971 are key identifiers. The white endpapers are the specific marker for this production window.
Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business founded by collectors. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced and authenticated to ensure it meets our high standards for your collection. GoFigment Legitimacy Statement.
Physical Condition & Seller Notes
“Please Note: I have multiple copies of each Nancy Drew volume, so the book you receive may not be the exact book pictured. However, I guarantee the quality of the book will be as good as or better than the one shown. The volume number, edition, cover art, and end pages will match exactly what is pictured. I offer a no-questions-asked return policy for your peace of mind.”

Grosset & Dunlap, Inc.
48 The Crooked Banister Nancy Drew Mystery Books -1971 (white-endpages)
The Crooked Banister
"I've never seen a house like this. It's as if the walls themselves are trying to hide something." — Nancy Drew
Basic Book Details
- Full Title: The Crooked Banister (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #48)
- Publication Year: 1971 (Yellow Spine Picture Cover edition)
- Copyright Year: 1971
- ISBN: 0448095483
- Total Page Count: 180 pages (20-chapter format)
- Endpaper Design: White Endpapers (Standard for 1971 releases)
- Cover Artist: Rudy Nappi
- Original Language: English
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
Authorship Information
- Credited Author: Carolyn Keene
- Actual Ghostwriter: Harriet Stratemeyer Adams
- Notable Information: This volume is unique for its modern 1970s atmosphere, featuring a zigzag-shaped house equipped with advanced technology. It was originally written in the 20-chapter format.
Story Synopsis
Nancy Drew, Bess, and George are drawn into a bizarre mystery involving a zigzag-shaped house owned by a mysterious recluse. The estate is a marvel of 1970s technology, featuring a "crooked banister" that serves a much more sinister purpose than mere decoration. Nancy must investigate the odd house to help a young man wrongfully accused of a crime.
The mystery deepens as the girls encounter traps, a silent robot, and a phantom-like figure. From discovering secret rooms to decoding high-tech alarms, Nancy must navigate a house designed to keep intruders out—or trap them in. The case uncovers the truth behind a stolen treasure and the secret of the crooked banister.
This 1971 printing is a classic of the Yellow Spine Era, featuring high-gloss picture boards. This specific variant is identified by its white endpapers, typical of the early 1970s print cycle. Reference: series-books.com.
Collector's Q&A
Is this the original text for this volume?
Yes. Unlike the early classics, #48 was originally written in the 20-chapter format. This 1971 text is the original version of the story.
What identifies this as an early-1970s printing?
The yellow spine format with the artwork printed on the boards and the copyright date of 1971 are key identifiers. The white endpapers are the specific marker for this production window.
Who is GoFigment?
GoFigment is a small business founded by collectors. Every Nancy Drew volume is personally sourced and authenticated to ensure it meets our high standards for your collection. GoFigment Legitimacy Statement.
Physical Condition & Seller Notes
“Please Note: I have multiple copies of each Nancy Drew volume, so the book you receive may not be the exact book pictured. However, I guarantee the quality of the book will be as good as or better than the one shown. The volume number, edition, cover art, and end pages will match exactly what is pictured. I offer a no-questions-asked return policy for your peace of mind.”

