The Clue of the Silken Ladder


Read by Cheryl Adam

(4.6 stars; 211 reviews)

In THE CLUE OF THE SILKEN LADDER, Penny investigates multiple mysteries. What is the purpose of the singular silken ladder made by the secretive and somewhat sinister old Japanese curio shop owner? How can the "Riverview Star" obtain evidence that a popular troupe of spiritualists really are heartless con artists? Last, who is perpetrating the gravity-defying burglaries that have rocked the town ? Meanwhile, the Parker housekeeper, Mrs. Weems, has come into an inheritance and plans to leave Riverview, much to the Parkers' dismay. Can Penny change her mind? PENNY PARKER is a teen-aged sleuth and amateur reporter with an uncanny knack for uncovering and solving unusual, sometimes bizarre mysteries. The only daughter of widower Anthony Parker, publisher of the "Riverview Star," Penny has been raised to be self-sufficient, outspoken, innovative, and extraordinarily tenacious. Her cheerful, chatty manner belies a shrewd and keenly observant mind. Penny was the creation of Mildred A. Wirt, who was also the author of the original Nancy Drew series (under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene). Wirt became frustrated when she was pushed to "tone down" Nancy Drew and make her less independent and daring. With Penny Parker, Wirt had a freer hand and received full credit. Wirt once said, " 'I always thought Penny Parker was a better Nancy Drew than Nancy is." - Summary by Cheryl Adam (4 hr 21 min)

Chapters

Double Trouble 13:39 Read by Cheryl Adam
A Rope of Silk 14:13 Read by Cheryl Adam
Society Routine 10:22 Read by Cheryl Adam
A Turn of Fortune 12:51 Read by Cheryl Adam
The Man in Gray 8:58 Read by Cheryl Adam
An Apartment Burglary 11:23 Read by Cheryl Adam
Mark of the Iron Hook 10:39 Read by Cheryl Adam
Psychic Signs 10:05 Read by Cheryl Adam
Mrs. Weems' Inheritance 12:38 Read by Cheryl Adam
Ouija Board Wisdom 12:01 Read by Cheryl Adam
The Celestial Temple 9:51 Read by Cheryl Adam
A Message for Mrs. Weems 12:39 Read by Cheryl Adam
Wet Paint 8:37 Read by Cheryl Adam
Cousin David's Ghost 10:10 Read by Cheryl Adam
Hidden Money 12:19 Read by Cheryl Adam
Over the Window Ledge 8:16 Read by Cheryl Adam
Kano's Curio Shop 11:21 Read by Cheryl Adam
The Bell Tower 7:16 Read by Cheryl Adam
Penny Investigates 6:49 Read by Cheryl Adam
Inside the Cabinet 6:39 Read by Cheryl Adam
Startling Information 8:28 Read by Cheryl Adam
Scaling the Wall 8:32 Read by Cheryl Adam
A Prisoner in the Belfry 9:19 Read by Cheryl Adam
The Wooden Box 15:00 Read by Cheryl Adam
Extra! 9:28 Read by Cheryl Adam

Reviews

Good for pre-teens


(4 stars)

Good, cleann fun mystery well written for the pre-teen set. Little violence, no cursing or otherwise. unacceptable language. Violence is of the fight variety rather than bloody, or murderous type. No boyfriend/girlfriend interaction so no sexual undertones, either explicit or implied. It also intriguing enough for the adult listener. Narrator does an excellent job of using various voices and accents to delineate which character is speaking. All of the above hold true for the first 3 books by Wirt and read by Adams

Very good story


(5 stars)

I am truly enjoying this sleuthing series starring Penny Parker. She's got a cool head, is a fast thinker, and is quite fearless but not in a reckless way. This is another well thought out and well constructed tale. Penny rocks! And this Librivox volunteer reader once again shines!

Enjoyable


(5 stars)

Just like a Nancy Drew book but a little bit more fun. The narrator is definitely talented and made the story that much more enjoyable.

Very entertaining, Wirt has great sense of humor


(5 stars)

Tried this one after listening to "Behind the Green Door," which was very well done and a classic early 40s "ski lodge" mystery. I like "Clue of the Silken Ladder" even more - the reader does a great job with a varied cast of characters. I especially liked Al Gepper, the sinister psychic with the German accent! Wirt's sense of humor comes through more in this one - Penny has some great lines. Fun story, great reader.

Interesting, but Obvious


(3.5 stars)

Overall fine story. It is the kind of mystery where you know who the culprit is in the beginning, but you have to find proof.

suspenseful mystery


(4 stars)

This 1940's story is well developed in the questionable activity of a medium and a group of supposed spiritists that can connect to the departed.


(4.5 stars)

Love it! The reader does great, except for penny’s voice, she makes her sound so whiny! Otherwise, it’s a great book!

Loved it (again)


(5 stars)

I'm listening to all the Penny Parkers (or at least, all those as yet available on Librivox) for the second time around, and I'm pleased to say they're just as enjoyable to re-visit. The two main readers of this series are just perfect for it. I'm very much crossing my fingers there'll be more from them.