By the Light of the Study Lamp

The Dana Girls Mystery Series #1

By Carolyn Keene

Copyright 1934

My recent trip to the annual AAUW book sale yielded a jackpot.  This book here is just one of the treasures from the sale.  It is the first Dana Girls book in the series and also my first Dana Girls book ever.  Coming from the same syndicate as the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Bobbsey Twins books, this series was not as popular, but still a lot of fun.  Teenage sisters Louise and Jean Dana (both quite attractive, of course) are orphans who spend much of the year away at a boarding school.  They have quite the knack for finding and solving mysteries. 

Here are a few lessons I learned from By the Light of the Study Lamp:

Beware the man with a mustache a different color than his hair.  He might be your missing brother in disquise.

If thieves covet your thrift store study lamp, it’s probably not just an old lamp.  Check for jewels hidden inside it.

Beware the plumber who says he is inspecting your pipes – make sure he is looking where there are actually pipes.  Otherwise, he might have other motives. 

If you get your fortune told by a gypsy woman and she is rubbing your fingers – make sure she is not stealing your rings.

Make sure the gas tank is not on empty when you might have to make a quick getaway from the bad guys.  Yes, the Dana girls conveniently had an all-downhill trip back to town, but you probably won’t be so lucky.

Seriously, though, the real lesson is to not let your size or gender keep you from taking on a challenge.  Don't think twice before jumping into that raging river to rescue both the dog and a full-grown man from the rapids.  You can do it!