The Secret of the Sundial: Madge Sterling Series, #3

"The Secret of the Sundial" by Mildred A. Wirt is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. This intriguing tale centers around Madge Sterling and her friends, who navigate the mysterious happenings around the old Swenster mansion, particularly revolving around a secret society initiation and the legend of hidden pearls. The group’s secret exploration leads them to confront fears and unravel secrets that have been buried, both literally and figuratively, as they attempt to uncover the truth about the much-discussed pearls that have long been lost to the family's history. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Madge Sterling and her friends as they engage in a playful initiation ceremony for a secret society. Amid the ghostly pranks, one of the girls, Cara, reports a shocking encounter at the eerie, deserted Swenster mansion, claiming to have seen a ghostly figure digging in the yard. This revelation sets the stage for Madge's ardent curiosity, driving her to investigate further into the mansion's past and the potential existence of hidden treasures linked to the family's tragic history. As Madge immerses herself in uncovering the secrets of the house and the fate of its former occupants, the story teases a blend of youth-driven adventure and the haunting shadows of family legacy.