The inventory list for Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion is below. It shows the item, where to find it, and how it can be used in the game. There are some spoilers on this page, including how to locate the treasure. Some spoilers are hidden in white text in between brackets [like this], which you can highlight the space to reveal the words.
This inventory list is roughly in the order you acquire them, so be careful scrolling too far down or you may see some spoilers!
Quick List:
(Clicking on one of the links will drop you down to that section of the page.)
- Modern Key for Suitcase
- Paint scraper
- Short key for attic desk
- Gold ornate key for attic
- Screwdriver
- Fireplace tile 1
- Fireplace tile 2
- Fireplace tile 3
- Iron
- Crowbar
- Lantern
- Spider pendant
- Fire extinguisher
- Cassette tape
- Torn music sheet
- Gold pendant
- Red ruby
Modern Key for Suitcase
The player starts out in Nancy’s room with this modern key. It is only used for opening the suitcase, also located in the bedroom.
Paint Scraper
After you talk to Rose and complete the wood inlay puzzle, you will need to find the paint scraper. It is located in the grand foyer, under the scaffolding on the floor, behind the paint tray. It has a few uses: to scrape the ceiling, and to use on Nancy’s bed post. Click here to see the activity/puzzle page.
Short key for attic desk
If you have the paint scraper, you can leverage it on Nancy’s bed post. Opening the spindle will reveal a hidden short, gold, key. This can only be used on the desk in the attic. Click here to see the puzzle page for this activity.
Gold ornate key for attic
If you change the in-game clock to anytime other than 8am-5pm (when Charlie is gone), you can snoop the basement where Charlie works. Over in the cash register is the gold ornate key to the attic door. Click here to see the puzzle page for this.
Screwdriver
If you change the in-game clock to anytime other than 8am-5pm (when Charlie is gone), you can snoop the basement where Charlie works. Over in his tool box, you will be able to take a screwdriver. The screwdriver is used on the vent grate in the upstairs hall.
Fireplace tile 1
The fireplace in the library is missing three tiles from the mantle. The first tile is located behind some books in the library on one of the shelves. It fits in the furthest left position on the fireplace mantle. Click here to see the puzzle page for this.
Fireplace tile 2
The second tile is located in the attic on a wood barrel with bottles. It is placed in the center position on the fireplace mantle.
Fireplace tile 3
The third tile is located in the dumbwaiter. It is placed in the second position on the fireplace mantle. Once all three tiles are placed in the mantle, you can pull the lever with the phoenix head. Click here to see the answer to solving this puzzle.
Iron
The iron is found in the attic. It is only used on the dumbwaiter rope. From the first floor, open the dumbwaiter door. Use the iron on the cut rope to weigh down and pull the dumbwaiter down to the second floor. Click here to see the puzzle page for this.
Crowbar
The crowbar is located in the attic in a wooden box. It has multiple uses: to escape the attic by prying open the trap door, and for prying open the fireplace grate in the basement. It is also used in the end-game sequence [in the foyer on the wooden floor design of the phoenix].
Lantern
The lantern is found in the hidden room in the library. It is used in the dark tunnel when you enter the basement fireplace.
Spider Pendant
The spider pendant, or jewelry piece, is found in Abby’s bedroom in her jewelry box. It is only available after the séance scene, and you can only use it on her wardrobe door. You must return the spider to the jewelry box before leaving the bedroom.
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is located in the corner cabinet in the parlor. Nancy will not be able to take it unless there is an actual fire. When the fire occurs, this is the only time the extinguisher is used.
Cassette Tape
The cassette tape is not required to be found to finish the game. It is available to acquire immediately after the séance. It is down in the basement, hidden in the séance table’s compartment. The tape can only be used in a tape player, which is found in Abby’s room.
Torn music sheet
The torn music sheet is found only when you play the correct piano keys in the basement. The notes to play are located in the attic in the desk where the sheet of music is located. Once you open the piano compartment, you will find the lower portion of the torn sheet.
This is only used when you connect it to the full sheet in the desk in the attic. Click here to see the full puzzle solution.
Gold pendant
The gold Chinese pendant is found attached to a letter in a hidden compartment on the banister at the top of the stairs in the foyer. The clue leading to open this compartment is found on the torn music sheet. The pendant is only used on the pyramid in the hidden safe.
Red ruby
The red ruby is found once you open the safe pyramid. It is used once in the end game scenario in [the foyer, placed in the banister phoenix’s eye during the daytime].
