1. What started you collecting series books?

I was at a local antique mall when I saw a few dust jacketed versions of the Hardy Boys books. I had never seen these before so I was intrigued by them and bought all five of them for $8.00 each. I re-read the stories, which I hadn't done in years, and was hooked all over again. Since I preferred this new discovery of older dust jacketed books over the blue spines from my childhood, I started filling in the rest of the collection from eBay.

2. How many series books do you own? Of those, how many are Nancy Drew books?

I own between 700 and 800 series books. I only have the first 30 Nancy Drews. They are of the white spine DJ variety as far as they go, the first 22, and then 23 through 30 are in the wrap DJs. 3. Tell is briefly about your friendship with the original Carolyn Keene, Mildred Wirt Benson.

I feel privileged that Millie was gracious enough to receive me for several visits. She always struck me as being kind, down to earth, and always willing to share stories of her past. She had her cantankerous moments, but those were short lived and few & far between. I could sit at her desk with her all day, but felt gratitude when she would give an hour or even a half hour of her time. It was always a pleasure to visit with her.

4. How many of Mildred's books do you own and which one is your favorite?

I'm pleased to say that I own all 136 of the books Millie wrote, of which I've read about 80. My favorite? Hmmmm….. I guess that would have to be Carolina Castle, as difficult as it is to pick one favorite. I've noticed that, just by chance, the more expensive books are among my overall favorites. Pirate Brig, Linda, all of the Mystery Stories for Girls series, Ruth Darrow, Flash Evans, and the Trailer Stories.

5. Describe Nancy Drew in 5 words or less.

Crafty, clever, kind, concerned, and of course, plucky.

6. What is the one book or collectible you would love to add to your collection?

A hardbound copy of Quarry Ghost. Mine is a paperback.

7. Describe your best Sleuth moment.

I guess that would have to be the time I caught an eBay seller shill bidding on his own items. It took some checking on his auctions and his bidder lists, but it proved to be true. I was attempting to buy some of Millie's Honey Bunch stories at the time.

8. What does the 75th anniversary of Nancy Drew mean to you?

In honor of Nancy Drew's 75th anniversary and Millie's 100th birthday, I will be loaning the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library my entire collection of books Millie wrote, to be put on display. The library will have a birthday cake and a "Clue" style game/mystery for the kids to solve. I only wish Millie was still alive to celebrate it with us.

9. What is your favorite series outside of Nancy Drew?

That would have to be Millie's Mystery Stories for Girls series.

10. How do you value your collection?

I don't really think about the value. When I was assembling my collection I paid what I felt I could for the rarer titles, which means that sometimes I passed over certain books in order to wait for a better deal. As for what the collection might be worth now, prices are in a constant state of flux, so I guess I'll find out if and when I sell them.

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