Nancy Drew Sleuths

Nancy Drew 2012 Convention Clues #3

2012-02-12T00:26:00.007-07:00

Gold Canyon Golf Resort

I thought I'd highlight a few photos that I took around the Gold Canyon Golf Resort our "Kachina Resort" setting for our Nancy Drew Convention based on the resort in The Mystery of the Kachina Doll book. Rooms are individual bungalows - "casitas." While you might not have a real Kachina ghost lurking around, you're bound to enjoy the setting of an oasis in the desert with beautiful desert and Superstition Mountain surroundings...

A casita to the left is surrounded by native
brush, trees, and cacti.

Paths snake around the resort to the various
casitas and other buildings. You can hike
or get around by golf cart.

Sleuth Gina on a visit with me last November
while we sleuthed for mystery weekend ideas...

View of a double bed casita

View of a spa double bed casita

Pool Side

Courtyard area opening off of several casitas

Spa casita view

Winding around the resort with the adobe style buildings.

I think the resort setting is going to be a lot of fun for members attending the convention this year!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2012 Convention Clues #2

2012-02-12T00:20:00.002-07:00

I'm pasting a Blog from my past 365 Days of Nancy Drew Blog which was a year long Blog devoted to Nancy Drew. I went through all the classic Nancy Drew books and did mini reviews for discussion. Here's my posting on The Secret at Shadow Ranch/The Secret of Shadow Ranch - our convention will mainly focus on the revised version with the Cowboy Outlaw Dirk Valentine's treasure and the Phantom Horse, but both versions were set in the Phoenix, AZ area at fictional Shadow Ranch several hours from Phoenix in the mountains. Real life settings for such a ranch would be up in the Sedona area or in the Payson/Heber areas which are mountainous and could be the likely real life settings. Enjoy this review:

A missing father, a phantom horse, Zany Shaw's Junk Shop. Let's discuss!

The Secret at Shadow Ranch is another of those stories that when revised, became an all new plot. Both set in the same area--mountains near Phoenix, AZ, but two different mysteries. Both a Western setting but the mystery in the revision fits the theme better.

A Few Fast Facts:

Original Ghostwriter: Mildred A. Wirt Benson

First Cover Art Illustrated By: Russell H. Tandy

Where You Can View the Tandy Painting: The Toledo Public Library

Synopses From My Website:

Original Text:

Nancy, Bess, and George head to Arizona to visit Shadow Ranch along with Alice Regor, a cousin of Bess and George. Alice's father disappeared many years before. The plight of a young child, Lucy, who lives with a very mean woman, Martha Frank, leads Nancy to suspect something is not right. In her search to find out how Lucy came to be with Martha, Nancy solves not one, but two baffling mysteries!

Revised Text:

Nancy, Bess, and George arrive in Phoenix, Arizona, eagerly looking forward to a fun-filled vacation at Shadow Ranch, but abruptly finds themselves involved in a baffling mystery. The ranch is being haunted by a phantom horse and maliciously damaged by an unknown enemy. Local people believe that the ghostly animal is carrying out the curse of Dirk Valentine, the romantic outlaw who was killed many years ago at Shadow Ranch, where he had gone to fulfill a promise to his sweetheart. Nancy suspects that a treasure is hidden by Valentine on the ranch and becomes involved in a dangerous race to find the treasure.

I often hear that people prefer the revision to the original--as to the mystery and plots. The writing style of the original is still tops and character development is much better. But the Cowboy Outlaw mystery in the revision was a lot of fun as well as searching for the treasure using the clues while trying to figure out the phantom horse mystery. The one constant in both was Alice's missing father. I think it tied in better in the revision to the mystery at hand.

I was amused in the revision when Nancy, Bess, and George refresh their lipstick while sitting in their overheated car in the desert in major heat while awaiting rescue.

Original vs. Revised - 5 Interesting Clues:

1. The original involves 1 kidnapping, the revision 2.

2. For fun in the original we have Zany Shaw's Junk Shop, in the revision we have a Phantom Horse!

3. Nancy uses a gun in the original and shoots a lynx.

4. The revision involves a search for Cowboy Outlaw Dirk Valentine's Treasure.

5. Nancy punches villain Zany Shaw in the original version--no punching of any villain in the revision.

3 Mysterious Things About Nancy:

1. Nancy knows her way around a gun.

2. Nancy's chocolate cakes are scrumptious!

3. She's willing to break and enter to gather evidence.

An Important Lesson We Learned From Nancy:

Where there's a hidden treasure and a phantom horse, there's some trickery going on!

Sleuthworthy Rating on a Scale of 1-10:

Original: 7
Revision: 10

I preferred the revision due to the mystery being about a hidden treasure, a Cowboy Outlaw, and a suspicious phantom horse. The mystery focused more on the theme of ranches and the far west which was the main setting. The original mystery was OK, but not as exciting--and the villains getting off so easy in the original was unfortunate.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2012 Convention Clues #1

2012-02-11T01:22:00.010-07:00

CALLING ALL NANCY FANS!

Our March 2012 Nancy Drew Convention is just weeks away and I'm very excited about our week of mystery and fun in sunny Arizona! If you've got the winter blahs, you'll enjoy a nice week-long break here where the weather is much milder and no chance of snow!

I will begin blogging regularly leading up to the convention and have some fun things in store for you and great highlights of our activities. For those of you attending--please bookmark our Blog if you haven't already and check back in regularly! In a couple of weeks we'll be having weekly contests to give away prizes to those who are attending!

Aside from our regular Nancy Drew Convention, we have a sub-convention going on at the same time - Sleuth Con - an all-series book event. Our first time for this type of format, so if you enjoy other series, we'll have some of those being highlighted by members this year.

If you'd like to sport some spiffy convention wear, visit our Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop - with several styles of choose from for Nancy Drew and the all-series theme, you'll find lots of goodies like totes, mugs, tees, and jewelry among lots of other products. There are often coupons for shop purchases so when those are available, I will post them here at the Blog.

For our Nancy Drew theme this year, our main classic book is the classic paperback #62, The Kachina Doll Mystery which was set in the Apache Junction, AZ area. This forms the basis for our setting out in Gold Canyon AZ at he Gold Canyon Golf Resort. In the book, Nancy visits a resort that is being built and getting ready to open so our resort setting was perfect for the theme. In a future Blog post, I'll highlight this book. A secondary theme book is the classic Nancy Drew book #5, The Secret of Shadow Ranch (primarily the revised text cowboy outlaw/treasure version).

Members who attend the weekend portion can take part in our mystery weekend where they'll play detective and try to solve a mystery!

And finally--a fun image of a Cloud Kachina Doll - which was the ghostly Kachina spirit that guided Nancy around in Kachina Doll. There are many sites online where you can purchase Kachina dolls and some local places we'll visit at the convention too.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: Free Ship on $50+ Orders

2012-02-02T00:53:00.004-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop FREE SHIP on $50+ Sale!

WHEN: Sale Runs From Feb. 2 to Feb. 8, 2012

SAVE: FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50+

CODE: VDAYST12

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

2012 Nancy Drew Convention Merchandise

2012-01-26T00:01:00.006-07:00

2012 NANCY DREW CONVENTION
SAMPLE PRODUCTS:

Here's a nice preview of some items you can get at our Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop - many more products in the shop. The following feature some of our 2012 Nancy Drew Convention images. Check out the shop to purchase - save 10% on orders of $40+ through Jan. 28, 2012 using the code SHOPTJ2.

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 10% off $40+ orders!

2012-01-25T13:23:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40+ Sale!

WHEN: Sale Runs From Jan. 25 to Jan. 28, 2012

SAVE: 10% off Orders $40+

CODE: SHOPTJ2

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew & The Sign of the Twisted Candles Play

2012-01-18T13:50:00.001-07:00

NANCY DREW AND THE SIGN
OF THE TWISTED CANDLES
Based on the book by Carolyn Keene,
adapted and directed by Damon Kiely

Nancy Drew must search every corner of a spooky mansion to solve the mystery of a 100-year-old man’s disappearing fortune. Will solving the case jeopardize her friendship with best pals Bess and George? Will the fortune be taken by the bad guys, or will Nancy use her brain power (and some luck) to save the day? Recommended for ages 7 and up, and Nancy Drew fans of all ages!

Attend this play--here are the dates it's running and where it's being held plus ticket prices:

January 14 – February 28, 2012 – at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre: 60 E. Balbo Dr., Chicago, IL 60605

Tickets are $8. Discounted Group Rates are available – call 312 922 0999 or email theatregroupsales@depaul.edu

Learn more at their website!

Here are more images from the play:

All photos courtesy of Johnny Knight!

Jenn:)

November/December 2011 Issue of The Sleuth

2012-01-09T13:16:00.004-07:00

Our November/December 2011 issue of our Nancy Drew and series books zine The Sleuth is available! Preview the issue below and at our website. You can subscribe there, purchase back issues, or send in a printable PDF form from the website to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Back issue special $4.00 ea through Feb. 15, 2012. Not reflected at the website, so send in checks or money orders to the above address or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com or e-mail to request an invoice (sleuths@ndsleuths.com). If in Canada, add 1.00 per issue for additional shipping. If Overseas, add 2.00 per issue for additional shipping.

In This Issue:

The Clue Conundrum: The Karig Nancys Puzzler

Fascinating Fun Facts About Nancy Drew Ghost Walter Karig By Jennifer Fisher

Walter Karig vs. Harriet Stratemeyer Adams By Jennifer Fisher

Arlington National Cemetery—A Series Book Site?? By Amanda Arkebauer

The Nancy Drew Crookbook Part XX By Caroline Stellings

Nancy Drew: A Canadian Perspective – The Long Journey Home Review By Anthony Fournier

Getting to Know Judy Bolton: A First Time Reader’s View – The Mysterious Half Cat By JK

Deconstructing The Digests – Debunking The Misconceptions Surrounding The Nancy Drew Paperbacks #98 – The Haunting of Horse Island By Todd H. Latoski

Nancy Drew Releases

Memoriam: Megan Fleming By Susan O’Brien

The Dean’s List – Things I Learned From Attending Nancy Drew Sleuths Conventions By Dean Burcham

Order Your 2012 Nancy Drew Calendars

The Centerfold Case: The Mike Gauwitz Collection

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – A Crime for Christmas By Michael G. Cornelius

Clues From The Sleuthing Scene

Pop Sleuth…Nancy Drew Sightings

Nancy Drew & The Hidden Staircase Halloween Party By Jennifer Fisher

Nancy Drew Sleuths 2012 Convention/Sleuth Con Info

A Nancy Drew Luncheon By Vicki Broadhurst

Happy Birthday Harriet Stratemeyer Adams

Nancy Drew’s Survival Guide: Sleuth Lesson #32

The Scoop on Upcoming Issues, Clue Conundrum Answers

Classic Nancy Drew Book Illustrations Series #20: The Clue in the Jewel Box

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: $10 off $50+ orders!

2011-12-13T23:57:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $10 off $50+ Sale!

WHEN: Sale Runs From Dec. 13 to Dec 16, 2011

SAVE: $10 off Orders $50+

CODE: FDEC1150

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 10% off $40+ orders!

2011-12-04T23:53:00.007-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40+ Sale!

WHEN: Sale Runs From Dec. 5 to Dec 8, 2011

SAVE: 10% off Orders $40+

CODE: TDEC1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 15% off $45+ orders!

2011-11-28T21:45:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 15% off $45+ Sale!

WHEN: Sale Runs From Nov. 29 to Dec 1, 2011

SAVE: 15% off Orders $45+

CODE: ADEC1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: Free Ship on $40+ Orders

2011-11-27T00:47:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop Free Ship on $40+ Sale!

WHEN: One Day Sale -Starts/Ends Nov. 28, 2011

SAVE: Free Economy Shipping on Orders of $40+

CODE: SHOPNOV28

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2012 Calendars

2011-11-22T01:42:00.005-07:00

2012 Nancy Drew Calendars

In addition to our Russell H. Tandy and Rudy Nappi Nancy Drew book cover calendars (out in 2011) which are available again this year with a 2012 calendar, we have added 2 new styles to the mix (click on images for larger views):

A) Vintage Nancy Drew Mystery Calendar - Features 12 black/white Russell H. Tandy illustrations from the books with accompanying text from the mystery that sets the scene of the illustration. Very "Sleuth Noir." Featuring Nancy Drew in the typical perilous predicaments she often found herself in.

B) Things We've Learned From Nancy Drew - Features 12 classic Nancy Drew black/white illustrations of Nancy and quotes about things we've learned from our favorite intrepid sleuth. In case you ever play Nancy Drew, these might come in handy!

Calendars are $21.99 each plus $5.50 flat rate ship total no matter how many calendars are ordered. That's US shipping. If you're in Canada or overseas, please contact me about shipping rates at nancydrewsleuth@aol.com.

You can purchase them by check or money order to:

Jennifer Fisher
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

You can have me invoice you via Pay Pal or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com.

Or you can purchase at The Sleuth Shop or in our Cafe Press Nancy Drew Shop:

Sleuth Shop

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: $5 off $30+ orders!

2011-11-20T16:29:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $5 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Nov. 22, 2011

SAVE: $5 off orders of $30+

CODE: LNOV1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 15% off $45+ orders!

2011-11-12T12:31:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 15% off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Nov. 13, 2011

SAVE: 15% off orders of $45+

CODE: TNOV1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: $5 off $30+ orders!

2011-11-09T22:47:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop %15 off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Nov. 10, 2011

SAVE: $5 off orders of $30+

CODE: ANOV1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

AZ Sleuths: Nancy Drew Hidden Staircase Halloween Party

2011-10-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

Nancy Drew & The Hidden Staircase
Halloween Party

No one got lost in the secret passageway or tumbled down the hidden staircase, but they did spot a rat or two and an old Sleuth member who wandered down into the depths of Haunted Twin Elms never to be spotted again until now...

A window silhouette of Nancy climbing the stairs and a ghostly creature lurking behind her...

The porch became the hidden passageway with the faux stairs I created with boxes and spray "stone" paint. The walls were covered with a faux stone room roll.

Cobwebs greeted guests as well as a spooky Nancy Drew silhouette lantern--these were hung on either side of the porch. A sign at the top of the stairs warned, "Enter if you dare."

Who is this mysterious Sleuth member wearing one of our PA '08 Nancy Drew convention tees? They're enjoying a glass of wine with their Nancy Drew book, The Witch Tree Symbol.

Mostly black/white decor greeted guests in the parlor of Twin Elms. Paintings were haunted by covers made from vintage Nancy Drew book pages and silhouettes. Nancy Drew silhouette buckets were filled with candy.

The menu included Texas brisket, roasted vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery, onions), salad with all the trimmings, a balsamic vinaigrette and assorted dressings, rolls, cider and tea, assorted wines, plus an assortment of sides and appetizers brought by members. Desserts included Reeses Cookie Cups and Rice Krispy Treats made with candy corn pieces plus cookies.

Sleuths Arlene and Dede pose in the library

Spooky ghostly images great guests in the hall as well as a Nancy Drew Halloween tree with black/white silhouette paper decorations. Goody Bags with the Nancy Drew silhouette were filled with candy and goodies.

Rice Krispy Treats and ghoulish glow in the dark witch fingers beckoned guests as did the Toile style Nancy Drew decoupaged pumpkin I crafted. Eyeball chocolates were yummy. Miss Flora's Brown Owl watched suspiciously...

Nancy Drew haunts this painting...

Sleuths Cheryl and Judy

A reverse silhouette effect in the parlor as the sun is starting to set. A creepy skull adorns a black cake stand.

Edward Stratemeyer haunts this old-fashioned frame

Reese's Cookie Cups garnished with edible bones and skulls adorn this silver 3-tiered stand topped with a couple of small skulls.

Sleuths Beth Marie, Tina, and Gail

Bess gave these her seal of approval!

Sleuths Sherry & Tori

Nancy Drew Goody Bags

Sleuths played a game of bingo involving trivia about members and Nancy Drew trivia. Prizes were given out to the first 3 bingos and then consolation buttons to the rest of the guests.

Who was kidnapped in The Hidden Staircase?

Everyone works out their bingo play in the library

A Nancy Drew lantern glows bright

Sleuths Becky and Carol

Judy and Dede gave me this neat Nancy Drew candle which fit the decor perfectly.

The whole gang!

Gift Exchange Gifts - Members created treat bag/containers with Nancy Drew imagery for the exchange--see images of these below:

Goody bags are handed out to guests as spooky sounds echo from other rooms in the house...

Loot included candy, witch fingers, Halloween pencils, glow in the dark eyeballs and mini Hidden Staircase buttons.

The party was so much fun! Now to treat the kids tonight with lots of loot and fanfare...

Happy Halloween everyone! Make it a spooky one :)

Jenn:)

September/October 2011 Issue of The Sleuth

2011-10-21T21:55:00.002-07:00

Our September/October 2011 issue of our Nancy Drew and series books zine The Sleuth is in the mail! Preview the issue below and at our website. You can subscribe there, purchase back issues, or send in a printable PDF form from the website to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Back issue special $3.00 ea through Nov. 15, 2011. Not reflected at the website, so send in checks or money orders to the above address or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com or e-mail to request an invoice (sleuths@ndsleuths.com).

In This Issue:

Calling All Sleuths: Editor’s Note By Jennifer Fisher

The Clue Conundrum: Ghostly Villains Word Puzzle

That’s No Ghost! Or Phantom… By Jennifer Fisher

The Nancy Drew Crookbook Part XIX By Caroline Stellings

Nancy Drew: A Canadian Perspective – Fashion Victim Review By Anthony Fournier

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – Desert Adventure By Michael G. Cornelius

Nancy Drew Boot Camp By Pamela J. Horack

Deconstructing The Digests – Debunking The Misconceptions Surrounding The Nancy Drew Paperbacks #97 – The Mystery at Magnolia Mansion By Todd H. Latoski

Nancy Drew Releases

BOLO: Book Hunting with Gina By Gina Travis

The Centerfold Case: The Dean Burcham Collection

Getting to Know Judy Bolton: A First Time Reader’s View – The Voice in the Suitcase By JK

Mysterious Madge Sterling Part II By Jennifer Fisher

Clues From The Sleuthing Scene

Pop Sleuth…Nancy Drew Sightings

Nancy Drew in Country Living By Jennifer Fisher

AZ Sleuths’ Book Group Celebrates Nancy Drew in Country Living

Nancy Drew Sleuths 2012 Convention/Sleuth Con Info

More Memories of Nancy Drew By Nancy Axelrad

In Search of Nancy Drew By Nancy Axelrad

Nancy Drew’s Survival Guide: Sleuth Lesson #31

The Scoop on Upcoming Issues, Clue Conundrum Answers

Classic Nancy Drew Book Illustrations Series #19: The Quest of the Missing Map

Enjoy!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 15% off $45+ orders!

2011-10-19T01:26:00.000-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop %15 off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Oct. 20, 2011

SAVE: 15% off orders of $45+

CODE: TOCT1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: $5 off $30+ orders!

2011-10-14T03:17:00.004-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $5 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Oct. 14, 2011

SAVE: $5 off orders of $30+

CODE: SOCT1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 10% off $40+ orders!

2011-10-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Oct. 6, 2011

SAVE: 10% off orders of $40+

CODE: AOCT1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Blog Party Starts Tomorrow!

2011-09-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

Don't forget! The Nancy Drew Blog Party starts at Jenn's Nancy Drew Blog tomorrow and runs through Oct. 31st!

Hope you all have fun and gain a few clues too!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Blog Party - Calling All Sleuths!

2011-09-28T13:18:00.001-07:00

You're Invited to a Spooky Nancy Drew Blog Party!

Calling All Sleuths:

In celebration of Nancy Drew and the Oct. 2011 Country Living Magazine Collecting Nancy Drew article, we're having a spooky Nancy Drew Blog Party in October--all month long at my Nancy Drew Blog!

Featuring contests and giveaways, crafty projects, spooky book discussions, collecting tips, things we've learned from Nancy Drew--anything and everything Nancy Drew. Grab your magnifying glass and hop in your roadster and head over to the Blog for a Sleuth-tacular time!

Blog Party begins Oct. 1st and runs through Oct. 31.

Jenn:)

AZ Sleuths Nancy Drew Book Group: #27 Wooden Lady

2011-09-27T01:29:00.007-07:00

Celebrating Nancy Drew in Country Living Magazine

Our local AZ chapter of the Nancy Drew Sleuths fan group met at the Poisoned Pen bookstore in Scottsdale this past Saturday to discuss Nancy Drew #27 The Secret of the Wooden Lady and celebrate the Nancy Drew article in the October 2011 issue of Country Living!

I was thrilled when they asked me to send off some of my Nancy Drew books and collectibles to be photographed for the piece. I made some cupcake picks with images of the cover of the magazine and the Nancy Drew article pages and brought mini Pumpkin Spice and Cookies and Cream cupcakes to the book group.

Arlene surprised me with a neat pumpkin that Laura had done at Michaels featuring a spooky spider and web and "Nancy Drew." It will be perfect for the big annual Nancy Drew Halloween party I give each year.

Attending this meeting were myself and my mom Linda, Judy, Dede, Arlene, Beth Marie, Tina, Becky, Cheryl, Jackie, Clare, and Carol.

Everyone seemed to agree that this book was more action-packed and fast paced than some of the previous books we've read and they enjoyed that. We also agreed that Bess was a real witch at times to Nancy -- more so than in previous books ;-) And ate and ate like a sailor but so did the other girls! You could definitely tell that there was a new ghostwriter for this book (Margaret Scherf). Both the original 25 chapter version and the revised 20 chapter version were mostly the same story with a few minor differences here and there. Ned Nickerson of course, took one for the team, when he got punched by one of the bad guys while helping Nancy sleuth. Good old Ned! It was a fun mystery set around Boston, and will be our theme for our 2013 Nancy Drew Convention in Boston.

Here are some of the ladies proudly displaying their Nancy Drew books:

Judy and Dede

Arlene and Carol

Tina, Beth Marie, and Jackie

Becky and Cheryl

If you're ever in the Scottsdale area, please think about joining us for our Nancy Drew book group. We meet 6 times per year. Or think about starting up one in your area. Contact us for help in promoting it--see our Book Discussion section of our website for more info.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop Sale: 10% off $40+ orders!

2011-09-18T13:30:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Ends Sept. 19, 2011

SAVE: 10% off orders of $40+

CODE: TSEP1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew in October 2011 Country Living Magazine

2011-09-09T01:49:00.001-07:00

Nancy Drew in October 2011 Country Living!

Calling All Nancy Drew Fans!

My Nancy Drew collection is profiled in the October 2011 issue of Country Living--I'm very excited about this :)

If you've found my Blog via this spooktacular October issue, there's more to come!

Leading up to spooky Halloween we'll be having some fun here at the Blog including:

Vintage Nancy Drew Books
Prize Giveaways
A Nancy Drew Blog Party
Collecting & Selling Tips
Highlights of What's at eBay
Nancy Drew Halloween Party Planning
Things We've Learned from Nancy Drew
Book Reviews
Polls
Nancy Drew Convention Highlights
Nancy Drew Sleuths Fan Group Info
Nancy Drew Books & Collectibles
Nancy Drew's Mysterious History
& Many More Mysterious Things!

More Clues Coming Soon...

Jenn:)

July/August 2011 Issue of The Sleuth

2011-08-25T13:31:00.005-07:00

Our July/August 2011 issue of our Nancy Drew and series books zine The Sleuth is in the mail! Preview the issue below and at our website. You can subscribe there, purchase back issues, or send in a printable PDF form from the website to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Back issue special $3.00 ea through Sept. 15, 2011. Not reflected at the website, so send in checks or money orders to the above address or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com or e-mail to request an invoice (sleuths@ndsleuths.com).

In This Issue:

Calling All Sleuths: Editor’s Note By Jennifer Fisher

The Clue Conundrum: Sister Sleuths Match Game

Three Thrilling Series By Jennifer White

The Nancy Drew Crookbook Part XVIII By Caroline Stellings

Nancy Drew: A Canadian Perspective – Who’s Hot, Who’s Not Review By Anthony Fournier

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – The Clue of the Black Keys By Michael G. Cornelius

Nancy Drew Releases

Deconstructing The Digests – Debunking The Misconceptions Surrounding The Nancy Drew Paperbacks #96 – The Case of the Photo Finish By Todd H. Latoski

Getting to Know Mildred Wirt Benson: A First Time Reader’s View – Through The Moon-Gate Door By JK

The Centerfold Case: The William Land Collection

Reflections on The Clue in the Old Album and a Bit More About Gypsies By Katherine Reynolds

What’s In A Name? Alternate Titles For The First Nancy Drew Paperbacks By Todd H. Latoski

Pop Sleuth…Nancy Drew Sightings

The Dean’s List – Sister Sleuths (and Sisters of Sleuths) By Dean Burcham

Sleuthing Outside the Box for Series Books By Jim McNamara

Clues From The Sleuthing Scene

Mysterious Madge Sterling Part I By Jennifer Fisher

2012 Nancy Drew & Sleuth Con Conventions

Nancy Drew’s Survival Guide: Sleuth Lesson #30

The Scoop on Upcoming Issues, Clue Conundrum Answers

Classic Nancy Drew Book Illustrations Series #18: The Mystery of the Moss-Covered Mansion

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Aug. 4-5 $3 off $30+

2011-08-05T01:11:00.001-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Aug. 4 - Aug. 5, 2011

SAVE: $3 off orders of $30+

CODE: AAUG1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

AZ Sleuths Book Discussion Group: Leaning Chimney

2011-07-25T21:01:00.012-07:00

Our AZ Sleuths book discussion group met at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale in March for our book discussion on the classic Nancy Drew book #26, The Clue of the Leaning Chimney.

The ladies surprised me with a birthday cake and goodies--it was a nice surprise! Sleuth Dede also shares the same birthday as me (July 31) so I wish her a Happy Birthday as well!

Check out the little matchbox Nancy Drew goody I got:

We enjoyed this book and it's unusual mystery. Everyone could tell a new ghost was writing this Nancy Drew book - George Waller Jr. The revision was pretty much the same as the original, just a bit shorter in parts.

Attending were myself and my mom Linda, Judy, Dede, Gail, Arlene, Melanie, Jackie, Cheryl, Beth Marie, Tina, and Sherry.

Judy and Dede brought their Nancy Drew convention scrapbooks and here are some pages from those:

At our May book group meeting I handed out everyone a Nancy Drew bookbag from the pocketbook mysteries set that I had on hand. I have a huge bag of these with various flaws that keep me from selling them. But they're perfect for a Nancy Drew bag craft activity! We'll be doing one of these at our 12th annual Nancy Drew convention in Phoenix, March 12th! They're very easy to do and embellish and one can be done in about an hour or hour and a half which is perfect for a craft session.

Here's a sample of original bag and finished altered art bag that my mom and I did:

Scrap cardstock was glued onto the bag front and back including the spine using a glue stick. Ribbon was added around the edges using a hot glue gun. Beads were sewn onto the purple ribbon attached inside and also magnifying glass charms. Vintage yellow spine picture covers which had been cut off of books were attached front and back--see above and below:

This bag was created using the actual spines from yellow spine picture covers that were cut up to make spiral bound journals. They needed a new home and were an interesting item to work with for this purse:

Ribbon was used to embellish as was the 1" mini buttons we sell in our Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop--these buttons ran from front onto the spine and back cover in a line.

Here's everyone with their bags from the exchange--you can see how everyone embellished what existed on the bags with glitter, ribbons, buttons, and charms as well as glued on cutouts:

We had a great July book club meeting and will meet up again in September and then again in October for my spooky Nancy Drew Halloween party!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Jul. 12-14 $3 off $30+

2011-07-11T14:35:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Jul. 12 - Jul. 14, 2011

SAVE: $3 off orders of $30+

CODE: SJUL1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Paper Dolls Pre-Order

2011-06-27T15:40:00.003-07:00

Pre-Order Nancy Drew Paper Dolls

We are now taking pre-orders for the Nancy Drew Paper Dolls coming out this fall! See a preview of the cover and some sample pages inside below. Sets are $12.00 each.

You may pre-order them at our Sleuth Shop:

www.nancydrewsleuth.com/partyandgifts.html

These feature 3 dolls and outfits from the 1930s through 1950s based on the classic Nancy Drew books. I've seen the proofs and they are so neat! Artist Darlene Jones did a great job bringing Nancy Drew and her fabulous frocks to life. I've been invited to write a special essay on Nancy Drew that will be published in the back of the paper doll book, so am excited to help out with these paper dolls!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Necklaces

2011-06-26T21:16:00.006-07:00

Nancy Drew Necklaces

New Nancy Drew necklaces in our Sleuth Shop. You can also get these in our Cafe Press Nancy Drew Shop.

View them at the website here.

"They're just dreamy!" -Bess Marvin

We also have earrings and other styles of necklaces - oval and heart shapes too at Cafe Press.

Jenn:)

May/June 2011 Issue of The Sleuth

2011-06-20T13:16:00.002-07:00

Our May/June 2011 issue of The Sleuth is in the mail! Preview the issue below and at our website. You can subscribe there, purchase back issues, or send in a printable PDF form from the website to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Back issue special $3.00 ea through July. 15, 2011. Not reflected at the website, so send in checks or money orders to the above address or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com or e-mail to request an invoice (sleuths@ndsleuths.com).

In This Issue:

Calling All Sleuths: Editor’s Note By Jennifer Fisher

The Clue Conundrum: Castle Match Game

Creepy Castle Cliffhangers By Jennifer Fisher

The Other Nancy Drew By Janet DeVries

The Nancy Drew Crookbook Part XVII By Caroline Stellings

Nancy Drew: A Canadian Perspective – Photo Finish Review By Anthony Fournier

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – Princess Mix-Up Mystery By Michael G. Cornelius

Getting to Know Judy Bolton: A First Time Reader’s View – The Mystic Ball By JK

The Dean’s List – Nancy Drew: Close Encounters By Dean Burcham

The Centerfold Case: The Meredith Jaffe Collection

Nancy Drew Releases

Series Spotlight: Dorothy Dale – The Stratemeyer Syndicate’s First Girls’ Series By Dawn Allen

Deconstructing The Digests – Debunking The Misconceptions Surrounding The Nancy Drew Paperbacks #95 – The Silent Suspect By Todd H. Latoski

Nancy Drew By Luisa Kay Reyes

Reflections on The Clue in the Old Album and a Bit More About Gypsies – Part I by Katherine Reynolds

Clues From The Sleuthing Scene

Mystery Man By Janet DeVries

Pop Sleuth…Nancy Drew Sightings

Riddle in the Rare Book? …How Sleuths Mark Their Treasures

2012 Nancy Drew & Sleuth Con Conventions

Nancy Drew’s Survival Guide: Sleuth Lesson #29

The Scoop on Upcoming Issues, Clue Conundrum Answers

Classic Nancy Drew Book Illustrations Series #17: The Mystery of the Brass-Bound Trunk

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Roadster Bling at Cafe Press

2011-06-10T22:46:00.002-07:00

Roadster Bling

Need something spiffy for your mystery machines? We've now got several styles of license plate frames, bumper stickers, and aluminum key chains in our Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop.

Team Nancy Bumper Sticker
Aluminum Key Chain
I love Nancy Drew Bumper Sticker

Visit the shop for more goodies.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Jun. 7-9 15% off $45+

2011-06-08T13:30:00.001-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 15% off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Jun. 7 - Jun. 9, 2011

SAVE: 15% off orders of $45+

CODE: SJUN1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Jun. 2-3 $3 off $30+

2011-06-02T10:31:00.004-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3.00 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Jun. 2 - Jun. 3, 2011

SAVE: $3 off orders of $30+

CODE: AJUN1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

AZ Sleuths Book Discussion Group: Old Album & Blackwood Hall

2011-05-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Our AZ Sleuths book discussion group met at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale in May for our book discussion on the classic Nancy Drew books #24, The Clue in the Old Album and #25 The Ghost of Blackwood Hall. Overall they were both enjoyable reads for everyone. I think some members loved Old Album for the dolls and others liked the spookier setting of Blackwood Hall.

Attending were myself and my mom, Judy, Dede, Melanie, Arlene, Jackie, Becky, and Cheryl.

Jenn:)

2011 Nancy Drew Sleuths Convention Wrap Up Part 4

2011-05-26T11:05:00.006-07:00

At 7:30, Nancy Drew Sleuths met for our mystery dinner banquet with a planned Clue game that never was completed (It was Professor Plum in the Kitchen with the Knife!), a costume contest, and our Nancy Drew gift exchange.

Nancy Drew Gift Exchange Clue Game

Gifts included Nancy Drew Clue games, framed prints, jewelry, and decoupaged items. The theme was 1950s and peacocks, so we had an array of 50s gals and gents and lots of peacock ladies plus other Nancy Drew characters lurking about.

Sleuth Dean made quite an entrance with envelopes flying as Mr. Ritter from The Hidden Window.

Peacock Ladies

Sleuth Alexa brought everyone the cutest peacock keychains too! We even managed to set a tablecloth briefly on fire…

Gift Exchange Goodies

The following morning, some had breakfast and gathered for goodbyes before we headed off for other adventures... Until 2012, Happy Sleuthing!

Jenn:)

2011 Nancy Drew Sleuths Convention Wrap Up Part 3

2011-05-26T10:59:00.003-07:00

Our Nancy Drew convention day began with an hour of browsing and raffle ticket contemplation. We had an array of Sleuth merchandise, vintage books, and some Nancy Drew original art on display by Sleuth Jim. We began the day with Elizabeth Milias talking about Collecting Nancy, Lisa Kwong read some of her Nancy Drew poetry, and Michael G. Cornelius spoke about Vicki Barr and then made us laugh about the Crazy Eights from Hidden Window.

After a lunch break, we were treated with presentations from local author Meredith Cole who was inspired by Nancy Drew, I spoke about mysteries and hauntings behind the scenes of Nancy Drew, and Laurie Clarke talked about her experience with Antiques Roadshow in which her collection nearly made it on the show!

The Carolina Sleuths put together a neat toast to Nancy’s talents that was a hoot! Dean Burcham showed us an amazing array of books he’s found at antique malls over the years—were can I find these antique malls! Lea S. Fox, Carol Dierksen, Janet DeVries, and Meredith Jaffe were on a panel about Nancy Drew as a “Cosmo Girl” which was a response to the Bouchercon mystery convention’s panel that suggested that she was in October 2010.

Throughout the day we gave away prizes in the raffle like the 80th Anniversary Hidden Staircase Standup, signed Nancy Drew books, puzzles, and handcrafted Nancy Drew items.

To Be Continued...

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale May. 24-26 - $3 off $30+

2011-05-24T10:42:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop %10 off $40.00+ Sale!

WHEN: May 24 - May 26, 2011

SAVE: 10% off orders of $40+

CODE: FMAY1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

2011 Nancy Drew Sleuths Convention Wrap Up Part 2

2011-05-23T13:29:00.006-07:00

Friday, April 1: Downtown Charlottesville & Library Event

We began the day at the downtown Charlottesville library which would be the recipient of our charity raffle donation. We put on a Nancy Drew event and I spoke about Nancy Drew in a brief 101 introduction with some information for first time collectors and newbies to get them started on the basics all about Nancy Drew and her world and some history about the series and its creators. Then we had a treat with ghostwriter Alison Hart, who spoke about her writing and ghosting of Nancy Drew books—the process was very interesting!

She graciously signed our books and sold some of hers as well.

Everyone had plenty of free time the rest of the day outside schedule events like our stained-glass craft at The Glass Palette and our evening ghost tour.

The glass craft was so much fun and several Sleuths created peacocks. I tried my hand with a pendant and made a stick figure Nancy silhouette.

The weather was pretty chilly but the wind died down by the evening ghost tour. Both tours got to see how Frank Hardy turned out—he’s now a realtor!

And on my tour, while at the home of a famous local murder, the street lights mysteriously turned on and off. Spooky!

To Be Continued...

Jenn:)

2011 Nancy Drew Sleuths Convention Wrap Up Part 1

2011-05-19T13:31:00.005-07:00

Nancy Drew Sleuths
& The Hidden Window
Mystery: Convention Report

A missing stained-glass window? Why, it must be in Charlottesville! And so the Nancy Drew Sleuths convened in Charlottesville, VA for their 11th annual convention from March 30 – April 3rd. They searched high and low for stained-glass windows, peacocks, and even a ghost or two. Did they solve any mysteries? Would they battle rain and snow? Read on for a few clues to this puzzler…

Wednesday, March 30: Meet & Greet

With nearly 70 goody bags to be “found” in my hotel room later that evening, I headed down to the hotel’s dining room for our meet and greet dinner at 7:30pm. Sleuths had begun arriving and I greeted them with welcome packets and everyone began taking their seats at tables for the dinner.

Following dinner, we began several meet and greet games designed by some our Sleuth Chum Ambassadors. Sleuth Amanda put together a great Bingo game that got everyone in the spirit. We gave away some prizes and then Gina, Mary, and Kelly started an internals game that had everyone having to go around and pair up with all the matching internal illustrations from a classic Nancy Drew book. Once matched, they got a clue to go find their goody bags. The answer to the code was my hotel room number. Clever!

Peacock printed goody bags included Girl Detective books from Simon & Schuster, notepads from Chronicle Books, 20% off cards from Out of Print Clothing, mini Hidden Window books by Lorraine Rogers, a peacock feather, a peacock charm, and a guide to sleuthing in Charlottesville based on Nancy’s adventure there.

Thursday, March 31: Historic Sites

Bright and early, we headed off on our bus to visit some sights that Nancy and her chums visited in The Hidden Window Mystery. First stop was Monticello, home of President Thomas Jefferson. It was a sight to behold and the setting was so apropos—very foggy and spooky. While we didn’t find any old secret passageways, there were some dumbwaiters—for wine! And the bed that Bess marveled at set between two rooms was an interesting conversation piece. We went through the home in two tours and then had some time to visit the grounds, see the gardens, and even the gravesite of Jefferson. Of course, it wouldn’t be a tour without a visit to the gift shop for souvenirs, just like Nancy! One interesting find was a clever coded wheel replica that Jefferson invented to use for sending codes during the Revolutionary War.

Our second stop was Michie Tavern, an old-time tavern where we had a delicious fried chicken lunch with all the trimmings and then toured the place. Sleuths even got a dance lesson! Video of the dancing can be seen at our Facebook page.

Our third stop took us to nearby Ash Lawn-Highland, the home of President James Monroe and what a treat—we were greeted by Monroe himself who gave a grand talk to our group before we toured the home and then the grounds. While touring the grounds, we got to see the peacocks kept at Ash Lawn-Highland. Sleuth Lea had put together a neat booklet about all the places that Nancy visits in the book that we could follow along with as we toured. There was also a clues hunt too. The gift show was overflowing with peacock items and the line to check out was impressive! Also found were old tea bricks—the kind they actually threw overboard at the Boston Party—loose tea leaves were too expensive back then!

After Monroe’s, we visited Seven Oaks—now on the market but owned by the manager of the Dave Matthews band. The Realtor, Ross Stevens, met us there and gave us a great tour and historical background on the property and nearby Mirador which was the inspiration for Cumberland Manor in the book. Dinner was at a nearby buffet to our hotel and then we met up back at the hotel for some activities and book selling and swapping.

To Be Continued...

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale May. 10-12 - $3 off $30+

2011-05-11T11:38:00.001-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: May 10 - May 12, 2011

SAVE: $3 off orders of $30+

CODE: SMAY1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

AZ Sleuths Book Discussion Group:Crumbling Wall & Tolling Bell

2011-05-05T01:57:00.004-07:00

Our AZ Sleuths book discussion group met at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale in March for our book discussion on the classic Nancy Drew books #22, The Clue in the Crumbling Wall and #23 The Mystery of the Tolling Bell. They were both stories that members liked reading--but we all noticed that Tolling Bell was a bit off in the writing as compared to volumes right before by ghostwriter Mildred Wirt Benson. Most everyone still enjoyed it, though, and we also excitedly talked about a Maine convention with this as the theme book for one of our future Nancy Drew Conventions--probably circa 2016 or 2017.

Attending were myself and my mom, Judy, Dede, Melanie, Arlene, Laura, Jackie, Becky, Cheryl, Beth Marie, Sonia, Clare Marie and a flight attendant who happened to see that we were meeting and joined us for the day.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale May. 5-6 - 10% off $40+

2011-05-05T01:53:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40.00+ Sale!

WHEN: May 5 - May 6, 2011

SAVE: 10% off orders of $40+

CODE: AMAY1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

2011 Nancy Drew Web Con 2 Booklet

2011-04-29T21:13:00.004-07:00

Our Nancy Drew Web Con 2 booklet (put together in the style of The Sleuth) has gone to print and features the presentations from the online Web Con along with commentary from those who attended online.

Contents:

Nancy Drew Web Con 2 Intro By Jennifer Fisher

More Memories of Nancy Drew By Nancy Axelrad

Nancy Drew on the Small Screen - A Look at Nancy Drew in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries By Todd H. Latoski

Sleuthing For Love By Lisa Kwong

Nancy Drew’s “Meta” Moments By Michael G. Cornelius

Collecting Library Editions By Jennifer White

How to Tell if Someone is Lying By Penny Warner

In Search of Nancy Drew By Nancy Axelrad

The Stratemeyer Syndicate Files: Harriet’s Travels By Jennifer Fisher

A Nancy Drew Sleuths’ Interview About My Grandfather, Russell H. Tandy, Illustrator By Pamela Tandy and Jennifer Fisher

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – The Haunted Bridge By Michael G. Cornelius

Nancy Drew Russell H. Tandy Illustrations By Bill Brodecky Moore

If you'd like a copy of the Web Con 2 Booklet, they're $10.00 including postage. Checks can be sent to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Or Pay Pal to: sleuths@ndsleuths.com

Jenn:)

March/April 2011 Issue of The Sleuth

2011-04-24T15:36:00.004-07:00

Our March/April 2011 issue of The Sleuth will go into the mail on Monday! Preview the issue below and at our website. You can subscribe there, purchase back issues, or send in a printable PDF form from the website to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Back issue special $3.00 ea through May. 15, 2011. Not reflected at the website, so send in checks or money orders to the above address or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com or e-mail to request an invoice (sleuths@ndsleuths.com).

In This Issue:

Calling All Sleuths: Editor’s Note By Jennifer Fisher

The Clue Conundrum: The Hidden Window Mystery Quiz By Kathy Ursich

Nancy Drew Sleuths & The Hidden Window Mystery – Convention Report By Jennifer Fisher

The Nancy Drew Crookbook Part XVI By Caroline Stellings

Nancy Drew First Printing Auctions Part III By Jennifer White

The Dean’s List – Nancy Tech

She’s Got Game: Sports in Girls’ Series By Dawn Allen

Nancy Drew: A Canadian Perspective – The Stranger By The Road Review By Anthony Fournier
Phantom Friends 2011 Convention Details

The Centerfold Case: The Todd H. Latoski Collection

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – The Hidden Window Mystery By Michael G. Cornelius

My Trip TO Mirror Bay By Lea Shangraw Fox

Deconstructing The Digests – Debunking The Misconceptions Surrounding The Nancy Drew Paperbacks #94 – The Picture Perfect Mystery By Todd H. Latoski

All The Gossip That’s Fit To Print: Sleuths Chat About The Sleuth Convention

Clues From The Sleuthing Scene

Nancy Drew News

11 Years of Following in Nancy Drew’s Footsteps

Nancy Drew’s Survival Guide: Sleuth Lesson #28

The Scoop on Upcoming Issues, Clue Conundrum Answers

Sleuth Con 2012: All Series Convention Details

Classic Nancy Drew Book Illustrations Series #16: The Clue of the Tapping Heels

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Apr. 21-27 - $3 off $30+

2011-04-22T21:04:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3.00 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Apr. 21 - Apr. 27, 2011

SAVE: $3.00 off orders of $30+

CODE: TAPR1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Apr. 12th-14th - 10% off $40+

2011-04-13T11:10:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Apr. 12 - Apr. 14, 2011

SAVE: 10% off orders of $40+

CODE: SAPR1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Apr. 7th-8th - 15% off $45+

2011-04-06T21:36:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 15% off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Apr. 7 - Apr. 8, 2011

SAVE: 15% off orders of $45+

CODE: AAPR1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #46

2011-03-27T11:05:00.002-07:00

Win Nancy Drew Theme Prizes!

Our last prize winner for week four here at the Blog is...

Last Week's Prize Winner: Janet

Prize: Peacock Earrings

See you all very soon in Charlottesville for the Nancy Drew Convention!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #45

2011-03-21T18:57:00.006-07:00

Random Clues

OK, so I had these random peacock images in my folder--some sent to me by LuAnn, others I found sleuthing around online. One last Convention Clues Blog Finale!

Anthropologie Box

Old-Fashion Peacock Skirt

Peacock Clock

Stained-Glass Peacock Lamp

Anthropologie Peacock Skirt

Tiffany Style Peacock Lamp

Peacock Barbie!

Peacock Figurine

Faux Stained-Glass Lego Piece featuring a Knight

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #44

2011-03-21T18:52:00.003-07:00

Convention Scrapbookers!

If you're planning on doing some scrapbooking or creating crafty things related to our convention and its peacock theme, here's some images I found on the internet you can grab and use (click on them for larger images):
Clever Scrap to cut out!

This one would make a cute sticker:
This one could be blown up to make scrapbook papers out of:

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #43

2011-03-21T18:47:00.005-07:00

Peacock Bling!

Some last minute accessory ideas for the Nancy Drew convention set in Charlottesville, VA next week: peacock bling. Check out some of the earrings and rings I've found online in searches:

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #42

2011-03-21T18:33:00.004-07:00

Win Nancy Drew Theme Prizes!

I'm going to be giving away a prize a week here at the Blog leading up to the convention--there are 4 weeks so there will be 4 prizes. We are now at prize week #4 (see below for winner to week 3's prize) This week's prize is a pair of Peacock earrings from Forever 21--I've replaced the earring hooks with sterling silver ones!

To win this prize, you must comment on this week's convention clues Blogs. All those who comment (include your full name when commenting) will be entered into the drawing. Prizes will be given out at the convention. (To comment, click on "- comments" below this posting or any other Clues posting--a form will come up which you'll type in your comment and id yourself and then submit.)

These weekly prize drawings are only open to those attending the Charlottesville, VA convention!

Also, anyone who follows in LuAnn/Elizabeth/AB/Dawn/Janet/Lisa/Dede/Amanda/Shelli/Jane/Dean and Gina's footsteps and shares a photo of you and/or your collection and a brief bio and your collecting info, will also be entered to win that week's prize.

Last Week's Prize Winner: LuAnn

Prize: Peacock Ring:

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #41

2011-03-18T13:57:00.002-07:00

Meet Gina!

Hi Fellow Sleuths! I am Gina Travis from the great state of Iowa (where Mildred Wirt was from)! I absolutely love having fun with Nancy Drew! Of course I collect Nancy Drew books but also other books written by Mildred Wirt. Besides books, I have the Nancy Drew diary, lunchbox, a few lobby cards, coloring books, puzzle books, jigsaw puzzle, display poster and other interesting items. I also have lots of fun making Nancy Drew projects! I especially like making shadow boxes of various books, cross-stitch items, tiles, and altered jewelry. I have a small blue bathroom with 2 framed glossies on the wall but I am in the process of applying scans of the multi-pic blue endpapers, each roughly 5x7, on the wall. I’ll post a picture when it’s done! My husband even used one of my Nancy metal bookends (they can be found at the Sleuth Shop) and attached it to our mailbox! Growing up, I played Nancy Drew with my sister creating treasure maps and hiding a “treasure”. As an adult, I taught Braille for 10 years and thank Nancy for teaching me how to decode secret messages!

I will see you at the convention despite the telegram warning me not to come!

Gina

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #40

2011-03-17T20:19:00.004-07:00

Peacock Dandy!

More peacock inspired fashion for the Nancy Drew convention in Charlottesville, VA! Someone online put together the above ensemble of fashion accessories.

Peacock Nails

Peacock Headband
Peacock Mask

Peacock inspired makeup

Still needing ideas for the mystery dinner? Check out this Clues Blog posting for some accessorizing tips.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #39

2011-03-17T20:16:00.003-07:00

Peacocks Galore!

LuAnn and I were doing some peacock searching and we found some more decorating gems :)

Peacock Blanket
Peacock Box
Peacock Umbrella

Peacock Folding Screen

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #38

2011-03-17T20:09:00.005-07:00

Meet Dean!

I've been reading series books nearly 50 years, and collecting for over 35. When I went into High School, I donated half my Hardy Boys books to the school library, the other half to the city library, and almost immediately regretted it. When I graduated, I started looking for the original Hardy Boys books in dust jackets and started haunting all the used book stores in southern Illinois and St. Louis. I started out just looking for jacketed HB books, but found a lot of other series at very low prices and started gathering them as well. Eventually, I started gathering the picture cover Hardys, then paperbacks, then a few foreign editions, . . . . .

I now have right at 700 Hardy Boys books, with examples in 18 languages and even one in Braille. . Other series and old kid's books number around 800, including about 200 Nancy Drew and Dana Girls.

I write the Dean's List for The Sleuth.

Dean

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Mar 15-17 15% off $45+

2011-03-14T14:50:00.004-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 15% off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Mar. 15 - Mar. 17, 2011

SAVE:15% off orders of $45+

CODE: TMAR1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Be sure you're ordering from the shop page only--marketplace orders do not count for this promotion, so if you're at the main website and/or using search boxes to add items to your cart, those are considered marketplace items. You must order from the Nancy Drew shop page itself. If you have any trouble with the code--contact Cafe Press customer support (there's a phone number you can call right away) and they can help you with it.

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #37

2011-03-14T12:05:00.005-07:00

Meet Shelli and Jane!

My mom, Jane, grew up in Speedway, Indiana. As a young girl, she frequently read Nancy Drew books (w/o dust jackets..in fact, she didn't even know that they books had covers until later) and traded them with friends. While attending IU, she and some friends re-read some of the books again for fun. She loved the settings of the books as well as the adventures of Nancy, Bess and George.

I spent most of my childhood in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA. Around age 8 or 9, an older neighbor gave me her Nancy Drew books - Volumes 1 and 2. Once I started reading the books, I was hooked. I still have the two books that got me started on Nancy. I loved reading so much that I turned my walk-in closet into a library, aptly titled "Shelli's Public Library"...in fact, most of my childhood books have SPL stamped in them. I was a library aide in elementary school. Mrs. Martin, the librarian, encouraged me to never stop reading. I remember reading almost every Nancy Drew book in the library. After reading most of the original 56 books, I got into the Nancy Drew Files as a teenager. Something inside of me would never let me get rid of my ND books. I am so happy that I've kept them over the years. My collection has now grown to over 400 books as well as memorabilia.

In July of 2007, Mom and I went to a local bookstore to meet ND artist Rudy Nappi. That event lead to the formation of the Carolina Sleuths club. It is fun to talk "Nancy" with other fans. To this day, Mom and I always take a few ND books on our travels so that we will have pictures reading them in different cities.

This will be the first convention for us. This past fall, I was part of the panel that spoke on "The Mysterious Allure of Nancy Drew" to help launch the Girls Studies minor in the Women's Studies program at ASU.

Shelli and Jane

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #36

2011-03-14T11:52:00.005-07:00

Win Nancy Drew Theme Prizes!

I'm going to be giving away a prize a week here at the Blog leading up to the convention--there are 4 weeks so there will be 4 prizes. We are now at prize week #3 (see below for winner to week 2's prize) This week's prize is a cute Peacock cocktail ring--stretchy band for most sizes from Charming Charlies.

To win this prize, you must comment on this week's convention clues Blogs. I've posted 2 so far and there will be more later in the week. All those who comment (include your full name when commenting) will be entered into the drawing. Prizes will be given out at the convention. (To comment, click on "- comments" below this posting or any other Clues posting--a form will come up which you'll type in your comment and id yourself and then submit.)

These weekly prize drawings are only open to those attending the Charlottesville, VA convention!

Also, anyone who follows in LuAnn/Elizabeth/AB/Dawn/Janet/Lisa/Dede/Amanda'/Shelli/Jane's footsteps and shares a photo of you and/or your collection and a brief bio and your collecting info, will also be entered to win that week's prize.

Last Week's Prize Winner: Shelli

Prize: 1950s Nancy Drew Clutch Bag:

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #35

2011-03-11T12:38:00.005-07:00

Nancy Drew Sleuths on Ghost Tour

Nancy Drew Sleuths members will be going on a ghost tour during our Nancy Drew convention in Charlottesville, VA. It starts out in the downtown Charlottesville area and is described as:

You don’t have to believe in ghosts to enjoy this walking tour. Hear about reported ghost sightings. Walk in the fatal footsteps of Sam McCue, Charlottesville’s former mayor and prominent lawyer, and his wife, Fannie. Hear the witness testimonies. See where it all happened. Decide for yourself who is guilty of this famous 1904 murder.

The tour is a gentle two-hour stroll and covers approximately 1 mile over mostly flat terrain. We alternate walking and talking with lots of sit-down opportunities. It is completely wheel chair and stroller accessible.

To read up more on Sam McCue and his wife Fannie, here's a piece written in the local Charlottesville weekly, The Hook, about the murders. Or save the story for the tour and read it when you return...

We are looking forward to this evening of mystery and hauntings!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #34

2011-03-11T12:28:00.004-07:00

Meet Dede!

Sleuth Dede Agosta both read and loved Nancy Drew books as a girl. My sister, friends and I would hide messages in the bushes by our houses, aka The Hollow Oak. Also, my father built our house and my sister and I were SURE that he had put in a secret room behind the brick fireplace. However, despite measurements and looking at the original blueprints of the house, we couldn’t find any hidden rooms or staircases. The Nancy Drew books inspired me to write a book, “The Secret of Mystery Mansion” while in the 6th and 7th grades. I loved Nancy’s independence, pluck and determination and her friendships with George and Bess.

My sister and I collected many of the Nancy Drew books throughout the years. At that time, they were sold at our local stationery store WITHOUT PAPER COVERS. That’s why the artwork is new to me. I later got confirmation that books were sometimes sold this way. Unfortunately, I don’t have any of them left now as I had a lending library one summer and they didn’t get returned to me. How I wish I still had them!

They have also been crafting since childhood and, through these joint interests and others, they have become best friends. I became re-introduced to Nancy Drew by my best friend, Sleuth Judy Hubbard. We went to the 2007 convention in Pasadena and have been an avid collector and fan of Nancy Drew collectibles and books since then. My book collection now has 100 books PLUS some Hardy Boys books, a Judy Bolton, a few Bobbsy Twins volumes and 10 Beverley Grey books. I got introduced to the latter series at the 2008 convention.

I also have made many hand-crafted Nancy Drew items (over 14 different categories) for gifts and for my collection. The 2007 Convention Gift Exchange and Lea's 2008 presentation about crafting Nancy Drew items have inspired me to bring Nancy Drew into my everyday life and decor. The latest convention has inspired several different peacock items. In my other life, I was a marketing and business development manager for Motorola and General Dynamics and am married, with a grown daughter and two cats.

Dede

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #33

2011-03-11T11:51:00.004-07:00

Meet Amanda!

Hi there, My name is Amanda Arkebauer and I am a flight attendant who lives in Seattle, WA. I have collected Nancy Drew books my whole life! I have books that belonged to my mother and my aunts and I still have many of my original books that I purchased via mail order in the 1970's. I got serious about collecting in the early 90's and was so happy to encounter The Nancy Drew Scrapbook by Karen Plunkett-Powell. It opened up a whole new world for me by exposing me to the Yellowback Library and The Whispered Watchword. These are periodicals that specialize in series book information. I have always collected more than just Nancy Drew. I am a huge fan of Ruth Fielding, Vicki Barr, Anne of Green Gables, The Dana Girls, Susan Sand, Beverly Gray, Robin Kane, Beanie Malone, Betsy-Tacy, Laura Ingalls Wilder and many more.

I have made pilgrimages to the grave sites of Edward Stratemeyer and Walter Karig. I have visited the Syndicate archives at the NYC Library and at the University of Oregon. In addition to visiting sites that were inspiration for Nancy Drew books, I have also visited Prince Edward Island (Green Gables) and traveled the Laura Ingalls Wilder highway through Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota!

It has only been recently that Nancy Drew items have been available to purchase in the marketplace. 20 years ago, if you wanted a Nancy Drew t shirt or bumper sticker, you had to make it yourself! So out of necessity, over the past 20 years I have made many different Nancy Drew crafts, from quilts and cross-stitch to greeting cards and jewelry.

Amanda

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Mar 10-11 $3 off $30+

2011-03-10T02:45:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3 off $30.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Mar. 10 - Mar. 11, 2011

SAVE:$3 off orders of $30+

CODE: SMAR1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #32

2011-03-09T16:52:00.005-07:00

PEACOCKS AND DINING

Peacock teapot anyone?! Tearooms were a staple of vintage Nancy Drew mysteries. Imagine if Nancy Drew was served at a tearoom in Charlottesville in this tea pot? Available at Macys.

And hand towels--World Market specials:

What about dessert to go with tea?

Fondant Decorated Cake

Scrumptious Cupcake

Peacock Cookies

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #31

2011-03-09T15:58:00.003-07:00

Win Nancy Drew Prizes!

I'm going to be giving away a prize a week here at the Blog leading up to the convention--there are 4 weeks so there will be 4 prizes. We are now at prize week #2 (see below for winner to week 1's prize) This week's prize is one of our Nancy Drew 1950s Clutch Bags as shown.

To win this prize, you must comment on this week's convention clues Blogs. I've posted 2 so far and there will be more later in the week. All those who comment (include your full name when commenting) will be entered into the drawing. Prizes will be given out at the convention.

These weekly prize drawings are only open to those attending the Charlottesville, VA convention!

Also, anyone who follows in LuAnn/Elizabeth/AB/Dawn/Janet/Lisa's footsteps and shares a photo of you and/or your collection and a brief bio and your collecting info, will also be entered to win that week's prize.

Last Week's Prize Winner: Elizabeth W.

Prize: Nancy Drew Hidden Window Coin Purse:

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #30

2011-03-09T15:55:00.003-07:00

Meet Janet!

I’m Janet. I’m a charter member of the Nancy Drew Sleuths. Growing up in the Chicago area I read most of the Nancy Drew books (and tons of other series as well). I had three sisters and a brother so our house had a ‘book closet.’ It was like a little library. My cousins who lived a few blocks away and were around our age had a bigger book closet and we checked books out from both libraries.

I still have some of my childhood books – funny they all have my name in them as JAN – as I grew up watching the Brady Bunch on TV. I’ve always loved books and libraries and exploring. The books with missing objects, hidden compartments, old attics and tunnels are among my favorites.

I’ve spent the 2nd half of my life in Florida, and now have over 600 Nancy Drew books to my name. For the last 14 years I’ve worked in a library, written a few books myself, and still love to solve mysteries. I’m an archivist and historian, they I prefer to be known at ‘the history detective.’

Recently I received a Nook eReader as a gift. Guess what was the first book I downloaded? Nancy Drew and The Hidden Window Mystery!

Janet DeVries

Pamela Tandy Answers Questions about Russell H. Tandy for The Sleuths!

2011-03-06T00:57:00.003-07:00

Sleuths,

Check out Pamela Tandy's Q' and A' with me in regard to her grandfather, Nancy Drew illustrator Russell H. Tandy. It's got a lot of great reminiscing!

To view Pamela's piece, click here.

Those of you attending our Web Con, it's at the Web Con today as well.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #29

2011-03-03T22:47:00.004-07:00

Meet Elizabeth & A.B.!

Hi! I’m Elizabeth Morgan Walters, a 51-year-old Real Housewife of Williamson County in central Texas, married to the greatest husband in the world, Mr. A.B. Walters. I still have my childhood collection of Nancy Drew yellow picture covers that my parents bought me from 1970-1973. Because during this time some of the books were still “Original Text” and others were “Revised Text”, I became interested in noting the differences between the two.

As an adult I collected a copy of an Original and Revised Text of each book in the “Classic 56”. Then I decided to collect a book with an example of each cover art in the Classic 56, focusing on picture covers where possible. Of course I do have some dust jacketed books in my collection, but none of them are particularly rare or valuable, except on a sentimental level. My husband and I started attending Nancy Drew conventions the year we got married, 2007, so this will be our fifth one! Since the 2007 convention, my husband has read the original texts of numbers 1-41.

At the last convention we had the pleasure of meeting Rudy Nappi and my husband bought us the cover art for OLD ALBUM and LEANING CHIMNEY. I look forward to lots of spooky adventures with y’all in Virginia! We all owe a big debt of gratitude to Jennifer for setting up this fun organization.

Elizabeth & A.B.

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #28

2011-03-03T22:38:00.004-07:00

Meet Dawn!

Growing up in the late 1950's and 1960's in rural Brevard, North Carolina, I read the Nancy Drew stories feverishly, first the dust jacketed editions and more often the later picture cover ones. I remember buying the books at the local Crest dime store and exchanging with friends to make sure I read every one. I have always been a voracious reader and also read "good" literature. But I can still remember being enraptured by Nancy and the stories, not being able to put down the books. As I became a teenager, I stopped reading those books. I re-discovered my love of Nancy Drew in the early 1990's, when I was called home to clear out my old childhood "stuff" from my mother's basement, including boxes of my old children's books. I travel for work and started spending travel time and weekends around the Greensboro, NC area (where I have lived for 25 years) checking out every used book store and antique store. In the 1990's, it was much easier to find books in these stores. I collect all the girls series by the Stratemeyer Syndicate, Grosset & Dunlap and earlier Cupples & Leon publications. My favorite finds will probably always be the first two "thick" Nancy Drews' I found in stores, The Clue in the Diary in an old used book store and The Haunted Bridge in an antique store, mixed in among older, "thick' Bobbsey Twins.

Click on the images below to view larger images:

The Nancy Drew's with dust jackets are on a book shelf in the living room. I have a pretty complete set, need a few unusual printings and need most of the first format's (I have a 3rd printing of Old Clock with laser dust jacket, a Bungalow Mystery with a real dust jacket in first format 4th printing, and a first format Shadow Ranch without dust jacket).

Nancy Drew picture covers are on a book shelf in the downstairs den. Have a full set of original story and revised story picture covers (although not necessarily first printings) and all the original paperbacks through #175. Also other book formats and collectibles (some of these are behind the picture cover books on each shelf and can't be seen here).

Dawn

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #27

2011-03-02T15:51:00.004-07:00

Win Nancy Drew Prizes!

I'm going to be giving away a prize a week here at the Blog leading up to the convention--there are 4 weeks so there will be 4 prizes. This week's prize is one of our Hidden Window coin purses as shown.

To win this prize, you must comment on this week's convention clues Blogs. We've posted 2 so far and this one and there will be more later in the week. All those who comment (include your full name when commenting) will be entered into the drawing. Prizes will be given out at the convention. These weekly prize drawings are only open to those attending the Charlottesville, VA convention!

Also, anyone who follows in LuAnn's footsteps and shares a photo of you and/or your collection and a brief bio and your collecting info, will also be entered to win that week's prize.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #26

2011-03-02T15:42:00.005-07:00

Meet Lisa!

Poet Lisa Kwong will be speaking at our Nancy Drew convention day on Sat. April 2nd at the Holiday Inn University in Charlottesville, VA. She will be reading poetry to the crowd and wowing us with her cleverness :-)

We've previously printed one of her Nancy Drew poems, Sleuthing for Love, in The Sleuth.

Lisa will be a M.F.A. candidate in Poetry at Indiana University-Bloomington in Fall 2011. A 2010 Frost Place scholarship recipient, Lisa received a B.A. in English from Appalachian State University (A.S.U.) in Boone, NC. Her poems have appeared online at Ishmael Reed’s Konch, www.news.appstate.edu, AlYoung.org, and The Tower Journal. Her poems have also been published in Floyd County Moonshine, The Sleuth, and Virginia English Bulletin. She has performed her poems at A.S.U., Radford University, Ferrum College, and The Frost Place. She will be a featured performer at the 10th annual Diversity Celebration at A.S.U.

Lisa read the Nancy Drew mysteries as a child and rediscovered them after graduating from college. Since 2005, she has been a series book collector, enthusiast, and scholar. In 2010, she organized an 80th anniversary party and children's program at Radford Public Library in VA, and she also participated in the panel "The Mysterious Allure of Nancy Drew" at A.S.U., which helped launch the Girls Studies minor in the Women's Studies program. At the 2011 Sleuths Convention in Charlottesville, Lisa will debut some new Nancy Drew-inspired poems and discuss why the world of Nancy Drew is a viable subject for poetry.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #25

2011-03-02T15:37:00.003-07:00

Meet LuAnn!

We'll be previewing those of you who want to share a photo of you and/or your Nancy Drew collection and a brief bio for other members attending the Nancy Drew convention in Charlottesville, VA. If interested, e-mail me a photo and a bio!

I grew up in the Finger Lakes area of New York State on a steady diet of Nancy Drew, exploring the woods alone and with my brother and going to school. For the past 18 years I’ve lived in Central Pennsylvania with my husband and five children all of whom we homeschooled. Two are currently in college while three are still home. Besides a homeschooling parent, I am a spiritual director and enjoy reading, learning, travel, art, gardening, crafts and friendship.

Nancy saw me through some rocky years as a child–I could escape to River Heights and join Nancy in having fun with friends, facing adventure and danger, traveling the world and solving mysteries from the basis of a stable home and loving family. My mom was always trying to get me to read something ‘better’, like AoGG, and I did read a lot of other books, but for a while, ND was my favorite. While not great literature, I learned a lot of vocabulary, geography and miscellany from them (such as about carrier pigeons.

I started collecting Nancy Drew Mysteries in college when I needed something fun to do (besides study ;-), adding to the dozen or so I had. Not knowing then about first editions, my collection consists only of what I found in used bookstores in the 80s: the blue tweed and the yellow spine. Recently I completed my original text set by making sure I had every one with the earlier picture cover (mostly Nappi, of course) for which one is available. To me the covers are an integral part of the ND experience. I also own several of the books about ND. Will I ever get into first edition? Not sure about that as I’d like to collect Judy Bolton since I live within a few hours of Margaret Sutton’s hometown which is the setting of the JB books in Central Pennsylvania and the realism of them entices me. This will be my first convention, and I'm greatly looking forward to it!

LuAnn

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Mar 1-3 10% off $40+

2011-03-01T02:36:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 10% off $40.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Mar. 1 - Mar. 3, 2011

SAVE: 10% off orders of $40+

CODE: AMAR1140

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Feb 24-25 15% off $45+

2011-02-24T19:51:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop 15% off $45.00+ Sale!

WHEN: Feb. 24 - Feb. 25, 2011

SAVE: 15% off orders of $45+

CODE: FFEB1145

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #24

2011-02-17T16:38:00.004-07:00

PEACOCK DECOR!

Sleuth LuAnn was browsing at Amazon.com for peacock items and came across these interesting ones she wanted to share. The bookends above are perfect for book lovers!Peacock Eggplant FigurinePeacock Dustpan/Broom

Peacock Mirror
Peacock Mug Set
Peacock Lightswitch Cover

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #23

2011-02-17T16:31:00.003-07:00

PEACOCK BOOTS ANYONE?

Check out the rain boots above and these leather boots below:

Not a boot, but a peacock flip flop! (DSW.com)

More rain boots (Target.com)

Cowboy boots!

Amazing what you can find out there when you're looking!

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #22

2011-02-17T16:21:00.002-07:00

NANCY DREW VISITS RICHMOND, VA

Before Nancy Drew and her chums get to Charlottesville, VA, they fly into Richmond, VA in The Hidden Window Mystery.

If any of you are taking that route to the Nancy Drew Sleuths convention in Charlottesville, you might follow in Nancy Drew's footsteps. In the book, she and the girls visit the courthouse designed by Thomas Jefferson and also go to St. John's Church (shown above) where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech!

Also Sleuth Amanda pointed out that the hospital where Nancy's cousin Susan Carr was taken, Johnston Willis Hospital, is a real hospital. Click here for directions.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #21

2011-02-17T14:47:00.003-07:00

1950s NANCY DREW

Wanting a little inspiration on our 1950s theme mystery dinner? Check out these iconic 1950s Nancy Drew covers for some style ideas! If you're really at a loss on costumes--there's always the red robe and polka dot pjs from The Hidden Window Mystery shown above!

Sweater and skirt sets

Nice chunky belt

Ruffled tops

The June Cleaver! Complete with monogrammed purse. Gotta love it.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Feb 15-17 $3.00 of $30.00

2011-02-15T02:31:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3.00 of $30.00 Sale!

WHEN: Feb. 15 - Feb. 17, 2011

SAVE: $3.00 off orders of $30+

CODE: TFEB1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

January/February 2011 Issue of The Sleuth

2011-02-06T23:01:00.004-07:00

Our January/February 2011 issue of The Sleuth will go into the mail this next week! Preview the issue below and at our website. You can subscribe there, purchase back issues, or send in a printable PDF form from the website to:

Nancy Drew Sleuths
P.O. Box 128
Higley, AZ 85236-0128

Back issue special 4/10.00 through Mar. 15, 2011. Not reflected at the website, so send in checks or money orders to the above address or send a Pay Pal to: nancydrewsleuth@aol.com or e-mail to request an invoice (sleuths@ndsleuths.com).

In This Issue:

Calling All Sleuths: Editor’s Note By Jennifer Fisher

The Clue Conundrum: Ned or Nancy? Game

Ned Nickerson – Nancy’s Favorite Special Friend & Strong Arm Man By Jennifer Fisher

Nancy Drew First Printing Auctions Part II By Jennifer White

Nancy Drew Web Con 2

Why Nancy Doesn’t Need Men – From The Appalachian State University Panel Discussion By Pamela J. Horack

The Nancy Drew Crookbook Part XV By Caroline Stellings

Nancy Drew: A Canadian Perspective – Double Suspicion Review By Anthony Fournier

Deconstructing The Digests – Debunking The Misconceptions Surrounding The Nancy Drew Paperbacks #93 – The Case of the Safecracker’s Secret By Todd H. Latoski

The Centerfold Case: The Victoria Broadhurst Collection

Crazy Eights with Michael G. Cornelius – The Clue in the Ivy By Michael G. Cornelius

Get MobileMe. Play Nancy Drew. Nab a Thief. By Jennifer Fisher

Retro Finds By Faye Kisker

Clues From The Sleuthing Scene

The Dean’s List – Nancy Drew in Popular Music Ghostwritten By Sleuth Gina Travis

The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries: A Look Back at TV’s First Nancy Drew: Episode 2.21 (35) – Arson & Old Lace By Todd H. Latoski

Nancy Drew News

Drewggle: “Nancy Drew” By Amriel Simpson

Nancy Drew’s Survival Guide: Sleuth Lesson #27

The Scoop on Upcoming Issues, Clue Conundrum Answers

Classic Nancy Drew Book Illustrations Series #15: The Haunted Bridge

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #20

2011-02-05T15:20:00.003-07:00

MRS PEACOCK & CLUE

I chose the popular board game of Clue to use as a mystery theme for our Saturday banquet at the Nancy Drew convention! It's one of my favorite board games. We talked about the game of Clue last year at the convention as to Nancy Drew licensing and so I've been developing a Nancy Drew version of Clue for potential licensing. In doing that, I thought it would be fun to base our banquet mystery on the game of Clue using Ivy Hall as the mansion for the board game and the general Hidden Window theme. It's been working out swimmingly.

Who hasn't played Clue at some point in their lifetime? Surely you're all familiar with something along the lines of "Colonel Mustard in the Billiard Room with the Leadpipe"... If you haven't, or haven't played it lately, I recommend getting yourself familiar with the game play as our mystery will be based on that general framework.

And then there's Mrs. Peacock. With our huge theme of Peacocks from Hidden Window, it dawned on me there's Mrs. Peacock from the Clue game ;) How funny is that! There she is above in this image of Clue cards from a game I had as a child.

Some Clue weapons! And apparently a Monopoly playing piece thrown in. Got this pic from an eBay auction. Unless there was some version of Clue I'm not aware of where the suspects were bashing people over the head with this shoe ;-)

For fun, here's an image from a 1950s Clue game featuring mysterious silhouettes of the suspects.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #19

2011-01-31T14:01:00.005-07:00

PEACOCK SUPERSTITIONS

In the classic Nancy Drew book #34, The Hidden Window Mystery, Nancy's motherly housekeeper Hannah Gruen notes, "You know some folks think peacocks, especially the feathers in their fan tails, bring bad luck."

We also learn in the book that marks in the fans are said to be evil eyes and that in India, peacocks are held to be sacred. Peacocks are also bad luck to actors--or so Sheila Patterson believes.

If you want to learn more about the good or bad luck of the peacock, click here.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #18

2011-01-31T13:55:00.003-07:00

GOT PEACOCK INSPIRED FASHION?

Wear it with pride at the convention this year! The above one-sleeve ensemble is from Macys.

Mrs. Dondo's Pick:
Cami set from Anthropologie

Forever 21

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop: Free Ship Special

2011-01-30T21:26:00.001-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop Free Ship on Orders over $40.00!

WHEN: Jan . 30 - Feb. 3, 2011

SAVE: Free Ship on orders over $40.00

CODE: CUPID

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

AZ Sleuths Book Discussion Group:Jewel Box & Old Attic

2011-01-30T20:53:00.003-07:00

Dede, Judy, Jackie, and Becky

Our AZ Sleuths book discussion group met at the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale today for our book discussion on the classic Nancy Drew books #20, The Clue in the Jewel Box and #21 The Secret in the Old Attic. They were both stories that members enjoyed--especially the spooky atmosphere of Old Attic!

Attending were myself and my mom, Judy, Dede, Arlene, Laura, Jackie, Becky, Beth Marie, Tina and two new members Sonia and Clare Marie!

Sonia, Laura, and Arlene

Beth Marie, Tina, and Clare Marie

Jenn:)

New Nancy Drew Bags & Coin Purse at The Sleuth Shop

2011-01-29T00:01:00.005-07:00

I've added a few more styles of the leather Nancy Drew clutch bags to our Nancy Drew Sleuth Shop:

www.nancydrewsleuth.com/thesleuthshop.html

2 styles include our Hidden Window Mystery theme for our Nancy Drew Convention this year in Charlottesville, VA. These new products will begin shipping around March 1st.

The Nappi third art cover for The Secret of the Old Clock.
New Russell H. Tandy clutch featuring The Secret in the Old Attic cover.

New leather coin purse featuring 2 sides with Old Attic and Old Clock images.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #17

2011-01-28T15:21:00.005-07:00

Meet The Sleuths!

This year we have a mix of regulars and lots of newbies! Here's a few images from some of our past conventions to get to know a few of our regulars. If you're game, use the comments area of this Blog entry to introduce yourself to everyone attending.

Sleuth Dean above is posing with Nancy Drew movie costumes from our 2007 convention in Pasadena, CA.

Lea, Janet, and Carol 2010 Florida Con

Elizabeth & A.B. 2010 Florida Con

Amanda & Nancy Drew Shoes
2010 Florida Con

Kelly, Gina, and Jim 2010 Florida Con

Arlene & Laura 2010 Cruise

Dede & Judy 2010 Cruise

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #16

2011-01-26T00:23:00.004-07:00

Peacocks at Z Gallerie

Sleuth Gina hopped in her roadster and was out sleuthing and shopping in downtown River Heights...er...Omaha, when she spied a few peacock clues! Clearly the home/decorator/fashion industry has been completely inspired by our Hidden Window Nancy Drew convention, trendsetters that we are... ;-) Check out the plates above.

Napkin rings anyone?

A Clever Butterfly

You can work decorative objects like these into your gift exchange--be it the gift itself or the gift wrap. So much peacock decor, so little time...

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #15

2011-01-25T21:33:00.002-07:00

Nancy Drew Stays at Seven Oaks

In book #34, The Hidden Window Mystery, Nancy Drew and her chums stay for a short while at her cousin Susan Carr's home - Seven Oaks. Often when researching one of these Nancy Drew books, Harriet Stratemeyer Adams would include real life places or base places on real life places. When researching the Charlottesville area for the upcoming Nancy Drew Sleuths convention in Charlottesville, I tried Googling some of the place names in the book. Mostly, I didn't come up with anything, but a few things turned up.

Like this gem - a home on the National Register of Historic Places called... SEVEN OAKS! Located outside of Charlottesville, it has some similarities to the home in the book and would have been open for Garden Week back in the time period that Harriet wrote this book (1950s).

In the book, Seven Oaks is described as:

Seven Oaks--about 3 miles outside Charlottesville. A low brick wall ran across the front of the small estate. An iron gateway opened onto a tree-shaded drive with beautiful many-hued flower gardens on either side of it. Facing the end of the drive was a white clapboard two-story colonial house. At the entrance was as mall porch with Doric columns. Above the entrance was a balcony which Susan said opened off her bedroom." Brick paths throughout the garden.

Of course, the real Seven Oaks has gone through changes over the years and Harriet's details may have been a mixing of various homes she visited in the area, but there are some similarities.

Members of the Nancy Drew Sleuths group will briefly stop by this historic home for a photo op.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew Cafe Press Sale Jan 25-27 '11

2011-01-25T21:12:00.003-07:00

Nancy Drew Shop $3.00 of $30.00 Sale!

WHEN: Jan . 25 - Jan. 27, 2011

SAVE: $3.00 off orders of $30+

CODE: TJAN1130

WHERE: www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Thanks for your support!

Jenn:)

New Nancy Drew iPhone Cases at Cafe Press

2011-01-25T21:06:00.004-07:00

A special request for The Secret in the Old Attic and The Ghost of Blackwood Hall iPhone covers has led to the addition of these in our Nancy Drew Cafe Press Shop:

http://www.cafepress.com/nancydrewshop

Nice and Spooky!

Love This Ghostly Cover

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #14

2011-01-21T14:06:00.005-07:00

PEACOCK ACCESSORIES

Still puzzling about what to wear to our mystery dinner? Conundrum solved. Pair peacock fashion accessories (they seem to be everywhere!) with a black dress or even a peacock blue dress (dresses shown from Macy's) for sweet results.

Stores/Website that I'm seeing accessories in: Forever 21, Charming Charlies, Macys, Anthropologie, Pier One, World Market, Etsy, Amazon.com.

Looking forward to the 50s party and seeing what you all come up with. Perhaps we can have a rumble. Pink Ladies vs. Peacock Ladies ;-)

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #13

2011-01-21T13:20:00.004-07:00

Nancy Drew Sleuths Visit Ash Lawn-Highland

Ash Lawn-Highland is the home of our late president James Monroe. It is located near Monticello, the home of president Thomas Jefferson. Members of the Nancy Drew Sleuths will be visiting the home during our convention in Charlottesville, VA.

In the Nancy Drew book #34, The Hidden Window Mystery, Nancy visits Ash Lawn-Highland. Nancy's cousin Susan says, "Let's go on now to James Monroe's home. You'll find it more simple, but the gardens have the most beautiful boxwood you've ever seen." (pg. 56, revision)

Here's a beautiful peacock on the grounds of Ash Lawn-Highland.

Jenn:)

Nancy Drew 2011 Convention Clues #12

2011-01-19T13:03:00.004-07:00

Nancy Drew Sleuths Visit Michie Tavern!

Our Nancy Drew convention visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to Michie Tavern, a historic landmark in Virginia, serving visitors for over 200 years!

Members will tour the tavern located close by to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. They will also eat a scrumptious lunch at the Tavern featuring such fare as Southern Fried Chicken, Black-eye Peas, Stewed Tomatoes, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Hot Green Beans, Cole Slaw, Whole Baby Beets, Biscuits and Cornbread, and Peach Cobbler. A meal that rivals that of Miss Beulah from Nancy Drew #34, The Hidden Window Mystery, set in Charlottesville, VA. The meal is served by staff dressed in period attire in a rustic tavern atmosphere.

There's a lot to see and do, good eatin' (as Bess would say!), and lots of shopping opportunities! Visit their website for more info.

Jenn:)