Missing Millie Benson

Julie K. Rubini is the founder of Claire's Day, a children's book festival in honor of her late daughter. She is the author of Hidden Ohio, Missing Millie Benson: The Secret Case of the Nancy Drew Ghostwriter and Journalist, and Virginia Hamilton: America's Storyteller. But most of all, she cherishes her roles as wife to Brad and mother to daughter Kyle and son Ian.

“Rubini frames the story as a mystery, asking why, despite Nancy Drew's fame, most people have never heard of Benson and tracking down clues and evidence to uncover more information about the life of this little-known author…. VERDICT A solid option for those interested in the ’Nancy Drew’ mysteries.” (School Library Journal) “Digging into archives and the memories of surviving acquaintances as well as published histories, Rubini spins an account of Benson's long and active life that throws a strong light on the source of Nancy Drew's own admirably intrepid and independent spirit.…An enlightening peek behind the curtain for Nancy Drew fans.” (Kirkus Reviews) “The biography is eminently readable and well organized…Appended with an impressive wealth of back matter (‘Extra Clues’) including a timeline, a chronological list of Millie’s books, a glossary, source notes, and an extensive bibliography.” (Horn Book Magazine) “Though this biography is written for young adults, there’s plenty to interest adult readers, especially the successful, albeit formulaic, system Edward Stratemeyer used to create so many young adult series. Rubini brings Millie’s world to life.” (Cedar Rapids Gazette) “There are several helpful appendices, including a glossary of the key terms that have been presented in bold face in the earlier text. From ‘alma mater’ to ‘writing credits,’ and including ‘Gallup Polls,’ ‘penchants,’ and ‘ratified,’ this list delighted me with its obvious respect for children’s capacity to understand complex matters. … In sum, this is a delightfully quirky read. … The book has the potential to develop a new generation of literary scholars.” (International Research Society for Children's Literature) “Rubini’s book is geared for younger readers, but the best part of the book is that Rubini slyly teaches children what scholarly historical research and writing looks like… the book still offers much for adults in its insight into book syndicates and in the life story of an under-discussed but important author in children’s literature.” (The Annals of Iowa) “Historical photographs and interesting sidebars enhance the story of this Toledo treasure whose identity as a ghostwriter remained a secret until she testified at a court case between two publishers claiming rights to new Nancy Drew stories.” (Toledo Blade) “Missing Millie Benson is as lively and compelling as a Nancy Drew Mystery Story. For anyone who loves Nancy, getting to know the woman who first brought her to life in this wonderful biography is not just a treat but a necessity-an inspiration to young writers and sleuths alike!” - Melanie Rehak, author of Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her “Julie Rubini’s charming, accessible style delivers just the right details, building clues and setting up and solving mysteries in every chapter. Simply amazing.” - Dandi Daley Mackall, author of the young adult novels The Secrets of Tree Taylor, My Boyfriend's Dogs, and others “Millie Benson is an American treasure. Her fascinating story is brought to life in Julie Rubini’s enchanting new book, which will inspire a new generation of Nancy Drew fans.” - Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist and author of Inside Edge and Best Seat in the House