Mildred A. Wirt Benson
(1905 - 2002)
Mildred Augustine Wirt Benson (July 10, 1905 – May 28, 2002) was an American journalist and author of children's books, in particular the earliest Nancy Drew mysteries. Writing under Stratemeyer Syndicate pen name Carolyn Keene from 1929 to 1947, she contributed to 23 of the first 30 originally published Nancy Drew mysteries.
Behind the Green Door
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time:04:36:34
Penny
visits a ski resort and stumbles upon several mysteries. Unknown
enemies are trying to force the resort to close, and during her
investigations, Penny discovers a mysterious green door in the resort
that leads to a room that can only be entered by invitation. Meanwhile,
a new acquaintance offers to sell Penny a fur coat inexpensively.
Penny investigates, solving all of the mysteries, scoops a rival
reporter, and is rewarded with a new car.
The Clock Strikes Thirteen
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time:04:33:18
Sinister
hooded riders are terrorizing farmers at night, and most of the farmers
are reluctant to talk. Meanwhile, a man named Blake makes a generous
donation to the Riverview orphan's camp and offers to buy their land,
but Penny suspects that he is somehow trying to cheat the orphans.
Penny links the hooded bandits to Blake and prevents the orphans from
being cheated.
The Clue of the Silken Ladder
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time: 04:21:33
On
an impulse, Penny buys back her old car, the Leaping Lena, even though
she has a new car and no money, but fortunately, she gets another job at
her father's newspaper. Penny discovers a strange silken ladder and
learns how it is used in burglaries. She also connects the burglaries
with a group of fake mediums, and her story earns her a much-needed
raise in pay at the newspaper.
The Cry at Midnight
Read by Amanda Leung
Running Time:04:16:16
Late
one night, amateur sleuth Peggy Parker and her friend see an
unexplained light and hear a terrifying scream from an abandoned old
monastery outside of town. Upon further investigation, they discover
that the building is not abandoned after all but is the home of a
mysterious cult! Join Peggy on multiple adventures while she works to
solve the mystery of the “Cry at Midnight.”
Flash Evans, Camera News Hawk
Read by Matt Pierard
Running Time:04:24:34
Jimmy
'Flash' Evans, 17, ace photographer for The Brandale Ledger, tries his
hand at the newsreel game in this upbeat, pre-war adventure. The listed
author, Frank Bell, was actually the prolific Mildred Wirt Benson, most
famous for writing the early Nancy Drew novels under the pseudonym
Carolyn Keene.
The Ghost Beyond the Gate
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time:04:38:07
Mr.
Parker is in a car accident and is taken to the hospital by another
driver. However, Mr. Parker never arrives at the hospital, leaving
Penny frantic with worry. Penny takes over running the newspaper in her
father's absence and discovers a clue to her father's whereabouts at an
old abandoned mansion. After Penny helps rescue her father, she is
rewarded with a raise in her allowance.
Hoofbeats on the Turnpike
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time: 04:41:26
Penny
is in need of money, as usual, and is highly interested when a man
shows her a clipping offering a reward for any information leading to
the capture of the Headless Horseman. Penny and Louise travel to Red
Valley to search for the horseman and find themselves trapped in a flood
after a dam breaks. After several exciting adventures, Penny locates
the horseman and has another story for the newspaper.
The Missing Formula
Read by Mary Escano
Running Time:02:43:24
Orphan
Anne Fairaday faces a life of poverty upon the death of her father. The
only thing that can prevent it is finding his latest experiment. She
enlisted her new found friend, Madge Sterling, an outdoors girl who has a
knack for finding missing things. But they must race against time as
there are also several people who will stop at nothing to get it first.
The Secret Pact
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time:04:27:05
Penny
wants to write a story about a strange tattoo she sees on a sailor, but
neither her father's nor her school's newspaper agree to the idea.
Penny impulsively decides to start a new newspaper in the abandoned
Morning Press building and enlists the help of a few close friends. She
soon finds herself in over her head and courting trouble after she runs
the story about the tattooed man in her new paper. Penny's story turns
into a big scoop, gaining Penny respect from her father's colleagues.
Swamp Island
Read by Bellona Times
Running Time: 04:46:32
Penny
and Louise go to a nearby swamp to gather flowers for a banquet and
manage to lose Louise's dog during the trip. They plan to go back, but
first they learn of an escaped convict. Penny knows the convict would
hide in the swamp, thus giving her another reason to search the swamp.
While dodging dangerous animals, the girls discover Louise's dog, the
convict, an illegal immigrant, and an illegal alcohol distillery in the
swamp.
The Wishing Well
Read by Cheryl Adam
Running Time:04:41:38
Wishes
made at a well on an old abandoned estate are mysteriously granted, and
Penny searches for the explanation. In addition to magical qualities,
the well appears to have a tangible hidden value since the property
owner is seen searching the vicinity, and a neighbor tries to buy the
land. Penny investigates and discovers not only the secret of the well
but also a valuable treasure.
Danger at the Drawbridge
Read by Amanda Leung
Running Time:04:14:19
The groom fails to show up for his wedding at a mysterious old estate, and Penny Parker is there to solve the mystery!
Voice From the Cave
Read by Amanda Leung
Running Time:03:59:08
Penny Parker and her father go on vacation accompanied by a mysterious woman and end up engrossed in a hunt for foreign spies!