AUTHOR'S NOTE
July 4, 2012 - River Heights University
When I first met Carolyn Keene, I had no idea who she was. I had been invited by my American Literature professor to attend a gala event at the main River Heights U. campus celebrating Independence Day. This American Literature professor had just made me endure a whole semester of dissecting stories and looking for this phantom ghost known as the "American Dream." I succeeded but only after coming to full appreciate what he had come to the college to teach. And since it was Independence Day, what better way to see the "American Dream" than it in celebratory action?
I had no idea that I would bump into a lady, perhaps thirty years my senior, in a pale mauve dress. I came to find out that her name was Carolyn Keene. Needless to say, I was shocked-the Carolyn Keene? The Carolyn Keene who had written over 100 novels featuring a teenage sleuth who I had come to love in my youth? It was her alright. Automatically my fascination grew. I found myself not paying attention to the fireworks but rather to the stories that this woman told. I have come to acknowledge that three authors propelled me forward to become a writer: the first, the Victorian grandfather of detective fiction, Wilkie Collins. His novel, The Woman in White, is still my favorite novel to this day. The second author was the "Queen of Crime" herself-the famous Agatha Christie. Her conundrums featuring the meticulous Hercule Poirot and the village spinster Jane Marple have fascinated and confounded me at the same time.
The third was none other than Carolyn Keene.
Yes, her novels were juvenile, but there was something in the character that she created that got a hold on me. It has now transpired from the novels to the award-winning computer games from HerInteractive based off the novels. I own the best majority of 25 games-and the company is still going strong, if not stronger than ever since they released their first game featuring the teenage sleuth back in 1998.
Because of Carolyn Keene, I fell in love with Nancy Drew.
And, because of my eccentric American Literature professor, I would have never had the opportunity to meet the woman behind her. Carolyn and I became quick friends. The moment that she discovered that I too was a writer, she wanted me to write something for her.
I asked if I could use Nancy.
She said yes.
The rest, dear reader, is history. Here, for the first time, is a novel written for the adults who grew up with the resourceful girl detective. Here is the beginning of what I hope to be an everlasting bond between Carolyn Keene, her creation, and myself. Carolyn was kind enough to read the draft and was delighted by it. She has even requested that I contrive more puzzles for Nancy to solve.
And, of course, how could I say no?
I hope you enjoy this just as must as I enjoyed writing. Happy trails, then!
Ever yours,
H.R. Jafael