The Case of the Missing Last Two Volumes...

I willingly admit I was a series girl in my youth -- Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Trixie Belden, Connie Blair, Kay Tracey, and Susan Sand. The last one was a particular favorite, written by Marilyn Ezzell. Susan Sand was a mystery writer who solved crimes. They published eight books in the series. The ninth was written, but never published. I actually discovered I'm missing the last two volumes, The Search for the Snowship Songs and The Mystery of Beggarbay Bluff, but from online searches, that isn't too surprising. Simon & Schuster apparently objected to the Susan Sand series since it looked so similar to Nancy Drew, even mimicking the artwork covers. Never mind the number of girl detective series the Stratemeyer Syndicate was churning out. Ezzell was published by a rival. So guess won that round?

(Ironically, I opened the last book I have for a cursory skim and discovered a skating scene. My friends can stop laughing.)