As might be expected, the stellar Post Style section has the best take on Millie Benson, particularly on the bowdlerized editions of her books put out by her prudish successors.
“Benson used to make autograph seekers read the first paragraph of their editions out loud before she’d consent to sign the copy — she knew in an instant if the book was an update, and didn’t want to autograph books that were not ‘hers.'”
And while I’m sure Nancy Drew was fine for icky girls and stuff, I bet they don’t compare to the Brains Benton mysteries.