My childhood was also heavily influenced by Trixie Belden and Remington Steele. I wanted to grow up to be Laura Holt, but alas, that has not happened.

I also read all the Madeline Brent I could get my hands on, and was STUNNED a few years ago when I found out that she was really a man. Is it Merlin's Keep that has the heroine traveling around England with a Punch and Judy show? I should dig those books up and re-read them.