Shadows at Predator Reef

Hardy Boys Adventures #7

by Franklin W. Dixon

Frank and Joe might be in over their heads when they discover an aquatic smuggling operation in this chilling Hardy Boys adventure, a fresh approach to a classic series.

When Frank wins an internship at the Bayport Aquarium, he's stoked at the chance to not only earn school credit, but to also geek out about one of his favorite subjects, aquatic life. And his brother Joe is equally jazzed about taking scuba diving lessons from the super-cute instructor, Aly. But both boys' excitement comes screeching to a halt when the aquarium's most valuable asset goes missing: a rare two-hundred-pound sea turtle named Captain Hook.

Frank and Joe stumble upon a network of underground tunnels hidden beneath Bayport and realize the aquarium is a secret entry point. Could the aquarium be the newest target of a sinister aquatic smuggling ring? And can the boys snag the gang's mastermind before they end up in treacherous waters?

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Childrens, Adventure, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Young Adult

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2014

About the author

Franklin W. Dixon is the pen name used by a variety of different authors who were part of a team that wrote The Hardy Boys novels for the Stratemeyer Syndicate (now owned by Simon & Schuster). Dixon was also the writer attributed for the Ted Scott Flying Stories series, published by Grosset & Dunlap.
Canadian author Leslie McFarlane is believed to have written the first sixteen Hardy Boys books, but worked to a detailed plot and character outline for each story. The outlines are believed to have originated with Edward Stratemeyer, with later books outlined by his daughters Edna C. Squier and Harriet Stratemeyer Adams. Edward and Harriet also edited all books in the series through the mid-1960s. Other writers of the original books include MacFarlane's wife Amy, John Button, Andrew E. Svenson, and Adams herself; most of the outlines were done by Adams and Svenson. A number of other writers and editors were recruited to revise the outlines and update the texts in line with a more modern sensibility, starting in the late 1950s.
The principal author for the Ted Scott books was John W. Duffield.

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Faterider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the Hardy Boys at all when I was growing up, so I just picked this book up on a whim. Pleasantly surprised to find that the writing style of this new series is accessible and contemporary, thus making it much easier for me to visualise the events unravelling in the book. Highly enjoyable page-turner!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A watery adventure, this story kept me riveted from the beginning. Narrator Tim Gregory did a fantastic job with intriguing accents, pacing, and enthusiasm. All-around great book!

[Jacque Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different format of storytelling for the Hardy boys, the Adventures series takes a first person approach. The chapters alternate between Joe and Frank, and can be a little jarring reading aloud (which is what I did for my son). The story met every expectation set by the iconic stories, but with modern updates. Well worth reading to young sleuths or letting them read to themselves.

[Raine · Rating 2 out of 5]

idk how I feel about the plot hinging on somebody having a new england accent and also joe continues to never catch a break

[Krim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh this was adorable, I was more a Nancy Drew kid but listening to this while I did my knitting was so nostalgic. Makes me want to pick up more of the stories I read in primary school. My one teensy criticism is that I felt Frank's and Joe's points of view weren't distinct enough, and I had trouble differentiating between the two when they were in scenes together and the chapters switched. Aside from that, lots of fun!

[Karis Anna-Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrator for the audiobook really is good—both boys have a different voice, even though the story is only read by one person, and he nails the rhythm and all the different accents perfectly. I think I enjoyed this a lot more listening than I would have just reading!

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a giant and much loved turtle is stolen from a local aquarium, Frank and Joe are delighted to help the owner get the animal back. It looks like exactly the sort of case two high school boys might explore without any great trouble—except someone is so opposed to them learning who stole the animal that they let a man eating shark into the tank where the turtle was nabbed while Frank and Joe are in it.

As the reader would expect, a little danger does not deter the boys, and they continue following the clues. There are lots of people who could be involved including the owner of the aquarium and his attractive daughter. There’s also a particularly nasty threat made against the boys toward the end of the story. Overall, it’s a good mystery.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't mentioned it before now, but they way the Hardy Boys Adventures series is structured is that each book is told from both Frank and Joe Hardy's POV'S, alternating between them in each chapter. The 1st 6 books in the series opened up being narrated by Frank. (He's the older, dark-haired brother.) In Hardy Boys Adventures, Book 7: Shadows at Predator Reef, the 1st chapter is written from the perspective of Joe. (He's the younger, blond-haired brother.) I thought that change-up was pretty neat. And otherwise, this was a really good book.

[Siya_in_fictional_world · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, i listened to Hardy boys in audiobooks And the narrators voice is quite good. The story begins when a much loved turtle is stolen and Frank and Joe are requested to take the case and find the turtle " captain hook". The story has interesting twists and turns and will keep you captivated throughout.

Definitely a good story for a small quick read for people who loves mystery like me.

[Craig Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time for Joe to learn scuba diving. And just in time to solve another mystery. A sea turtle has gone missing. And Joe wants to impress his cute scuba instructor.

Full of clues and suspects, the Hardy Boys once again are three steps in front of the cops to solve another mystery.

[J Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative story that has turned out to be one of my son's favorites.

[YugTheProPirate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good!i liked all the characters.But the plot twists with ron and mr v and carter were too predictable.

[V. Arrow · Rating 2 out of 5]

God the Hardy Boys are so lame.

[Isaiah (aka Isaiah Ward) Herrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in an aquarium, a jewel thief, man what a ride.

[Yana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I listened to this again to pass the time while I did chores, and it was alright. Not amazing, but not that much lower than my expectations 😉🤷🏽‍♀️

[Corbyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Book Report

Shadows at Predator Reef is an amazing book for many kids to read. It all starts off with a harmless turtle being stolen from it's exhibit. Everyone starts to panic and wonder where the turtle went. Two boys named Joe Hardy and Frank Hardy, ventured out hoping to find the missing turtle. When Frank dives into the enormous tank where the turtle disappeared he finds a trapdoor leading to a cave underground which leads right to a beach house with lab equipment and cages now they know what happened to the turtle, especially after they read a note saying the turtle was being shipped to a different country. Joe and Frank hustle to find clues of where the suspect went with the turtle. At last they find the thief, but he was not easy on them about the turtle. he put them in a container and threatened to ship them with the turtle too. The Hardy boys remained calm, but not too calm, they still panic about what will happen. Finally they are saved by the police who arrests the suspect who kidnapped the turtle. The boys are honored for "not giving up" and saving the lost sea turtle.
I rated this book a 5/5 because it was a mystery all the way through and it pictured images in my head making me think, what will happen next?

Theme

I believe the Theme of this story is "Never Give Up." I believe this because in the story Joe and Frank search for the turtle forever, but they never gave up on finding the lost Turtle. This shows that no matter what, never giving up is a good deed to do. Besides, say that Joe and Frank gave up, then the turtle would probably never have been found at all unless someone got lucky and found the turtle before it was shipped away to who knows where. Since they never gave up though, they found the turtle. this is why I think the theme is to never give up no matter what happens.

[Jaguar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I think is my favorite Hardy Boys Adventures book so far. The danger, the action, the plot twist, and the suspense! Boy it's a really great book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves The Hardy Boys books.

Please note: The orignal Hardy Boys series is by far the best Hardy Boy books there are available, but the Hardy Boys Adventures (Books #6 and #7) are the best of the Hardy Boy Adventures series so far. (though I enjoyed 7 more than 6.) The worst is #5- Peril at Granite Peak. And the two before that are pretty awful too.

I will give you 2 lists of the books in the Hardy Boys Adventures Series so far that I recommend, and that I don't recommend.

I Recommend
#1-Secret of the Red Arrow

(though I really disliked the 'Deal' thing-but is discontinued after book 2 if I remember correctly)

#2-Mystery of the Phantom Heist
#6-Battle at Bayport
#7-Shadows at Predator Reef

I don't Recommend
#3-The Vanishing Game
#4-Into Thin Air
#5- Peril at Granite Peak


I just wish there was more of Frank and Joe's original character.
Don't get me wrong, the Hardy Boys are pretty awesome, but this new series (Hardy Boy Adventures) doesn't have the full character of the Frank and Joe I know...but I will note that it has been close enough in these last 2 books.
Can't wait for the next adventure: "Deception on the Set" (Hardy Boys Adventures #8) coming out February 3rd 2015!

[Rachael Covington]

I think this book was good. But it was also a little bit intense for me

[Brady Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book was a really good mystery because it had involved a cool looking sea turtle, and two boys got in the investigation with the police.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book so far in my opinion.

[Alaina Thomson]

PRETTY GOOD