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The Hardy Boys #37
The Ghost at Skeleton Rock
Frank and Joe Hardy tackle native voodoo, a dangerous gang of criminals, and a mysterious ghost when they set out to search for their father in the Caribbean islands.
This book is a condensed version of the original which was first published in 1957.
This book is a condensed version of the original which was first published in 1957.
177 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1957
46 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
782 books999 followersFranklin 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
June 1, 2023
The Ghost at Skeleton Rock was the 37th entry in the original Hardy Boys series of mysteries for boys. It was written by James Duncan Lawrence for the Stratemeyer Syndicate (producers of a remarkable number of juvenile series fiction in the 20th century), and was published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1957. The first 38 books in the series were revised under the direction of Stratemeyer's daughter, Harriet Adams, from 1959-1973, and the new version of this one was produced by Priscilla Baker-Carr and was published in 1966. Both versions, of course, appeared under the Franklin W. Dixon house name. I've been reading both versions of the books in the series back-to-back to compare them; some are just lightly changed, some are completely replaced by new novels, and most are just shortened and edited to be shorter and simpler with more action and less characterization. This one falls in the first category; both versions are twenty chapters long, and the same interior illustrations are used in each. They're identical stories, the first being 184 pages long and the 1966 edition coming in at 177, most of the changes being simple things such as shortened exchanges and descriptions. For example, the original says on page 109 that "Men and women in shirts and shorts were playing golf," and the revision's page 106 simply says "Men and women were playing golf." The biggest change is the setting; it's Cuba in the original, with a friendly elected government, but changes to the fictional Tropicale in the new one for obvious reasons. It starts out as a pretty standard story: Chet has a new hobby of ventriloquism and gets a dummy that's full of diamonds that a band of smugglers later try to recover. Mr. Hardy is in Puerto Rico investigating terrorists/revolutionaries who're trying to steal atomic material to manufacture bombs, and it turns out they're smuggling the diamonds to finance the operation. Frank and Joe fly there to help the investigation, along with pals Chet and Tony. Everybody gets knocked out a lot, and one of the thieves, Beppo, is a double of Joe, which complicates things. (Why Cuban native Beppo is identical to blonde Joe from Bayport is not explained.) There are several coincidences that didn't bother me when I read the book the first time when I was eight, but seemed pretty shaky this time around. My favorite Hardy books are the older ones written by Leslie MacFarlane that are set around the Hardy Bayport home, but this is one of the better of the later world travel stories. The Hardy books were famously recommended for "Boys from 10 to 14" on the blue back covers, but I'd change that to anyone from 8 to 12 for the later ones.
November 18, 2017
Yet another fun and exciting mystery in this series.
June 1, 2023
The Ghost at Skeleton Rock was the 37th entry in the original Hardy Boys series of mysteries for boys. It was written by James Duncan Lawrence for the Stratemeyer Syndicate (producers of a remarkable number of juvenile series fiction in the 20th century), and was published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1957. The first 38 books in the series were revised under the direction of Stratemeyer's daughter, Harriet Adams, from 1959-1973, and the new version of this one was produced by Priscilla Baker-Carr and was published in 1966. Both versions, of course, appeared under the Franklin W. Dixon house name. I've been reading both versions of the books in the series back-to-back to compare them; some are just lightly changed, some are completely replaced by new novels, and most are just shortened and edited to be shorter and simpler with more action and less characterization. This one falls in the first category; both versions are twenty chapters long, and the same interior illustrations are used in each. They're identical stories, the first being 184 pages long and the 1966 edition coming in at 177, most of the changes being simple things such as shortened exchanges and descriptions. For example, the original says on page 109 that "Men and women in shirts and shorts were playing golf," and the revision's page 106 simply says "Men and women were playing golf." The biggest change is the setting; it's Cuba in the original, with a friendly elected government, but changes to the fictional Tropicale in the new one for obvious reasons. It starts out as a pretty standard story: Chet has a new hobby of ventriloquism and gets a dummy that's full of diamonds that a band of smugglers later try to recover. Mr. Hardy is in Puerto Rico investigating terrorists/revolutionaries who're trying to steal atomic material to manufacture bombs, and it turns out they're smuggling the diamonds to finance the operation. Frank and Joe fly there to help the investigation, along with pals Chet and Tony. Everybody gets knocked out a lot, and one of the thieves, Beppo, is a double of Joe, which complicates things. (Why Cuban native Beppo is identical to blonde Joe from Bayport is not explained.) There are several coincidences that didn't bother me when I read the book the first time when I was eight, but seemed pretty shaky this time around. My favorite Hardy books are the older ones written by Leslie MacFarlane that are set around the Hardy Bayport home, but this is one of the better of the later world travel stories. The Hardy books were famously recommended for "Boys from 10 to 14" on the blue back covers, but I'd change that to anyone from 8 to 12 for the later ones.
May 12, 2022
This was one of my least favorite so far. It felt very scattered and the story didn't flow well at all. Also, the boys got knocked out a LOT it felt unrealistic.
October 12, 2016
The Ghost at Skeleton Rock
By Franklin W. Dixon
Franklin W. Dixon does an amazing job on his books. He does mystery books like The Hardy Boys and wrote many more books over the years. He writes fiction books and in most of his books they seem realistic. When you read his books it feels like you are right in the story with the characters. The book was taking place in Puerto Rico and an island south of Puerto rico.
In any book Franklin W. Dixon writes it makes you feel like you are right in the book. I always liked Franklin W. Dixon books and that is why he is my favorite author. There is a lot of detail in his book like it goes from country to country some times, and a lot of action and suspense. You can feel the characters emotions threw out the book whether it is Joe and Frank Hardy’s near death experience in the ocean when there boat starts to sink or when they are holding on for there dear life over a cane crusher in The Ghost at Skeleton Rock.
I would strongly recommend reading any of Franklin W. Dixon’s books but if you want mystery read The Hardy Boys. Everyone should feel the suspense and the action in The Hardy Boys. I like his books because there is a lot of action and suspense in The Hardy Boys books and the books are not that long.
By Franklin W. Dixon
Franklin W. Dixon does an amazing job on his books. He does mystery books like The Hardy Boys and wrote many more books over the years. He writes fiction books and in most of his books they seem realistic. When you read his books it feels like you are right in the story with the characters. The book was taking place in Puerto Rico and an island south of Puerto rico.
In any book Franklin W. Dixon writes it makes you feel like you are right in the book. I always liked Franklin W. Dixon books and that is why he is my favorite author. There is a lot of detail in his book like it goes from country to country some times, and a lot of action and suspense. You can feel the characters emotions threw out the book whether it is Joe and Frank Hardy’s near death experience in the ocean when there boat starts to sink or when they are holding on for there dear life over a cane crusher in The Ghost at Skeleton Rock.
I would strongly recommend reading any of Franklin W. Dixon’s books but if you want mystery read The Hardy Boys. Everyone should feel the suspense and the action in The Hardy Boys. I like his books because there is a lot of action and suspense in The Hardy Boys books and the books are not that long.
February 2, 2016
The Hardy boys, Frank and Joe, go with their friend Chet to get a Hugo ventruiliquist doll. They get the doll but evil criminals break into the store, and steal the sales check to track them. The boys discover that the doll was packed with diamonds. Soon, the criminals break into the house and steal the wrong doll that didn't have diamonds. The Hardy's father warned them that a drug has been trending through the criminal gangs. The clues of the criminals lead the boys and their friends to capture them. They encounter a rich man named Hamilton that is secretly the gang's leader. He poisons Chet with dinner and dissapeers. The Hardy's travel on a boat to the gang's secret hideout on an island that the natives are scred of because of a ghost. The Hardy's capture the crooks with their stolen drugs and free their friends. Later, they see the ghost but it is fake. The Hardy's solve another mystery! The Ghost of Skeleton Rock was a great book.
July 9, 2020
The Ghost At Skeleton Rock is by no means the best book (from the series) but it still is a great book.There were moments of goosebumps but not all of those scenes feel genuine.The plot becomes slightly convoluted through random scenes thrown here and there but they never become a serious case since you can have track of all the incidents.But the book really disappoints when it comes to the so-called “Ghost”.The title gave such an immense intrigue and premise that you would want to read the book right away but it doesn’t live up to that intrigue when you discover as to how prominent the ghost is for the storyline.The story does has some interesting sequences — the whole section when the boys stay at the bad guy’s house for awhile only to get ultimately poisoned made for an intense moment.Overall,the book is still a great addition to the series.It gets to be in the top ten with a rating of 4.1 stars.
June 4, 2017
I haven't read a Hardy Boys books in a very long time. In fact, now that I think about it, I never really read them much as a kid. I was much more a Nancy Drew girl. And upon picking one up again, I remembered why I didn't particularly care for them. These books have too much action for a couple of kids. You really flew to Puerto Rico by yourselves? And the plot was too busy with the Mexican diamond smuggling through puppets. I suppose this is a series of books that needs to remain with children.
December 24, 2025
A hot mess of cultural appropriation.
October 20, 2016
I liked this book because it had a lot of action and humor It all starts with a note that says, "Find Hugo purple turban." Then Frank, Joe, Chet and Frank went on this mystery that led them to an island, a mysterious ghost, and problems. I liked how the author interrupted what a person was saying on one page, and then when I turned to the next page, the page fills with action. One time, I was only supposed to read 15 minutes for my homework, but when I turned to the action page, I ended up reading more than that. In some parts, though, you kind of don't get what is going on. Overall, I rate this a 4/5 stars.
May 1, 2020
No sooner has Chet started his new ventriloquist hobby that Frank and Joe connect his first every dummy with a smuggling operation involving diamonds, taking them all the way to Puerto Rico on the trail of a deadly gang ready to do whatever it takes to get the boys off their case! Dixon provides fans with another fun and exciting adventure that will surely keep young readers hooked until the final page. No time for a vacation with so many enemies looking to take out the Hardy Boys and their pals for good!
February 27, 2017
This started off quite promisingly with a simple diamond smuggling ring using ventriloquist dummies (thanks to Chet Morton for helping with that particular plot device) but then it turned into some crazy political plot that made little to no sense. Would have been good if not for the ropy plot twist.
September 10, 2025
#Binge Reviewing My Past Reads: Hardy Boys
(Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)
The Ghost at Skeleton Rock by Franklin W. Dixon is one of those Hardy Boys adventures that leans into the gothic and the eerie, combining the brothers’ logical detective work with the thrill of the supernatural—or at least the suggestion of it.
I first picked it up in the M.P. Birla School library, where the title alone seemed daringly dramatic. Ghosts, skeletons, and rock formations with ominous names—this book promised something darker than usual, and it delivered in ways that still stick with me.
The story begins with strange sightings and unsettling rumours surrounding Skeleton Rock, a forbidding place that immediately sets the mood. From the outset, Dixon creates a heavy, atmospheric tension: the mysterious ghostly appearances, the dangerous terrain, and the sense of lurking menace.
Frank and Joe, true to form, resist giving in to superstition, relying instead on sharp observation, logical deduction, and their trademark bravery. The interplay between spooky suggestion and rational sleuthing is the novel’s central charm, keeping readers on edge as they follow the brothers deeper into the mystery.
Dixon paces the plot with precision. Each chapter alternates between suspenseful confrontations—unexplained noises, apparitions, perilous climbs—and the steady unravelling of clues. The “ghost” itself is handled cleverly, its mystery deepening with each encounter until the eventual explanation provides both relief and satisfaction. Villains, as always, are lurking in the shadows, manipulating fear for their own gain. Frank and Joe’s courage and clear-headedness cut through this fog of deception, reinforcing the Hardy Boys’ moral and intellectual steadiness.
The setting is one of the strongest aspects of this book. Skeleton Rock looms large, not just as a location but as a character—its treacherous cliffs, eerie caves, and forbidding aura heighten every twist of the plot. Dixon’s prose, while straightforward, conjures vivid images: the silhouette of the rock against the moon, the chilling sight of a phantom-like figure, the pulse of adrenaline during midnight chases.
Reading The Ghost at Skeleton Rock now brings back the same excitement I felt as a student, hunched over the familiar blue spine in a quiet library corner, half-thrilled and half-unnerved by its spooky premise. It captured the essence of what made Hardy Boys so addictive: the promise that behind every mystery—no matter how ghostly or grim—was an explanation waiting to be unearthed by intelligence and courage.
In conclusion, this installment stands out for its blend of eerie atmosphere and logical deduction. It proves yet again why the Hardy Boys remain timeless: they navigate fear, expose deception, and remind us that reason always triumphs over superstition.
(Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)
The Ghost at Skeleton Rock by Franklin W. Dixon is one of those Hardy Boys adventures that leans into the gothic and the eerie, combining the brothers’ logical detective work with the thrill of the supernatural—or at least the suggestion of it.
I first picked it up in the M.P. Birla School library, where the title alone seemed daringly dramatic. Ghosts, skeletons, and rock formations with ominous names—this book promised something darker than usual, and it delivered in ways that still stick with me.
The story begins with strange sightings and unsettling rumours surrounding Skeleton Rock, a forbidding place that immediately sets the mood. From the outset, Dixon creates a heavy, atmospheric tension: the mysterious ghostly appearances, the dangerous terrain, and the sense of lurking menace.
Frank and Joe, true to form, resist giving in to superstition, relying instead on sharp observation, logical deduction, and their trademark bravery. The interplay between spooky suggestion and rational sleuthing is the novel’s central charm, keeping readers on edge as they follow the brothers deeper into the mystery.
Dixon paces the plot with precision. Each chapter alternates between suspenseful confrontations—unexplained noises, apparitions, perilous climbs—and the steady unravelling of clues. The “ghost” itself is handled cleverly, its mystery deepening with each encounter until the eventual explanation provides both relief and satisfaction. Villains, as always, are lurking in the shadows, manipulating fear for their own gain. Frank and Joe’s courage and clear-headedness cut through this fog of deception, reinforcing the Hardy Boys’ moral and intellectual steadiness.
The setting is one of the strongest aspects of this book. Skeleton Rock looms large, not just as a location but as a character—its treacherous cliffs, eerie caves, and forbidding aura heighten every twist of the plot. Dixon’s prose, while straightforward, conjures vivid images: the silhouette of the rock against the moon, the chilling sight of a phantom-like figure, the pulse of adrenaline during midnight chases.
Reading The Ghost at Skeleton Rock now brings back the same excitement I felt as a student, hunched over the familiar blue spine in a quiet library corner, half-thrilled and half-unnerved by its spooky premise. It captured the essence of what made Hardy Boys so addictive: the promise that behind every mystery—no matter how ghostly or grim—was an explanation waiting to be unearthed by intelligence and courage.
In conclusion, this installment stands out for its blend of eerie atmosphere and logical deduction. It proves yet again why the Hardy Boys remain timeless: they navigate fear, expose deception, and remind us that reason always triumphs over superstition.
November 11, 2020
I have to admit, it does get a little old with Fenton Hardy, one of the world's premiere private investigators, being captured and having to wait for his teen-age sons to rescue him. Of course, these books were written for an entirely different generation, so I guess I just have to suspend my disbelief a little more intently.
That said, this was still an interesting read. This is one of the few, original series, books that took place outside the U.S. The writer does not spend a lot of time with descriptions, but does hit on a few key points when it comes to history and geography which you can look up after or while reading the book. It also reflected the fears of U.S. atomic secrets getting away from the country and our allies.
Chet and Tony were along for the adventure, so Tony's boat smarts and Chet's newest hobby, ventriloquism, both played into the story; especially when it came to the ventriloquism. A little eye-rolling for adults after the 37th adventure, but fun for younger readers who are still getting acquainted with out intrepid group of young sleuths. Well worth your time.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
That said, this was still an interesting read. This is one of the few, original series, books that took place outside the U.S. The writer does not spend a lot of time with descriptions, but does hit on a few key points when it comes to history and geography which you can look up after or while reading the book. It also reflected the fears of U.S. atomic secrets getting away from the country and our allies.
Chet and Tony were along for the adventure, so Tony's boat smarts and Chet's newest hobby, ventriloquism, both played into the story; especially when it came to the ventriloquism. A little eye-rolling for adults after the 37th adventure, but fun for younger readers who are still getting acquainted with out intrepid group of young sleuths. Well worth your time.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
August 19, 2021
The Hardy boys join their father in another mystery. This one has them going the caribbean with friends Chet and Tony. It all starts with Chets newest hobby ventriloquism. Chet inadvertently buys a dummy that thieves are looking for. The boys had received a strange message from their father "Find Hugo Purple Turban". The boys had no idea what it meant until Chet took them along to get his puppet which indeed had a purple turban. But what did that mean? They end up involved with thieves chasing them as they investigate the odd message. Adding to the intrigue one of the gang members looks just like Joe! This leads to confusion. The boys have some harrowing escapes and close calls as they try to solve the mystery.
September 10, 2020
I hadn't read a Hardy Boys book since I was a kid. I hadn't realized that the first books were written in the 1920's. I was expecting it to be dated, and campy, which is is. I was expecting low-end of mediocre writing, which would have earned it 3 stars. It was the cringe-inducing voodoo-practicing-wild-natives living a few minutes boat ride north Puero Rico that made me feel very generous giving it 2 stars. I get that in the 1950s no natives were portrayed favorably, but wild Carib Indians? Seriously?
October 9, 2020
A great classic Hardy Boys adventure that has aged well and remains plausible even today. A radio transmitter is concealed inside a ventroloquist dummy; an adventure to a Caribbean island ensues. Lots of adventures in plans, hunting down smugglers and non-stop action. I first read this book years ago as a boy and enjoyed re-reading it this year as I make my way through a mid-life re-reading of all of the Hardy Boys books. Any fan of the Hardy Boys will enjoy the Ghost at Skeleton Rock!
January 8, 2023
High flying adventure in the 37th installment of this series...literally! Both Joe and Frank use their flying lessons in this caper that takes them to Puerto Rico, with Chet and Tony. This whole adventure begins with Chet wanting a ventriloquist dummy, and they somehow end up in Puerto Rico saving the Caribbean political structure!
April 12, 2024
Chet takes up ventriloquism, and is happens the bad guys are smuggling diamonds in the dummy Chet buys. So the bad guys go to Chet's house and tie up his whole family in an attempt to get the dummy. The real mystery in this book is why Chet is still allowed to hang around with the Hardys.
Both Frank and Joe get a KO each, and Bashometer ticks up to 52 over 32 books. Oh, the Humanity!
Both Frank and Joe get a KO each, and Bashometer ticks up to 52 over 32 books. Oh, the Humanity!
June 5, 2018
Ate these up as a kid and usually got them as gifts for birthdays, Christmas and other events. This edition would be quite dated now and I believe they have updated the books. The author was a pseudonym for a plethora of writers who contributed to this series.
May 16, 2023
I go back to my observations a while back, that the Hardy Boys got to do things, such as fly planes and travel to other countries on their own, that almost no parent would let their children do.
The story is a bit interesting, but convoluted, so children may not find this one very interesting.
The story is a bit interesting, but convoluted, so children may not find this one very interesting.
December 8, 2023
Wow. Hardy boys have not aged well, I'll just put it that way. 😂
Were there any surprises at all? No.
Did it have multiple stereotypes and lots of cringe-worthy interactions? Yes. (See especially: the caricatures of the 'Carib Indians') 😅 Yikes.
Were there any surprises at all? No.
Did it have multiple stereotypes and lots of cringe-worthy interactions? Yes. (See especially: the caricatures of the 'Carib Indians') 😅 Yikes.
March 20, 2024
The imagery created, the Caribbean landscape, and the authenticity of the Spanish culture captured, made it worth reading.
The presence of Native Indians, islands, and wealthy men with villainous henchmen make Hardy stories engaging and interesting!
The presence of Native Indians, islands, and wealthy men with villainous henchmen make Hardy stories engaging and interesting!
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June 22, 2025Light reading for the day, avoiding my responsibilities. 😆 I loved Nancy Drew when I was a 12yo girl, so I imagined I was a 12yo boy today.
So many holes. Every chapter ended on a "cliff hanger" that was easily explained in the 1st paragraph of the next.
So many holes. Every chapter ended on a "cliff hanger" that was easily explained in the 1st paragraph of the next.
February 16, 2018
This title was badass. I loved it. It was a pretty intense book too. Cuban revolutions, atomic weapons... wow! Some Hardy Boys adventure alright.
March 27, 2019
Great book
Great book great for me 10 years old read 30+ last 3 months. Exiting and makes me stay up late
Great book great for me 10 years old read 30+ last 3 months. Exiting and makes me stay up late
September 26, 2019
the book wasn't horrible but it was a simple yet exciting story that i would recomend to people who are into mysteries.
February 10, 2020
Nice little story
June 25, 2020
Dated, but in a nostalgic sort of way. Very enjoyable to read this to my girls.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews