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Hardy Boys Adventures #9
The Curse of the Ancient Emerald
Frank and Joe must take the shine off a jewel thief who sends ominous riddles in this Hardy Boys adventure.
First a priceless painting disappears from the museum; then two ancient samurai swords vanish from a private collection. A string of robberies has hit Bayport, and all signs point to “the Phantom,” a recently released ex-con who last struck more than twenty years ago. There’s only one problem: the Phantom has vanished into thin air, and not even Frank and Joe Hardy can track him down.
Then the boys begin receiving threatening notes in the mail, each one containing a strange riddle. And it looks like the Phantom’s next target could be the valuable Emerald of Astara, the 2,500-year-old crown jewel of the Bayport Historical Museum. Can the Hardys crack the Phantom’s code before he strikes again?
First a priceless painting disappears from the museum; then two ancient samurai swords vanish from a private collection. A string of robberies has hit Bayport, and all signs point to “the Phantom,” a recently released ex-con who last struck more than twenty years ago. There’s only one problem: the Phantom has vanished into thin air, and not even Frank and Joe Hardy can track him down.
Then the boys begin receiving threatening notes in the mail, each one containing a strange riddle. And it looks like the Phantom’s next target could be the valuable Emerald of Astara, the 2,500-year-old crown jewel of the Bayport Historical Museum. Can the Hardys crack the Phantom’s code before he strikes again?
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2015
39 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
726 books991 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 10, 2024
3.75 stars
July 8, 2021
The book I read was Hardy Boys Adventures: The Curse of the Ancient Emerald.
This book is about 2 young boys who are sons of a real FBI agent that are trying to solve a mystery about a stolen gem. The thief gave 3 clues to the boys as to where he hid the gem. Instead of taking each clue to the police, they decided to solve this mystery on their own. Each time they come closer and closer to a clue; the thief would do something like another robbery to distract them. As they eventually find the thief, they are shocked at who it is, it was their old school friend from middle school. I would give this book a 7/10 in total because not only do I like a mystery book, but I like one where the suspense builds. The only thing that I really did not like is that they didn’t look at the main clues or what was really in front of them, they mainly looked that the clues that didn’t have much value or importance in their meaning.
- Patel A., PWPL Teen Reader
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
This book is about 2 young boys who are sons of a real FBI agent that are trying to solve a mystery about a stolen gem. The thief gave 3 clues to the boys as to where he hid the gem. Instead of taking each clue to the police, they decided to solve this mystery on their own. Each time they come closer and closer to a clue; the thief would do something like another robbery to distract them. As they eventually find the thief, they are shocked at who it is, it was their old school friend from middle school. I would give this book a 7/10 in total because not only do I like a mystery book, but I like one where the suspense builds. The only thing that I really did not like is that they didn’t look at the main clues or what was really in front of them, they mainly looked that the clues that didn’t have much value or importance in their meaning.
- Patel A., PWPL Teen Reader
Click here to find the book at Prince William Public Libraries.
July 21, 2025
i enjoy a good hiest, did find myself going "its clearly the son!!!!!" but frank and joe cant hear me so i dont know why i bothered also yet again another evil girl invading their lives
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2016
Corbyn Vasily
Block:6
October book report
Author: Franklin W. Dixon
The curse of the Ancient Emerald was a book I enjoyed reading for this month, and I'm going to summarize it. It first starts off with the Hardy boys traveling to a museum to see its artifacts, but while there a 50,000 dollar painting is stolen. The Hardy boys try to stop the burglar named the Phantom. Sadly though he gets away and burns the painting. A couple days later he threatens the Hardy boy's family if they do not stop him. The boy's are now a little scared. Each day at about 2-3 o'clock they receive a riddle that tells them right where the Phantom is going to make his move. They're given three riddles. One to a pair of Dasiho Swords. One to a Civil War exhibit, and the last one is to the Emerald of Astra. The solve every riddle, but don't catch the Phantom, until the third riddle. Both boys hide until the Phantom shows up to steal the Emerald. Both jump out and stroll into the building sneakily. All of a sudden they alarms go off and Frank and Joe run out of the door to flashing lights. Luckily they manage to escape and capture the Phantom. The Hardy boy's are now in peace and nothing to worry about, not yet, anyways.
I believe the theme of this story is to not be afraid. I believe this because throughout the story they can't call the police or ask their dad for help because they were threatened to catch the Phantom on their own. I think that would be really scary. Even the author agrees with me. "Who did this guy think he was, threatening our family and friends? (Franklin Dixon, PG 30)" Also I can't imagine how their family would feel. This is what I think the theme is in this book.
Block:6
October book report
Author: Franklin W. Dixon
The curse of the Ancient Emerald was a book I enjoyed reading for this month, and I'm going to summarize it. It first starts off with the Hardy boys traveling to a museum to see its artifacts, but while there a 50,000 dollar painting is stolen. The Hardy boys try to stop the burglar named the Phantom. Sadly though he gets away and burns the painting. A couple days later he threatens the Hardy boy's family if they do not stop him. The boy's are now a little scared. Each day at about 2-3 o'clock they receive a riddle that tells them right where the Phantom is going to make his move. They're given three riddles. One to a pair of Dasiho Swords. One to a Civil War exhibit, and the last one is to the Emerald of Astra. The solve every riddle, but don't catch the Phantom, until the third riddle. Both boys hide until the Phantom shows up to steal the Emerald. Both jump out and stroll into the building sneakily. All of a sudden they alarms go off and Frank and Joe run out of the door to flashing lights. Luckily they manage to escape and capture the Phantom. The Hardy boy's are now in peace and nothing to worry about, not yet, anyways.
I believe the theme of this story is to not be afraid. I believe this because throughout the story they can't call the police or ask their dad for help because they were threatened to catch the Phantom on their own. I think that would be really scary. Even the author agrees with me. "Who did this guy think he was, threatening our family and friends? (Franklin Dixon, PG 30)" Also I can't imagine how their family would feel. This is what I think the theme is in this book.
August 1, 2023
Frank and Joe Hardy are back in this new and modernized adventure, struggling to stop a legendary cat burglar who is taunting them with clues to his coming crimes. They want to bring the clues to Chief Olaf, but the burglar has threatened to harm their family if they do, so the boys and a new friend struggle to solve the clues and apprehend the villain themselves.
As they do so, they begin to wonder if the original cat burglar (apprehended by their father years ago and now out of prison) is actually the criminal. There are many other choices. As an adult reader who has read a lot of mysteries and a lot of Hardy Boys books, I figured out the villain almost from the start, but I’m not sure that a younger reader would. In any event, it was quite a lot of fun.
As they do so, they begin to wonder if the original cat burglar (apprehended by their father years ago and now out of prison) is actually the criminal. There are many other choices. As an adult reader who has read a lot of mysteries and a lot of Hardy Boys books, I figured out the villain almost from the start, but I’m not sure that a younger reader would. In any event, it was quite a lot of fun.
August 31, 2021
My mom used to read the original Hardy Boys to my brother and me when we were kids. It was interesting to see how the newer one compare the originals. It was a clever idea to write new stories for a new generation, chosing to follow the sons of one of the original brothers. These would be fun to read to your kids today. They're entertaining enough. This one's who done it was predictable and the boys' reliance on the internet to solve the riddles was a little bit of a let down (would've like to see a little more variety to their problem-solving skills.) Overall though, a fun little read.
September 9, 2018
I loved the Hardy Boys growing up, and I thought the updated, contemporary, newer releases would be fun to listen to with my daughter. Not only did she enjoy the audiobook, I really enjoyed it as well. There were a lot of clues given throughout the book to give readers an indication of who the real perpetrator was. It was enjoyable and preteens to early teens who like mysteries would enjoy it.
February 16, 2018
I have attempted to read the old Hardy Boys to my nine year old and he wasn't interested, not that I blamed him. I never liked them either. This is an updated version, which was more enjoyable to read and more modern. My son liked it.
January 18, 2022
Another fun addition to the newer Hardy Boys series. Again, these boys are too quick to trust a girl, and end up paying for it! Simple plot, and not as unraveling clues as I like in a mystery, but still a quick, fun read. I always enjoyed Hardy Boys when growing up.
August 16, 2025
So far, it's taken me 2 days to finish a Hardy Boys Adventures book. I set a record by completing Hardy Boys Adventures, Book 9: The Curse of the Ancient Emerald in only 1 day. I think that's awesome! Also, I loved this book!
February 13, 2018
Another fun Hardy Boys mystery. They may not be the best written books, but they're a fun quick read. I don't know if I'll ever stop reading them.
February 18, 2019
This book was really good, the twist was super good totally didn't see it coming. Highly recommended it.
January 30, 2021
It's a fun book with a different set up to the more classic ones. The riddles are fun and the suspects are each strong characters
March 21, 2021
Typical Hardy boys adventure!
May 31, 2021
Really creative story arch that brought in some cool characters and locations.
October 22, 2023
Great twist that I didn’t see coming! Also included riddles which I always enjoy as well.
December 28, 2023
Displays the mask some women wear at times lol (you will understand this after reading the novel)
98/100
98/100
July 25, 2024
Either the audio book skipped parts, or there were jumps and mistakes in the plot. Reading and music were good, but this modernized version of the Hardy Boys leaves something to be desired.
January 11, 2025
As always, a Hardy Boys msytery is my go-to when I am craving for a transition book before reading another long one.
July 6, 2025
This one was good, i remember it was about an emerald a lot of thieves were trying to steal. So good.
February 2, 2017
This book is by Franklin W. Dixon
Frank and Joe must track down a jewel thief who sends riddles the Hardy Boys.First a priceless painting disappears from the museum. Many more items go missing after that.''The Phantom'' is the culprit for all of the crimes. Will the hardy boys find him.
The theme of the book is Never Give Up because the boys never stop trying to find him. Even thought the boys cant solve the riddels. They always find a way to be 1 step ahead. That is the theme of the book.
Frank and Joe must track down a jewel thief who sends riddles the Hardy Boys.First a priceless painting disappears from the museum. Many more items go missing after that.''The Phantom'' is the culprit for all of the crimes. Will the hardy boys find him.
The theme of the book is Never Give Up because the boys never stop trying to find him. Even thought the boys cant solve the riddels. They always find a way to be 1 step ahead. That is the theme of the book.
October 22, 2023
Great twist that I didn’t see coming! Also included riddles which I always enjoy as well.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews