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Hardy Boys: Killer Mystery #2
Private Killer
In Private Killer, Frank and Joe continue their undercover investigation of Gamma Theta Theta, a mysterious-turned-dangerous fraternity at an all-boys New England boarding school. The headmaster’s meddlesome, trouble-making daughter is in danger, and it seems like the fraternity members—and even some faculty—will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
160 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2009
15 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
764 books997 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 16, 2019
When I first read Hardy Boys, I think I was in class 5, I had such a crush on Frank Hardy. I liked the brainy one over the brawny one and that sums up my first impression of Hardy Boys.
In their late teens, Frank and Joe Hardy take after their detective father Fenton Hardy. Frank is the older of the two and has more breakthroughs in the cases because he is the brainy one. Joe is the younger brother who more often than not is useful when things get hot and they need to fight their way out.
Like Nancy Drew, the books in the The Hardy Boys series re written by ghostwriters under the collective pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. And yes, the earlier books were better than the latter ones.
In their late teens, Frank and Joe Hardy take after their detective father Fenton Hardy. Frank is the older of the two and has more breakthroughs in the cases because he is the brainy one. Joe is the younger brother who more often than not is useful when things get hot and they need to fight their way out.
Like Nancy Drew, the books in the The Hardy Boys series re written by ghostwriters under the collective pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. And yes, the earlier books were better than the latter ones.
July 31, 2018
The second book in this trilogy of the boys being undercover at a boarding school, and apparently book 32 of the undercover brothers series. These lads get up to a lot of adventures without ageing at all, it would be interesting to see someone actually age them beyond their schooling days, into adulthood and beyond, but anyway this one was the middle of the trilogy and it is ok again, not the greatest but typical Hady Boys fare with modern ethos and crimes.
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July 28, 2021Love it
December 4, 2013
Frank and Joe Hardy have been updated in this 21st century version of the old Hardy Boys series we may have read as kids. In this book, the brothers investigate a secret society at an exclusive private school in New England. The chapters alternate between Joe and Frank's perspectives on the case, which keeps the reading fresh throughout fourteen chapters.
I read this story to my first grader at night before bed because he favors mysteries. Initially, with a title like "Private Killer", I was cautious, but a pre-reading before bedtime reading confirmed that much of the action contained within is "G" rated.
I read this story to my first grader at night before bed because he favors mysteries. Initially, with a title like "Private Killer", I was cautious, but a pre-reading before bedtime reading confirmed that much of the action contained within is "G" rated.
October 17, 2011
Private Killer is the second book in the Killer Trilogy.
Frank and Joe are undercover at a private school. Frank is a student. Joe's the dog handler to Killer the former policedog and mascot.
The first clue that confronts them is two buckets of human blood! Which is pretty disgusting. Add a weird secret society and tunnels everywhere....and a girl that Joe thinks is pretty hot who seems to like him...you get a pretty good mystery.
Frank and Joe are undercover at a private school. Frank is a student. Joe's the dog handler to Killer the former policedog and mascot.
The first clue that confronts them is two buckets of human blood! Which is pretty disgusting. Add a weird secret society and tunnels everywhere....and a girl that Joe thinks is pretty hot who seems to like him...you get a pretty good mystery.
May 31, 2012
Just like I said for the first one- a twist here, a turn there, and I am once again unable to figure it out before the characters. Oh well, I still loved it!
Poor Frank and Joe- every time they think they're done with this case, yet another attack pops up and they have to continue investigating. So much for the quick mission they were expecting. :p
Well, on to the third book! ;)
Poor Frank and Joe- every time they think they're done with this case, yet another attack pops up and they have to continue investigating. So much for the quick mission they were expecting. :p
Well, on to the third book! ;)
June 8, 2010
this was also a very good book! The ending makes me want to get the next book right away!
May 9, 2012
so far im liking the book and the trilogy cant wait to finished and get on to the third book
August 12, 2015
Very interesting but similar to the other mysteries - hence a bit boring.
February 7, 2016
I believe my 12-year old self would have appreciated this much more than my 22-year old self did.
January 25, 2017
Awesome book. Full of thrill and adventure. The secret passage part was so cool. I wanna read book 1 and 3 in this trilogy. Pls tell me where can I find it's free ebook. Thnx
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews