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The Hardy Boys #34
The Hooded Hawk Mystery
The young detectives receive a trained peregrine falcon as a gift that involves them in an exciting mystery. Imagine their astonishment when the swift-flying falcon brings down a homing pigeon carrying two precious rubies! Startling events that ensue indicate the gems are a ransom that has been paid for the release of a kidnapped student from India, who had come to the United States to complete his education. But Tava, the son of a wealthy industrialist, is still being held captive. Hoping to find a clue to Tava’s whereabouts, the Hardys try to track down the owner of the ruby-bearing pigeon. Their every move, however, is thwarted by the dangerous criminals not only involved in the kidnapping, but also in the large-scale smuggling of aliens from India to the United States. How Frank and Joe eventually outwit their adversaries climaxes this thrill-packed mystery adventure.
180 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
808 books1,005 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 53 reviews
November 22, 2022
Good...but I've read better in this series.
March 6, 2026
The Hooded Hawk Mystery is the 34th volume in the long-running series of juvenile mysteries that the Stratemeyer Syndicate produced and that Grosset & Dunlap published under the house pseudonym of Franklin W. Dixon. This one was published in 1954, and was written by Charles S. Strong, based on an outline created by Harriet Stratemeyer Adams. Between 1959 - '73, Adams oversaw a program of revisions to the first 38 books in the series, updating and simplifying them for more modern and younger readers. Some of the books were completely replaced by new novels that were released with the same title, some were updated and shortened while keeping much of the original, and some, including this one, were simply abridged and lightly retouched here and there. The 1954 version, which was 212 pages long and had 25 chapters, was shortened by Priscilla Baker-Carr and published in 1971 with 180 pages and 20 chapters. I read both iterations back-to-back to compare them and liked the older one slightly more because it had a bit more characterization, but it's always been one of my least favorite books in the series. This was the only book in the series written by Strong, and I didn't think he had a good grip on the characters or the background. It's an unlikely story about smuggling illegal Indians into the country through Bayport, and the bad guys also engage in kidnapping and other unsavory pursuits. In the original version we learn on page 21 that Dad, Fenton Hardy, is 45 years old and distinguished looking, and that Mom is small and slim and soft-spoken and adoring and is named Mrs. Hardy, so the author was evidently too lazy to look up what her name was. On page 31 we discover that Officer Smuff is a bumbling idiot and that Nicolo, the gardener, is an ethnic stereotype. All of the rural police are incompetent in chapter 22. The very best line in the book is on page 202: "Now that you are prisoners, we can tell you the full story, then arrange a convenient accident for you." Talk about a cheap way to excuse exposition! The bad guys get whips and prepare to flog the Boys to death but then decide to wrestle first at Frank's suggestion, because, it's explained to us, everyone knows that all Indians love wrestling above all else. Huh?! Thankfully, the calvary arrives just as the poison pills are being forced down their throats. It's a much more violent book that the average Hardy outing, and the Hardy house even gets blown up by a bomb. I thought the most disturbing thing about it was animal cruelty. The main plot gimmick is falconry, and the Hardys are given a bird to help them solve the case, but they take terrible care of the poor thing. Not to mention all of the other birds they send it to slaughter. (I wonder what happened to her? They're told to keep her at the end, but we never hear more about it in the next book.) It's an okay story for 1954, I guess, but definitely not one of the better ones. I wish they would have made some more changes in 1971... which is something I never said about the other volumes up to now.
March 6, 2026
The Hooded Hawk Mystery is the 34th volume in the long-running series of juvenile mysteries that the Stratemeyer Syndicate produced and that Grosset & Dunlap published under the house pseudonym of Franklin W. Dixon. This one was published in 1954, and was written by Charles S. Strong, based on an outline created by Harriet Stratemeyer Adams. Between 1959 - '73, Adams oversaw a program of revisions to the first 38 books in the series, updating and simplifying them for more modern and younger readers. Some of the books were completely replaced by new novels that were released with the same title, some were updated and shortened while keeping much of the original, and some, including this one, were simply abridged and lightly retouched here and there. The 1954 version, which was 212 pages long and had 25 chapters, was shortened by Priscilla Baker-Carr and published in 1971 with 180 pages and 20 chapters. I read both iterations back-to-back to compare them and liked the older one slightly more because it had a bit more characterization, but it's always been one of my least favorite books in the series. This was the only book in the series written by Strong, and I didn't think he had a good grip on the characters or the background. It's an unlikely story about smuggling illegal Indians into the country through Bayport, and the bad guys also engage in kidnapping and other unsavory pursuits. In the original version we learn on page 21 that Dad, Fenton Hardy, is 45 years old and distinguished looking, and that Mom is small and slim and soft-spoken and adoring and is named Mrs. Hardy, so the author was evidently too lazy to look up what her name was. On page 31 we discover that Officer Smuff is a bumbling idiot and that Nicolo, the gardener, is an ethnic stereotype. All of the rural police are incompetent in chapter 22. The very best line in the book is on page 202: "Now that you are prisoners, we can tell you the full story, then arrange a convenient accident for you." Talk about a cheap way to excuse exposition! The bad guys get whips and prepare to flog the Boys to death but then decide to wrestle first at Frank's suggestion, because, it's explained to us, everyone knows that all Indians love wrestling above all else. Huh?! Thankfully, the calvary arrives just as the poison pills are being forced down their throats. It's a much more violent book that the average Hardy outing, and the Hardy house even gets blown up by a bomb. I thought the most disturbing thing about it was animal cruelty. The main plot gimmick is falconry, and the Hardys are given a bird to help them solve the case, but they take terrible care of the poor thing. Not to mention all of the other birds they send it to slaughter. (I wonder what happened to her? They're told to keep her at the end, but we never hear more about it in the next book.) It's an okay story for 1954, I guess, but definitely not one of the better ones. I wish they would have made some more changes in 1971... which is something I never said about the other volumes up to now.
October 9, 2020
A great classic Hardy Boys story that has aged well and remains plausible even today. The Hardys receive a hunting falcon from an Indian businessman which brings down a passenger pigeon carrying rubies in a capsule. Turns out the rubies are part of a ransom and the adventure begins. Reading this action-packed story that includes a bombing of the Hardy house, you will also learn about the art of falconing. This is a very interesting, very exciting classic adventure that has aged well, is plausible, and has a quick sense of action. Even the cover art and interior illustrations are excellent. Anyone who enjoys classic Hardy Boys tales will love The Hooded Hawk Mystery!
January 5, 2023
Lots of twists and turns plus a little history in falconry. One of the better mysteries in this fun series!
February 22, 2022
A solid Hardy Boy's book. As a country kid, I really appreciated how they viewed animals. It was refreshing not to read another book where animals were thought horrible for hunting other animals.
November 26, 2011
I used to be a fan of the Hardy Boys, though I've only read a couple of books from the series. This might be my third or fourth one. Though the plot points seem logical, I can't help but think outside a PG-13 setting were criminals are more ruthless and cold-blooded than normally depicted in the series. The boys occasionally get kidnapped and LIVE because all these men can do is tie them up and gag them. Why can't they plant a bullet in their heads and get it over with? I also cringe at the fact that these criminals easily let these boys shove them around, beat them up, and give in easily to questioning. For top international smugglers, that really doesn't sit well with me.
February 1, 2016
The Hardy boys enter a mystery which involves there friend a Hawk that is named Miss. Peregrine, I think.They randomly received the hawk as a gift. And while the boys Frank and Joe send the bird outside. The hawk flies up and comes back to them with a pigeon that was holding rubies. Apparently the rubies were sent to other criminals to pay a ransom of the governer's missing son. After close encounters with death and losing thier hawk. The boys once again save a hostage and capture the criminals.
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 Hooded Hawk Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon takes the Hardy Boys into a world where the natural and the criminal intertwine, centering around a mysterious hawk whose presence signals deeper secrets and danger.
I first discovered this book during my school library days at M.P. Birla School, a period when Frank and Joe Hardy were steadfast companions, their blue-spined adventures providing both suspense and comfort. Revisiting it years later, after collecting the series meticulously, only reinforced the charm and precision of Dixon’s storytelling.
The narrative begins with an unusual event—the appearance of a hooded hawk in contexts that suggest both intrigue and crime. From this seemingly simple premise, Dixon constructs a layered plot, blending elements of danger, observation, and deduction. Frank and Joe approach the mystery with their characteristic intelligence, bravery, and analytical skill. The hawk itself becomes both a clue and a symbol of the challenges they face, drawing the brothers deeper into a network of puzzles, cryptic threats, and clever misdirection. Dixon’s pacing is deliberate yet engaging, alternating moments of tense suspense with the methodical unraveling of clues, keeping readers absorbed in the unfolding adventure.
The villains and supporting characters are well-drawn, offering credible obstacles while enhancing the story’s sense of suspense. Dixon’s prose is clear and evocative, painting vivid scenes of outdoor pursuits, nighttime stakeouts, and tense confrontations without slowing the narrative. Themes of loyalty, courage, and ethical decision-making run subtly through the story, reinforcing the moral consistency that defines the Hardy Boys series. The interplay between the natural environment—the hawk, the terrain—and human ingenuity provides a unique texture that distinguishes this installment from other mysteries in the series.
For me, reading The Hooded Hawk Mystery is inseparable from nostalgia. I remember the anticipation of locating the familiar blue spine on the library shelves and the thrill of opening the book to enter a world where danger and intelligence coexisted in equal measure. The hooded hawk, a symbol both mysterious and tangible, transforms the story from a conventional mystery into an immersive adventure, enhancing the sense of realism and engagement that Dixon consistently delivers.
In conclusion, The Hooded Hawk Mystery exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Hardy Boys series: intelligent protagonists, suspenseful and tightly plotted narratives, and a moral compass that guides the story without ever feeling forced. Dixon’s craftsmanship ensures that the book remains entertaining and resonant, a testament to why Frank and Joe Hardy continue to captivate readers across generations.
(Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)
The Hooded Hawk Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon takes the Hardy Boys into a world where the natural and the criminal intertwine, centering around a mysterious hawk whose presence signals deeper secrets and danger.
I first discovered this book during my school library days at M.P. Birla School, a period when Frank and Joe Hardy were steadfast companions, their blue-spined adventures providing both suspense and comfort. Revisiting it years later, after collecting the series meticulously, only reinforced the charm and precision of Dixon’s storytelling.
The narrative begins with an unusual event—the appearance of a hooded hawk in contexts that suggest both intrigue and crime. From this seemingly simple premise, Dixon constructs a layered plot, blending elements of danger, observation, and deduction. Frank and Joe approach the mystery with their characteristic intelligence, bravery, and analytical skill. The hawk itself becomes both a clue and a symbol of the challenges they face, drawing the brothers deeper into a network of puzzles, cryptic threats, and clever misdirection. Dixon’s pacing is deliberate yet engaging, alternating moments of tense suspense with the methodical unraveling of clues, keeping readers absorbed in the unfolding adventure.
The villains and supporting characters are well-drawn, offering credible obstacles while enhancing the story’s sense of suspense. Dixon’s prose is clear and evocative, painting vivid scenes of outdoor pursuits, nighttime stakeouts, and tense confrontations without slowing the narrative. Themes of loyalty, courage, and ethical decision-making run subtly through the story, reinforcing the moral consistency that defines the Hardy Boys series. The interplay between the natural environment—the hawk, the terrain—and human ingenuity provides a unique texture that distinguishes this installment from other mysteries in the series.
For me, reading The Hooded Hawk Mystery is inseparable from nostalgia. I remember the anticipation of locating the familiar blue spine on the library shelves and the thrill of opening the book to enter a world where danger and intelligence coexisted in equal measure. The hooded hawk, a symbol both mysterious and tangible, transforms the story from a conventional mystery into an immersive adventure, enhancing the sense of realism and engagement that Dixon consistently delivers.
In conclusion, The Hooded Hawk Mystery exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Hardy Boys series: intelligent protagonists, suspenseful and tightly plotted narratives, and a moral compass that guides the story without ever feeling forced. Dixon’s craftsmanship ensures that the book remains entertaining and resonant, a testament to why Frank and Joe Hardy continue to captivate readers across generations.
November 23, 2023
Shoutout Gage Bailey for lending me this book! It is the 34th installment in the fattest 20th century mystery series I have ever seen, but I did not find myself missing information from 33 other stories. These work great as standalone reads.
Considering this book was published in 1954, there is plenty of outdated vocabulary and somewhat “out-of-touch” terminology used throughout the story. Unfortunately, this is just a literary product if its time. I did not let that deter me from enjoying my time reading it though. The twists and turns in the book kept it moving excitingly, and the action helped outweigh some of the “who dunnit” mystery clichés present throughout the story (think “if it wasn’t for you meddling kids” from Scooby Doo). To be fair, what is a platitude today very likely was a pretty rad storytelling technique 70 years ago.
All in all, an enjoyable read that is well-written for it’s time. I’ll probably pull up to Gage’s soon here and request another Hardy Boy’s book in the future
Considering this book was published in 1954, there is plenty of outdated vocabulary and somewhat “out-of-touch” terminology used throughout the story. Unfortunately, this is just a literary product if its time. I did not let that deter me from enjoying my time reading it though. The twists and turns in the book kept it moving excitingly, and the action helped outweigh some of the “who dunnit” mystery clichés present throughout the story (think “if it wasn’t for you meddling kids” from Scooby Doo). To be fair, what is a platitude today very likely was a pretty rad storytelling technique 70 years ago.
All in all, an enjoyable read that is well-written for it’s time. I’ll probably pull up to Gage’s soon here and request another Hardy Boy’s book in the future
August 30, 2023
A better than average entry in the series. The mystery is solid with some interesting twists near the end of the book. The author (Remember Dixon is a house name) made it appear that a few of the crooks might actually escape the law in this one. Very solid pacing throughout the book as well.
Biff, Tony, and Chet all show up which makes everything a little more interesting. Sam Radley (who works for Fenton) gets a bigger than average part in it all as well. There is also an appearance of the Hardy's gardener, Nicolo and a friend of their father's, George Simons, who owns a helicopter they need to use. I think this is the only appearance in the series for both characters.
There is also a lot of information here about the sport of Falconry. In fact, the boys could not have solved this mystery without the help of the titled bird.
Lots of fun and a good jumping on book for getting people interested in the series. Highly recommended.
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
Biff, Tony, and Chet all show up which makes everything a little more interesting. Sam Radley (who works for Fenton) gets a bigger than average part in it all as well. There is also an appearance of the Hardy's gardener, Nicolo and a friend of their father's, George Simons, who owns a helicopter they need to use. I think this is the only appearance in the series for both characters.
There is also a lot of information here about the sport of Falconry. In fact, the boys could not have solved this mystery without the help of the titled bird.
Lots of fun and a good jumping on book for getting people interested in the series. Highly recommended.
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
April 16, 2018
This book was a great continuation of the Hardy Boys books! It still let readers pick it up and have a basic knowledge of what is happening. This book had action, mystery, and hawks to intercept the messenger pigeons. The genera of this book was mystery. With not having much character development compared with the other books it still was a great book. I would recommend this book for any readers between the ages 8-12.
June 27, 2021
The Hardy Boys welcome a Peregrine Falcon into their home becoming falconers in this mystery. A gang has kidnapped Tava, an Indian student studying in the USA using homing pigeons to carry rubies as payment in ransom making it hard to follow the lead. But the peregrine falcon can help. To find Tava the boys try to find the owner of the ruby carrying pigeon which leads to fights and adventure. Interesting story with info on falconry mixed in.
August 8, 2022
I really liked this Hardy Boys. And that's a big deal. I enjoy HBs in general because they're entertaining, easy reads, half fun and half to make fun of. 😏 I'd been looking forward to this one particularly because, if I'm honest, of the cool cover. But to my surprise, the mystery was actually decent, and I learned quite a bit of information from this without it seeming forced (I only rolled my eyes once!) So yeah, this is the best yet!
November 15, 2023
The Hardy's break up a people smuggling ring by using a trained hawk to catch the carrier pigeons the gang uses to transmit messages. Rather pedestrian story, felt like they were mailing it in. Actually the author did mail it in - read the story behind the books: the editor sent the writers outlines, the authors fleshed it out and mailed it back to the editor.
Joe escapes unscathed, but Frank gets KO'ed 2x. The count is up to 42 for the boys!
Joe escapes unscathed, but Frank gets KO'ed 2x. The count is up to 42 for the boys!
February 27, 2024
A fast paced mystery for Frank and Joe.
They receive a trained peregrine falcon as a gift, and soon find themselves looking into a kidnapping and also a smuggling operation.
The falconry aspect of the story is a nice change of pace.
And again, I have to think the Hardys must have multiple concussions by now. 😂
For as many times they get knocked on the head.
They receive a trained peregrine falcon as a gift, and soon find themselves looking into a kidnapping and also a smuggling operation.
The falconry aspect of the story is a nice change of pace.
And again, I have to think the Hardys must have multiple concussions by now. 😂
For as many times they get knocked on the head.
October 13, 2024
The most boring, badly researched Hardy Boys book!
The star of the book is a Peregrine Falcon, but the author's research is so bad, he thinks falcons and hawks are the same! (They are a separate species.) There's hardly any action, and the only interesting part is how "falcon-hawks" kill pigeons.
The star of the book is a Peregrine Falcon, but the author's research is so bad, he thinks falcons and hawks are the same! (They are a separate species.) There's hardly any action, and the only interesting part is how "falcon-hawks" kill pigeons.
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 3, 2023
The 34th volume in the series has an interesting storyline and information.
The story starts with the boys taking a surprise delivery of a peregrine falcon that becomes an integral part of their newest mystery.
Though some of the lanaguage is a bit dated, the story will likely interest a child.
The story starts with the boys taking a surprise delivery of a peregrine falcon that becomes an integral part of their newest mystery.
Though some of the lanaguage is a bit dated, the story will likely interest a child.
May 25, 2023
"Why not? We are proud of what we have done. We've fooled the authorities for a long time. Except for you two young snoops, everything has run smoothly. But since you are our prisoners, we can tell you the full story, then arrange a convenient accident for you."
April 29, 2024
3.5 stars
It started out weird, and yeah it stayed one of the weirder storylines. And the Hardy Boys make some TERRIBLE decisions sometimes, lol. But the action at the end brought it up .5 star.
It started out weird, and yeah it stayed one of the weirder storylines. And the Hardy Boys make some TERRIBLE decisions sometimes, lol. But the action at the end brought it up .5 star.
February 16, 2018
Yeah this one was kinda weird... whenever they smuggle illegal aliens, it gets a bit strange. Eh.
July 19, 2020
One of our favorite Hardy Boys books to date!
October 30, 2021
Some interesting stuff to learn about falconry. And there's a smuggling ring.
April 20, 2023
Great book! One of my favorites from the series.
April 10, 2024
This is one of 2 of these stories that I remember elements of from my youth. It's a pretty fun story with a good mix of knowing who the villain is and not knowing who it is.
October 20, 2024
Love it
April 2, 2025
Interesting book. I wish I had a hawk.
October 5, 2025
I never read the Hardy boys books as a kid. I heard about them but never was interested until now. I think they still can teach youth so much today.
January 24, 2026
Another great mystery solved!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews