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The Hardy Boys #43
The Mystery of the Aztec Warrior
The handwritten will of a deceased world-traveler is strange and mysterious. Its cryptic instructions are to deliver “the valuable Aztec warrior to the rightful owner, a descendant of an Aztec warrior.” Frank and Joe Hardy have only one slim clue to work the name of a complete stranger who can help. Despite the harassments, the threats, and the attacks made upon them, Frank and Joe unravel clue after clue in their adventure-packed search for the living descendant of the mighty Aztec nation which once ruled in Mexico. It takes as much high courage as clever deduction for the young detectives to defeat their ruthless foes and to decipher the fascinating secrets of the strange and mysterious will.
178 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1964
46 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
734 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 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 24, 2020
Asked to seek a mysterious benefactor connected to Aztec history, Frank and Joe take their pal Chet on a search across the ruins of Mexico for answers, only to be bombarded by dangerous thieves at every corner, forcing them to race against time to find the truth! Dixon brings fans more thrills across the globe, sure to keep young readers on the edge of their seats. Will Frank, Joe and Chet figure out who they need to find before they become relics of history themselves?
August 1, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
The handwritten will of a deceased world-traveler is strange and mysterious. Its cryptic instructions are to deliver “the valuable Aztec warrior to the rightful owner, a descendant of an Aztec warrior.”
Frank and Joe Hardy have only one slim clue to work with: the name of a complete stranger who can help. Despite the harassments, the threats, and the attacks made upon them, Frank and Joe unravel clue after clue in their adventure-packed search for the living descendant of the mighty Aztec nation which once ruled in Mexico.
It takes as much high courage as clever deduction for the young detectives to defeat their ruthless foes and to decipher the fascinating secrets of the strange and mysterious will.
Hardy Boys were part of my childhood. Today I'm re-reading it in a kindlebook.
The handwritten will of a deceased world-traveler is strange and mysterious. Its cryptic instructions are to deliver “the valuable Aztec warrior to the rightful owner, a descendant of an Aztec warrior.”
Frank and Joe Hardy have only one slim clue to work with: the name of a complete stranger who can help. Despite the harassments, the threats, and the attacks made upon them, Frank and Joe unravel clue after clue in their adventure-packed search for the living descendant of the mighty Aztec nation which once ruled in Mexico.
It takes as much high courage as clever deduction for the young detectives to defeat their ruthless foes and to decipher the fascinating secrets of the strange and mysterious will.
Hardy Boys were part of my childhood. Today I'm re-reading it in a kindlebook.
June 5, 2017
This was a very short but intriguing book. With all the twists and turns I couldn't keep my eyes off the pages. I read this book because the book because the book I was reading before (The Name of This Book is Secret) was returned to the library and Anne Frank was really boring me. So this was the perfect short read. I hope to go to the library and get "The Name of This Book is Secret" soon so that I can finish it. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a short mystery to keep them occupied.
March 30, 2008
THis Book is totally awesome,after i read it, i felt like going into the book myself~!
I`ll explain what the book is all about,here goes!
The handwritten will of a deceased world-traveler is stange and mysterious.its cryptic instructions are to deliver"the valuable Aztec Warrior to the rightful owner,What is the name of the owner and where is he?
Despite the harassments,the threats, and attacks made upon them by a unknown gang.The search continues!
I`ll explain what the book is all about,here goes!
The handwritten will of a deceased world-traveler is stange and mysterious.its cryptic instructions are to deliver"the valuable Aztec Warrior to the rightful owner,What is the name of the owner and where is he?
Despite the harassments,the threats, and attacks made upon them by a unknown gang.The search continues!
March 4, 2013
It was a good book full of mystery and adventure and had action in each page.
October 29, 2016
This series always delivers.
October 8, 2018
The Aztec Warrior is one of the many Hardy Boys Books. It had a very good storyline. It started with someone breaking into the Hardy Boys home. He claimed he was looking for the descendant of the Aztec Warrior. The descendant was going to get a very valuable item handed down when the warrior died. So the Hardys went to Mexico to try to find the descendant of the warrior before the descendant gets the valuable item and uses it for evil. They get caught a few times by a huge gang that is trying to do the same thing the Hardys are doing. But as you know if you have read any Hardy Boys book, they can always escape. The lexile level of this book is 780L.
It is a really action packed book. It goes from the Hardys trying to find their kidnapped plane pilot, to the Hardys getting mugged. This is one of the first books I have read that the character Chet had a really big role in the book. He was the one who actually found out a lot of clues to find the missing pilot. He also got hit in the back of the head with a shovel as the bad gang was trying to mug the Hardys, but the boys heard that he got hit and they were alert and ready to fight.
Overall I thought this book was really good! It had a lot of action, and the author did a really good job at making it all run smoothly. I would totally recommend this to any person who has previously read the Hardy Boys. And even if you have not, this would also be a very good book to start on. I really did like this book!
It is a really action packed book. It goes from the Hardys trying to find their kidnapped plane pilot, to the Hardys getting mugged. This is one of the first books I have read that the character Chet had a really big role in the book. He was the one who actually found out a lot of clues to find the missing pilot. He also got hit in the back of the head with a shovel as the bad gang was trying to mug the Hardys, but the boys heard that he got hit and they were alert and ready to fight.
Overall I thought this book was really good! It had a lot of action, and the author did a really good job at making it all run smoothly. I would totally recommend this to any person who has previously read the Hardy Boys. And even if you have not, this would also be a very good book to start on. I really did like this book!
July 1, 2025
I saw this get donated to the charity shop where I work and I had to have myself a little nostalgia read, especially as our kids books are only 50p each! This is marked up as number 1 in the series but it was just the first one this publisher had permission to release so it was a bit confusing as the Hardy boys have clearly already had lots of previous adventures and we are expected to know a lot of background about the boys and their associates. I think this is a bit misleading as it’s been so long since I read any of these I couldn’t really remember who was who. That being said this is still a very good mystery in its own right, even though I would say it doesn’t quite work as a standalone. I also enjoyed the ending and thought it was a good twist. I had forgotten how much globe trotting these boys do and I liked learning a lot about Mexico and the ancient ruins. There is obviously some violence and this may not be suitable for younger readers but it wasn’t overdone and it all felt credible - not over the top like it can be in the movies. I think I would still recommend it overall but it won’t be a re-read for me and because I was a bit confused by it being labelled as book 1 I felt quite lost as to where I was in the chronological order so for those reasons namely I am ranking it 3 stars.
November 17, 2023
A really fun entry in the series with a good mystery and an interesting twist on the final reveal.
A friend of Fenton Hardy asks for his help to resolve the estate of a deceased client. To complete the terms of the will, a particular object must be found and returned to the owner; a descendent of the title character. The story quickly takes us to Mexico where the boys remain for most of the mystery.
Ever faithful Chet Morton is here and contributes greatly to solving the tale. He rescues the boys at one point and comes up with an idea to trick the bad guys that works like a charm. There are the multiple kidnappings and head-bashings that make up a Hardy Boys story, but these are kept to a minimum and don't stretch the reader's sense of incredulity. A welcome relief from some of the earlier books. The finale is wrapped up nicely with Joe getting to solve the final clue for once rather than Frank.
A better than average book in the series and highly recommended for fans of the Hardy Boys, YA mysteries, or parents introducing chapter books to their kids.
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
A friend of Fenton Hardy asks for his help to resolve the estate of a deceased client. To complete the terms of the will, a particular object must be found and returned to the owner; a descendent of the title character. The story quickly takes us to Mexico where the boys remain for most of the mystery.
Ever faithful Chet Morton is here and contributes greatly to solving the tale. He rescues the boys at one point and comes up with an idea to trick the bad guys that works like a charm. There are the multiple kidnappings and head-bashings that make up a Hardy Boys story, but these are kept to a minimum and don't stretch the reader's sense of incredulity. A welcome relief from some of the earlier books. The finale is wrapped up nicely with Joe getting to solve the final clue for once rather than Frank.
A better than average book in the series and highly recommended for fans of the Hardy Boys, YA mysteries, or parents introducing chapter books to their kids.
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
July 5, 2019
Re-reading the Hardy Boys books of my youth, I found an inscription dated "1980" in my old copy, showing this was one of the first classic Hardy Boys books I ever owned and read. I recall it as one of my favorites, and having re-read it, it still is! The Hardys set out to figure out the puzzle of a will. Heirs are unable to obtain their funds until an "aztec warrior" is found and some type of treasure returned. The Hardys set out to solve the puzzle in the lands of the ancient Aztecs, which makes for an interesting, adventure-filled setting, all the while pursued by criminals who have evidently also discovered there is a treasure to be found. Even their plane and pilot get kidnapped! Chet Morton accompanies the Hardys through most of the story. The book comes to an exciting ending when the treasure is located, in a well-hidden, but not too implausible location that might make a good hiding place even today! The cover artwork and classic illustrations are also well done. Anyone who enjoys a classic Hardy Boys story will much enjoy Mystery of the Aztec Warrior!
March 8, 2021
Started reading this with the boy a couple of weeks ago. After three chapters he wanted to move on to something else. To be fair, there was a lot of talking in those three chapters and some of the excitement was a bit drummed up. Like Chet’s horn shorting out so it wouldn’t stop sounding.
I wanted to continue as a I don’t think I read this one when I was at the Hardy Boys age. It turned out okay. I liked the seasoning of facts about Aztec and Mexican history sprinkled throughout the book. I would like to have the boys find more evidence, use deductive reasoning, and figure clues throughout. It felt like they stumbled upon clues more often.
The Hardy Boys were good chums 35 years ago. I have to admit that memory favors thethe fond.
I wanted to continue as a I don’t think I read this one when I was at the Hardy Boys age. It turned out okay. I liked the seasoning of facts about Aztec and Mexican history sprinkled throughout the book. I would like to have the boys find more evidence, use deductive reasoning, and figure clues throughout. It felt like they stumbled upon clues more often.
The Hardy Boys were good chums 35 years ago. I have to admit that memory favors thethe fond.
April 2, 2024
The Hardy boys travel to Mexico to look for an Aztec warrior! He is not their heir to Mr. Moore's inheritance but the discoverer of a precious artefact that Mr. Moore had borrowed for a certain period!
Now even towards the end (unless I genuinely missed it), there was no relevance of the 5 year period for which the relic was borrowed! Secondly, once the Aztec warrior is found (an Aztec descendent), the mystery of the inheritance is still not uncovered. Who received the rest of the inheritance?
What happened to Mr. Brown in the end. Basically, riddled with a lot of loose ends and plot holes! But one novel thing was the fact, the mystery ended up searching for a person, (Albeit a very famous one, just elusive) rather than a treasure like a majority of other Hardy books!
Now even towards the end (unless I genuinely missed it), there was no relevance of the 5 year period for which the relic was borrowed! Secondly, once the Aztec warrior is found (an Aztec descendent), the mystery of the inheritance is still not uncovered. Who received the rest of the inheritance?
What happened to Mr. Brown in the end. Basically, riddled with a lot of loose ends and plot holes! But one novel thing was the fact, the mystery ended up searching for a person, (Albeit a very famous one, just elusive) rather than a treasure like a majority of other Hardy books!
April 23, 2025
Normally I like books set in Mexico, especially with the ancient ruins, but this one just didn't do it for me. Not really sure why, maybe because the mystery and plot didn't make a whole lot of sense. The Hardys came to even more farfetched conclusions than usual 🤦♀️
I did, however, appreciate how the writer pointed out that the Aztecs and others had some pretty awful practices (namely, human sacrifice) and the Spanish put an end to it when they conquered Mexico. I don't think a modern book would say that, or else it would bewail how "nasty Spanish erased native traditions, oh yes, we hates them, precious" 🙄 (Yes, the Spanish were cruel, but the ancient tribes were worse.)
Overall, a pretty forgettable HB story. 🫠
I did, however, appreciate how the writer pointed out that the Aztecs and others had some pretty awful practices (namely, human sacrifice) and the Spanish put an end to it when they conquered Mexico. I don't think a modern book would say that, or else it would bewail how "nasty Spanish erased native traditions, oh yes, we hates them, precious" 🙄 (Yes, the Spanish were cruel, but the ancient tribes were worse.)
Overall, a pretty forgettable HB story. 🫠
September 4, 2021
Joe, Frank and Chet go to Mexico to solve this mystery. The will of a deceased traveler states that "the valuable Aztec Warrior must be given to the rightful owner, who claims to be a direct descendant of an Aztec Warrior". With no clue as to who or what they are looking for the Hardy's have their work cut out for them. While the boys go to Mexico Fenton and Sam try to find clues at home in Bayport. Of course they aren't the only ones looking for the Aztec Warrior and they run into trouble. Men chase them, threaten them, fight them but the Hardy's don't give up on the mystery. They learn about Mexican beliefs and go to pyramids to find clues. It's a wild adventure for the boys.
October 24, 2019
I'd forgotten that most of these stories are set in other places -- they're little travelogues, as well as mysteries. This one takes place largely in Mexico; archaeology is a big part of the plot. I don't remember if the exotic locales were appealing to me as a kid, or if I just liked the adventure. Now I think the geography lesson is the better part.
June 11, 2023
In this installment, the boys travel on their own to Mexico to look for a man in a picture who may have an important object that will help others get their inheritance.
In my adult world, that's a long shot, but not for the Hardy Boys!
The story is a bit interesting and a child may like it. Another 10 pages before the end of the book rescue may go over well.
In my adult world, that's a long shot, but not for the Hardy Boys!
The story is a bit interesting and a child may like it. Another 10 pages before the end of the book rescue may go over well.
February 18, 2025
The boys head to Mexico to find a missing Aztec "treasure." The most important thing we learn is you can ask random Mexicans anywhere in the world about other Mexicans. Apparently they all know one another.
Surprisingly, while the brothers get roughed up a couple of times, they do not get any KO's in this installment (poor Chet is not so lucky).
So the count remains at 52.
Surprisingly, while the brothers get roughed up a couple of times, they do not get any KO's in this installment (poor Chet is not so lucky).
So the count remains at 52.
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.
February 16, 2018
This is one by Harriet Adams.
I really enjoy the Hardy Boys' trips to Mexico. They all seem to be really good! This one was no different.
I really enjoy the Hardy Boys' trips to Mexico. They all seem to be really good! This one was no different.
August 31, 2018
Liked it as a kid!
February 11, 2019
I loved reading this, it's was so much fun!!
September 30, 2019
cool illustration but silly story
December 11, 2020
Not as exciting as the authors other works. Much of it is pretty obvious. Hardys have to find the Aztec warrior and they venture in Maxico to find out who the lost warrior is.
January 7, 2021
Fine book! Very intriguing mystery!
November 14, 2021
AVERAGE HARDY BOYS ADVENTURE STORY
May 29, 2023
I read this purely for the nostalgia factor as I used to read hardy boys when I was a kid. Nice little mystery with a few twists. 😁
July 15, 2023
Pretty standard middle of the road Hardy adventure. Not much mystery, a little slow on the action but the boys got to go to Mexico, so there's that.
January 4, 2024
In this adventure we find Frank, Joe and Chet one the hunt for a person and an artifact in Mexico. Thieves and kidnappers lurk around every corner and there's even a rampaging bull to contend with!
April 12, 2024
An interesting story. I feel like the treasure reveal was a little rushed. I like how so many of these books introduce bits of knowledge of real world things to readers.
April 20, 2024
Suuuuper challenging read. Honestly shocked I finished. Also astounded by the amount of fat jokes that got away in the 60s. Great uses of the words “chum” and “sleuth”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews