What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hardy Boys #20
Mystery of the Flying Express
After the new hydrofoil they are guarding is stolen, the Hardy boys face frequent danger in solving a mystery involving criminals who operate by signs of the zodiac.
177 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1941
73 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
736 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 25, 2023
The Mystery of the Flying Express was the twentieth novel in The Hardy Boys series. It was written by John Button under the Stratemeyer Syndicate pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon and was published in 1941 by Grosset & Dunlap. From 1959 through 1973 the first thirty-eight books in the series were "revised and updated" under the direction of Stratemeyer's daughter Harriet Adams. In this case, a completely different novel written by Vincent Buranelli was published in 1970, complete with a new title, Mystery of the Flying Express. The best early Hardy books were written by Leslie McFarlane, and I don't think Button had a good grip on the nature of the characters and the fictional Bayport infrastructure. For example, it had been established in earlier books that the Boys' mother was named Laura, but Aunt Gertrude refers to her as Mildred. Also, the police chief, always Ezra Collig, becomes Chief Finch. It's not a bad story, but the characters are all a little off. The Flying Express is a passenger train that goes through Bayport on its way "out West," where the detectives try to uncover the location of a secret spy camp, where a thousand anarchists of unnamed origin are plotting the overthrow of the U.S. The spies travel on the train and drop-off secret messages along the way. The geography details are sketchy, as the Boys also encounter a grizzly bear and a mountain lion even though they've only spent a short while on the train after leaving the East Coast. There's an unfortunate racial caricature of the porters on the train, an aspect I never found in any of McFarlane's books. I read the revised book immediately after the original and didn't really like or dislike it any differently. It has 177 pages and 20 chapters, and the original had 217 pages and 25 chapters. The newer book has some interior illustrations in addition to the frontispiece, and the original only has the frontispiece. (Though the 1970 book unfortunately does not credit the artist, the 1941 one lists Paul Laune.) The story in the shorter book is much simpler and seems to be directed at a younger audience. The Flying Express this time around is a passenger hydrofoil that's planned to expedite passengers across Barmet Bay. The Hardy girlfriends, Callie Shaw and Iola Morton, play a part, and Chet Morton is much in evidence, though he doesn't "waddle" like he did in the 1941 story. I thought it was a more plausible story, though it's plagued with some silly astrological bibblebabble, perhaps because Hair was the hottest new thing on Broadway at the time. Neither was a bad book for their time, nor was either representative of the best of the early series.
January 25, 2023
The Mystery of the Flying Express was the twentieth novel in The Hardy Boys series. It was written by John Button under the Stratemeyer Syndicate pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon and was published in 1941 by Grosset & Dunlap. From 1959 through 1973 the first thirty-eight books in the series were "revised and updated" under the direction of Stratemeyer's daughter Harriet Adams. In this case, a completely different novel written by Vincent Buranelli was published in 1970, complete with a new title, Mystery of the Flying Express. The best early Hardy books were written by Leslie McFarlane, and I don't think Button had a good grip on the nature of the characters and the fictional Bayport infrastructure. For example, it had been established in earlier books that the Boys' mother was named Laura, but Aunt Gertrude refers to her as Mildred. Also, the police chief, always Ezra Collig, becomes Chief Finch. It's not a bad story, but the characters are all a little off. The Flying Express is a passenger train that goes through Bayport on its way "out West," where the detectives try to uncover the location of a secret spy camp, where a thousand anarchists of unnamed origin are plotting the overthrow of the U.S. The spies travel on the train and drop-off secret messages along the way. The geography details are sketchy, as the Boys also encounter a grizzly bear and a mountain lion even though they've only spent a short while on the train after leaving the East Coast. There's an unfortunate racial caricature of the porters on the train, an aspect I never found in any of McFarlane's books. I read the revised book immediately after the original and didn't really like or dislike it any differently. It has 177 pages and 20 chapters, and the original had 217 pages and 25 chapters. The newer book has some interior illustrations in addition to the frontispiece, and the original only has the frontispiece. (Though the 1970 book unfortunately does not credit the artist, the 1941 one lists Paul Laune.) The story in the shorter book is much simpler and seems to be directed at a younger audience. The Flying Express this time around is a passenger hydrofoil that's planned to expedite passengers across Barmet Bay. The Hardy girlfriends, Callie Shaw and Iola Morton, play a part, and Chet Morton is much in evidence, though he doesn't "waddle" like he did in the 1941 story. I thought it was a more plausible story, though it's plagued with some silly astrological bibblebabble, perhaps because Hair was the hottest new thing on Broadway at the time. Neither was a bad book for their time, nor was either representative of the best of the early series.
September 15, 2017
The Good: What this series usually does well, it continues to do well here. A great mystery, plenty of action and suspense...all in all, great fun, except...
The Bad: This book deals with horoscopes, which may offend discerning readers, particularly those who believe that "reading the stars" is sinful. That detail kept this from being as good as it could have been.
Conclusion: What can I say about this series that I haven't already said? Readers probably will already know whether or not they'll like this book without reading my review. Just keep in mind the negative aspect mentioned above.
The Bad: This book deals with horoscopes, which may offend discerning readers, particularly those who believe that "reading the stars" is sinful. That detail kept this from being as good as it could have been.
Conclusion: What can I say about this series that I haven't already said? Readers probably will already know whether or not they'll like this book without reading my review. Just keep in mind the negative aspect mentioned above.
January 19, 2021
I’m starting to suspect that Chet is involved in these crimes, his hobbies always suspiciously tie in somehow.
April 30, 2018
I loved this book!! I think it is full of adventure! It is so hard to figure out who the bad guy is with all the plot twists and mystery!!
April 30, 2018
I thought this was a very exciting book with a lot of action! The book has many plot twists and it was pretty hard to find out who the criminals were! This book is great for all mystery lovers of all ages.
March 13, 2023
Gelukkig heeft Dixon (of welke schrijver er ook voor dit boek achter het alias schuilgaat) zich herpakt na het fiasco van het vorige boek. Dit is weer top en past opnieuw in de reeks zoals ze oorspronkelijk werd opgezet.
Klein schoonheidsfoutje is wel dat de moeder van de Hardy's plots Mildred heet en in een vorig boek Laura. Waarschijnlijk een slordigheid van de vertaler en niet van de schrijver. Dit is al even irritant als het feit dat de Hardy's in de Verenigde Staten van Amerika de gulden als courante munt hebben geïntroduceerd en de dollar naar de vergetelheid hebben verwezen.
Het is weer een erg drukke plot aar gelukkig niet compleet overladen zodat het belachelijk wordt, het blijft op het randje van spannend en de lezer blijft ook geboeid.
De Flying Express is een mooi centraal gegeven maar komt iets te weinig uit de verf, dat had beter gekund, nu blijft de trein altijd een onderdeel van de achtergrond. Het is toch wel et belangrijkste deel van de titel. En als lezer is de link met Oriënt Expres snel gelegd, ook al is dat totaal uit de lucht gegrepen.
Spannig, aktie, geweld (gebroken kaak van Chet) en een dosis humor.
Klein schoonheidsfoutje is wel dat de moeder van de Hardy's plots Mildred heet en in een vorig boek Laura. Waarschijnlijk een slordigheid van de vertaler en niet van de schrijver. Dit is al even irritant als het feit dat de Hardy's in de Verenigde Staten van Amerika de gulden als courante munt hebben geïntroduceerd en de dollar naar de vergetelheid hebben verwezen.
Het is weer een erg drukke plot aar gelukkig niet compleet overladen zodat het belachelijk wordt, het blijft op het randje van spannend en de lezer blijft ook geboeid.
De Flying Express is een mooi centraal gegeven maar komt iets te weinig uit de verf, dat had beter gekund, nu blijft de trein altijd een onderdeel van de achtergrond. Het is toch wel et belangrijkste deel van de titel. En als lezer is de link met Oriënt Expres snel gelegd, ook al is dat totaal uit de lucht gegrepen.
Spannig, aktie, geweld (gebroken kaak van Chet) en een dosis humor.
March 1, 2023
Although this wasn't the greatest of mysteries or my favorite of the series, I really enjoyed this quick, light read. A Hardy Boys book never fails to make me smile. Chet's obsession with the Zodiac in this story was annoying, but he's still a loveable goofball. Overall, the book is well written and just what I needed to finish the month reading.
May 10, 2025
eponymous-ey sentence:
p7: "The Flying Express?..."
A little too much on the deus ex machina. Plus, I didn't peg Chet to be the brawler type. Also, that hydrofoil got featured already, and recently, too.
p7: "The Flying Express?..."
A little too much on the deus ex machina. Plus, I didn't peg Chet to be the brawler type. Also, that hydrofoil got featured already, and recently, too.
December 6, 2018
Yet another banger of a mystery book!
October 25, 2020
The Hardy brothers, two young amateur suits sets out on a mission to help a business owner who feels threatened. Using astrology as a guide and their father, Fenton Hardy a private detective. In the beginning, I liked how each of the characters interacted and how they were all friendly and willing to help others. As the book progressed, I saw how astrology played a part in interpretation. I am glad I read this book because it makes me appreciate friends and family. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in astrology, and a good mystery.
May 1, 2020
Frank and Joe have been hired by the owner of a powerful new ship that runs by a hydrofoil, who is afraid of protestors sabotaging him - but things turn deadly when the boys find themselves being hunted and thrown about by criminals with a strange connection to the Zodiac signs! Dixon brings fans another fun adventure that will keep eyes glued to every page. What does the Zodiac have to do with the possible destruction of such a grand boat?
June 8, 2017
Another Hardy Boys book. I don't know if it was different in the 60's but these boys get kidnapped all the time. Does it not count as a kidnapping if you escape? Because all the characters in this book don't think it's a big deal to get kidnapped three or four times in a two week period. Their parents hardly bat an eye at any kidnapping that doesn't last more than 24 hrs.
February 16, 2018
Okay, so the revised version of this book isn't good. But the original - oh man, you gotta read the original. The original Mystery of the Flying Express is my favorite Hardy Boys book of all time and it's seriously so fun. It's got everything! Espionage, intrigue, a spy school, government involvement, a fancy train. Absolutely one of the best Hardy Boys stories ever.
December 5, 2020
Not one of the better books in the series. The author simply dangled too many sub-plots and bits of information that really didn't help the story move along.
For the younger crowd, it is a good tale, but anyone over 14 is going to speed through it to get to the end.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
For the younger crowd, it is a good tale, but anyone over 14 is going to speed through it to get to the end.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
December 2, 2022
Plot problems and dated material make book #20 a bit of a disappointment for the series.
As is typical, the plot moved quickly, involved a kidnapping, and has bad guys who have innocuous plans - in this case, they want to send the Hardys to Russia (although I have to mention the brief exception of attempting to throw Frank into a sharp propeller and, later, using rifles to open fire on Chet).
Atypically, however, there are self-contained plot segments that make no sense. The easiest to explain is as follows: Some bad guys steal outboard motors from docked boats. The Hardys cruise around looking for the culprits. They see two fishermen in a rowboat who are slowly rowing to shore - too slowly, in fact! Joe dives under the boat. When he sees that two outboard motors are hanging from chains under the rowboat, he capsizes the rowboat. They apprehend the bad guys, turn them over to the police, and zip along to the next plot point. So....we are to conclude that these bad guys stole two motors *in a rowboat,* suspended them on long chains underwater, rowed away to the middle of the ocean, pretended to fish for a while, and then rowed back to shore?! (This is part of a larger, well-equipped gang that steals actual motor boats.)
There are several scenarios like this that just don't quite make sense.
On a different note, several statements about a man who disguises himself in woman's clothing might seem a little strange to the modern audience (on either side of the political aisle). The Hardys' employer doesn't treat them with the refreshing respect that appears in other books; rather, he's quick to assume the worst about them. Finally, throughout the book, Chet interprets various characters' horoscopes. I expected this to be debunked at the end, but it wasn't, exactly.
I recommend that you choose a different Hardy boys book for your kids' reading time. At the very least, be prepared to instill in them positive workplace expectations, to discuss the myth of astrology, and to provide them with other books with coherent plots.
As is typical, the plot moved quickly, involved a kidnapping, and has bad guys who have innocuous plans - in this case, they want to send the Hardys to Russia (although I have to mention the brief exception of attempting to throw Frank into a sharp propeller and, later, using rifles to open fire on Chet).
Atypically, however, there are self-contained plot segments that make no sense. The easiest to explain is as follows: Some bad guys steal outboard motors from docked boats. The Hardys cruise around looking for the culprits. They see two fishermen in a rowboat who are slowly rowing to shore - too slowly, in fact! Joe dives under the boat. When he sees that two outboard motors are hanging from chains under the rowboat, he capsizes the rowboat. They apprehend the bad guys, turn them over to the police, and zip along to the next plot point. So....we are to conclude that these bad guys stole two motors *in a rowboat,* suspended them on long chains underwater, rowed away to the middle of the ocean, pretended to fish for a while, and then rowed back to shore?! (This is part of a larger, well-equipped gang that steals actual motor boats.)
There are several scenarios like this that just don't quite make sense.
On a different note, several statements about a man who disguises himself in woman's clothing might seem a little strange to the modern audience (on either side of the political aisle). The Hardys' employer doesn't treat them with the refreshing respect that appears in other books; rather, he's quick to assume the worst about them. Finally, throughout the book, Chet interprets various characters' horoscopes. I expected this to be debunked at the end, but it wasn't, exactly.
I recommend that you choose a different Hardy boys book for your kids' reading time. At the very least, be prepared to instill in them positive workplace expectations, to discuss the myth of astrology, and to provide them with other books with coherent plots.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 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 Flying Express'! Even the name had speed in its bones—trains roaring through landscapes, adventure strapped to steel tracks. For a boy in the early ’90s, already bewitched by the sight of Howrah station’s iron arches and the endless procession of carriages clanking away into the horizon, this Hardy Boys mystery felt tailor-made. The novel’s central conceit—a futuristic, high-speed train caught up in espionage—was half Jules Verne, half Cold War thriller, and I devoured it with wide eyes.
The story marked a shift for me as a reader. Up till then, the Hardy Boys had been about caves, harbors, and hidden doors. But with The Flying Express, modernity itself became the setting. The villains were no longer just small-town smugglers—they were international agents, shadowy saboteurs, figures whose menace felt aligned with the news headlines of hijackings, terror plots, and spy scandals. The train wasn’t simply a train; it was a symbol of progress moving at a dangerous speed.
In hindsight, the “flying” train feels like a metaphor for the 1990s moment itself. India had just opened its economy, and everything suddenly seemed to be racing—markets, media, technology, ambition. The floor beneath us (to borrow from the previous Hardy Boys title) had disappeared, and now we were strapped onto an express hurtling forward. Thrilling, yes. But also terrifying, because no one quite knew where it was headed.
The Hardy Boys, of course, solved the mystery, brought order to the rails, and reassured young readers that even futuristic chaos could be decoded by clear-eyed determination. But what lingered for me was the hum of the tracks, the sense of being carried into a world of speed, secrecy, and modern peril.
In a way, The Flying Express was not just a train in the story—it was the train of my own adolescence, pulling out of the station at full throttle.
Hardy Boys (Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)
'The Flying Express'! Even the name had speed in its bones—trains roaring through landscapes, adventure strapped to steel tracks. For a boy in the early ’90s, already bewitched by the sight of Howrah station’s iron arches and the endless procession of carriages clanking away into the horizon, this Hardy Boys mystery felt tailor-made. The novel’s central conceit—a futuristic, high-speed train caught up in espionage—was half Jules Verne, half Cold War thriller, and I devoured it with wide eyes.
The story marked a shift for me as a reader. Up till then, the Hardy Boys had been about caves, harbors, and hidden doors. But with The Flying Express, modernity itself became the setting. The villains were no longer just small-town smugglers—they were international agents, shadowy saboteurs, figures whose menace felt aligned with the news headlines of hijackings, terror plots, and spy scandals. The train wasn’t simply a train; it was a symbol of progress moving at a dangerous speed.
In hindsight, the “flying” train feels like a metaphor for the 1990s moment itself. India had just opened its economy, and everything suddenly seemed to be racing—markets, media, technology, ambition. The floor beneath us (to borrow from the previous Hardy Boys title) had disappeared, and now we were strapped onto an express hurtling forward. Thrilling, yes. But also terrifying, because no one quite knew where it was headed.
The Hardy Boys, of course, solved the mystery, brought order to the rails, and reassured young readers that even futuristic chaos could be decoded by clear-eyed determination. But what lingered for me was the hum of the tracks, the sense of being carried into a world of speed, secrecy, and modern peril.
In a way, The Flying Express was not just a train in the story—it was the train of my own adolescence, pulling out of the station at full throttle.
November 19, 2025
Two detectives with the thickest plot armor investigate some mysteries
This was my first Hardy bros, and probably gonna me last one.
Frank and Joe, the titular Hardy dudes, are ace pilots, swimmers, divers, boat pilots... They are trained sleuths who don't really do a lot of sleuthing, but are more like the average police constables, because their reaction to seeing some kind of irregular activity is to straight away barge on to the scene and ask, "Well, well, well, whats all this then?".
Their plot armor makes sure even when the villain has them at their mercy, their plot armor will intervene.
This book reminds me a lot of Scooby Doo. The antagonists go about doing a whole lot of Spooky stuff without any real motivation. But I love Scooby Doo exactly because of how comedic it is. So why don't I like the Hardy dudes? Is it because of how seriously it takes itself? Is it because how there is very little difference between the characters of Joe and Frank? Or is it because how loose all the plot points are?
Also, the horoscope angle is absolutely forced, serving no real purpose to the plot. Everytime Chet opened his mouth to deliver some astrology bullshit, I wanted to punch him in the face.
This was my first Hardy bros, and probably gonna me last one.
Frank and Joe, the titular Hardy dudes, are ace pilots, swimmers, divers, boat pilots... They are trained sleuths who don't really do a lot of sleuthing, but are more like the average police constables, because their reaction to seeing some kind of irregular activity is to straight away barge on to the scene and ask, "Well, well, well, whats all this then?".
Their plot armor makes sure even when the villain has them at their mercy, their plot armor will intervene.
This book reminds me a lot of Scooby Doo. The antagonists go about doing a whole lot of Spooky stuff without any real motivation. But I love Scooby Doo exactly because of how comedic it is. So why don't I like the Hardy dudes? Is it because of how seriously it takes itself? Is it because how there is very little difference between the characters of Joe and Frank? Or is it because how loose all the plot points are?
Also, the horoscope angle is absolutely forced, serving no real purpose to the plot. Everytime Chet opened his mouth to deliver some astrology bullshit, I wanted to punch him in the face.
December 25, 2020
Fenton Hardy's case involves people stealing parts of boats and selling them. The Hardy Boys get in their own case when people are upset by a new enterprise in the bay. The Flying Express is a hydrofoil that will carry people between Bayport and Cape Cutlass. Many people are opposed to the idea and protest, a few start more trouble for the boats owner who hires the boys to keep an eye out for sabotage.
Chet's newest hobby is astrology and his new job is at a marina in Cape Cutlass which both aid the Hardy boys in solving the case since the criminals are governed by the signs of the Zodiak. It seems like they'll stop at nothing to end the commute of the Flying Express.
Since riding on a hydrofoil is new and exciting the boys bring the girls along and get quite a scare because of it. One man keeps coming to their rescue but can they trust him? Or is he trying to earn their trust to confuse them?
Chet's newest hobby is astrology and his new job is at a marina in Cape Cutlass which both aid the Hardy boys in solving the case since the criminals are governed by the signs of the Zodiak. It seems like they'll stop at nothing to end the commute of the Flying Express.
Since riding on a hydrofoil is new and exciting the boys bring the girls along and get quite a scare because of it. One man keeps coming to their rescue but can they trust him? Or is he trying to earn their trust to confuse them?
August 14, 2021
Original Edition.
Quite a fun romp through vintage spy country about the time the US was getting involved in WW2. There might be quibbles about why the US Government needed two teenage boys to crack a tough case, but hey it is the Hardy Boys and they needed something to solve.
This book was scripted by Harriet and like the Twisted Claw is quite a solid book. My continuing theory that it was Edna's outlines more than John Button's writing skills that created bizarre Hardy Boys books seems to be fitting the facts. The next book would be the last for both Edna and John before the team of Harriet and Leslie McFarlane would return to the helm. This should give more evidence to this mystery.
Quite a fun romp through vintage spy country about the time the US was getting involved in WW2. There might be quibbles about why the US Government needed two teenage boys to crack a tough case, but hey it is the Hardy Boys and they needed something to solve.
This book was scripted by Harriet and like the Twisted Claw is quite a solid book. My continuing theory that it was Edna's outlines more than John Button's writing skills that created bizarre Hardy Boys books seems to be fitting the facts. The next book would be the last for both Edna and John before the team of Harriet and Leslie McFarlane would return to the helm. This should give more evidence to this mystery.
February 21, 2023
The 20th book in the series was a bit longer than normal, clocking in at 217 pages instead of the normal 176.
I have to say that I don't particularly like the older versions for several reasons. The language is very dated and almost offensive in some areas. You can tell it was written during WWII by the fact the boys are chasing down spies.
This book reinforced two themes that I never noticed as a kid - the Hardy Boys are trusted to do things that a normal 17 and 18 year old would never do. Also, they have an inexhaustible supply of money.
Short version - this particular volume is not a good own for children.
I have to say that I don't particularly like the older versions for several reasons. The language is very dated and almost offensive in some areas. You can tell it was written during WWII by the fact the boys are chasing down spies.
This book reinforced two themes that I never noticed as a kid - the Hardy Boys are trusted to do things that a normal 17 and 18 year old would never do. Also, they have an inexhaustible supply of money.
Short version - this particular volume is not a good own for children.
July 10, 2018
This is the hydrofoil version of this story. Apparently these stories have been substantially re-written. I would have preferred to see the original story, as I am certain that would have more charm. The idea of two real estate developers fighting it out for business is very interesting, as is the way the characters in this story are hard to pin down. Are the people the Hardys meet trustworthy, or are they deceitful? The reader has to pick out the clues, and there are very few real clues, only inferences. This led to several discussions with my boys about whether, and why, they thought a man could be trusted or not.
July 22, 2019
Hardy Boys Mysteries, Bk #20, HB-B, @ 1941, Read 7/22/19. Juvenile, fiction, mystery, series. Frank and Joe Hardy travel west on a train at their father's behest, in search of a spy training camp, and a missing professor. 3☆'s = Good, interesting for young boys. I can see why this series prompted young boys to start reading.
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.
March 11, 2020
While Joe and Frank are always the stars of this series, this particular entrant really belongs to Chet. Adding a zodiacal twist to the mystery, Chet gets to shine in this twisted tale of a new boat, missing boat parts and a kidnapping.
February 4, 2021
Good story! Quick read! Mason wanted me to read this one as it is his favorite HB so far! There is some zodiac references often, but not necessary to the storyline, wish it wasn't there. I think he most like the hydrofoil!
Read
October 23, 2025I read the revised 1973 version of this book. I think it is the best revision book so far. none of the usual negatives exist in this book and it is just a good fun adventure, still targeted at boys of the '70s.
October 7, 2017
Way better than book 19. As Hardy Boys books go, interesting, some good twists. A little too much too fast at the end. But overall, enjoyable.
April 24, 2018
Another fine adventure-mystery with Frank and Joe. Even their girlfriends Callie and Iola get to contribute more than picnic baskets and their pretty faces this time.
November 4, 2019
great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews