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The Hardy Boys #29
The Secret of the Lost Tunnel
Difficult assignments are nothing new to the Hardy boys and this one that takes them to the Deep South is particularly challenging. Their mission: to vindicate a long-dead Confederate general, disgraced during the Civil War because he was accused of stealing hidden gold belonging to a bank. Skillfully avoiding booby traps and flying bullets, the boys persevere in their perilous quest. The arduous search is full of surprises that will thrill all fans of the Hardy boys.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1950
80 people are currently reading
828 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 59 reviews
May 5, 2014
My Book Review
Book title and author: Secret of the Lost Tunnel by Franklin W Dixon
Title of review: Review of Secret of the Lost Tunnel
Number of stars (1 to 5): 5
Introduction
In the secret of the lost tunnel the hardy’s are at there at the hardy home and they get some strange phone calls and then a strange visit.
Description and summary of content
When the man comes to the hardy home and ask them to take a trip with them to his home. He asked the Hardy’s that because he heard that they were good detectives and could maybe help him solve the case. Later on they will be faced with many obstacles and people in there way.
Evaluation
What I liked most about this story is the way it catches your attention with how interesting it is.
Conclusion
I really liked this book because it was a good read and I think that it was very interesting. I think that it will catch young readers eyes so I recommend this for people to read.
Book title and author: Secret of the Lost Tunnel by Franklin W Dixon
Title of review: Review of Secret of the Lost Tunnel
Number of stars (1 to 5): 5
Introduction
In the secret of the lost tunnel the hardy’s are at there at the hardy home and they get some strange phone calls and then a strange visit.
Description and summary of content
When the man comes to the hardy home and ask them to take a trip with them to his home. He asked the Hardy’s that because he heard that they were good detectives and could maybe help him solve the case. Later on they will be faced with many obstacles and people in there way.
Evaluation
What I liked most about this story is the way it catches your attention with how interesting it is.
Conclusion
I really liked this book because it was a good read and I think that it was very interesting. I think that it will catch young readers eyes so I recommend this for people to read.
January 30, 2023
Een spannend verhaal met veel, eigenlijk te veel aktie en nevenplots. Opnieuw bezondigen de schrijvers die achter het syndicaat Franklin W. Dixon staan zich aan dit euvel. Het feit dat de dochter van het syndicaat, niet gehinderd door enig talent, de boeken naar eigen inzicht nog eens "herwerkte" helpt natuurlijk ook niet om ze genietbaar te houden.
Intrinsiek een super reeks, zij het uiteraard wat gedateerd, is dit boek weer te veel van het goede, hangt de plot puur van toevalligheden die totaal ongeloofwaardig zijn aan mekaar en zijn er te veel onnodige zijlijnen.
Toch blijft het leesbaar en voldoende spannend om tot het einde te boeien, al kan het hoofd van de lezer wel beginnen draaien van al wat er op hem/haar afkomt.
De Amerikaanse burgeroorlog is een mooi kantje, ietwat afgezaagd maar het standpunt van de zuidelijken is weer eens wat anders, al lijkt het historisch niet echt correct en is de mengeling van Zuid en Noord niet echt geloofwaardig.
Intrinsiek een super reeks, zij het uiteraard wat gedateerd, is dit boek weer te veel van het goede, hangt de plot puur van toevalligheden die totaal ongeloofwaardig zijn aan mekaar en zijn er te veel onnodige zijlijnen.
Toch blijft het leesbaar en voldoende spannend om tot het einde te boeien, al kan het hoofd van de lezer wel beginnen draaien van al wat er op hem/haar afkomt.
De Amerikaanse burgeroorlog is een mooi kantje, ietwat afgezaagd maar het standpunt van de zuidelijken is weer eens wat anders, al lijkt het historisch niet echt correct en is de mengeling van Zuid en Noord niet echt geloofwaardig.
December 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this story, it was better than most of the Hardy Boys I've read in a long time. It's not extremely implausible (because some of them are), the villains aren't international criminals, and there's no kidnapped mad scientist who's planning to blow up the world. Of course the boys have setbacks and everything, but they don't do anything too stupid, and when they lose one of their clues they get it back again pretty quickly.
Civil War gold and secret tunnels, down in the South - what's not cool about that?
Civil War gold and secret tunnels, down in the South - what's not cool about that?
August 7, 2017
I really enjoyed the plot of The Secret of the Lost Tunnel, but I just want to be clear that this is one of the most racist of the Hardy Boys novels that I have reread as an adult thus far. For example:
Frank and Joe made their way back to the car and rode to the general's home. There the front door was opened by a middle-aged Negro, beaming broadly. His courteous welcome reminded the boys of the gentle traditions of the Old South.
Uh, yeah. Apparently Grosset & Dunlap didn't think it was necessary to edit that sentence out when they reprinted the novel in 1977. But while having house slaves was much more a "gentle tradition" than the cruelties endured by the slaves forced to perform back-breaking field labor, that sentence paints the era of slavery in terms that are far too pleasant - even nostalgic - for my taste.
Frank and Joe made their way back to the car and rode to the general's home. There the front door was opened by a middle-aged Negro, beaming broadly. His courteous welcome reminded the boys of the gentle traditions of the Old South.
Uh, yeah. Apparently Grosset & Dunlap didn't think it was necessary to edit that sentence out when they reprinted the novel in 1977. But while having house slaves was much more a "gentle tradition" than the cruelties endured by the slaves forced to perform back-breaking field labor, that sentence paints the era of slavery in terms that are far too pleasant - even nostalgic - for my taste.
May 4, 2008
Another fun mystery. I especially enjoy the comments about chet being portly, rotund etc. My son enjoys these so much and they are good clean fun.
May 25, 2009
Great Hardy Boys southern adventure.
June 11, 2011
I think the Hardy Boy books helped me with learning deductive and inductive skills. I had to work through logic. Who knew? I enjoyed all these books.
July 3, 2013
Good old Hardy Boys mystery. Surprised there isn't more controversy about this one with them going to the Deep South and dealing with the Civil War a bit.
June 26, 2017
In which the Civil War becomes romantic, slavery becomes casual, and "Negroes" work at Confederate museums wearing Confederate uniforms Oh God oh God
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 Secret of the Lost Tunnel by Franklin W. Dixon takes the reader on a taut, adventurous ride that perfectly captures the essence of the Hardy Boys series at its mid-century peak. I first encountered this book during my school library days at M.P. Birla School, between 1990 and 1996, and revisiting it later, having meticulously collected the series, only strengthened my appreciation for its enduring charm.
The narrative begins with an ordinary setting—a small town in need of clarity about a mysterious tunnel—but quickly spirals into the layered suspense, riddled with hidden compartments, cryptic clues, and a cast of characters that balance suspicion and intrigue.
What stands out immediately is how Dixon expertly balances pacing and suspense. Each chapter ends with just enough tension to make putting the book down impossible. Frank and Joe Hardy, as always, are models of rational courage, intelligence, and youthful initiative. Yet in this installment, there is a subtle growth in their investigative approach; they aren’t merely stumbling into adventure but carefully deducing, evaluating, and planning, which gives the story a sense of credibility amidst the otherwise fantastical mystery elements. The lost tunnel itself is almost a character—a dark, serpentine space whose secrets embody both the danger and the allure that the boys consistently chase.
The villains are memorably sketched, often exaggerated, yet never so caricatured that they detract from the narrative drive. Dixon’s prose is deceptively simple, yet it manages to convey both action and atmosphere with a clarity that allows readers of any age to immerse themselves without confusion. Moreover, the book subtly reinforces themes of loyalty, perseverance, and moral clarity—themes that make the series more than just episodic adventure stories.
For me, reading The Secret of the Lost Tunnel now is layered with nostalgia. I remember navigating the library shelves, scanning for that familiar blue spine, the thrill of anticipation before opening a Hardy Boys book. It’s fascinating to revisit that excitement, realising that the book’s appeal lies not only in plot mechanics but in the continuity of Frank and Joe’s ethical compass and deductive brilliance. While the Hardy Boys can feel formulaic to the modern eye, it is precisely this formula, combined with Dixon’s deft plotting, that creates comfort and suspense in equal measure.
In sum, The Secret of the Lost Tunnel remains a compelling entry in the Hardy Boys canon—smart, suspenseful, and infused with the kind of boyhood adventure that keeps readers coming back, one blue spine at a time.
Hardy Boys (Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)
The Secret of the Lost Tunnel by Franklin W. Dixon takes the reader on a taut, adventurous ride that perfectly captures the essence of the Hardy Boys series at its mid-century peak. I first encountered this book during my school library days at M.P. Birla School, between 1990 and 1996, and revisiting it later, having meticulously collected the series, only strengthened my appreciation for its enduring charm.
The narrative begins with an ordinary setting—a small town in need of clarity about a mysterious tunnel—but quickly spirals into the layered suspense, riddled with hidden compartments, cryptic clues, and a cast of characters that balance suspicion and intrigue.
What stands out immediately is how Dixon expertly balances pacing and suspense. Each chapter ends with just enough tension to make putting the book down impossible. Frank and Joe Hardy, as always, are models of rational courage, intelligence, and youthful initiative. Yet in this installment, there is a subtle growth in their investigative approach; they aren’t merely stumbling into adventure but carefully deducing, evaluating, and planning, which gives the story a sense of credibility amidst the otherwise fantastical mystery elements. The lost tunnel itself is almost a character—a dark, serpentine space whose secrets embody both the danger and the allure that the boys consistently chase.
The villains are memorably sketched, often exaggerated, yet never so caricatured that they detract from the narrative drive. Dixon’s prose is deceptively simple, yet it manages to convey both action and atmosphere with a clarity that allows readers of any age to immerse themselves without confusion. Moreover, the book subtly reinforces themes of loyalty, perseverance, and moral clarity—themes that make the series more than just episodic adventure stories.
For me, reading The Secret of the Lost Tunnel now is layered with nostalgia. I remember navigating the library shelves, scanning for that familiar blue spine, the thrill of anticipation before opening a Hardy Boys book. It’s fascinating to revisit that excitement, realising that the book’s appeal lies not only in plot mechanics but in the continuity of Frank and Joe’s ethical compass and deductive brilliance. While the Hardy Boys can feel formulaic to the modern eye, it is precisely this formula, combined with Dixon’s deft plotting, that creates comfort and suspense in equal measure.
In sum, The Secret of the Lost Tunnel remains a compelling entry in the Hardy Boys canon—smart, suspenseful, and infused with the kind of boyhood adventure that keeps readers coming back, one blue spine at a time.
December 21, 2021
In this story, Frank and Joe are giving aid to a General friend of their father Fenton Hardy. The general is on the trail of some gold that disappeared around the time of a major battle between the Union and Confederate forces called the Battle of Rocky Run. Clues to the location of the gold were supposedly place in a bandoleer and that item is missing.
Since Fenton is tied up doing other things, Frank, Joe, Chet Morton and General Smith go to the site of the southern plantation where the gold was supposedly lost. Their foes are a mysterious gang that appears to be willing to do anything to stop the Hardy forces and acquire the gold for themselves. The action moves forward at a modest pace, the Hardy’s get knocked unconscious once again and Chet proves to be a bit more cowardly than normal. His fad in this episode is photography, where he proves a bit inept, even though he does manage to capture a few helpful clues.
As the title implies, there is a tunnel where the valuable items are. One of the interesting aspects of this story is the inclusion of black people. They are largely depicted as normal people with one man in particular showing great loyalty to General Smith. That was significant in 1950, when black people rarely appeared in juvenile fiction. In summary, this is one of the better Hardy Boys stories of the era.
Since Fenton is tied up doing other things, Frank, Joe, Chet Morton and General Smith go to the site of the southern plantation where the gold was supposedly lost. Their foes are a mysterious gang that appears to be willing to do anything to stop the Hardy forces and acquire the gold for themselves. The action moves forward at a modest pace, the Hardy’s get knocked unconscious once again and Chet proves to be a bit more cowardly than normal. His fad in this episode is photography, where he proves a bit inept, even though he does manage to capture a few helpful clues.
As the title implies, there is a tunnel where the valuable items are. One of the interesting aspects of this story is the inclusion of black people. They are largely depicted as normal people with one man in particular showing great loyalty to General Smith. That was significant in 1950, when black people rarely appeared in juvenile fiction. In summary, this is one of the better Hardy Boys stories of the era.
December 6, 2020
This is a great early Hardy Boys story! The Hardys and Chet are enlisted by a friend of their father's, an Army General, to recover gold lost by his ancestor, a plantation owner, during the Civil War. The book is fast-paced, very interesting, and well-written. A few caveats: When this book was originally written, the Civil War was not as far in the past as it is today, and the book's references to "great-grandfathers" may now be a few more generations removed! And of course, African Americans are referred to as "negros" in the text and are all in servant positions. But the outreach to the past and the old plantation South are throughout this story, and in a way that is interesting and historical. The Hardys are in a race against bank robbers to find the gold and the adventure is fast-paced and thrilling. Despite its couple limitations due to the age of the book, this is still one of the best of the old Hardy Boys adventures, and any fan of the Hardy Boys will love this book!
June 12, 2021
The Hardy Boys help general Smith clear his family's name. His great grandfather lost a bandolier with a silver cap during the Civil War. Apparently the bandolier contained a secret. Before the Battle of Rocky Run his great grandfather called at the plantation of his cousin, Beauregard, who was president of the local bank. Beauregard confided that he was going to hide his gold and the gold from the bank. A secret message was delivered and also hid...in the bandolier. General Smith thought the secret would lead to the lost gold and if found would clear his relatives name. The Hardy Boys enlisted the help of their friends in the guise of a camping trip to look for the bandolier and the gold. Of course they aren't the only ones looking for the gold and soon run into trouble. Deadly trouble as the gang following them is trying to kill them. Fenton Hardy working on a different case of counterfeit money gets involved as well when they learned the two cases may be connected.
January 27, 2020
Yowza. I picked this up hoping for something light-hearted and nostalgic, and was knocked sideways from several characterizations that apparently were A-OK in 1950. First, all the Black Americans were either servants or preachers and had no problem bowing and scraping and smiling beatifically while whipping up sumptuous feasts for 2 overindulged white teenager boys who could inexplicably manage to buy a new car or hire a blimp (?!) as soon as the need arose. Second, there was the overweight friend who was dim and clumsy and foolish—as if being obese actually sucks off IQ points. Third, the ineffectual girlfriends who may not be the shiniest bulbs on the Xmas tree, but that’s okay because they are pretty. And fourth, the “spinster aunt,” (actual label) who is hysterical and totally ridiculous. I shudder to think how these books influenced thousands of kids.
June 8, 2020
When it comes to Hardy Boys, this is an average book. We get a fair amount of action like almost falling off a cliff, almost getting electrocuted by a gun, being shot at in the woods, and almost getting blown up. The setting itself is confusing. The whole “battle” described is confusing, and really hard to put in words for a children’s book. All the historical characters also get really mixed up, there’s too many and I still don’t really understand the story of how the gold was hidden. I think the worst part of this book is the racism. While not too extreme, it is certainly prevalent with many mentions to “negros” and “the old south”. The book is still ok for young people, but I would recommend explaining to them the time this book was written and why it is wrong. Still worth a read, 3/5 stars.
December 15, 2017
As an action packed mystery, The Secret of the Lost Tunnel is a solid and intriguing story. But the overt racism, was "distracting," to say the least.
Very early on in the book, I flipped to the first few pages to see when it was published. The 50's! (I would have guessed The Secret of the Lost Tunnel during the Civil War.
The book was jam packed full of slavery propaganda and how slavery made "Negros happy." I would recommend The Secret of the Lost Tunnel for phycology studies but that is about it.
Very early on in the book, I flipped to the first few pages to see when it was published. The 50's! (I would have guessed The Secret of the Lost Tunnel during the Civil War.
The book was jam packed full of slavery propaganda and how slavery made "Negros happy." I would recommend The Secret of the Lost Tunnel for phycology studies but that is about it.
January 25, 2022
It downed on me while reading this installment of the Hardy Boys, that neither Frank nor Joe have aged over 29 books, not do they seem to go to school. Should I be assuming that all these week long adventures over 29 books are occurring during summer break? Just random thoughts I had while reading this adventure of the the Hardys. The Lost Tunnel has the Boys and Chet down South hunting for lost Civil War Gold. A is usual when Chet is involved, there are more problems than necessary for Frank and Joe to complicate an already complicated mystery.
March 28, 2018
The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew are the first series that I remember reading. I was still in elementary school, but I remember thinking I was reading more grown up books because these were long (more than 20 pages, lol) and there was more than one book you could read with the same main characters! The innocence of these mysteries and recalling my own innocence just makes me happy. All parents should give their kids Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew when they're young - only good things can come of it.
August 24, 2022
the boys hunt for Civil War treasure.
It looked to be a relatively safe book for the brothers. Frank got a nasty knock on the head, but not actually knocked. But they were saving the best for last: In the last chapter both brothers get the KO at the same time in an explosion!
the KO count for the two boys is now up to 35.
At this point, it is a wonder they think at all, let alone solve mysteries.
It looked to be a relatively safe book for the brothers. Frank got a nasty knock on the head, but not actually knocked. But they were saving the best for last: In the last chapter both brothers get the KO at the same time in an explosion!
the KO count for the two boys is now up to 35.
At this point, it is a wonder they think at all, let alone solve mysteries.
October 22, 2022
it was an okay mystery for these type of books, and i’m all for having one of the characters being plus sized. my issue is that the ONLY and i mean ONLY personality trait of the plus sized character is that he likes to eat. parts in the book where it says things like “once he heard about the food he moved faster than they had ever seen him move” rubbed me the wrong way. i think i’m just gonna stick with nancy drew
November 4, 2022
This one was more of an adventure story rather than a mystery. While the plot and pacing were good, some of the language back then is really hard to read. It is painfully obvious that whoever the ghost writer was on this, he or she never spent a moment in the South.
Chet is present for the story, with more to do than usual. His hobby definitely helped move the story along and resolve the mystery.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
Chet is present for the story, with more to do than usual. His hobby definitely helped move the story along and resolve the mystery.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
April 6, 2023
I'm a bit torn on this installment of the series.
On one hand, the story isn't bad and may interest young readers. However, the language with the black person is quite stereotypical of the 1950s, though it a tiny part of the overall text.
The boys have two exciting near death experiences, but other than getting knocked out again, they come through with flying colours.
Not a bad volume for children.
On one hand, the story isn't bad and may interest young readers. However, the language with the black person is quite stereotypical of the 1950s, though it a tiny part of the overall text.
The boys have two exciting near death experiences, but other than getting knocked out again, they come through with flying colours.
Not a bad volume for children.
October 29, 2024
Loved this one! The Secret of the Lost Tunnel has all the mystery and excitement you’d want in a Hardy Boys book. Frank and Joe are on another wild adventure, piecing together clues and dodging some pretty intense traps. The story flies by, and there’s a cool historical angle that makes things even more interesting. It’s the kind of book that keeps you guessing right up to the end. Definitely a fun read for anyone who loves a good mystery!
December 15, 2017
When reading this book, one must remember the year it was first originally published so as to understand how certain characters were described.
That being said, I'm only giving this book a 3 because the action scenes didn't particularly hold my interest.
That being said, I'm only giving this book a 3 because the action scenes didn't particularly hold my interest.
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 27, 2024
To be honest, it seemed a little far fetched. The General, though strong, was a boring character. However, the exploits of Chet and the Hardy boys made it worthwhile!
The story seemed to be a little all over the place and seemed to have been written without much thought..
The story seemed to be a little all over the place and seemed to have been written without much thought..
September 6, 2024
Crazy to hear two phone calls about General Smith before he even arrives to meet the Hardy’s. Either something is up with him or there is an intense mystery to solve. Joe, Frank, and Chet are the best ones to do it as they look to uncover a mystery ongoing since the Civil War!
November 28, 2017
A great exciting mystery!
November 30, 2017
A truly hard-fought victory for Frank and Joe in this one. And don't let the Morton kid fool ya. He LIVES for adventure.
February 16, 2018
This one didn't do it for me quite as much. The confederate stuff... eh. And the "lost tunnel" sounds much cooler in concept than how it's actually used here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews