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The Hardy Boys #25
The Secret Panel
Another exciting mystery begins for Frank and Joe Hardy when they help a stranger who has had an accident with his car. The man introduces himself as John Mead, owner of a nearby estate. After he continues on his way, Frank finds an odd-looking house key which belongs to Mead. But when the Hardys try to return it, they learn that John Mead died five years ago! They are even more amazed when they find that the intricately carved doors in the dead man's deserted mansion have no visible knobs or keylocks. While working on this mystery, the boys assist their detective father in tracking down a highly organized ring of thieves who are robbing warehouses of television and stereo equipment.
What happens when Frank and Joe discover that there is a link between Mr. Hardy's case and the mysterious Mead mansion will keep the reader on edge with thrills and suspense.
What happens when Frank and Joe discover that there is a link between Mr. Hardy's case and the mysterious Mead mansion will keep the reader on edge with thrills and suspense.
178 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1946
77 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
735 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
July 29, 2011
The classic boy detectives by Frank Dixon--I read ALL of them in my younger years, one I ran out of Nancy Drew books. The Hardy Boys are brother amateur detectives, aspiring to follow in their famous father's footsteps.
The two boys live in the fictional city of Bayport (on Barmet Bay) with their famous father, Fenton Hardy, a private detective formerly with the New York Police Department, their mother Laura Hardy (erroneously called Mildred in The Flying Express), and their Aunt Gertrude, a character often used for comic relief.
The two boys live in the fictional city of Bayport (on Barmet Bay) with their famous father, Fenton Hardy, a private detective formerly with the New York Police Department, their mother Laura Hardy (erroneously called Mildred in The Flying Express), and their Aunt Gertrude, a character often used for comic relief.
March 6, 2019
I was really happily surprised with this! In this book, the Hardy Boys are investigating a missing boy, a mysterious mansion, theft, and a mysterious boast sold to their friend! So much is going on at once, but I personally like it that way! Really good, 5 stars!
February 26, 2008
I like hardy boys books, but this is one of my all-time favorites.
September 21, 2022
kaz brekker would’ve solved this one in like two minutes
December 12, 2018
I read a book called The Secret Panel and it is one of the Hardy Boys books. It was a pretty good book and it was full of action. Sometimes there were too many things going on but overall it was good! I really liked how they involved Chet a lot in this book. Chet is one of the funniest characters in the book in my opinion. He is described as heavy and always likes to eat. But he helps the boys with there sleuthing.
The book overall was the Hardy Boys chasing these people. There were many times where the boys were super close, but then they got caught. I am not trying to spoil the book though. Overall it was a very action packed book and I was always reading something interesting. One of the most crazy parts of the book was when the boys were trying to follow this person and then the boys friends came up and gave away their identities. The guy happened to escape, but they found him again later.
One reason I liked this book was because everything was described pretty good. It was kind of unpredictable because the boys were always moving and going different places to try and catch the bad guys. So overall I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a good book to read, the age group I would say that would be best is the 12-16 year old age group, but anyone can read this book for a good time. It involves mystery and a little bit of comedy here and there, so therefore I enjoyed it.
The book overall was the Hardy Boys chasing these people. There were many times where the boys were super close, but then they got caught. I am not trying to spoil the book though. Overall it was a very action packed book and I was always reading something interesting. One of the most crazy parts of the book was when the boys were trying to follow this person and then the boys friends came up and gave away their identities. The guy happened to escape, but they found him again later.
One reason I liked this book was because everything was described pretty good. It was kind of unpredictable because the boys were always moving and going different places to try and catch the bad guys. So overall I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a good book to read, the age group I would say that would be best is the 12-16 year old age group, but anyone can read this book for a good time. It involves mystery and a little bit of comedy here and there, so therefore I enjoyed it.
January 15, 2022
I read the book The secret panel (690L) by: Franklin W. Dixon. The book starts off with Joe and Frank Hardy driving in their town when they almost get hit by a car. He introduces himself as John Mead. When he leaves he drops a key. This is strange because it says that John Mead has been dead for 5 years! The Hardy boys then go to see their friend Chet, he just bought a new boat and they go for a ride when suddenly the boat starts to sink and they swim to shore. Frank also must’ve dropped the key. They go home and discover that someone is changing a lock on their back door. His name is Mike Batton. He explains he was sent by Mrs. Hardy to change a lock which we find out later it was not true. They dive down to Chets boat and find the key. It indeed belongs to the abandoned Mead place. There are 2 people that are in a secret panel in the house and the burglar is caught? Read the book to find out.
The theme of the story is basically don’t steal anything, nothing ever comes out well if you do that. Something that revealed anything about a character is on page 47 saying “Frank was watching the operator… A large door slid open… perhaps this is the secret panel!!” This reveals that Frank is pretty quick to jump to conclusions. Frank and Joe’s Aunt is very protective. I know this because on page 91 the text says “You have no right to talk about my brother and my nephews that way!” I would not want to be in front of that bus.
I would say this is a solid book. One thing I would change about this book is all of the plot points going on. There were about 4 mysteries going on at the same time, it was confusing. I really liked the ending of each chapter, it left you on the edge of your seat. Some examples include: “there’s not even a keyhole!”(p.8) “The Hardy’s hastened to the captive and knelt down, shining the light on his face. Chet Morton!”(p.74) those are just some of them. Therefore I give this book a 3 star rating.
The theme of the story is basically don’t steal anything, nothing ever comes out well if you do that. Something that revealed anything about a character is on page 47 saying “Frank was watching the operator… A large door slid open… perhaps this is the secret panel!!” This reveals that Frank is pretty quick to jump to conclusions. Frank and Joe’s Aunt is very protective. I know this because on page 91 the text says “You have no right to talk about my brother and my nephews that way!” I would not want to be in front of that bus.
I would say this is a solid book. One thing I would change about this book is all of the plot points going on. There were about 4 mysteries going on at the same time, it was confusing. I really liked the ending of each chapter, it left you on the edge of your seat. Some examples include: “there’s not even a keyhole!”(p.8) “The Hardy’s hastened to the captive and knelt down, shining the light on his face. Chet Morton!”(p.74) those are just some of them. Therefore I give this book a 3 star rating.
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.)
Ah, the allure of hidden compartments—there’s something inherently seductive about a wall that isn’t quite a wall. The Secret Panel embodies that thrill: a space that conceals, waits, and reveals only to the observant. For a boy in the early ’90s, curled up in M.P. Birla School’s library, it was pure escapist magic. You could almost feel the cool wood and faint dust of a hidden panel as Frank and Joe pried it open to uncover clues.
The story revolves around stolen art and secret hiding places, blending the familiar Hardy Boys formula with the tactile mystery of concealed architecture. It isn’t just about finding a villain; it’s about discovering the invisible structure of a world that seems ordinary until curiosity exposes its secrets. That, for me, was the real thrill—the ordinary rendered extraordinary by insight and courage.
In hindsight, The Secret Panel resonates as a metaphor for adolescence itself. Walls, panels, and hidden spaces mirror the layers of identity and emotion that young readers begin to uncover in themselves and others. Every friendship, rivalry, or unspoken worry is a panel waiting to be opened, and navigating it requires the patience and cleverness exemplified by Frank and Joe.
Culturally, the novel reflects an American fascination with concealed crime and the symbolism of art as value—both aesthetic and monetary. For a 1990s Calcutta schoolboy, it offered a glimpse into a world where logic and observation could triumph over deceit, even across continents and cultures I had yet to experience firsthand.
Above all, the book reminds me why the Hardy Boys captivated me: it wasn’t just the crimes or the clues, but the feeling that hidden truths—like secret panels—exist everywhere, waiting for those brave enough to seek them. And in that search, adventure is guaranteed.
Hardy Boys (Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)
Ah, the allure of hidden compartments—there’s something inherently seductive about a wall that isn’t quite a wall. The Secret Panel embodies that thrill: a space that conceals, waits, and reveals only to the observant. For a boy in the early ’90s, curled up in M.P. Birla School’s library, it was pure escapist magic. You could almost feel the cool wood and faint dust of a hidden panel as Frank and Joe pried it open to uncover clues.
The story revolves around stolen art and secret hiding places, blending the familiar Hardy Boys formula with the tactile mystery of concealed architecture. It isn’t just about finding a villain; it’s about discovering the invisible structure of a world that seems ordinary until curiosity exposes its secrets. That, for me, was the real thrill—the ordinary rendered extraordinary by insight and courage.
In hindsight, The Secret Panel resonates as a metaphor for adolescence itself. Walls, panels, and hidden spaces mirror the layers of identity and emotion that young readers begin to uncover in themselves and others. Every friendship, rivalry, or unspoken worry is a panel waiting to be opened, and navigating it requires the patience and cleverness exemplified by Frank and Joe.
Culturally, the novel reflects an American fascination with concealed crime and the symbolism of art as value—both aesthetic and monetary. For a 1990s Calcutta schoolboy, it offered a glimpse into a world where logic and observation could triumph over deceit, even across continents and cultures I had yet to experience firsthand.
Above all, the book reminds me why the Hardy Boys captivated me: it wasn’t just the crimes or the clues, but the feeling that hidden truths—like secret panels—exist everywhere, waiting for those brave enough to seek them. And in that search, adventure is guaranteed.
April 20, 2018
When in my childhood I was busy rummaging through the pages of nancy drew mysteries, few of my friends devoured Hardy Boys series.
These books are printed by the same publishers and hold a lot of similarities. I was constantly suggested by my friends to give a read to any of the hardy boys books, But fortunately I never had a chance to do so.
I stumbled upon one of the Hardy Boys books recently and finally decided to give it a chance.
Now coming to the story,
The mystery had a lot of action and adventure and a whole lot of similarities with the Nancy Drew series. The only major difference I found was that here we had three boys sleuthing instead of girls.
The story was a very average read with slightly boring narrative. I dont think I would like to read anymore from the series.
One might enjoy it if one belongs to Hardy Boys Fandom but a thumbs down from me.
These books are printed by the same publishers and hold a lot of similarities. I was constantly suggested by my friends to give a read to any of the hardy boys books, But fortunately I never had a chance to do so.
I stumbled upon one of the Hardy Boys books recently and finally decided to give it a chance.
Now coming to the story,
The mystery had a lot of action and adventure and a whole lot of similarities with the Nancy Drew series. The only major difference I found was that here we had three boys sleuthing instead of girls.
The story was a very average read with slightly boring narrative. I dont think I would like to read anymore from the series.
One might enjoy it if one belongs to Hardy Boys Fandom but a thumbs down from me.
December 2, 2020
The Hardy Boys get involved in another mystery by helping a stranded motorist, John Mead, who they soon find out has been dead for years....what? Left behind at the scene is a strange key. The key must go to the Mead mansion but when they go to try it they find out the Mead mansion was made without hardware on the doors and windows. No keyholes anywhere. A mystery for sure. When a woman comes looking for Mr. Hardy saying her son called late in the evening with a cryptic message "secret panel" plus he had been shot....the Hardy's start to look for the boy. Mr. Hardy is involved in his own investigation into a gang who is targeting warehouses and stealing TV's. Clues add up and soon the mysteries are all entwined.
I enjoyed the idea of a secret panel and secret entrances in an old mansion. The place sounded a bit scary.
I enjoyed the idea of a secret panel and secret entrances in an old mansion. The place sounded a bit scary.
March 23, 2023
With all the thieves, smugglers and bad people around Bayport, I'm surprised that there is any business at all.
The boys are given a mystery key to get into a house with no visible hardware. Do they solve it? Of course they do! But they also are looking for a missing person swept up by a gang of museum robbers.
Another near death experience for one of the boys, but the show must go on.
The story in this book is interesting and the language isn't as bad as earlier versions, so 10+ year old might find it entertaining.
The boys are given a mystery key to get into a house with no visible hardware. Do they solve it? Of course they do! But they also are looking for a missing person swept up by a gang of museum robbers.
Another near death experience for one of the boys, but the show must go on.
The story in this book is interesting and the language isn't as bad as earlier versions, so 10+ year old might find it entertaining.
April 16, 2024
My first taste of the Hardy Boys series and I must say I wasn't impressed. The writing is cheap, filled with exclamation points and "suddenly this" and "suddenly that" - even a fat boy who loves to eat (the only real character development). It felt so much like a book one of my students would write.
This makes it sound bad, however, all the action and adventure does keep you interested and reading despite the lack of literary quality.
I'm curious what I'll think as I get a broader taste and try some more.
This makes it sound bad, however, all the action and adventure does keep you interested and reading despite the lack of literary quality.
I'm curious what I'll think as I get a broader taste and try some more.
December 26, 2019
Pretty Good
A pretty good mystery, I definitely liked the idea of an old houses with puzzles for locks. That would make a great escape room, lol. However, I don't think the boys had too much fun in their own, real-life escape room. They might have to go a timed one just to relax after this, lol. Anyway, it was an overall good mystery, a bit weird at times m escape, but otherwise pretty good.
A pretty good mystery, I definitely liked the idea of an old houses with puzzles for locks. That would make a great escape room, lol. However, I don't think the boys had too much fun in their own, real-life escape room. They might have to go a timed one just to relax after this, lol. Anyway, it was an overall good mystery, a bit weird at times m escape, but otherwise pretty good.
January 1, 2021
A step up from the average tale. Chet was the only companion in this story, although his sister Iola and her friend Callie did put in an appearance.
The Boys start with a blown tire and a crooked locksmith. The tale grows into buying stolen boats and a locked house mystery. That's right, you read locked-house, not locked-room. The concept is handled rather well, which lifts this entry in the series to four stars.
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
The Boys start with a blown tire and a crooked locksmith. The tale grows into buying stolen boats and a locked house mystery. That's right, you read locked-house, not locked-room. The concept is handled rather well, which lifts this entry in the series to four stars.
Find it! Buy it! READ IT!
July 30, 2020
This was easily the worst Hardy Boys book I've read. I don't know if I got an earlier edition, but the writing style was totally different than the first 24 and not in a good way. Very simplistic, the Hardy boys were kinda assholes, Aunt Gertrude was terrible and the mystery was boring. Way below par for this series.
December 31, 2020
Gotta Love a locked door mystery and this is one is no exception. A house tat has doors with no locks and no hinges, a secret panel, a signet ring and Chet buying a dilapidated dory, send Frank and Joe on an adventure through an abandoned mansion. This one has all the excitement and adventure one comes to expect from a Hardy Boys Mystery.
July 31, 2021
A gang of thieves robs warehouses of television and hi-fi components. They hide in a secret room behind a hidden panel in old mansion.
Interestingly enough, a concussion free book. Well, concussion free for Frank and Joe. Chet gets a KO. Not that this is a walk in the park for the brothers: Frank does get electrocuted.
The concussion count remains at 30.
Interestingly enough, a concussion free book. Well, concussion free for Frank and Joe. Chet gets a KO. Not that this is a walk in the park for the brothers: Frank does get electrocuted.
The concussion count remains at 30.
October 27, 2022
The first book not written by McFarlane or Button, Harriet Adams wrote and edited this one. It does feel like a book written by an editor or an English teacher. It is pleasant enough but doesn't really feel like real boys talking. The secret panel is given away early and many chapter titles completely give away the chapter. Still a decent enough read for a juvenile book.
February 16, 2018
There is something unsettling to this day about the house in this book, with no door knobs or hinges... it's just kinda vaguely creepy under your skin at times. Good story. This one was written by Harriet Adams because Leslie McFarlane found other work and could finally turn down this stuff.
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.
July 31, 2018
I’d read this book just for the part where Frank hides in the back of the criminals’ car disguised as mustached man with glasses. When discovered he puts on such a great act that I rate this book 4 stars. I won’t give anything else away just read this one.
January 7, 2017
4.5 stars. Guest review by Kyle (age 8): it was a good book, I liked the surprise ending. Not my favorite Hardy Boy's book but very good.
July 19, 2017
They certainly don't make books for boys like they used to! Don't hesitate to buy any original Hardy Boy's books you can find!
November 20, 2019
How could the man be John Mead? He's been dead for years...The Hardy Boys are up to the task of clearing the mystery. Such a good story.
March 6, 2020
This book is awesome.
Read
August 25, 2020Need Tandy Blue PC
August 29, 2020
One of the better Hardy Boys books I've read so far. Lots of action!
April 19, 2021
The cornerstone of any Hardy Boys book is coincidence, and this is filled with them.
May 17, 2021
Who would believe these books were written 75 years ago. Still as much of a rollicking ride as it was when I was a teenager. Probably my nostalgia talking!
February 26, 2023
Great book.Awesome story.5 AR Points!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews