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The Hardy Boys #58
The Sting of the Scorpion
During Mr. Hardy’s investigation of a ruthless gang of terrorists, Frank and Joe witness an explosion in the sky near an airborne dirigible owned by Quinn Air Fleet. The young detectives look into a clue that takes them into a new animal park outside Bayport, where they are lured into a trap by an unknown enemy. Problems arise for the park owner as he receives pressure from a competitor and a real-estate firm to sell out. Strange occurrences at the park also frighten the visitors and animals. Frank and Joe take up the case despite fore warnings.
180 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1978
45 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
784 books1,000 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 40 reviews
November 25, 2022
As usual, this series delivers.
February 27, 2024
The Sting of the Scorpion, number fifty-eight in the Hardy Boys series, was the last of the adventures to be published in the blue-bound hardback format by Grosset & Dunlap. It was written for the Stratemeyer Syndicate by James Duncan Lawrence and was published in 1979 under the house pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon (of course!). I read almost all of the series as a youngster but missed the last few due to advanced age, but I've recently been catching up. One big difference I noticed is on the back cover, which says "Anyone from 10 to 14 who likes lively adventure..." For decades the blurb had read "Boys," so they were acknowledging a potentially doubled readership. (It was like when Star Trek changed from "no man had gone before" to "no one"!) It's a nice, fast-paced story, set primarily close to home concerning an animal park. I'd say it's more appropriate for the ten-side of the age than for the fourteen, but milage may vary. There's a whole lot of hot air concerning dirigibles (see what I did there?) making a big come back, but it's entertaining. The idea of transporting elephants on a blimp seems silly, but it was fun. (Spoilery note: No elephants were harmed in the composition of this mystery.) The Boys are involved in chasing down a terrorist network with their father, which is where the Scorpion reference comes in. Chet and Iola and Biff and Callie and Tony and Aunt Gertrude all show up for a bit, too. It's not as engaging as the early originals that Leslie MacFarlane wrote (starting almost a century ago now!), but it was a fast, fun time.
June 17, 2025
All of the Hardy's friends and allies show up and a new teen couple join the gang for this last adventure. It is a solid tale about an animal park owner who is getting pressured to sell his business. In a way this tale, to me anyway, is the last of the original series since it came out in hardback. Further books are in paperback and I have never seen a hardback edition for them. Advertised, yes, but never on a book shelf.
As usual, this ties into a case involving Fenton Hardy. Unlike with other mysteries, though, the link is solid and does not rely on chance or happenstance. The criminal gang has a reason for being there and must force the owner into doing their will to succeed at their goals. I'll leave it there, but I believe everyone reading the book will say 'That makes sense'.
It's hard to believe that my youngest son and I have completed all fifty-eight books. It started as a 'wouldn't it be nice to read them all' idea that wasn't exactly serious. Then before I realized it, we had finished thirty titles and had a stack of a half-dozen more waiting.
It was fun to mix in different series like Nancy Drew and the Happy Hollisters (among others). I recommend it for parents reading to their children. The books all follow a careful formula, but some do so at the expense of a good story. Fortunately, even those are fun for younger fans.
Now, on to the paperback series that began publication soon after this. It continues the original numbering, but the adventures take on a different tone. We read one of them already, The Mystery of the Samurai Sword.
Recommended for fans of the series and YA mystery tales.
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
As usual, this ties into a case involving Fenton Hardy. Unlike with other mysteries, though, the link is solid and does not rely on chance or happenstance. The criminal gang has a reason for being there and must force the owner into doing their will to succeed at their goals. I'll leave it there, but I believe everyone reading the book will say 'That makes sense'.
It's hard to believe that my youngest son and I have completed all fifty-eight books. It started as a 'wouldn't it be nice to read them all' idea that wasn't exactly serious. Then before I realized it, we had finished thirty titles and had a stack of a half-dozen more waiting.
It was fun to mix in different series like Nancy Drew and the Happy Hollisters (among others). I recommend it for parents reading to their children. The books all follow a careful formula, but some do so at the expense of a good story. Fortunately, even those are fun for younger fans.
Now, on to the paperback series that began publication soon after this. It continues the original numbering, but the adventures take on a different tone. We read one of them already, The Mystery of the Samurai Sword.
Recommended for fans of the series and YA mystery tales.
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
February 2, 2026
Meh...too much happening in this one. Didn't really hold my attention, and the ending was a little too pat, even for a Hardy Boys mystery.
December 11, 2015
I thought sting of the scorpion was a great book because the mystery the Hardy brothers had to solve was to save animals at a zoo. It starts off as stink bombs and balloon explosions at a zoo called wildwood. The owner , Pop Carter, wants the boys to figure out why people are doing this. The Hardys discover that executives want to buy Wild World. It turns out a terrorist group called Scopio, wants to steal the elephants in the zoo. After a late night stake out, the Hardys and friends capture the crooks and the mystery is solved.
August 29, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was about a gang that the detectives have to track down and apprehend. There is a zoo that is having some problems with vandals that are making life difficult for the owners. I love the way the author added a lot of important historical facts that made the story really come to life, this was one of my all time favorite Hardy Boys Mysteries. I think this was a great mystery full of explosions, air ships, and excitement!
February 16, 2018
This was the last "official" Hardy Boys book in the original series proper. But in practice you can pick up #59 and just keep reading and be totally fine.
Not a huge fan of the animal park, I must admit. But the rest is great. I absolutely love how Chet keeps going on about how dirigibles will take over the skies. Yeah ok Chet...
Not a huge fan of the animal park, I must admit. But the rest is great. I absolutely love how Chet keeps going on about how dirigibles will take over the skies. Yeah ok Chet...
July 3, 2023
I’ve recently become hooked on the Hardy boys and this is probably my favorite yet. As an animal lover, I appreciated the animal park setting. It should be noted that this book was published in the 1970’s, a time when wild animal parks were a fad in tourism ( and probably why Frank and Joe have longer hair then in earlier books). There was also the subject of airships and the hope that they would see a comeback one day that was of interest to. I really appreciated this book for featuring the Hardy’s entire main entourage, who get jobs at the park. The Hardy’s even make friends with another employee named Leroy. It’s mentioned that Leroy is black which was unnecessary but dos bring much needed racial diversity to the book. Another thing I liked was the funny chapter when Chet attempts to pull a circus like stunt. It goes wrong but nobody gets hurt. Though it had nothing to do with the case, it was a good buddy moment between Chet, Iola, Biff and the Hardy’s. My only minor complaints with the book was that the ending was a bit too violent and rather abrupt. It summed up everything quickly. Still, it was another excellent Hardy boys book.
May 13, 2024
If I see individually, the mystery is engaging and thrilling. Some things did point towards Jarman being the mastermind (no one else had the resources or the brains), but the unveiling was still interesting.
But as a series, the story was repetitive. The characters got a little mixed up in between, with no names and barely characteristic appearance descriptions to go on. As a reader, after a point, I lost track of who was who! Sindbad, the elephant, is mentioned so much, however, he doesn't seem to have much of a role other than creating some disturbances.
There were too many plots going on at once without a clue as to what's happening. And then just like that, everything just falls together! I wonder how that happens in ever Hardy boys book!
The story looked as if written by a dirigible enthusiast, more than a thriller writer. But what made the story more relatable and fun was the entire gang came together! I guess this is the final Hardy boys book, and in this mystery, the Hardy boys and their entire gang of friends, play important roles to finally catch the whole barrage of criminals and crooks. That was heartening!
But as a series, the story was repetitive. The characters got a little mixed up in between, with no names and barely characteristic appearance descriptions to go on. As a reader, after a point, I lost track of who was who! Sindbad, the elephant, is mentioned so much, however, he doesn't seem to have much of a role other than creating some disturbances.
There were too many plots going on at once without a clue as to what's happening. And then just like that, everything just falls together! I wonder how that happens in ever Hardy boys book!
The story looked as if written by a dirigible enthusiast, more than a thriller writer. But what made the story more relatable and fun was the entire gang came together! I guess this is the final Hardy boys book, and in this mystery, the Hardy boys and their entire gang of friends, play important roles to finally catch the whole barrage of criminals and crooks. That was heartening!
March 8, 2024
This is the last of the original series that was published when I was of age to be the target audience. Talking about the series as a whole, I now perceive the plot holes, the lack of character depth, and many other things that I couldn't see as a kid. I wouldn't recommend these to adult readers, as they generally won't satisfy an adult's taste for complexity, integrity of plot, and richly drawn characters.
However, looking past the flaws, I can dimly recall the echo of what I loved as a kid; lots of action, the delicious drama of risk, the steadfast character of the heroes, and the fact that Frank and Joe always catch the bad guys in the end. Though some of the stories have not aged as well as others, younger readers who can imagine a different world than cell phones and the internet will undoubtedly still be stirred by the Hardy Boys stories of the 1960s and 70s for many years to come.
However, looking past the flaws, I can dimly recall the echo of what I loved as a kid; lots of action, the delicious drama of risk, the steadfast character of the heroes, and the fact that Frank and Joe always catch the bad guys in the end. Though some of the stories have not aged as well as others, younger readers who can imagine a different world than cell phones and the internet will undoubtedly still be stirred by the Hardy Boys stories of the 1960s and 70s for many years to come.
November 17, 2021
The Hardy boys are caught in a mystery involving dirigibles and wild animals. The owner of an amusement park that has rides and wild animals is being threatened to sell by a few entities. The boys try to find out why the park is in such demand and who's responsible for sabotaging the park. There are also two businesses who are trying to promote a different kind of flying machine that intrigues the boys. Getting a ride in one of the helium inflated contraptions is an unique experience for them as they try to solve the mystery.
July 15, 2023
In this 58th and final mystery, I'm dropping my rating to two stars.
First, the Boys tone changed a bit. At one point, Frank asks a prisoner they had tied up if he wants a broken nose. This is totally out of character. I can't recall where it was, but I think that it is Joe that threatens to bash someone in the head. Again, over 58 boooks, these are the first strong aggressive threats I've seen.
Also, the story plot is a bit muddled and some things are a bit too easy.
The series definitely did not end on a high note. This particular book may not be the best for young readers.
First, the Boys tone changed a bit. At one point, Frank asks a prisoner they had tied up if he wants a broken nose. This is totally out of character. I can't recall where it was, but I think that it is Joe that threatens to bash someone in the head. Again, over 58 boooks, these are the first strong aggressive threats I've seen.
Also, the story plot is a bit muddled and some things are a bit too easy.
The series definitely did not end on a high note. This particular book may not be the best for young readers.
January 7, 2018
My son checked this one out as I rented another book. Having completed mine and with fond memories of reading the Hardy Boys when I was younger, I decided to enjoy a sentimental journey to my younger days. I recall these books being captivating when I originally read them and this one did not disappoint. In traditional style, the Hardy brothers explore and solve multiple clues with the help of their friends, to foil the bad guys and save the day.
August 6, 2020
When they're tasked with assisting Mr. Hardy in the search for the dreaded Scorpio Gang, Frank and Joe soon find that their enemies may have a connection to the dangerous pranks being played on a local safari park owner - and the attempts at shaking them off the case! Dixon offers young readers another exciting mystery full of laughs and thrills. Can the Hardy Boys figure out whose behind these odd antics before the Scorpio Gang gets their hands on them?
October 3, 2018
A great book.
September 11, 2019
The Hardy Books series still manages to deliver a good amount of mystery, action, danger and thrills, no matter which adventure you’re paying attention to on pages.
October 9, 2019
Well it was a quick fun read. It's something to pass the time and entertain myself.
March 12, 2020
A suspenseful story loved the combination of characters and action in it. It was very cool to see the perspective of people back then.
January 15, 2022
This book is amazing keep it up Franklin w. Dixon
April 30, 2024
An interesting one you don't really have a good idea who it is until its revealed which is unusual.
January 3, 2025
A great mystery
Love that I finished all the original books, so cool ✮😎✮
Love that I finished all the original books, so cool ✮😎✮
April 8, 2025
This book is great. It is one of my favorite books.
February 13, 2026
I have all of the hardy boys books and thought I’d give them a reread again.
The cliffhangers are so cheesy. I have definitely left the target audience.
The cliffhangers are so cheesy. I have definitely left the target audience.
May 21, 2019
When I first read Hardy Boys, I think I was in class 5, I had such a crush on Frank Hardy. I liked the brainy one over the brawny one and that sums up my first impression of Hardy Boys.
In their late teens, Frank and Joe Hardy take after their detective father Fenton Hardy. Frank is the older of the two and has more breakthroughs in the cases because he is the brainy one. Joe is the younger brother who more often than not is useful when things get hot and they need to fight their way out.
Like Nancy Drew, the books in the The Hardy Boys series re written by ghostwriters under the collective pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. And yes, the earlier books were better than the latter ones.
In their late teens, Frank and Joe Hardy take after their detective father Fenton Hardy. Frank is the older of the two and has more breakthroughs in the cases because he is the brainy one. Joe is the younger brother who more often than not is useful when things get hot and they need to fight their way out.
Like Nancy Drew, the books in the The Hardy Boys series re written by ghostwriters under the collective pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon. And yes, the earlier books were better than the latter ones.
December 21, 2010
This is a great book!You will sit on the edge of your seat the whole time! You will not be able to put this book down until your done! This story is about Frank and Joe trying to solve the Mystery of the Sqorpio Gang! There are also threats coming to the owner of Wild WOrld, the new park in town. A teenage boy has also gone missing. When the new airship in town explodes, people think they saw an elephant fall out and blow up! Will the Hardys be able to solve all of the cases? To find out, read this book!
January 6, 2013
Sometimes I guess you can't go back. I didn't have access to many of the Hardy Boys mysteries when I was a kid but did read and enjoy a few. I picked this one, #58, up at a second hand store and gave it a read. It was perfectly well written and as a kid I'd probably have greatly enjoyed it. As an adult, though, it just didn't hold up for me. If you're a person who likes the Hardy Boys, you'll probably enjoy it.
November 6, 2016
As a child, I was an avid Nancy Drew reader. I finally got myself to read a similar series. The story is engaging and moves right into the mystery as soon as the 4th chapter, leaving not much time for a student to get bored.
I would say a 4th-6th grade classroom would want to have this book available for book reports, reading mystery hours, or even a read aloud that is engaging to students and keeps them wanting to learn more.
I would say a 4th-6th grade classroom would want to have this book available for book reports, reading mystery hours, or even a read aloud that is engaging to students and keeps them wanting to learn more.
October 9, 2008
will never forget this one.
buku cerita berbahasa inggris pertama yg gw beli-dibeliin maksudnya-saat ijk masih sangat lucu, polos, dan segala kebaikan dunia lainnya (baca:waktu seragam masih puithmerah rok lipit-lipit), harus membeli kamus juga dan menulis arti kata2 yg aneh..
perjuangan itu..(halah)
buku cerita berbahasa inggris pertama yg gw beli-dibeliin maksudnya-saat ijk masih sangat lucu, polos, dan segala kebaikan dunia lainnya (baca:waktu seragam masih puithmerah rok lipit-lipit), harus membeli kamus juga dan menulis arti kata2 yg aneh..
perjuangan itu..(halah)
September 16, 2015
This is a classic Hardy Boys novel with plenty of twists, turns, action, and suspense. It was also one of the first Hardy Boys novels I read when I was a child, so it has special nostalgic value to it. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatively easy read but one chock-full of adventure and mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews