Frank and Joe are accused of a crime...... (The Hardy Boys: Sky Blue Frame - Franklin W. Dixon)

Member Name: pmcds

Product:	The Hardy Boys: Sky Blue Frame - Franklin W. Dixon
Date:	12/05/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Original storyline

Disadvantages: Nothing really

The Sky Blue Frame is the 89th Hardy Boys book, and quite an original one at that. The Hardy Boys are teenage brothers Frank and Joe Hardy, 18 and 17 respectively, and have been so through every book since the first one was published in the 1920s. They are the sons of supersleuth Fenton Hardy, and are often called upon to solve dangerous crimes and thwart international criminals, or prevent new technology from being stolen.

However, in this book, the tables are turned. The brothers are asked to stage a crime as part of a Mystery Weekend. When the theft actually takes place, all accusations are levelled at Frank and Joe, and they must solve the crime themselves to prove their innocence.

Those of you who have read Hardy Boys books before should expect more of the same treatment of the characters. The brothers themselves aren't greatly described, but the characters unique to this book are well described, and you can get a clear picture in your mind of the majority of them.

The writing style is quite fast and frenetic in this story, which is perhaps relevant when you consider that Frank and Joe rarely find themselves as the suspects. We see them working overtime in their minds to try and prove their innocence, and everyone seems quite happy to let them do this.

The Hardy Boys books are all published under the pseudonym Franklin W Dixon, but are written by a number of different ghostw riters. This particular ghost writer has stepped the pace up from previous books which heightens the danger the boys are in. In previous books, the danger has always been criminals, and you feel they will always win, good will triumph over bad. However, here the danger is being arrested, and so the law and the police become those they are struggling against, giving it a bit more of a desperate feel.

The book is an original one, well written and entertaining. It is very easy to read, and targets its main audience of teenage boys very well. I recommended giving this one a go. As with most of the Hardy Boys books published post 1980, it's quite hard to find this one in the UK, but it's easily available from various US sites for a fair price.

Summary: An enjoyable 89th Hardy Boys book