The original Hardy Boys titles were not the creations of the nonexistent Franklin W. Dixon credited on their covers but actually the products of numerous factory writers between 1927 and 1946. They've been reconfigured over the years for different generations, but never so lovingly as in this attempt by Hoff to reintroduce the Hardys to a new pack of young readers. Hoff has stripped the book down to its bare essentials and redrafted it with fresh dialogue and three-dimensional characters. In an appendix, his attention to detail is apparent--he lists every plot device he kept from the original and defends the subtractions and additions.

But is it any good? Heck, it's a Hardy Boys adventure. There are spooky old houses, smugglers' caves, and last-minute rescues. It's a slice of wholesome fun for young readers or older readers who want to once again spend some time with the irrepressible Hardys. --Jeremy Pugh