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The Hardy Boys #68
The Submarine Caper
On a visit to Germany, the Hardy brothers investigate the theft of plans for a newly invented submarine and the mysterious disappearance of valuable coins and paintings.
187 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 1981
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
808 books1,005 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 24, 2008
I don't remember this one too well, but from the cover I think that it's the one where the blond one from Dukes of Hazzard and John Ritter go looking for semen.
June 28, 2023
'The Submarine Caper' (The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories #68) by Franklin W. Dixon.
Rating: 4.5/5.
Disclaimer:
It was my first time reading this book. I have, probably, read the first 63 Hardy Boys books multiple times, but the same can not be said for the subsequent books in the series. It isn't because I'm partial to the Originals, but more so because the latter books were hard to find growing up. However, with the advent of digital books in recent times, I'm eager to pursue my childhood ambition of reading all 190 Hardy Boys books at least once.
The Hardy Boys books are a nostalgic affair. Had it not been for these books, it would have been difficult for me to cultivate my interest in reading and to later expand my reading preferences to include the fantasy and sci-fi genres. So, yeah, that's the main reason why you would rarely find me giving a rating of fewer than 3.5 stars (out of 5) to these Hardy Boys books.
Review:
'The Submarine Caper' is a unique entry in the main Hardy Boys continuity. Unlike the previous books that were written directly by various ghostwriters in English, this book's original manuscript was written in German by Conrad Fuchs. Lilo Wuenn later translated it into English for final publication.
Published originally in 1981, most of the Hardy Boys' escapades in this book take part in West Germany. However, since there is no mention of East Germany or the duration since World War II, this book can be enjoyed regardless of the geopolitical status of its location. This book was republished in July 1987 by Wanderer Books under the new name 'Deadly Chase'. This new name was used for later reprints until the book went out of print in the mid-1990s.
I feel obliged to add that the recent and unfortunate implosion of the Titan submarine played no part in my selection of this novel. I had been reading these books in chronological sequence lately, and this book turning up so close to the incident was an eerie coincidence. However, the above-mentioned incident coupled with reading a story about Hardy Boys being stuck in the submarine in the vast depths of the ocean with a limited supply of oxygen has unlocked a new fear in me.
As far as the book goes, it provides us with an action-packed thrill ride of an adventure. The Hardy Boys, while on a vacation in Germany, stumble upon two different cases – the theft of top-secret submarine plans and the disappearance of valuable paintings. As usual, these two seemingly unconnected mysteries turn up to be related by the end of the book.
But, unlike other HB books, this book kept me guessing about the connections and the mystery until the end. It was a thoroughly entertaining story that had me at the edge of my seat. Needless to say, I'm not regretting my decision to continue on my childhood mission of reading all 190 books in the Hardy Boys main continuity. On to the next one, then!
Elated, the inventor invited the boys and Gerhard to come along on his next trip. They accepted enthusiastically, even though Rita was anxious.
"Gerhard, you must promise me not to go down in the sub!" she said. "In your condition, that is not a good idea. Suppose something happens — "
"In that little lake?" her husband laughed. "But I promise you anyway."
Rating: 4.5/5.
Disclaimer:
It was my first time reading this book. I have, probably, read the first 63 Hardy Boys books multiple times, but the same can not be said for the subsequent books in the series. It isn't because I'm partial to the Originals, but more so because the latter books were hard to find growing up. However, with the advent of digital books in recent times, I'm eager to pursue my childhood ambition of reading all 190 Hardy Boys books at least once.
The Hardy Boys books are a nostalgic affair. Had it not been for these books, it would have been difficult for me to cultivate my interest in reading and to later expand my reading preferences to include the fantasy and sci-fi genres. So, yeah, that's the main reason why you would rarely find me giving a rating of fewer than 3.5 stars (out of 5) to these Hardy Boys books.
Review:
'The Submarine Caper' is a unique entry in the main Hardy Boys continuity. Unlike the previous books that were written directly by various ghostwriters in English, this book's original manuscript was written in German by Conrad Fuchs. Lilo Wuenn later translated it into English for final publication.
Published originally in 1981, most of the Hardy Boys' escapades in this book take part in West Germany. However, since there is no mention of East Germany or the duration since World War II, this book can be enjoyed regardless of the geopolitical status of its location. This book was republished in July 1987 by Wanderer Books under the new name 'Deadly Chase'. This new name was used for later reprints until the book went out of print in the mid-1990s.
I feel obliged to add that the recent and unfortunate implosion of the Titan submarine played no part in my selection of this novel. I had been reading these books in chronological sequence lately, and this book turning up so close to the incident was an eerie coincidence. However, the above-mentioned incident coupled with reading a story about Hardy Boys being stuck in the submarine in the vast depths of the ocean with a limited supply of oxygen has unlocked a new fear in me.
As far as the book goes, it provides us with an action-packed thrill ride of an adventure. The Hardy Boys, while on a vacation in Germany, stumble upon two different cases – the theft of top-secret submarine plans and the disappearance of valuable paintings. As usual, these two seemingly unconnected mysteries turn up to be related by the end of the book.
But, unlike other HB books, this book kept me guessing about the connections and the mystery until the end. It was a thoroughly entertaining story that had me at the edge of my seat. Needless to say, I'm not regretting my decision to continue on my childhood mission of reading all 190 books in the Hardy Boys main continuity. On to the next one, then!
"Wow!" Frank exclaimed and wiped the perspiration from his forehead. "I'm glad we made it. Do you think the boat would have stayed in one piece after hitting the bottom?"
"I bet it would have been smashed to bits and us along with it," Joe replied. He shuddered at the thought, then took a deep breath. "We'd better get some fresh air before the oxygen runs out."
July 7, 2025
A decent Hardy Boys mystery with a couple of nice twists. The first half of the book reads a little 'clunky' compared to the second half. Almost enough to make me think there were two writers. This probably stood out to me as I read this to my youngest as a chapter a night, bedtime story book.
Second read: No changes in rating, and there is still a marked difference (to me anyway) in the first and second half of the book.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
Second read: No changes in rating, and there is still a marked difference (to me anyway) in the first and second half of the book.
Find it. Buy it. Read it.
August 30, 2019
An okay mystery but kind of unique: begins and ends in Germany; Fenton & family are absent; Chet and friends are absent. In fact, family and friends are never mentioned. It’s also interesting because, since the author/editor want the books to remain “timeless,” it glosses over the fact that “the war” is WWII and “the army” one character joins is the Nazis.
February 24, 2018
This one was kinda all over the place. Had some good parts, the travel was nice, but at the end of the day it wasn't the strongest.
September 9, 2023
Set in Germany with two mysteries - one about a submarine and the other some missing artwork. Needless to say, the two are connected and much action and thrills ensue. A good, fun read.
November 13, 2024
Picked this up just for kicks and for something light. It has the suspense but lacks the usual grip of a good Hardy Boys book.
Read
January 19, 2009JM-Doy
June 19, 2009
Another great Hardy Boys adventure!!
paperback-book-2014
October 14, 2014Alternate book 'Deadly Chase" is the one owned.
May 23, 2012
read when I was 10 through 13
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews