The Crisscross Shadow

The Hardy Boys #32

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy boys find the missing deed to an Indians' land, prevent a phony salesman from carrying through a reckless scheme, and help their father solve a top-secret case.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Adventure, Classics, Crime

177 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Franklin 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.

Reviews

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of a series with each book being a stand alone. In this one a man pretending to be someone else tries to steal from the Hardy's home. The boy's investigation leads them to a plot to steal land from Native Americans.

I remember as a kid reading several of these books meant for children. I also remember vividly sitting down in front of the television and watching the show. I thought it would be interesting to revisit this universe. The question going into this book does it hold up. I think that depends how you view it. It definitely shows its age. It shows that it was written in a simpler time. If you expecting realism this is not the book for you. Even though it shows its age I did enjoy it. I think I actually believe part of my enjoyment was it showing its age. There was something refreshing about two teenage boys being respectful to others or believing in doing the right thing. I can say that for all the characters. As for the mystery it was somewhat fast tracked and pretty much straight forward. Once again I believe this is the case because it was a product of its time. It is also meant for the younger audience.

I enjoyed my trip down the nostalgic lane with this book. This book exactly met my expectations. I was not expecting an earth shattering book. I was expecting a book that kept me entertained and transported me back to a time when I was into this universe. I believe if you go into this book through your younger self eyes it is an enjoyable read. It is not a realistic book by today's standards. I also believe the younger audience will really enjoy this. I know I did when I was first introduced to them many, many years ago. I have not thought about these characters in decades and I am glad I read this. I know I will be reading more about the Hardy Boys adventures.

[Craig · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Crisscross Shadow was the 32nd novel in the original series run of Hardy Boys mystery adventures. It was produced by the Stratemeyer Syndicate and was published in 1953 by Grosset & Dunlap under the Franklin W. Dixon house pseudonym at a length of 213 pages in 25 chapters. It was written by Richard Cohen from an outline by Andrew E. Svenson, who had written several of the previous volumes in the series after the departure of the great Leslie McFarlane and seems to have been Cohen's only book in the series. As part of the revision process of 1959 - '73, which was overseen by one of Stratemeyer's daughters, it was re-released in 1969 at a length of 177 pages in 20 chapters. The revisions were performed by Priscilla Baker-Carr and were minor in nature, mostly the deletion of details and descriptions and general editorial shortening. Many of the early books in the series were completely rewritten or replaced, but some, like this one, were just re-targeted for a younger or less advanced readership. The story starts with Frank and Joe at Bayport High's football practice, and we feel like we inadvertently wandered into a Chip Hilton or Garry Grayson book for a while. It's good to see the Boys at a normal high school activity, but I don't think Mr. Cohen had a great grasp of the gridiron. At one point in the text a mistake is made as to which team is which and I was surprised it wasn't corrected in the 1969 iteration. Mr. Hardy is off investigating a sabotage ring, and their mother and Aunt Gertrude allow a door-to-door salesman into the house, who promptly steals a photograph or Mr. Hardy and the key to his filing cabinet. They determine that the thief has a connection to an Indian tribe, and the school is shut down for repairs just in time for the Boys to take off to investigate. We learn that Chet's ancestor was an honorary member of the tribe and had been given the honorary title of Chief Wallapatookunk, which translates to Eat-a-Whole-Moose. (The depiction of the Indigenous People is all well-meant but seems pretty racist by modern standards.) Frank, Joe, and Chet journey to the Indians' village, which is very remote, and have several adventures and narrow escapes from the bad guys before finally triumphing... and, of course, solving Mr. Hardy's case in the bargain. As an example of the simplification process, in the original there's a lacrosse game played by the Indians and well described in considerable detail. One of the sticks is stolen and used to clobber Joe later, which turns into a vital clue, but in the revision, he just gets hit on the head by a bad guy with a tree branch. After reading both versions back-to-back and comparing the two, I decided to give the original four stars and thought it was appropriate for 12-to-14-year-olds and the newer version two stars and thought it would be better for age 8-to-10 readers.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crisscross Shadow was the 32nd novel in the original series run of Hardy Boys mystery adventures. It was produced by the Stratemeyer Syndicate and was published in 1953 by Grosset & Dunlap under the Franklin W. Dixon house pseudonym at a length of 213 pages in 25 chapters. It was written by Richard Cohen from an outline by Andrew E. Svenson, who had written several of the previous volumes in the series after the departure of the great Leslie McFarlane and seems to have been Cohen's only book in the series. As part of the revision process of 1959 - '73, which was overseen by one of Stratemeyer's daughters, it was re-released in 1969 at a length of 177 pages in 20 chapters. The revisions were performed by Priscilla Baker-Carr and were minor in nature, mostly the deletion of details and descriptions and general editorial shortening. Many of the early books in the series were completely rewritten or replaced, but some, like this one, were just re-targeted for a younger or less advanced readership. The story starts with Frank and Joe at Bayport High's football practice, and we feel like we inadvertently wandered into a Chip Hilton or Garry Grayson book for a while. It's good to see the Boys at a normal high school activity, but I don't think Mr. Cohen had a great grasp of the gridiron. At one point in the text a mistake is made as to which team is which and I was surprised it wasn't corrected in the 1969 iteration. Mr. Hardy is off investigating a sabotage ring, and their mother and Aunt Gertrude allow a door-to-door salesman into the house, who promptly steals a photograph or Mr. Hardy and the key to his filing cabinet. They determine that the thief has a connection to an Indian tribe, and the school is shut down for repairs just in time for the Boys to take off to investigate. We learn that Chet's ancestor was an honorary member of the tribe and had been given the honorary title of Chief Wallapatookunk, which translates to Eat-a-Whole-Moose. (The depiction of the Indigenous People is all well-meant but seems pretty racist by modern standards.) Frank, Joe, and Chet journey to the Indians' village, which is very remote, and have several adventures and narrow escapes from the bad guys before finally triumphing... and, of course, solving Mr. Hardy's case in the bargain. As an example of the simplification process, in the original there's a lacrosse game played by the Indians and well described in considerable detail. One of the sticks is stolen and used to clobber Joe later, which turns into a vital clue, but in the revision, he just gets hit on the head by a bad guy with a tree branch. After reading both versions back-to-back and comparing the two, I decided to give the original four stars and thought it was appropriate for 12-to-14-year-olds and the newer version two stars and thought it would be better for age 8-to-10 readers.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better of the Hardy Boys books. Though it moves too fast for character development (as do all of these kind of books), various elements of the plot are better woven together. Usually, the reader is left wondering when the Hardys actually have time to do all the various scholastic and extracurricular activities that are attributed to them -- football team, high school classes, etc. This story includes explanations of how they are able to get time off school to pursue this particular mystery, and incorporates their football team activities into the plot.

I found this a welcome departure from previous books in which how the Hardys manage to actually attend high school is the biggest mystery of all.

[Kevin Findley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid entry in the series. Chet is in the thick of it with Frank and Joe who once again, find themselves on a case that ties to one of their father's investigations.

The readers also meet Ted Whitestone, a member of a regional Indian tribe called the Ramapan. Ted's father (Chief of the Ramapan) asks the Hardys for help on yet another mystery. All three cases eventually tie together.

Ted is written as a reliable friend. It would have been interesting for the publisher to have brought back him and some of the other people the Hardys meet for further adventures.

Highly recommended for fans of the Hardy Boys, mystery lovers and YA.

Find it! Buy it! READ IT!

[Justin Connors · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read that took me back to my childhood when my dad would take me to the local farmers market and let me pick out a hardy boys book every Saturday.

Nostalgia reigns supreme for this read.

I enjoyed the story more than I thought I would but it’s interesting to read the casual racist tropes that were so prevalent and accepted at the time.

[Reba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entry 1-
Frank, Joe, Chet,and Mr. Hardy are the main characters and protagonists. The antagonists are the people trying to take the RRampans property and stealing the Indian Articals.

Entry 2-
The setting is wherever the clues the boys fing take them. The theme is don't underestimate anyone. The point of view is third- person.

Entry 3-
Miles Kamp is leader of a group of sabatouers that were terrorizzing the U.S. They wanted too use the Rampans pproperty for the plots as a hideout since it was so secluded, but Chief Whitestone didn't give up, even when the deeds are burned up. The Hardy's go in search of the missind deed to restore the Rampans' property and succeed in taking out the whole gang.

[Al Gritten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a Hardy Boys novel in a long time (though I used to burn through them pretty regularly) but a friend recommended this so I thought I'd give it a read. I am a bit surprised to find one that I haven't read but I really don't remember this one. It is a good story with a decent plot, though it was a bit predictable (but then, I'm not really the target demographic any more). It did play well to my sense of nostalgia and made me reminisce on my younger years and summer reading programs in the heat of the afternoon at the air conditioned library. While my childhood is probably not as idyllic as I remember the book certainly is and is still an enjoyable read.

[Patrick Birmingham]

There are so many new adventures that easy-going readers like to learn from the Hardy Boys series. The main characters take on many different cases, like when Frank and Joe discover where the key case was made because it was the kind of key case that a man sold to their mother. When they find the deed to their property along with different treasures, they solved their mystery just like in every other book. This is why The Hardy Boys is one of my favorite book series that I don't feel worn out from putting each one down.

[Edward Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm starting to realise again that Fenton Hardy doesn't do his job. Instead he seems to set his kids up with investigations he claims have no bearing on his own work, then sits back and waits for the boys to realise that the two cases are connected. This story seemed to have more depth to it - in fact if you read between the lines it was an interesting parable on how Native Americans have been screwed out of their land because they can't find the papers proving they own. One of the better tales, I thought.

[Mayank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written book. It kept me engaged and gave me many questions, without answering them until the very end. It is one of the classic Hardy Boys books, although the writing is a bit dated now. It could do with being rewritten in a way that is less derogatory to the Native Americans. However, it does expose the problem that the Native Americans have with trying to retain land that is rightfully theirs. This helps make the book even more interesting, as it has a relevant deeper meaning. A solid 8/10.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the key to their father's files stolen, Frank and Joe soon find themselves assisting a tribe of Indians, alongside Chet, to find hidden treasure that will ensure they keep their land - if they can keep ahead of their deadly foes! Dixon will keep fans enticed with this exciting mystery that throws our heroes into a race against time that is sure to please. Can the Hardy Boys an their friends keep up with such slippery criminals in time to help the tribe?

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Binge Reviewing My Past Reads: Hardy Boys

(Read between 1990 and 1996 in M.P. Birla School library and punctiliously collected and read thereafter.)

The Crisscross Shadow by Franklin W. Dixon is another masterful entry in the Hardy Boys series, blending suspense, clever plotting, and the signature investigative acumen of Frank and Joe Hardy. I first discovered this installment in the M.P. Birla School library during the early 1990s, and revisiting it later, after having meticulously collected the series, reinforced my appreciation for Dixon’s enduring craftsmanship. The story begins with an enigmatic figure moving in shadows, leaving a trail of mysterious incidents that draw the Hardy Boys into a web of intrigue, deceit, and unexpected danger.

What immediately captivates is Dixon’s ability to intertwine atmosphere with action. The “crisscross shadow” serves both as a literal clue and a symbolic representation of the twists and turns that define the narrative. Frank and Joe, as always, demonstrate a balance of courage and intellect, methodically investigating leads, analyzing evidence, and confronting hazards with calculated bravery. Dixon’s pacing is precise: suspense builds steadily, interspersed with bursts of action and revelation, ensuring the reader is fully engaged without ever feeling rushed. Each chapter ends with just enough tension to compel the next, a technique that makes putting the book down nearly impossible.

The supporting cast and villains are compelling, often ambiguous, which adds depth to the plot. Dixon crafts characters who challenge the Hardy Boys both morally and intellectually, requiring them to think beyond conventional solutions. The prose is crisp and clear, yet evocative: night-time pursuits, shadowy corridors, and coded messages are described with enough detail to stimulate imagination while preserving the brisk pace that the series is known for. Subtle themes of loyalty, perseverance, and ethical integrity run through the story, reinforcing the moral framework that has always been a hallmark of the Hardy Boys canon.

Nostalgia further enriches the experience of reading The Crisscross Shadow. I remember scouring the library shelves for that familiar blue spine, anticipating a new mystery with every turn of the page. The story’s layered intrigue and atmospheric tension heightened the immersive experience, making me feel as though I was following alongside Frank and Joe in real time, deciphering clues and navigating danger. Dixon’s ability to sustain suspense, combined with the brothers’ resourcefulness and steadfast moral compass, ensures that this installment remains engaging even decades later.

In conclusion, The Crisscross Shadow exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Hardy Boys: intelligent heroes, a tightly plotted mystery, suspenseful pacing, and an atmosphere that captivates from start to finish. It is a story that continues to resonate, blending excitement, ethical clarity, and nostalgia in a way that keeps readers returning to the blue-spined adventures of Frank and Joe Hardy.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frank, Joe and their friend Chet are involved in a mystery surrounding the deed to native land on the Ramapan reservation. It all starts with a sly salesman trying to sell a leather key chain to Mrs. Hardy. The R mark on the leather isn't familiar so it's hard to trace but it soon leads to the Ramapan tribe. Long ago the old chief buried the Ramapan's land deed along with a jeweled sword for safe keeping. The boys are on a hunt to find the treasure. Many times the boys are thwarted by crooks they can't catch. Their home is broken into, the get pushed in front of a train, they get hit on the head, bound and trussed....but still they work to solve the mystery. With the help of the new chief and his son the boys plan to save the land for the tribe. Can they outwit the gang who's fighting against them? Who will find the deed first?

[Brentman99 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume has the Hardy Boy helping an Indian tribe look for the lost deed to their land. An interesting modern day question is, if it was a reservation, then a deed wouldn't be needed. But then that would not make for a story...l

There is a nice short section of the Boys and Chet playing football, which was nice to see. Of course, what is learned there will be helpful later.

Overall, a young child/adult may find the story interesting. The references and language of the Indians is not as bad as other volumes, so this one holds up a bit better by current day standards.

[Rex Libris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man tries to steal the boy's dad's secret files, and the only clue he leaves behind is a leather item with a unique trademark which belongs to a Native American tribe. The boys and Chet head up to the reservation where they get involved in finding a treasure hidden underneath the crisscross shadow.

Joe gets two solid cracks on the head in this adventure, bringing the total KO count up to 39.

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crisscross Shadow is an engaging Hardy Boys mystery that follows Frank and Joe Hardy as they investigate a strange theft that leads to a larger case involving missing documents and criminal schemes. The story moves quickly and keeps readers interested with clues, danger, and teamwork. While the mystery is simpler than some other Hardy Boys books, it is still entertaining and easy to follow. Overall, it is a fun read for younger readers who enjoy classic detective adventures.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly more adult mystery in this one; not the usual stumble upon the solution type of mystery. This one required real thought and had great scenes of intrigue and moments of outwitting the bad guys!

[Phoebe Hinkle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but . . . idk, it just didn't really connect with me. Probably because we read it over a long period of time, and my brain isn't in a state to remember anything right now. But it wasn't the best Hardy Boys story I've read.

[Ethan Hulbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of an interesting book but I always feel like the titles with the "signs" or "shadows" or "marks" are never as good as they should be. The reservation bits weren't totally up my alley either.

[Steve Rutherford]

Need Nappi Blue PC

[Craig · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very dry story, not much of a mystery. Kind of slow for the Hardy Boys.

[Jessika Hoover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this as an adult, this is just an "okay" read for me. I was entertained for a while, and it was an easy read. I like going back & visiting children's classics, in case I ever have kids of my own.

The writing seems a little dated, but I didn't mind that. I like that it takes you back to a simpler time.

Although I probably won't re-read this anytime soon, it was a fun & entertaining read. I honestly wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen, even though this is one of those where you know everything will work out in the end. This would be a good way to spend an afternoon--caught up in a good old-fashioned mystery/adventure.

This review can also be found on my blog at: https://tinyurl.com/ya4lpgzy

[Darius Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

[Richard Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

When compared to other books pretty good. But when compared with the other Hardy Boys it was not that good. I feel like the mystery was simple and boring. But still full of excitement.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one's pretty racist towards the beginning. But they try to do a good job with it. They just feel like they need to show the racism first for some reason.

[Stacey Uffelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice trip back to my childhood. I always enjoyed these stories.

[Sy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cool book.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great mystery. Simple but exciting!