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Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers #2
Running on Fumes
Atac Briefing for Agents Frank and Joe Hardy
Mission:
Investigate and determine the power behind a possibly dangerous Utopian community with potential plans for criminal activity within the oil industry.
Location:
Between the San Bernadino and San Jacinto Mountains, CA.
Potential Victims:
Undetermined. Could be thousands of innocents who use oil to generate electricity.
Suspects:
Arthur Stench, leader of the community. Other members could be involved.
This mission requires your immediate attention.
This message will be erased in five seconds.
Mission:
Investigate and determine the power behind a possibly dangerous Utopian community with potential plans for criminal activity within the oil industry.
Location:
Between the San Bernadino and San Jacinto Mountains, CA.
Potential Victims:
Undetermined. Could be thousands of innocents who use oil to generate electricity.
Suspects:
Arthur Stench, leader of the community. Other members could be involved.
This mission requires your immediate attention.
This message will be erased in five seconds.
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
32 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Franklin W. Dixon
738 books992 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 19, 2024
'Running on Fumes' (The Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers #2) by Franklin W. Dixon.
Rating: 3.25/5.
Disclaimer:
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:
After recently completing my collection of the Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers books, I decided to embark upon a journey to read these books in the order of publication. Running on Fumes, the second instalment in the refurbished Hardy Boys series wasn't one of my newest additions to the collection, and as such, it implied that I had read this particular book back during my school days. As it has been over a decade since then, I had forgotten most of the details of the story, and my current read of the book was almost equivalent to a first read.
Running on Fumes deals with the Hardy siblings attempting to infiltrate a utopian community living in a remote location in California led by Arthur Stench, who is regarded as a radical environmentalist. The entire story was a fast-paced and action-packed affair that is typical of the recent Hardy Boys stories, and it succeeded in keeping me entertained throughout its entirety. However, despite the thrill ride, it felt lacklustre. It is a short book clocking around 150 pages, and the Hardy Boys don't even start the facility for the first 50 pages. There's no air of mystery as well since we know who the bad guy is right from the beginning of the mission. The entire mission is about finding evidence sufficient to incarcerate him, and to be honest, the Hardys don't get any sleuthing done until the last couple of chapters.
The stakes are raised once the third act begins – with the capture of the Hardys and a plan to blow up a nuclear power plant. But... it fails to hit hard like most of the Hardy Boys books. Just like its predecessor, the Hardys are lucky enough to be saved by someone towards the end of the book – a trope that felt stale after being used in successive stories. An amateur teen detective is introduced in this book (thankfully, it wasn't another ATAC agent as it was a plot element used in the previous book). I believe the writers made a huge mistake by not incorporating Nancy Drew as the teen detective – it would have been a cool way to introduce Nancy Drew to Frank and Joe Hardy in this latest iteration of the Hardy Boys!
Well, enough with the gripes for now. It'll be better to note some positive stuff about this story as well. The book tackles recent issues like eco-terrorism, capitalist greed, and extremism while educating readers about clean sources of energy. All of these elements were incorporated into the story organically, although I believe a much better implementation would have elevated the overall quality of the story. I loved the dynamic and the funny banter between Frank and Joe. The parts where Joe tries hard to impress girls, but they end up checking out Frank, who is too shy around girls, provide much-needed comic relief.
In the end, despite its weaknesses, Running on Fumes turned out to be an entertaining read. Suffice it to say that I found it to be one of the weaker entries among the Hardy Boys books that I have recently read. It touched upon some serious themes and had their implementation done differently, there would have been a great improvement in its overall quality. This story somehow reminds me of one of the early Hardy Boys Casefiles books where the two brothers infiltrate a dangerous cult, and although I can't recollect the book's title, I'm looking forward to reading it once I start my chronological read of the Casefiles books.
Okay, I sound like a potatohead. Sorry. Just lost it for a minute.
"You don't look like a ghost to me," the girl answered Frank. She smiled as she stared at him. Stared — as in, checked him out. After I washed my face with spit for her!
Rating: 3.25/5.
Disclaimer:
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:
After recently completing my collection of the Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers books, I decided to embark upon a journey to read these books in the order of publication. Running on Fumes, the second instalment in the refurbished Hardy Boys series wasn't one of my newest additions to the collection, and as such, it implied that I had read this particular book back during my school days. As it has been over a decade since then, I had forgotten most of the details of the story, and my current read of the book was almost equivalent to a first read.
Running on Fumes deals with the Hardy siblings attempting to infiltrate a utopian community living in a remote location in California led by Arthur Stench, who is regarded as a radical environmentalist. The entire story was a fast-paced and action-packed affair that is typical of the recent Hardy Boys stories, and it succeeded in keeping me entertained throughout its entirety. However, despite the thrill ride, it felt lacklustre. It is a short book clocking around 150 pages, and the Hardy Boys don't even start the facility for the first 50 pages. There's no air of mystery as well since we know who the bad guy is right from the beginning of the mission. The entire mission is about finding evidence sufficient to incarcerate him, and to be honest, the Hardys don't get any sleuthing done until the last couple of chapters.
The stakes are raised once the third act begins – with the capture of the Hardys and a plan to blow up a nuclear power plant. But... it fails to hit hard like most of the Hardy Boys books. Just like its predecessor, the Hardys are lucky enough to be saved by someone towards the end of the book – a trope that felt stale after being used in successive stories. An amateur teen detective is introduced in this book (thankfully, it wasn't another ATAC agent as it was a plot element used in the previous book). I believe the writers made a huge mistake by not incorporating Nancy Drew as the teen detective – it would have been a cool way to introduce Nancy Drew to Frank and Joe Hardy in this latest iteration of the Hardy Boys!
Well, enough with the gripes for now. It'll be better to note some positive stuff about this story as well. The book tackles recent issues like eco-terrorism, capitalist greed, and extremism while educating readers about clean sources of energy. All of these elements were incorporated into the story organically, although I believe a much better implementation would have elevated the overall quality of the story. I loved the dynamic and the funny banter between Frank and Joe. The parts where Joe tries hard to impress girls, but they end up checking out Frank, who is too shy around girls, provide much-needed comic relief.
In the end, despite its weaknesses, Running on Fumes turned out to be an entertaining read. Suffice it to say that I found it to be one of the weaker entries among the Hardy Boys books that I have recently read. It touched upon some serious themes and had their implementation done differently, there would have been a great improvement in its overall quality. This story somehow reminds me of one of the early Hardy Boys Casefiles books where the two brothers infiltrate a dangerous cult, and although I can't recollect the book's title, I'm looking forward to reading it once I start my chronological read of the Casefiles books.
June 1, 2019
Much like the other one, this book was a load of fun. I had a bit of a harder time getting through it, but I think that was just from reading two back to back. It definitely is a series I want to return to at a later date, though.
This one is was obvious how fast it was. It's only 150 pages and they didn't actually reach the commune and begin investigating until page 50. But for a kids book, it's exciting full of twists and turns and plot twists that were so exciting to me at age 11. I'd definitely recommend for kids who may be turned off of the original Hardy Boys because of how dated it is, but maybe not so much for adults.
This one is was obvious how fast it was. It's only 150 pages and they didn't actually reach the commune and begin investigating until page 50. But for a kids book, it's exciting full of twists and turns and plot twists that were so exciting to me at age 11. I'd definitely recommend for kids who may be turned off of the original Hardy Boys because of how dated it is, but maybe not so much for adults.
January 10, 2012
Just doesn't really compare to the original stories. I won't waste my time of any more of this series. The boys are dumbed down too much.
March 21, 2025
I really love Hardy Boys, so I decided to give Undercover Brothers a try.
The first book was pretty good, but this one was a big disappointment. Throughout Hardy Boys, Joe has had a history of going after girls. The girls being more interested in Frank and his discomfort with it is funny at first, but it got old fast. I also don't like how immature and slob-like they make Joe. (I get that he's only seventeen, but I think they went too far in this book) His constant use of 'man' and 'dude' is rather annoying too. But the reason I stopped reading is because they actually put a swear word in a Hardy Boys book! They boys had just escaped some people chasing them and it described them being 'p***** off'.
I am very unhappy. These are supposed to be for kids too.
The first book was pretty good, but this one was a big disappointment. Throughout Hardy Boys, Joe has had a history of going after girls. The girls being more interested in Frank and his discomfort with it is funny at first, but it got old fast. I also don't like how immature and slob-like they make Joe. (I get that he's only seventeen, but I think they went too far in this book) His constant use of 'man' and 'dude' is rather annoying too. But the reason I stopped reading is because they actually put a swear word in a Hardy Boys book! They boys had just escaped some people chasing them and it described them being 'p***** off'.
I am very unhappy. These are supposed to be for kids too.
Read
May 7, 2019it was good
November 7, 2015
A Quickie Review
Another fun take on the classic brotherly detective duo. I enjoyed this one, and look forward to the further installments.
Score: 4/5
Another fun take on the classic brotherly detective duo. I enjoyed this one, and look forward to the further installments.
Score: 4/5
September 15, 2024
If I am not mistaken , these reprints, are better than the older version, after my first attempt with the Hardy Boys , I thought better to re-donate them , and use the space for other books, since I got me quite few already. after this one I might actually continue reading the, they are like a bag of potato chips, a read snack, a couple of hours read, fast paced , light and quite funny, if not very AMERICAN.
not bad...
not bad...
December 22, 2017
It was really exciting! I thought it went a little too fast though. Although it seems to be missing that funny charm the original series had, which was Chet. I have yet to read more Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers books, but I think they need more Chet in them! Would recommend to any mystery and adventure lovers.
June 25, 2017
These ATAC missions are so fun!
March 23, 2020
Eli liked it
Read
April 27, 2021this book is about is a mystery,action,adventure book whee two boys go to the Californian desert to investigate a possible threat. It's a good book and the first part is excellent
November 17, 2025
Oh, yeah. I did read this. I remember the lingers... the desert camp (?), the terrorists (or whoever), the possible inferno burn. It was the 2nd book. I'd surely read it.
June 6, 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.
June 25, 2012
June 14, 2012- People are crazy. Especially the bad guy in this book. I don't think he could have come up with a more insane plan for getting rid of Frank and Joe. Thank goodness was there to save them.
Since this wasn't the first time I read the book, I don't have as much to say because the element of surprise wasn't present for me throughout most of it. That being said, I guess it was a good thing that I couldn't quite remember how it ended. Otherwise, I wouldn't have enjoyed it that much.
Since this wasn't the first time I read the book, I don't have as much to say because the element of surprise wasn't present for me throughout most of it. That being said, I guess it was a good thing that I couldn't quite remember how it ended. Otherwise, I wouldn't have enjoyed it that much.
February 25, 2013
In this reboot of the popular Hardy Boys series, the brothers are working for the government.
I wasn't sure what I would think of the changes in this series but I have to admit I liked it a lot. I enjoy seeing how the Hardys incorporate modern technology into their detecting, and this story doesn't disappoint. Fast-paced action adventure, a hint of romance, and a storyline that is engaging and yes, is even eco-friendly.
Or not. Depending on how you read that.
Either way, yes I'll keep going. I liked this book and can't wait to read more!
I wasn't sure what I would think of the changes in this series but I have to admit I liked it a lot. I enjoy seeing how the Hardys incorporate modern technology into their detecting, and this story doesn't disappoint. Fast-paced action adventure, a hint of romance, and a storyline that is engaging and yes, is even eco-friendly.
Or not. Depending on how you read that.
Either way, yes I'll keep going. I liked this book and can't wait to read more!
November 23, 2011
This book always keeps you reading. If you like adventure u have to read the Hardy boys series. In this book, Frank and Joe go to check out a group/"facility" in the middle of the desert. The facility is suspected of vilence. They are extremely suspisious while they are there and it turns out that the guy who owns thye place is the problem. if you like adventure of mystery PLEASE READ.
May 9, 2009
This story is about the Hardy Boys go on a anvanture when they are riding thier motorcycles and the tire pops and they go to the conpound where Mr.Stench is ready to see the Hardy Boys carson
November 7, 2011
In 'Running on Fumes', ATAC sends Frank and Joe undercover to infiltrate an alternative-energy commune. They quickly see that the commune members might be a bit weird but the leader seems awfully suspicious. But, what is he up to? Lots of action as Frank and Joe figure out what's what. Good story.
Read
March 23, 2014It is very good mystery book. I recommend this to middle school age group. It explain about two teenager boys trying to solve the mystery. There is a criminal that believed that they can live without gas and other vulnerable minerals.
October 29, 2015
This is a suspenseful book about the Hardy brothers and their mission to infiltrate a base in the desert and learn more about the people living there because they were thought to be involved in eco-terrorism.
March 11, 2011
very good mystery
April 15, 2011
Hardys are really brave but the credit must go to Petal, I mean Paula. Afterall she saved the Hardys. Why wouldn't she? She had something for Frank (Poor Joe).
October 18, 2012
it was good it was the same as part #2.
September 23, 2013
it is amazing
January 8, 2014
I LOVED IT! <3
Especially Joe, his sense of humour is adorable! Frank's on-the-spot plans! Love em'! A must read for the Hardy Fans! <3
Especially Joe, his sense of humour is adorable! Frank's on-the-spot plans! Love em'! A must read for the Hardy Fans! <3
June 11, 2013
Love the Hardy Boys series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews