I always wanted to read this book as a kid (something about the name attracted me), but never got around to it. Finally reading it as an adult, I enjoyed being back in the Hardys' presence. Frank and Joe are still able to entertain, although I must admit they couldn't quite mystify as much as they did when I was a kid. Still, their fans will love this adventure with plenty of danger, excitement, and close calls. Not to mention a wonderful escape scene near the end.

These books have captured the imagination of generations of boys for a reason - the adventure. This book will keep readers glued to the page to find out what happens next to their heroes.


The Missing Cargo   September 15, 2005
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful




Title: The Mark on the Door
Published By: Simon and Schuster
Date Released: 1995
Length: 175 pages
ISBN: 0-448-08913-0
Author: Franklin W. Dixon
Price $2.00


"Frank spotted the tapered metal mast to starboard, generating a tiny wave as it moved through the water. `I see it now, Joe!' `Let's take a closer look!' His brother cried. Frank turned the wheel and advanced the throttle as they sped toward the periscope, but suddenly it sank beneath the waves." Have you ever read any of the Hardy Boys Books? If you haven't you don't know what you're missing. They are the best books ever published. They are a mysterious type of book. They put you right in the middle of the action.

My strongest reason for reading this book is because it has a problem that needs a solution. Every good book has a problem. In this case they need to find out what happened to the missing cargo. Did someone steal the cargo, or is it just been miss placed? You have to continue to read to see what really happens.

Another good reason for reading this book is because it has an interesting plot. Most good books have an Interesting plot. This book is about four young men investigating to find out what came about with the missing cargo. They go to Mazatlan, Mexico to speak with people who they think might have some information about the missing people and cargo. Part of what makes this book so interesting is not only the main problem, but the twists and turns along the way. It keeps you on your toes to keep reading.

In a similar fashion this was a good book because it has real life characters. You can picture these characters walking down a sidewalk talking in Downtown, Somerset. They are like normal people. We can relate to these characters.

You can relate to this book. These characters experience crime just as we do in our society today. The Hardy Boys are brave enough to go after the bad guys and try to solve the mystery just as our local law enforcement and detectives do today.

I would recommend this book to students in Middle School, male students because it is written for that age level and the main characters are boys. It would be too advance for Elementary students and not challenging enough for high schoolers. I think it is a great book because when you read it you feel like you are right in the middle of the action wondering what's going to happen next. I have read numerous Hardy Boy books and this is one of the best ones yet.

If you have not read any of the Hardy Boys books this is an excellent choice to start with, especially if you like mysteries. If you have read some of the series and you haven't read this particular one, I suggest you read it next. Why are you waiting? Read this book to find out just what happened to the missing cargo.



Above Average   August 17, 2002
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

This review concerns the revised 1967 edition. The Hardys and Chet go to Mexico to search for a missing witness in a stock-fraud case on which Mr. Hardy is working. Their search takes them to the desert and mountain regions of Baja California; where they come upon a village terrorized by a mysterious symbol carved into the doors of peoples homes and a ruthless criminal who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Much of the beginning of this book is similar to the original; however, the ending has been completely rewritten. The book is rather good and I would actually give it 3 1/2 stars. There is a moderate amount of action and the plot is interesting. I found the book made good use its mexican setting and the writing was fairly descriptive. It was a good book that is definately worth reading.