Franklin W. Dixon

Frank and Joe investigate the disappearance of eight children from Misty Falls State Park in Idaho over the last twelve years after one of the missing children reappears with no memory of anything that happened previously.

Book One in the Lost Mystery Trilogy

The Children of the Lost

Hope Brockway

I went through a phase where I was addicted to the Hardy Boys books. I checked out dozens from the library. I read the OG ones, the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys super mysteries (which were always a trip), and these. 

Let me tell you, there are tons of different versions of the Hardy Boys with tons of different feels. (That 70s TV show version with Parker Stevenson and Sean Cassidy may be my favorite version, though. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go look it up. It's quite a time. Sometimes they team up with Nancy and it's always a fun time.) 

This version of our favorite crime-fighting brothers is a bit different. First of all, the boys are basically secret agents. They have all the tech and smarts and training. For me, this kinda takes away a bit of the Hardy Boys' charm. These are just two dudes who get kidnapped a bit more often than the average high schoolers. The only training they're supposed to have is from watching their dad. And they always have to come up with a cover story as to why they're gallivanting off into the night instead of working on homework. Plus, the relationship between Frank and Joe and the police chief is pretty much the funniest thing. In other words, Frank and Joe and supposed to be some meddling kids who outsmart the entire police force in like three days. In these books, that's not exactly what happens.

Also, this version brings Frank and Joe into the 21st century. Which, as a kid, was great. I want sassy Joe who always has a joke for each situation and brainy Frank who's a little bit geeky and a lot awkward with girls. I love them. But if you're a purist, you'll need to come to terms with that. 

And another thing, this book is a dual, first-person POV. And getting inside Joe's head can be quite a time. He's hilarious. And always trying to set Frank up. Like hello? 

All in all, these books are a trip down memory lane. They're super fast-paced and will keep you engaged from the start. So, if you need a light-hearted mystery with fast-paced action (and kidnappings galore) I would totally recommend these books.

The Children of the Lost Book One in the Lost Mystery Trilogy

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