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The House on the Cliff (Hardy Boys, Book 2)…
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The House on the Cliff (Hardy Boys, Book 2) (original 1927; edition 1959)

by Franklin W. Dixon

Series: The Hardy Boys (2)

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3,211244,115 (3.65)10
Teenage detectives Frank and Joe Hardy investigate a supposedly haunted house reported to be the hangout of criminals.
Member:kalypso219
Title:The House on the Cliff (Hardy Boys, Book 2)
Authors:Franklin W. Dixon
Info:Grosset & Dunlap (1959), Edition: New edition, Hardcover, 180 pages
Collections:Your library
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The House on the Cliff by Franklin W. Dixon (1927)

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English (20)  Italian (1)  Norwegian (1)  All languages (22)
Showing 1-5 of 20 (next | show all)
Read the original. ( )
  kylecarroll | Feb 17, 2024 |
Smugglers, a haunted house high on a cliff, danger lurking around every corner, a secret passage, all the Hardys’ pals we came to love as a kid getting involved and helping out, and Fenton Hardy disappearing make this one of the best of the Hardy Boys series. That’s especially true with this edition from Plotworks, whom I’d never heard of. This is the original version, not the re-write, and so a much better read. It states that a few minor slight edits were made, but having read the original 1927 version in the past, they were not noticeable at all, as this reads like the original.

Everything from the nice new cover with a retro feel, brand new and very good illustrations, and a nice font and layout make this a terrific read on Kindle. This particular version is highly recommended, but it was written in a different time and era, and you’ll need to take that into account and not whine about it. Superior to the re-write, though that one is good as well. It’s non-stop action and mystery for the Hardys in this classic from bygone days. I also picked up the first one, The Tower Treasure, and will have to give that one a re-read as well. It’s great to see the original version of the story presented in such a nice way.

Apparently more are in the works, since there is a preview of The Secret of the Old Mill at the end, so there’s much to look forward to in these original editions of The Hardy Boys. Nostalgic stuff. ( )
  Matt_Ransom | Oct 6, 2023 |
I remember that when I was 8 to 10 years old the Hardy Boys seemed pretty cool. Hell, what's not to like about boys with motorcycles and motor boats? Clearly, I didn't have well developed critical skills.

A lot happens in this book that makes very little sense in light of things that happened only a few pages previously. Obviously, the books aren't written for people looking for logical sense, just lots of action, danger, motorcycles and fun. The Hardys have all that, but I think I've matured in the last half century and need a bit more these days. ( )
  lgpiper | Jun 21, 2019 |
I loved it. Brought back memories from my childhood. I listened to the audio book which was a dramatic reading. ( )
  vintage-series-Lisa | Apr 25, 2019 |
At last! I've been collecting the vintage, unrevised Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew novels and after a few bites decided to wait and read them in order, but it took me forever to find the second book for either series. After a lucky visit to Providence R.I.'s Cellar Stories bookstore I found 'The House on the Cliff' and I'm back in business.

I read the later, revised edition years and years ago, but didn't feel a need to read it again. Reading the original brought back to me enough of the more ridiculous elements that were added to soften the objectionable edges of the original.

In this story, the brothers and a few of their best chums are out for an extended ride on their motorcycles. For a lark they decide to check out the gloomy, abandoned house on the cliff and see if the rumors of hauntings are true. There's a bit of a frightful episode and the boys flee the house. Later, the boys witness two speeding motor boats, one is blown up and a man left for dead. The boys make a daring rescue.

This triggers an interesting investigation into jewel smuggling (drugs in the later book), disappearing fathers, and lots and lots of bullets. Problematic elements included those bullets and the boys cheerfully loading their firearms, unrepentant thugs, and bumbling and lazy policemen. Actual horribleness is Frank using a colloquial racist expression (top of page 77 if you're curious) and, of course, a sinister Chinese man named Li Chang who sure would like 3 white men in his power. Joe's response is merely that he "doesn't want to go to China." Haha.

The racist elements needed to go, but the revised edition takes away over 20 pages. Descriptions are changed, authority figures become above reproach, and the Hardy Boys have a minimum involvement with undesirables. The main villain, a hardened, if naive, criminal whose only fault was lusting after Fenton Hardy's pledge to leave him alone is revised into a sad sack who is just misunderstood and wants to reform himself and turn the House on the Cliff into a home for kids who ain't learned so good.

The mystery itself wasn't as solid as 'The Tower Treasure', that and the old timey racism knocks the stars down to three and a half.

The Hardy Boys

Next: 'The Secret of the Old Mill'

Previous: 'The Tower Treasure' ( )
1 vote ManWithAnAgenda | Feb 20, 2019 |
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» Add other authors (2 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Franklin W. Dixonprimary authorall editionscalculated
McFarlane, LeslieIntroductionsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Rogers, Walter S.Illustratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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"So you boys want to help, on another case?"
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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ISBN 0448089017 is for The Tower Treasure
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Teenage detectives Frank and Joe Hardy investigate a supposedly haunted house reported to be the hangout of criminals.

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