The secret of the caves

The Secret of the Caves (first published in 1929; revised in 1965) is the seventh book in The Hardy Boys mystery series. Frank and Joe Hardy, the teenage detective brothers, become involved in two intertwining cases: the disappearance of a young college professor named Morgan and the strange occurrences surrounding Honeycomb Caves, a mysterious coastal area near Bayport. When their friend Chet Morton buys a metal detector, the boys join him on an adventure that leads them to Rockaway, where the caves are located. There they encounter a series of odd clues—strange lights, hidden tunnels, and a suspicious hermit who may know more than he admits. At the same time, they uncover evidence suggesting foreign spies may be operating in the area. Using their intelligence and teamwork, Frank and Joe unravel the mystery, revealing that the caves conceal a secret submarine base used by criminals. Their courage and quick thinking help the authorities capture the culprits and rescue the missing man. The story combines mystery, action, and camaraderie, emphasizing problem-solving and moral integrity—hallmarks of The Hardy Boys adventures.

"Franklin W. Dixon" is the pseudonym used by several writers of The Hardy Boys series, created by Edward Stratemeyer in 1927. Early books were ghostwritten by Leslie McFarlane. The series became one of the most popular in juvenile literature, known for clean, suspenseful adventure stories.