Books › The Clue of the Broken Blade
The Clue of the Broken Blade
230 pages
A classic, fast-moving detective adventure where clever gadgets and cross-country chases lead to thrilling discoveries.
What it feels like
Reading this classic juvenile mystery feels like stepping into a time capsule of pure, unadulterated adventure. The narrative moves at a brisk, energetic clip, pulling the reader from local fencing lessons into a sun-drenched, high-stakes chase across California vineyards and bustling movie sets. There is a breezy earnestness to the storytelling, balancing the thrill of a dangerous game of hide-and-seek with the satisfying logic of scientific deduction and clever gadgetry. The mood is kinetic and suspenseful, yet always anchored by the comforting certainty that justice will prevail. It is a perfect fit for young sleuths and nostalgic readers who crave a straightforward, action-packed puzzle where every clue propels the heroes closer to a thrilling, well-earned resolution.
- Mood
- energetic
- kinetic
- sun-drenched
- intriguing
- Tone
- earnest
- adventurous
- suspenseful
- straightforward
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- youthful sleuthing · the pursuit of justice · technological deduction · cross-country adventure
- The writing
- Direct, action-oriented, and accessible, designed to keep young readers turning the pages without getting bogged down in heavy description.
- The arc
- Moves from curious local intrigue to a high-stakes, cross-country thrill ride culminating in a satisfying resolution.
- Who it's for
- Young readers and nostalgic adults who love classic, gadget-assisted detective adventures and fast-moving mysteries.
Content notes
- bank robbery
- mild peril
About the book
Frank and Joe Hardy become involved in an intriguing mystery which revolves around their fencing master, Ettore Russo. Proof that Russo is the rightful heir to his grandfather's estate hinges on retrieving the guard end of a broken saber lost many years ago in California. The young investigators' quest is complicated by a bank robbery during which some of their father's important records are stolen. Using Mr. Hardy's recently purchased scientific device, a sound spectrograph, the boys identify the voiceprints of the leader of the masked robbers. A chase ensues that takes Frank, Joe, and their pal Chet Morton to the grape-growing region of California and involves them in a dangerous game of hide-and-seek with the bank robbery gang, who also are searching for the broken saber. A startling discovery at a movie location leads to the solution of this thrilling, fast-paced mystery. - Flyleaf.
Description from Open Library.
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