At a glance
The Crisscross Shadow
Children's Mystery
The Crisscross Shadow
Book 32 of the The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories series
192 pages · First published 1953
When a suspicious door-to-door salesman steals a key to Fenton Hardy's confidential files, brothers Frank and Joe Hardy begin investigating a curious mark on a leather key case. Their search leads them to the Ramapan Native American community, where Chief Whitestone asks for help locating a missing land deed and valuable tribal possessions hidden years earlier by his father. The only clue to their whereabouts is a mysterious crisscross shadow that appears in the light of the autumn moon. As Frank, Joe, and their friend Chet Morton search for the hidden documents, they encounter criminals determined to seize the community's land, while their father's separate government sabotage investigation becomes increasingly connected to their case. Readers who enjoy classic children's mysteries, hidden-treasure puzzles, outdoor adventures, and stories about protecting rightful ownership will find an engaging detective challenge in this Hardy Boys adventure.
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Jump to the pours ↓Moonlight Milk + Maple & Orange Old Fashioned
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Action violence and peril, including physical assaults, a character being struck on the head, threatening encounters with criminals, and dangerous outdoor pursuits. Attempted theft of a Native American community's land through fraudulent claims and intimidation. Historically dated depictions of Native Americans include stereotyped speech, imitations of Indigenous mannerisms, and racially insensitive humor. Brief references to the boys taking girls to a school dance. Mild language, including "shut up."
Alcohol-Free Pour
Moonlight Milk
A warm, honey-sweetened Moonlight Milk reflects the mysterious hunter's moon that holds the key to the Ramapan community's hidden treasure.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Warm the milk gently with vanilla and honey until steaming. Whisk lightly and add only a tiny pinch of food-grade shimmer if desired.
- Garnish: Food-grade shimmer, optional.
- Glassware: Mug.
Cocktail Pour · 21+
Maple & Orange Old Fashioned
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Maple and orange evoke the crisp autumn season when the Hardy brothers must decipher a mysterious shadow cast by the hunter's moon.
What you'll need
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1/4 oz pure maple syrup ↗
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel ↗
- Ice
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Add the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain over one large ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Express the orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, and add it as the garnish.
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