At a glance
The Serpent's Tooth Mystery
Children's Mystery
The Serpent's Tooth Mystery
Book 93 of the The Hardy Boys Mystery Stories series
160 pages · First published 1988
When a rare and deadly snake disappears from Bayport Zoo, Frank and Joe Hardy find themselves investigating a dangerous animal theft. The evidence points toward their friend Phil Cohen, who recently lost his job working on the zoo's electronic security systems, and the discovery of more missing snakes in his basement only deepens suspicion. Convinced that Phil has been framed, the brothers begin examining the zoo's security arrangements, suspicious financial evidence, and the people who had access to the stolen reptiles. Their investigation leads to a criminal operation trafficking in valuable snake venom, where the threat of a poisonous bite makes every confrontation more dangerous. Readers who enjoy classic children's mysteries, animal-centered investigations, technological clues, and stories about defending an innocent friend will find a distinctive Hardy Boys adventure in this venomous case.
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Jump to the pours ↓Apothecary Orange Tonic + Frankenstein Cocktail
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Sustained peril involving dangerous venomous snakes, including an Australian tiger snake, stolen reptiles, and the risk of potentially fatal bites. The body of a zoo herpetologist is discovered; the circumstances of his death have not been independently established. Physical danger includes a truck deliberately striking the protagonists' vehicle, a dangerous skid on a wet roadway, and a near-fatal encounter with a ventilation fan. Kidnapping and captivity, including a character being restrained and gagged. Criminal activity includes the theft of poisonous snakes, an illegal snake-venom operation, financial deception, and the framing of an innocent teenager. Mild romantic affection between Joe Hardy and Iola Morton.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Apothecary Orange Tonic
An herbal Apothecary Orange Tonic nods to the snake venom and antivenin at the heart of the Hardys' dangerous zoo investigation.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add orange juice, top with tonic water, stir gently, and garnish with rosemary.
- Garnish: Rosemary sprig.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Frankenstein Cocktail
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A monster-green Frankenstein Cocktail brings a laboratory-inspired twist to the Hardys' investigation of a secret operation trafficking in deadly snake venom.
What you'll need
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) blue curaçao
- 2 oz (60 ml) orange juice ↗
- 1 oz (30 ml) sour mix, or 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice + 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup ↗
- Ice, for shaking and serving
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add vodka, blue curaçao, orange juice, and sour mix (or lime juice and simple syrup). Shake until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Orange slice or lime wheel, optional.
- Glassware: Rocks glass.
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Rocks glass ↗Cocktail shaker ↗Set up the bar cart
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