Dead on Target

"Dead on Target" was the beginning of a new era for the Hardy Boys. This is the first volume of the new (in 1991) series "The Hardy Boys Casefiles", and it is a more adult and action packed series than the original series. This is never more evident than the first two pages of the book. Whereas the original series (started in 1927 and it is still running today) would have various plots by criminals, nobody ever seemed to get killed or nothing too serious would ever happen, but "Dead on Target" opens with the killing of Joe Hardy's girlfriend (and sister of good friend Chet) Iola Morton. For a series that has been known for its lack of actual murders of any on screen character, this was a shocking and explosive (no pun intended as it was by a bomb that killed Iola) moment. It marked the different direction that the Casefiles would take the reader, as well as the Hardys, on. A car bomb was the cause of death for Iola Morton. Frank and Joe, as well as Iola and Frank's girlfriend Callie Shaw, were at the mall preparing for a political rally. Iola ends up returning to the Hardys' car to pick up more campaign materials when it explodes, killing her. Joe blames himself because his flirting with another girl made Iola mad and this is what led her to be at the car by herself. At the funeral, "Dead on Target" takes another twist by introducing the character of The Grey Man. The Grey Man is a member of a secret government organization called "The Network". "The Network" believes that an international group of terrorists, "The Assassins", were responsible for Iola's death and are planning something big for the political rally the following week. The rest of the novel finds Frank and Joe traveling to London, fighting several members of the Assassins, being in the midst of gun battles and defusing a bomb. "Dead on Target" is fast paced with a tighter story than what is found through most of the original series. For fans of the Hardy Boys, "Dead on Target" is likely to be a favorite. It is not for the purists of the series, though. This book takes the brothers down a different timeline than we find in the main series. Since the main series continued to be published at the same time as the Casefiles, these books (Casefiles) are either set at a later date than the continuing series or is part of some alternative timeline since Iola is still alive in the main series. "Dead on Target" has more violence than the "classic" Hardy Boys, but this is a very interesting story, even if it is a bit far fetched. For the first time, terrorism and murder have been introduced to Bayport and the Casefiles bring the reader a new style of story with the Hardys. As an introduction to the Casefiles as well as a new episode in the lives of the Hardys, this is a good place to start. Fifteen years after first reading this book it remains a fun read. -Joe Sherry

This is the very first casefile, the one that set a high standard for the ones to come. After reading the mundane 'digest' stories, this came as quite a shock - imagine, one chapter into the book and a major character killed! I absolutely loved this book - shed a few tears over it too. Action, belivable plotlines and a very captivating atmosphere. A must have for your permenant collection.

When Iola Morton is killed by a car bomb meant for Frank and Joe, they seek to punish her killer. The brothers soon run into the Gray Man, a Network agent, who is also interested in the case. Traveling all the way to London, they discover that the killer is named Al-Rousasa, an infamous terrorist. Fighting against time they try to find Al-Rousasa and bring him to justice. But no matter what they do, Iola will never come back. This is a must read book. Even though I'm tough, this book actually made me cry! Also I reccomend "Dead of Night."

If you're into the fast action pace adventure type of books, then this is the book for you. I think this book is the most adventurous of the set. From the bombing and killing of Iola Morton to the Network agent, The Gray Man, this book shows a side of Joe and Frank Hardy never seen before. On the verge of tracking down a terrorist from a group called the Assassions, they travel from the scene of the crime, the mall, to London where they discover how dangerous the case can become. Even though the case maybe be solved, the saddest part is that Iola will never return to the series. Every book that has mentioned Iola has made me cry, especially this one. If this book appeals to you I also suggest the book "Dead of Night" which is scarier than this one. In fact, I suggest you read the whole series. I have about 60 of the Hardy Boys Casefiles. They are the absolute best I've ever read!

As a starter to a newer and more sophisticated series of the Hardy Boys, I think this first book captures the elements of what makes the Casefiles really tick. It opens a new world to Frank and Joe of much more dangerous and complex situations, and I believe Iola's death right at the beginning sets the more serious tone throughout the book as well as giving Joe Hardy much more character. A personal hurt of this scale sparks off a passion in him previously unknown and unseen in the former series of Hardy Boys. His showdown with the culprit at the end is simply awesome. A book I would definitely recommend.