Ghost of the Hardy Boys: The Writer Behind the World's Most Famous Boy Detectives

The Hardy Boys series was not written by Franklin W. Dixon, but by Leslie McFarlane, a nearly penniless scribbler who lived in a remote cabin without electricity or running water in Northern Ontario. McFarlane was among the first bestselling ghostwriters and this book tells his story. He was hired by Edward Stratemeyer to write the first Hardy Boys adventure, Dave Fearless Under the Ocean, for a flat fee of $100 and his pay increased to $125 when Stratemeyer proposed a new series of detective stories for kids involving two high school aged brothers. McFarlane went on to write twenty-one Hardy Boys adventures, including The Tower Treasure in 1927 and The Phantom Freighter in 1947, which became classics filled with perilous scrapes, loyal chums, and breakneck races to solve the mystery. He kept his ghostwriting gig secret until late in life when his son urged him to share the story. Unofficial sales estimates of The Hardy Boys series already topped 50 million copies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: David R. Godine Publisher Inc

“Ghost of the Hardy Boys” is a captivating book that exudes charm, pathos, and whimsy. The writing is meticulously crafted, the characterizations are profound and intricate, and the humor is nuanced.

Little did the young readers and aspiring sleuths know when they devoured the early adventures of the Hardy Boys: the series author was not Franklin W. Dixon, as the cover trumpeted. In fact, the series was written by Leslie McFarlane, a nearly penniless scribbler, who crafted the first adventures while living in a remote cabin without electricity or running water in Northern Ontario.

McFarlane was among the pioneering ghostwriters, and this book tells his remarkable story—as entertaining as the stories he wrote.

In 1926, at the age of 23, cub newspaper reporter Leslie McFarlane responded to an advertisement: “Experienced Fiction Writer Wanted to Work from Publishers Outlines.” The ad was signed by Edward Stratemeyer, whose syndicate revolutionized mass-market children's book publishing in America. McFarlane, who had a few published adventure stories under his belt, was hired, and his first task was to write “Dave Fearless Under the Ocean” as Roy Rockwood—for a flat fee of $100, with no royalties. His pay increased to $125 when Stratemeyer proposed a new series of detective stories for kids featuring two high school-aged brothers who would solve mysteries. The series was titled “The Hardy Boys.” McFarlane's pseudonym would be Franklin W. Dixon.

McFarlane went on to write twenty-one Hardy Boys adventures. From “The Tower Treasure” in 1927 to “The Phantom Freighter” in 1947, the books evolved into full-fledged classics filled with perilous scrapes, loyal chums, and exhilarating races to unravel the mysteries. McFarlane kept his ghostwriting gig secret until late in life, when his son urged him to share the story of being the real Frankl.

The Hardy Boys series has left an indelible mark on popular culture, captivating millions of readers with its thrilling mysteries and unforgettable characters. While the true identity of the author may have remained hidden for decades, Leslie McFarlane's contribution to the series is a testament to his talent and creativity. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of readers and aspiring sleuths, reminding us that even the most unlikely heroes can achieve great things.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 142 x 209 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781567927177