A social studies project brings newcomer Tom Gilliam into the Hardy's group. But Tom doesn't cooperate with the others on the project, gets into fights, and is even suspended. He and his father travel from town to town because his father keeps changing jobs. Fenton Hardy thinks Tom's father may be disposing of stolen goods in Bayport!
Then Tom disappears, and the Hardys discover suspicious activities at the shipping company where his father works. Searching for Tom, the boys unearth a network of thieves who mean business. And getting rid of snoops, especially Frank and Joe, is at the top of their list!
