Talent Show Tricks is an entry in the Hardy Boys Clue Book series, aimed at younger readers. Frank and Joe Hardy are helping out with a local school or community talent show when strange things start to happen. The star acts are sabotaged, equipment malfunctions, and threats are made, suggesting someone is using dirty tricks to ensure the show is a failure or that a specific performer wins. The boys must go backstage, interview the various singers, dancers, and magicians, and find the jealous competitor or disgruntled crew member who is behind the mysterious mishaps before the curtain rises on the biggest act.
