City Spies: City of the Dead by James Ponti. Aladdin, 2023. 9781665911573
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Action/Adventure
What did you like about the book? City Spies are at it again in their fourth book only this time they are working against time to save some of Great Britain’s government agencies. It’s Kat’s turn to be the alpha and take charge of a mission, but the story takes an unexpected turn when the kids learn that a nefarious hacker, HORUS, has planned attacks on major British agencies that could impact the welfare of the whole country. All the kid spies are fleshed out with their own quirks and vulnerabilities, allowing readers to identify and commiserate with the characters. Set in London, the author’s detailed description of landmarks and places will pull the reader into story. Despite being the fourth book, ample background information will help new readers and also explain unfamiliar cultural terms. That being said, reading the first three titles is recommended. Readers will be hard pressed to put this book down as they follow the adventures of the spies. Quick-paced and action-packed this is a solid choice for adventure or mystery readers.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers, in grades 3 to 7, who enjoyed Charlie Higson’s Silverfin or the Alex Rider series would like this title.
Who should buy this book? This would be a good purchase for intermediate schools or public libraries that cannot get enough spy novels
Where would you shelve it? Action/Adventure
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? I feel that this title would reside at the top of the “to read” pile.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Elena Schuck, Nathaniel H. Wixon School Library, Dennis, Massachusetts
Date of review: January 22, 2022
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