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Reading age
8-12
Genre
Mystery
Publisher
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date
September 24, 2024
Ben has been training out in the wild, and he’s miserable. But unexpectedly, one of the people he wishes to never see again, the principal of a spy school, appeared to task him with a mission. But things aren’t as they seem, and it turns out that the principal was using him and Murray Hill, a criminal “mastermind,” as hostages to trade them both to Rufus Shang. Rufus Shang originally meant to keep them as prisoners in a construction work site and force them into a hard life of labor, but Ben managed to escape (of course). But during his short time at the construction site, he saw blueprints of a sketchy plan. Ben must thwart Rufus Shang’s plans.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the previous installment in the Spy School series, I was eagerly anticipating this next adventure. This book is an absolute delight, filled with vibrant characters that bring the story to life.
My favorite has to be Murray Hill; he exudes the charmingly clueless vibe of a character who believes he’s far more brilliant than he genuinely is. His antics are both amusing and absurd, adding a layer of humor that feels both refreshing and entertaining.
I also find Svetlana intriguing; I can vividly imagine her speaking with a strong Russian accent, her quirky smile illuminating her face in a way that is both endearing and memorable.
The plot itself is engaging, weaving twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves the series or has a passion for thrilling tales filled with espionage and adventure.