Books about espionage

Ark Angel is the pulse-pounding sixth installment in the world-renowned Alex Rider series. After narrowly surviving a sniper's bullet, teenage superspy Alex Rider finds himself in an exclusive hospital, hoping for a quiet recovery. However, trouble follows Alex everywhere. When he thwarts a kidnapping attempt on a fellow patient—the son of a billionaire—he is thrust into a dangerous conspiracy involving "Ark Angel," the world's first luxury hotel in outer space. This high-stakes adventure is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, high-tech gadgets, and stories about young heroes saving the world.

As Alex investigates the mysterious eco-terrorist group Force Three, he discovers a plot that could result in millions of deaths. From the streets of London to the launchpads of French Guiana, readers will be on the edge of their seats as Alex races against time. Ideal for readers interested in espionage and science fiction, this book combines realistic spycraft with futuristic technology. It is a great choice for fans of the Cherub series or anyone who enjoys a cinematic reading experience filled with narrow escapes and global intrigue.

Highlights:

• Features the iconic teen superspy Alex Rider in one of his most dangerous missions yet.
• Explores themes of environmentalism and the ethics of extreme wealth.
• Packed with high-tech gadgets and intense, cinematic action sequences.
• A thrilling blend of mystery, espionage, and science fiction elements.

In Crocodile Tears, the eighth high-octane installment of the Alex Rider series, the world’s most famous teen superspy faces his most complex mission yet. What starts as a simple trip to Scotland quickly spirals into a global conspiracy involving a billionaire philanthropist who isn't what he seems. Alex must uncover the truth behind a deadly genetically modified crop that has the power to unleash a devastating virus on an entire nation. This gripping thriller is perfect for children who love high-tech gadgets, fast-paced action, and stories where a young hero takes on the world's most dangerous villains.

Ideal for readers interested in espionage and international intrigue, Anthony Horowitz delivers a masterclass in suspense. Alex Rider survives everything from sniper fire to hand-to-hand combat with mercenaries, proving once again that he is anything but an average teenager. This book is a great choice for fans of high-stakes adventure who enjoy seeing a clever protagonist use his wits and specialized gear to save the day. It is a cinematic reading experience that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last.

Highlights:

• High-stakes international espionage and clever spy gadgets.
• A complex plot involving environmental threats and corporate greed.
• Relentless action sequences including explosions and narrow escapes.
• A relatable yet extraordinary protagonist facing impossible odds.

Forbidden City is the thrilling third installment in James Ponti's bestselling City Spies series. This high-stakes adventure follows a diverse team of five talented young agents recruited by MI6 as they travel to Beijing, China. Tasked with infiltrating a billionaire's inner circle during an international youth chess tournament, the team must use their unique skills in hacking, linguistics, and strategy to prevent a global nuclear threat. It is a perfect choice for children who love fast-paced action, clever puzzles, and international mysteries.

Ideal for readers interested in technology and global cultures, this book combines realistic spycraft with the relatable dynamics of a found family. Parents looking for engaging middle-grade fiction will appreciate the emphasis on critical thinking, research, and teamwork. Whether your child is a fan of the previous books or new to the series, this mission offers a captivating blend of humor and suspense that keeps readers turning pages until the very end. It is a great choice for fans of high-tech gadgets and global adventures.

Highlights:

• Action-packed international espionage set in iconic global locations like Beijing.
• A diverse cast of relatable characters with specialized skills in coding, chemistry, and tactics.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
• Perfect for fans of the Spy School series and The Mysterious Benedict Society.

In Golden Gate, the second thrilling installment of the City Spies series by James Ponti, a team of five brilliant young agents from around the world must head to San Francisco. After a close call in their previous mission, the spies—Sara, Kat, Paris, Sydney, and Brooklyn—are tasked with uncovering a mole within MI6 while simultaneously protecting the daughter of a billionaire at an exclusive private school. This high-stakes adventure blends international intrigue with the relatable challenges of growing up and working as a team.

Perfect for children who love fast-paced mysteries and clever gadgets, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in code-breaking, global travel, and stories about found families. James Ponti masterfully balances humor and suspense, making it a great choice for fans of the Gallagher Girls or Alex Rider series. The diverse cast and their unique skill sets ensure that every reader finds a character to root for as they navigate the foggy streets of San Francisco and the dangerous world of espionage.

Highlights:

• Action-packed plot featuring international locations and clever spycraft.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and the unique strengths of each character.
• Engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
• Diverse and relatable protagonists with distinct personalities and backgrounds.

Guardian Angel is a high-octane spy thriller that plunges readers into the dangerous world of CHERUB, a secret organization where children are the ultimate undercover agents. In this gripping second installment of the Aramov series, Ryan is tasked with infiltrating a billion-dollar criminal empire. To do so, he must get close to Ethan, the son of a powerful criminal mastermind. As Ryan saves Ethan's life and earns his trust, he faces a harrowing moral dilemma: can he fulfill his mission to take down the family without destroying the boy who now views him as a guardian angel?

This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, undercover missions, and stories about secret identities. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in espionage and the complex choices heroes must make when their duty conflicts with their friendships. Fans of the original CHERUB series and newcomers alike will be captivated by the realistic stakes and the gritty, modern setting that Robert Muchamore is famous for.

Highlights:

• Intense espionage and undercover operations that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• A compelling exploration of loyalty and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
• Relatable characters facing extraordinary circumstances in a high-stakes criminal world.
• Great choice for fans of Alex Rider who are looking for a more mature, gritty edge.

Get ready for a hilarious, high-stakes adventure in InvestiGators: Heist and Seek! In this sixth installment of the smash-hit graphic novel series, super-spy alligator duo Mango and Brash are back to tackle their most "artful" case yet. When rare paintings begin vanishing from the city's museum, the InvestiGators must go undercover as world-renowned painters to infiltrate the art scene. It is a race against time to unmask a master criminal before the museum's big fundraising gala—and before the appetizers run out!

This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, pun-filled humor, and engaging visual storytelling. Ideal for readers interested in detective stories and spy gadgets, it offers a vibrant and accessible reading experience that keeps kids turning pages. If your child is a fan of Dog Man or The Bad Guys, this series is a great choice for keeping them entertained and excited about reading.

Highlights:

• Action-packed mystery featuring the beloved alligator duo, Mango and Brash.
• Full of clever puns, goofy humor, and colorful illustrations that appeal to visual learners.
• Great choice for reluctant readers who enjoy graphic novels and slapstick comedy.
• Explores themes of teamwork and creative problem-solving in a fun, accessible way.

Man vs Beast is the gripping sixth installment in Robert Muchamore's bestselling CHERUB series, where the stakes are higher than ever. In this high-octane adventure, teenage spy James Adams is tasked with infiltrating a radical group of animal rights activists. As he goes undercover, James must navigate a world of extreme beliefs and dangerous missions, where the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred. This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, realistic spy gadgets, and stories that challenge their perspective on real-world issues.

Ideal for readers interested in espionage and thrillers, Muchamore delivers a gritty and authentic look at the life of a secret agent who just happens to be a kid. Because adults never suspect children of being professional spies, James and his sister Lauren have a unique advantage, but the danger is very real. This is a great choice for fans of the Alex Rider series or anyone looking for a more mature, edge-of-your-seat reading experience that doesn't shy away from complex moral dilemmas.

Highlights:

• Intense undercover mission involving animal rights activism.
• Relatable teenage protagonists dealing with high-stakes espionage.
• Fast-paced plot with realistic action and moral complexity.
• Part of the world-renowned CHERUB series.

Mission Manhattan is the thrilling fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling City Spies series. This high-stakes adventure follows a group of young, talented spies from around the world as they descend upon New York City. Their mission? To protect a teenage climate activist who has become the target of a credible threat before her speech at the United Nations General Assembly. From the secret tunnels beneath the New York Public Library to the halls of the UN, this book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, clever puzzles, and international intrigue.

Ideal for readers interested in espionage and global issues, James Ponti delivers a masterclass in middle grade suspense. As the team navigates the bustling streets of the Big Apple, they must also deal with internal shifts in leadership and a dangerous situation involving their mentor, Mother, in Washington, D.C. It is a great choice for fans of Spy School and Charlie Thorne who enjoy stories where kids use their wits and unique skills to save the day.

Highlights:

• An exciting, globe-trotting mystery set in iconic New York City locations.
• Strong themes of teamwork, environmental awareness, and global responsibility.
• A diverse cast of relatable characters with specialized skills in hacking, logic, and more.
• Perfect for fans of high-octane spy series and clever detective stories.

New Guard is the pulse-pounding finale to Robert Muchamore’s world-renowned CHERUB series. Ryan Sharma is a highly trained secret agent who operates under the radar of adults to take down the world’s most dangerous criminals. In this high-stakes mission, Ryan must team up with legendary former agent James Adams to tackle a complex double kidnapping case. As they assemble a dream team of veteran agents, the stakes have never been higher, making this an unmissable read for fans of espionage and fast-paced action.

This book is perfect for children who love spy thrillers and stories about secret organizations. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in tactical missions, undercover operations, and stories where young people outsmart the adults. Parents will find this a great choice for encouraging reluctant readers who crave excitement and realistic modern-day settings. The blend of intense action and character-driven drama ensures that fans of the series receive a satisfying and explosive conclusion.

Highlights:

• The epic conclusion to the bestselling CHERUB series featuring fan-favorite characters.
• High-octane plot involving international kidnapping and elite undercover tactics.
• Explores themes of teamwork, loyalty, and the transition from trainee to legend.
• Great choice for readers who enjoy the Alex Rider or Bodyguard series.

In the twelfth pulse-pounding installment of the world-renowned Alex Rider series, Nightshade, the world's greatest teen spy faces his most dangerous challenge yet. After the fall of the criminal organization Scorpia, Alex hopes for a return to a normal life. However, a new and even more ruthless threat emerges from the shadows: Nightshade. This high-stakes thriller takes readers from the heights of Gibraltar to the heart of London, as Alex must infiltrate a mysterious organization to stop a devastating attack.

Perfect for children who love fast-paced action and international intrigue, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in espionage, gadgets, and heroic missions. Anthony Horowitz delivers an edge-of-your-seat adventure that explores themes of resilience and duty, making it a great choice for fans of James Bond and Jason Bourne. With no one left to save him, Alex must rely on his wits and training to survive a battle where the stakes have never been higher.

Highlights:

• The return of the iconic teen spy Alex Rider in a brand-new mission.
• A gripping plot involving a mysterious and deadly new criminal organization.
• High-octane action sequences set in international locations like Gibraltar.
• Explores deep themes of independence and the weight of responsibility.

People's Republic introduces a brand-new era for the world-renowned CHERUB series, following twelve-year-old recruit Ryan Sharma on his first high-stakes mission. After months of grueling training, Ryan is finally ready for the field. His target is Ethan, a wealthy California boy whose grandmother runs a massive, billion-dollar crime syndicate in distant Kyrgyzstan. What starts as a seemingly routine operation in sunny California quickly spirals into one of the most dangerous and complex missions in CHERUB history.

This gripping spy thriller is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, undercover operations, and stories about young heroes facing adult-sized challenges. Robert Muchamore masterfully blends realistic modern-day espionage with the relatable struggles of a young recruit trying to prove himself. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in secret agents, high-tech gadgets, and intense mystery. Fans of the original CHERUB series or newcomers looking for a gritty, realistic adventure will find themselves hooked from the first page.

Highlights:

• A fresh start for the CHERUB series featuring a new protagonist, Ryan.
• High-stakes international espionage and undercover operations.
• Explores themes of crime, loyalty, and the pressures of secret missions.
• Perfect for fans of Alex Rider and high-octane action thrillers.

Russian Roulette is a gripping, high-stakes prequel to the world-renowned Alex Rider series. While fans know Yassen Gregorovich as the cold-blooded assassin who killed Ian Rider, this novel takes readers back to where it all began. Following Yassen from his humble beginnings in Russia to his training as a lethal operative, the story explores the thin line between hero and villain. It is a dark, atmospheric journey that asks a profound question: what makes one boy choose to save lives while another chooses to take them?

Ideal for readers interested in international espionage and complex character studies, this book provides a gritty look at the world of spies that is perfect for children who love James Bond or the Cherub series. Anthony Horowitz delivers a masterclass in suspense, making this a great choice for reluctant readers who crave fast-paced action and moral complexity. Whether your child is a long-time fan of the series or new to the world of Alex Rider, this origin story is a must-read thriller.

Highlights:

• The thrilling origin story of the series' most enigmatic antagonist.
• Explores deep themes of choice, consequence, and moral ambiguity.
• Perfect for fans of high-octane action and international spy mysteries.
• Provides essential backstory that enriches the entire Alex Rider universe.

In the heart-pounding conclusion to the original Alex Rider series, Scorpia Rising pits the world's most famous teen superspy against his greatest enemy one last time. After years of dodging the lethal organization known as Scorpia, Alex finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse in the Middle East. This high-stakes thriller is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, international intrigue, and gadgets that would make James Bond jealous.

As the world's most dangerous terrorist organization plays with fire in a volatile region, Alex must use every ounce of his training and wit to survive. This book is an ideal choice for readers interested in espionage, military technology, and stories where the underdog takes on impossible odds. Parents will find this a great choice for reluctant readers who crave cinematic pacing and constant excitement.

Highlights:

• The explosive finale to the original Alex Rider story arc.
• High-octane action sequences set in exotic international locations.
• Complex moral dilemmas that challenge the young protagonist.
• Perfect for fans of spy thrillers and military fiction.

In Skeleton Key, the third pulse-pounding installment of the Alex Rider series, fourteen-year-old reluctant spy Alex Rider finds himself caught in a web of international intrigue once again. This time, he is forced to team up with the CIA on what starts as a routine surveillance mission in Miami but quickly spirals into a global crisis. From the shark-infested waters of the Caribbean to the freezing landscapes of northern Russia, Alex must use his wits and high-tech gadgets to stop a madman with a nuclear weapon and a dangerous plan to rewrite history.

This high-octane thriller is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, gadgets, and stories about young heroes overcoming impossible odds. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in espionage, military technology, and global adventures. Fans of the Cherub series or Stormbreaker will find themselves glued to the pages as Alex faces his most personal and perilous mission yet.

Highlights:

• High-stakes international espionage and teen spy gadgets.
• Fast-paced action sequences across diverse global locations.
• A compelling protagonist who balances school life with saving the world.
• Engaging plot involving the CIA and nuclear threats.

In The General, the tenth installment of the high-octane CHERUB series, teen agents James and Lauren Adams find themselves on a high-stakes mission in the United States. CHERUB agents are not your average teenagers; they are highly trained, elite spies who operate under the radar because adults never suspect children of being undercover operatives. This time, the duo travels to America to participate in a massive military training exercise, but the mission takes an unexpected turn when they find themselves caught up in the bright lights and high risks of Las Vegas.

This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, espionage, and stories where young people outsmart the adults. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in military tactics, undercover operations, and realistic thrillers. Robert Muchamore delivers a gripping narrative that balances intense mission sequences with the relatable struggles of growing up. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing James and Lauren navigate both the Nevada desert and the complexities of teenage life.

Highlights:

• Action-packed spy mission involving elite teen agents.
• Realistic military training scenarios and high-stakes espionage.
• Engaging plot set in the United States and Las Vegas.
• Explores themes of teamwork, independence, and consequences.

The Killing is a high-stakes entry in Robert Muchamore’s bestselling CHERUB series, where teen agents take on missions that adults simply can't handle. In this installment, James Adams is sent on what appears to be a routine assignment: infiltrate the home of a small-time crook named Leon. By befriending Leon’s children, James hopes to gather intelligence on illegal activities. However, the mission takes a dark and unexpected turn when James discovers a connection to a mysterious death from a year ago, leading him into a web of secrets far more dangerous than he anticipated.

This book is perfect for children who love fast-paced action, realistic spy craft, and stories where young people outsmart the grown-ups. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in modern-day thrillers and gritty detective work. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing James navigate the complexities of undercover life while dealing with the typical pressures of being a teenager. Great choice for reluctant readers who crave excitement and high-tension plots.

Highlights:

• Realistic and gritty look at the world of teenage espionage.
• Compelling mystery involving a cold case and hidden criminal networks.
• Relatable protagonist balancing high-risk missions with teenage life.
• Fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In the high-stakes ninth installment of the CHERUB series, The Sleepwalker, readers are thrust into a world of international intrigue and covert operations. When a commercial airliner explodes over the Atlantic, the world suspects terrorism, but the trail goes cold. The only lead comes from a distressed twelve-year-old boy who makes a shocking claim: his own father is responsible for the tragedy. James Adams and his sister Lauren are deployed on a sensitive mission to befriend the boy and uncover the truth behind the disaster.

This gripping thriller is perfect for children who love fast-paced action and stories about young people outsmarting adults. As part of the CHERUB agency, these teen spies operate without gadgets or weapons, relying solely on their training and the fact that no one ever suspects a teenager of being a secret agent. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in realistic spy fiction, complex moral dilemmas, and high-octane suspense. Fans of Alex Rider will find themselves right at home with Robert Muchamore's gritty and grounded approach to the genre.

Highlights:

• Intense, realistic spy missions featuring highly trained teenage agents.
• A compelling mystery involving a massive plane crash and a family secret.
• Explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the weight of responsibility.
• Great choice for readers who enjoy high-stakes action and investigative plots.