Kelsey the Spy

y crafted children's book. Kelsey is a likeable character and I think children will be able to relate to her inquisitive nature! I read it one sitting and I didn't work out who the suspect was until it was revealed. A fantastic 4 stars from me. I haven't read the previous two books so this would work as a standalone. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for a review.

“Kelsey the Spy” by Linda Joy Singleton is the third book in the “Curious Cat Spy Club” series, and it’s a really fun read. Even though it’s part of a series, you can definitely pick this one up without needing to read the other two first, as the book does a great job of catching you up on anything you really need to know. (But we suggest you read the first two books, just because they’re great!)

Since her greatest hero is Harriet the Spy, it’s no surprise that Kelsey keeps a spy notebook filled with top secret information about the people in her life. Unlike Harriet’s notebook that is filled with observations about every single thing she sees, Kelsey’s notebook is filled with secrets about the people in her life Whenever Kelsey hears something that she believes should be kept secret, she jots it down in her notebook. Kelsey believes that sharing other people’s secrets is wrong, but finds it hard to keep things to herself, so she writes them all down in her secret notebook for safe keeping. Kelsey’s notebook is normally locked up in a secret hiding place in her room, until one day she accidentally brings it to school and everything goes wrong!

The notebook gets stolen, and Kelsey, Leo, and Becca must try to hunt it down before the secrets are spilled to the entire school. Kelsey receives a random note and tries to solve the case herself, but learns that it’s always best when you have your friends by your side! (Especially when your best friends also happen to be a part of your top secret spy club!) In addition to finding her notebook, Kelsey, Leo, and Becca must help a 130 year old tortoise named Albert from being sent away from the animal sanctuary, unmask a thief, and figure out why Kelsey’s brother has been carrying around a suspicious white box recently.

“Kelsey the Spy” is a quick, easy read and every page is filled with action. There’s something new happening in every chapter, which keeps you hooked page after page. The ending is a bit of a surprise, but if you’re a super observant spy-type like Kelsey, you might be able to figure it out before it gets revealed!

Review will be posted on yayomg.com when the book is released on 4/1.

Kelsey the Spy amazon barnes & noble Goodreads Kelsey can’t resist collecting secrets in her spy notebook–just like her hero, Harriet the Spy. When she learns Leo has been hiding something from the group, she writes his secret in her notebook as well. But Kelsey accidentally brings her Notebook of Secrets to school and loses it. Everything she’s collected about classmates, friends, and family could be released into the world!
When she receives a ransom note, she tries to solve the mystery on her own but soon realizes she needs everyone in the CCSC to rescue the notebook, help a homesick 130-year-old Aldabra tortoise, and unmask a thief. A surprise ending changes Kelsey’s life in a way she never imagined.

Hott Review:

Looking for a cute middle grade mystery? Look no further than Kelsey the Spy. This adorable book is a perfect blend of the immature maturity and curiosity most of us experienced sitting those years.
Though I didn’t always like Kelsey her character is a typical preteen and will appeal to many in that stage.
The mystery is interesting and I didn’t want to put it down.
Though this is the third in the series I didn’t feel that I was missing anything because I hadn’t read the others.

More…

Author: Linda Joy Singleton Source: Netgalley Publisher & Date: April 1st 2016 by Albert Whitman & Company Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery ISBN: 0807513806 (ISBN13: 9780807513804)
Pages: 288 Grade: B+
Ages: Author Suggested 9-12 | Though I believe younger readers will enjoy this too!
Setting: Sun Flower Series: The Curious Cat Spy Club Author Bio:

Linda Joy SingletonWith plots involving twins, cheerleaders, ghosts, psychics and clones, Linda Joy Singleton has published over 25 Middle-grade and Young Adult Books.
Her REGENERATION series from Berkley Books was chosen by the ALA as a 2001 Quick Pick Choice for reluctant young adult readers. It was also released in foreign and large-print editions, plus it was optioned by Fox for a year. And TWIN AGAIN, the first book in the series, MY SISTER THE GHOST, won the Eppie Award for the best children’s book in 2003.

Linda has several series with Llewellyn/Flux: STRANGE ENCOUNTERS, THE SEER series, DEAD GIRL trilogy, GOTH GIRL Mystery. She also has several e-books, most priced under $5: DOUBLE VISION, PHANTOM BOYFRIEND, LOVE POTION, MELISSA’S MISSION IMPOSSIBLE and MAIL-ORDER MONSTER.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys life in the country with a barnyard of animals including horses, cats and dogs. She especially loves to hear from readers and speaking at schools and libraries. She collects vintage series books like Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and Judy Bolton. Some of her current favorite authors are Jeanne DuPrau, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Eva Ibbottson, Bruce Coville, Gordon Korman, Peg Kehret, Nancy Werlin, Joan Bauer, Kathryn Reiss and Suzanne Collins.

When Linda is asked why she’d rather write for kids than adults, she says, “I love seeing the world through the heart of a child, where magic is real and every day begins a new adventure. I hope to inspire them to reach for their dreams. Writing for kids is a gift, a responsiblity, and an honor.”

Websites & Links: Linda Joy Singleton's website Linda Joy Singleton's twitter Linda Joy Singleton's facebook
* info from Goodreads, image from lindajoysingleton.com

Do you like my reviews? If you do, please, stop by and rate them at one of the bookstores or review sites.