Children’s / Teenage fiction: Thrillers / suspense

Book SynopsisFor Aiden, Chloe, Ava and Josh, holidays at their grandparents' cottage mean wild beaches, no curfew, Bella the dog, and most of all - adventure!Everyone is really excited about the autumn Fire Festival. Bonfires, barrel rolling, music and fireworks! But with suspicious blazes breaking out across town, the cousins realise that something sinister is going on. Can they uncover the secret of Fire Bay before things go up in flames?Fleur Hitchcock is famous for her excellent "thrillers for beginners". This action-packed series takes 7+ readers on fantastic, realistic adventures.Cover illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole.Don't miss the other Clifftoppers adventures!The Arrowhead Moor AdventureThe Thorn Island AdventureThe Frost Castle AdventureLook out for Fleur Hitchcock's stories for older readers:Dear ScarlettSaving SophiaMurder In MidwinterMurder At TwilightThe Boy Who Flew

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Book SynopsisAfter spending months suffering from bizarre nightmares about whimstricks, grubblings and other strange creatures, ten-year-old Mikey has finally had enough. But finding out the truth is more dangerous than Mikey could possibly have imagined, and he soon finds himself trapped in the magical realm of Whimsburrow.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“This party starts early, and it does not stop until all the bodies have hit the floor.” — Stephen Graham Jones, author of Mongrels and The Only Good Indians "Adam Cesare's CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD starts as a fun and scary retro-slasher but then cleverly twists and bloodies its way into being a very new kind of beast. Rejoice horror fans new and old, and be terrified of Adam's everyday clowns." — Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts and The Cabin at the End of the World "Tense, modern and gory, Cesare's Clown in a Cornfield is simultaneously classic and fresh. This is thrilling, old school horror for a new generation." — Madeleine Roux, author of the Asylum series "There’s a lot to love about Adam Cesare’s new novel, Clown in a Cornfield. First, the title. Holy crap. Then the front cover. Double holy crap. Also consider it’s already received blurbs from people like Clive Barker, Stephen Graham Jones, and Paul Tremblay? Triple holy crap. People are going to be talking about this novel all year. Get ready for it." — Lit Reactor "The immersive atmosphere, nail-biting action sequences, and satisfying social commentary results in a thoughtful, campy, and just-plain-fun read for horror fans, especially those who crave a retro feel but still want a story set firmly in the present." — Library Journal (starred review) "A pulse-pounding thrill ride for retro-horror fans who are not faint of heart (or stomach)." — Kirkus Reviews "This pitch-perfect horror experience can be enjoyed as pure entertainment for its fun retro slasher style, but teen readers will also fully appreciate the sly underlying social commentary." — Booklist (starred review) "With this novel, Cesare is going to create a new generation of life-long horror fans." — Signal Horizon Magazine "Cesare’s cinematic eye means the set-pieces are loud, brash, and dramatic (it’s no surprise that there’s a film adaptation in the works). Given what we are all experiencing now, there’s something wonderfully pleasing, nostalgic, and even therapeutic spending several hours cheering on Quinn – smart and brave -- as she takes on [...] killer clowns." — Locus Magazine "Clown in a Cornfield delivers everything the title promises--and more. More carnage, more mayhem and a sly social commentary that cuts to the bone. A must-read for horror fans." — Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of Final Girls Clown in a Cornfield is a true-to-form classic horror story, complete with blood and gore, chainsaws and crossbows, and abundant deaths. This is a truly fun piece of escapism for teens who are okay with slasher-flick violence. — YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominee This debut horror novel has all the trappings of a good, popcorn-scented slasher flick. Reluctant readers will find this a quick and fun read. They will definitely appreciate the stress-relieving escapism. Suggest it to readers looking for Stephen King read-alikes and fans of the Friday the 13th franchise. — YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Nominee

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Book SynopsisCHERUB: the number one bestselling spy thriller series for kids.Trade ReviewPraise for books in the CHERUB series: 'Punchy, exciting, glamorous and, what's more, you'll completely wish it was true.' * Sunday Express *Enthralling * Toxic Magazine *'Crackling tension and high-octane drama.' * Daily Mail *'A really good book that you could re-read over and over again.' * Guardian *'Pacy writing, punchy dialogue and a gripping plot, it's got it all.' * Daily Express *'Fast-moving action ... and cool gadgets!' * The Times *

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Book SynopsisWelcome to It's Behind You!, the reality game show that will scare you to death. Five contestants must sit tight through the night in dark and dangerous Umber Gorge caves, haunted by a ghost called the Puckered Maiden. But is it the malevolent spirit they should fear. or each other?

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Book SynopsisAn atmospheric, chilling page turner from rising star Martin Stewart, reminiscent of Stand by Me and Stranger Things.Sep, Arkle, Mack, Lamb and Hadley: five friends thrown together one hot, sultry summer. When they discover an ancient stone box hidden in the forest, they decide to each make a sacrifice: something special to them, committed to the box for ever. And they make a pact: they will never return to the box at night; they''ll never visit it alone; and they''ll never take back their offerings.Four years later, a series of strange and terrifying events take place. Someone broke the rules, and now everyone has to pay.But how much are they willing to sacrifice?Trade ReviewAn atmospheric coming-of-age story with brilliantly executed elements of horror and comic relief * Publishers Weekly *Stewart is a master at weaving vivid and visceral images in the minds of his readers and this book has no shortage of truly terrifying moments that will stay with you long after you have finished it. Definitely one to read with the lights on and far away from any childhood toys * Scotsman *From the delightfully strange imagination of Scottish writer Martin Stewart comes a creepy and engrossing horror story * Buzzfeed *This creepy thriller is one for fans of Stephen King and Stranger Things * MTV *The comparisons to Stranger Things are apt and well deserved. This is one of the most original and unique books I've ever read -- Katherine Webber, author of Wing JonesAn expertly written horror laced through with joyful comedy, Martin Stewart's follow-up to the award winning Riverkeep is a suspenseful and gruesome tale of friendship, family and faith - perfect for fans of Stranger Things or Stephen King * Scottish Booktrust *Moody and atmospheric, with sardonic humor; a meaty slice of horror * Kirkus Reviews *Stewart is masterful. He weaves a chilling, supernatural plot with a playfulness and brings the darkest chapters back from the edge. I suspect Stephen King would be impressed * Bookality *This eldritch escapade is certainly an option for kids too old to go trick-or-treating * Wall Street Journal *

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Book SynopsisPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers'' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys. Alec Leamas, a British spy, is worn out and ready to stop working. But his boss wants him to do one final job: to spread false information about an important man in East Germany. Can Alec end his career and finally come in from the cold?

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Book SynopsisThis enemies-to-lovers thriller is packed with secrets, privilege and murder and will keep you guessing until the last page.Which will ignite first: her rage, their desire or a killer''s bloodlust?When eighteen-year-old Addie''s sister is found dead at the bottom of a ravine it''s officially ruled an accident, but Addie doesn''t buy it. The problem is, Addie has no evidence because when her sister died, she was a little distracted with Seth Montgomery, the boy next door Addie''s always loved to hate. She believes the murderer is Thatcher Montgomery, Seth''s cousin. He always had a thing for her sister, and Addie caught them arguing shortly before her death. But, one year later, Thatcher is found dead at the bottom of the same ravine and Addie is forced to admit she was wrong.Dodging corrupt police and the even more corrupt wealthy Montgomery family, Addie needs help to avenge her sister''s death and she turns to the only p

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Book Synopsis I was stolen from an airport. Taken from everything I knew, everything I was used to. Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected me to love him. This is my story. Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype – he's young and attractive. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist – almost Winner of the Branford Boase Award 'Complicated and beautiful – this novel left me doubting my emotions and missing a place I'd never been.' Maggie Stiefvater 'All the tension of lightning, all the terror of thunder. A stunning, scary, and beautiful book.' John Marsden 'Disturbing, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once.' School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisWhen three teenagers track down a missing chihuahua to an abandoned theme park, they discover a corpse strangled by his own camera strap and find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. But everyone has an alibi.

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Book SynopsisDonna is in the Caribbean visiting family while the boys are bored at home, filling time with computer games - until Sam persuades Arun to pay Donna a surprise visit using MANDROID.

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Book Synopsis'TWISTY, SEXY, SMART ' Kiran Millwood-HargraveA MODERN GOTHIC GEM' Samantha ShannonOH SO ROMANTIC' Alexandra ChristoAS SEDUCTIVE AS IT IS SINISTER' Kate DunnTHE SAPPHIC DARK ACADEMIA OF DREAMS Francesca MayA dark academia thriller romance with a supernatural twist. From the winner of the Comedy Women in Print PrizeTen years ago, four students lost their lives in the infamous North Tower murders at the elite Carvell College of Arts, forcing Carvell to close its doors.Now Carvell is reopening, and fearless student Lottie is determined to find out what really happened. But when her roommate, Alice, stumbles upon a sinister soul-splitting ritual hidden in Carvell's haunted library, the North Tower claims another victim.Can Lottie uncover the truth before the North Tower strikes again? Can Alice reverse the ritual before her monstrous alter ego consumes her? And can they stop flirting for literally fifteen seconds in order to do this?Exploring possession and ambition, lust and bloodlusTrade Review’A twisty, sexy, smart haunting of a book, full of eloquent rage’ – Kiran Millwood-Hargrave ‘An intimate exploration of women’s anger, bladed with mystery and sapphic desire. Laura Steven has cut a modern Gothic gem, leaving room for glints of her trademark humour’ – Samantha Shannon ‘A fast-paced feminist horror, that manages to be oh-so-romantic and oh-so-haunting all at once’ – Alexandra Christo, bestselling author of TO KILL A KINGDOM ‘As seductive as it is sinister’ – Kate Dunn ‘Dark, clever and filled to the brim with feminist rage, Steven has crafted the sapphic dark academia of dreams – and of nightmares’ – Francesca May

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Book SynopsisWelcome back to the FAYZ! This is Book6 in the series that Stephen King calls a driving, torrential narrative'.All eyes are on Perdido Beach. The barrier wall is now as clear as glass and life in the FAYZ is visible for the entire outside world to see. Life inside the dome remains a constant battle and the Darkness, away from watchful eyes, grows and grows The society that Sam and Astrid have struggled so hard to build is about to be shattered for good. It's the end of the FAYZ. Who will survive to see the light of day? This is the nail-biting finale to the GONE saga.The GONE series is Lord of the Flies for the 21st century. In turns breathtaking, harrowing, and utterly terrifying. Its complex characters and moral dilemmas will delight fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner. This is dystopian fiction at its best.Have you got all 6 titles in the New York Times bestselling saga: Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague, Fear, and Light?I am now free to leave the FAYZ, but my time there was well spent' Stephen KingMichael Grant has lived an exciting, fast-paced life. He moved in with his wife Katherine Applegate after only 24 hours. He has co-authored over 160 books but promises that everything he writes is like nothing you've ever read before! If the Gone series has left you hungry for more from the dark genius of YA fiction, look out for the BZRK trilogy: BZRK, BZRK Reloaded, BZRK Apocalypse and the terrifying Messenger of Fear and its sequel The Tattooed Heart.Trade Review‘A driving torrential narrative’ – Stephen King ‘It's completely unpredictable – I had absolutely no idea how on earth it would end, but Grant brings things to a stunning conclusion.’ (The Bookbag)

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Book SynopsisWhen Jade explores her auntie's shed, she finds it packed with historical treasures. But that's just the beginning of her adventures, as she travels back in time to the Middle Ages on the trail of a stolen unicorn. Help Jade and her new friend Jack to solve the puzzles, find the unicorn and save the day.

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Book SynopsisThe Hunger Games meets Lost in this spectacular new series. Now a major TV series on E4. No one has set foot on Earth in centuries - until now.Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth''s radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents - considered expendable by society - are being sent on a dangerous mission: to re-colonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life...or it could be a suicide mission.CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she''s haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor''s son, came to Earth for the girl he loves - but will she ever forgive him Reckless BELLAMY fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only siblings in the universe. And GLASS managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.Confronted with a Trade Review... the writing is fast-paced and engaging. The back-stories that are gradually revealed for each of the characters are interesting, and provide intriguing hints at the tensions and problems that exist in the spaceships. From the strictly monitored one-child policy, to a democracy that is crumbling from within, and a distinct class system that is surely just a spark away from causing the entire colony to explode into conflict, there are multiple fascinating issues that appear to have arisen in this post-apocalyptic society. * thebookbag.co.uk *Fantastic teen romance... packed with powerful and empowered characters. * Starburst Magazine *The 100 is set to be the next big thing in the world of YA books and TV - I was thrilled to receive one of 100 proofs of the first book in the series to review. Before the paperback has even had its UK publication, a TV series is being developed by the people behind The Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl, so I was keen to see what all the buzz was about... I found The 100 a rapid and enjoyable read - as a new entry into the Young Adult dystopia genre, this is an adventurous page-turner with plenty of action and even some romance... I very much enjoyed the descriptive elements of the setting too; the linked spaceships with their different classes of occupants were very well realised, and the sections set on Earth are extremely atmospheric, as the young people experience planet life for the first time. I found myself really gripped, racing through the action to see what would happen next. Morgan's style is dramatic, open, fast and accessible, and will certainly appeal to teenage readers of science fiction, and older ones too. * Adventures with Words *I enjoyed every minute of it, and I cannot wait to see how they adapt it for the screen. I loved the world Morgan created, and the pacing was spot on... Despite this book not even being released yet, I find myself craving more of this story already... I highly, highly recommend you pre-order your copy of this novel today, and get it read before the TV show starts. I genuinely can't wait. * Somewhere Between the Pages *Fans of The Hunger Games will love this book set in a post-nuclear-war world. * Sun *An ingenious double-twist on the jeopardy-driven 'lifeboat' scenario * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisA vivid adventure filled with danger and heroism from the author of Murder in Midwinter. Athan Wilde dreams of flight. When his friend, Mr Chen, is murdered, Athan must rescue the flying machine they were building together and stop it falling into the wrong hands. But keeping the machine safe puts his family in terrible danger. What will Athan choose - flight or family? From the acclaimed author of Murder In Midwinter, Fleur Hitchcock's The Boy Who Flew is a thrilling, murderous tale set among the steep rooftops and slippery characters of Athan's intricately imagined world. Perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Peter Bunzl and Philip Reeve.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most iconic characters in children's literatureHergé's classic comic book creation Tintin is one of the most recognisable characters in children's books. These highly collectible editions of the original 24 adventures will delight Tintin fans old and new. Perfect for lovers of graphic novels, mysteries and historical adventures.The world's most famous travelling reporter struggles to keep his feet on the ground as his adventures take him to the moon!Following on from the events of Destination Moon, Tintin finds himself in a rocket on a collision course with the moon. And with Snowy the dog, Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus and the Thompson twins aboard, things quickly spiral further and further out of control.Join the most iconic character in comics as he embarks on an extraordinary adventure spanning historical and political events, and thrilling mysteries. Still selling over 100,000 copies every year in the UK and having been adapted for the silver screen by Steven SpieTrade ReviewTintin shows young readers that the world in all its complexity is theirs to bestride. (The Wall Street Journal) I became enthralled with the way Hergé told his stories. Grand, epic, global adventures about a young reporter who goes all around the world looking for stories to tell. (Steven Spielberg, 'The Adventures of Spielberg: An Interview', The New York Times, 2011) Top 100 Children’s Book – Time Out (2022) Terrific world-straddling adventures. (Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Ten Essential Children’s Books, Books for Keeps, 2020) The Red Sea Sharks was named one of Young Bond author Charlie Higson’s favourite books in The Daily Express: “Tintin was a huge inspiration being a young person in an adult world.” (2015) Explorers of the Moon was named one of comedian Milton Jones’ favourite books in The Daily Express (2018) Explorers of the Moon was named one of screenwriter and best-selling crime novelist Peter May’s favourite books in The Daily Express: “A childhood favourite…it encouraged me to create my own cartoon series.” (2016) The Calculus Affair was named one of author and foreign correspondent Christian Jennings’ favourite books in The Week (2017)

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Book SynopsisBut Monday’s mother refuses to give Claudia a straight answer, and Monday’s sister April is even less help.As Claudia digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, she discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday.Trade Review“A mesmerizing, punch-in-the-gut story about the power of friendship and the horrors hiding right in front of us.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak and Chains “This thought-provoking thriller examines issues such as abuse, gentrification, and the marginalization of people of color with nuance and sensitivity. The narrative deftly moves back and forth between past and present, building to a devastating conclusion. A spellbinding, profoundly moving choice for YA collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Jackson effortlessly weaves elements of suspense with issues of race, class, and gender, casting a harsh light on a world that often refuses to notice the disappearances of black and brown girls. The twist at the end is both gaspworthy and heartbreaking.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Jackson doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to the pain of abuse and the ramifications of turning a blind eye. It’s a frank, devastating read filled with real and flawed characters, and it’s a story that needs to be read.” — Booklist “In addition to a gripping plot line, underlying social issues bubble beneath the surface, such as neighborhood gentrification, race, poverty, community, the healing of connection, and the destruction in disconnection.” — The Horn Book “The gravest, most fundamental challenge in Tiffany D. Jackson’s devastating novel is leveled at a society that purports to value children while allowing untold numbers of them, particularly poor children and children of color, to fall through the cracks.” — Chicago Tribune PRAISE FOR ALLEGEDLY: ★ “With remarkable skill, Jackson offers an unflinching portrayal of the raw social outcomes when youth are entrapped in a vicious cycle of nonparenting and are sent spiraling down the prison-for-profit pipeline. Dark, suspenseful.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★ “Her novel effectively joins Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th and Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow (2010) to become another indictment of the penal system’s decimating power beyond its bars and, more subtly and refreshingly, a pro-reproductive-justice novel. Searing and true.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ “The characters are complex, the situation unsettling, and the line between right and wrong hopelessly blurred. It’s also intensely relevant, addressing race, age, and mental illness within the criminal justice system. Well conceived and executed, this is an absorbing and exceptional first novel.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) ★ “Suspenseful without being emotionally manipulative, compelling without resorting to shock value, this is a tightly spun debut that wrestles with many intense ideas and ends with a knife twist that will send readers racing back to the beginning again.” — Booklist (starred review) “Seen through Jackson’s dark portrait of the legal system and the failures of parents and social workers, Mary’s environments are as grim as the stories that play out in them; readers fascinated by procedural dramas will be thoroughly hooked.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A well-executed, powerful journey into the claustrophobic life of a young girl trying to navigate what little is left after the world has judged her, and what she will do to escape it.” — Mindy McGinnis, Edgar Award-winning author of A Madness So Discreet “A riveting, gut-wrenching thriller and a stunning debut.” — Daniel José Older, New York Times bestselling author of Shadowshaper “Tiffany Jackson’s timely and chilling debut will haunt you for a long time. An extraordinary new voice.” — Justine Larbalestier, author of Liar and My Sister Rosa

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Book SynopsisYoung Bond: Double or Die is the third book in Charlie Higson''s bestselling Young Bond series. Kidnap. Violence. Explosions. Murder. No ordinary weekend. But then, James Bond is no ordinary boy . . . In a North London cemetery a professor is kidnapped at gunpoint. A suspicious letter crammed with cryptic clues arrives at Eton. To decipher the deadly mystery, James Bond must take a series of dangerous gambles. Once the code is cracked, he has just forty-eight hours to save the professor from the dark forces that threaten to destroy them both. And, if the professor can''t escape, it''s not only Jame''s future under threat. It''s the rest of the world''s . . .''Action-packed and not for the faint-hearted'' Daily Mail''Double-oh so good'' Sunday Times***www.youngbond.com***Trade ReviewThis is writing for children of the highest order * Spectator *Charlie Higson's Young Bond books get an A* * GQ *

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Book SynopsisTHE REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK - A literary-thriller murder mystery, set within a Native American community for fans of Firekeeper's Daughter, Sadie and the One of Us Is Lying series by a debut own voices authorSince moving to the Blackfeet Reservation with her parents, Mara Racette has felt like an outsider, taunted by her tight-knit classmates for growing up far away. So, when a local girl includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet Giveaway to honor her missing sister, Mara thinks she'll finally make some friends. Instead, a girl from the Giveaway, Samantha White Tail, is found murdered. Because the members of the Giveaway group were the last to see Samantha alive, each becomes a person of interest in the investigation:New-girl Mara, who hated Samantha for being particularly cruel. Grief-stricken Loren Arnoux, who was Samantha's best friend until her sister's disappearance drove a wedge between them. Class-clown Brody Clark, whose unreciprocated crush on Samantha is an open secret. And tough-guy Eli First Kill, who has his own complicated history with Samantha. Despite deep mistrust, the four must now take matters into their own hands and clear their names. Even though one of them may be the murderer. In her powerful debut novel, Looking for Smoke, author K. A. Cobell (Blackfeet) weaves loss, betrayal, and complex characters into a mystery that will illuminate, surprise, and engage readers until the final word

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Book SynopsisWelcome back to the FAYZ! This is Book5 in the series that Stephen King calls a driving, torrential narrative'.Night is falling in the FAYZ. Permanently. The gaiaphage has blotted out the sun and the barrier that surrounds the town of Perdido Beach is turning black. It's Sam's worst nightmare. With Astrid still missing and Edilio and Lana struggling to maintain order, Sam and his followers need all the courage they can get. As their world descends into darkness, only real heroes will survive.The GONE series is Lord of the Flies for the 21st century. In turns breathtaking, harrowing, and utterly terrifying. Its complex characters and moral dilemmas will delight fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner. This is dystopian fiction at its best.Have you got all 6 titles in the New York Times bestselling saga: Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague, Fear, and Light?I am now free to leave the FAYZ, but my time there was well spent' Stephen KingMichael Grant has lived an exciting, fast-paced life. He moved in with his wife Katherine Applegate after only 24 hours. He has co-authored over 160 books but promises that everything he writes is like nothing you've ever read before! If the Gone series has left you hungry for more from the dark genius of YA fiction, look out for the BZRK trilogy: BZRK, BZRK Reloaded, BZRK Apocalypse and the terrifying Messenger of Fear and its sequel The Tattooed Heart.

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Book SynopsisA lonely girl, a missing father and a trail of lies . . . From the million-copy bestselling author of Girl, Missing, comes a blockbuster teen thriller that will have you looking for answers round every corner. Fourteen-year-old Cat is lonely - reeling from the loss of her father, she’s disconnected from friends and fighting with her mum. But when a new boy, Tyler, arrives for the summer, Cat finds herself opening up to the handsome stranger.  A shocking revelation about her dad turns Cat’s world on its head. She and Tyler uncover a series of secrets that take them on a perilous journey. With fresh lies exposed and threats from a dangerous gang revealed, will Cat risk everything to keep herself and her family safe?  An explosive, edge-of-your-seat new drama from the original queen of teen thrillers, Sophie McKenzie, for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson.'So

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Book SynopsisSquid Game meets Agatha Christie in this locked-room virtual reality murder mystery, where the only option is to win – or die trying… _______________ Video games have never been more murderous. Veronica wakes up trapped with four strangers in a sprawling manor house in a snow storm with a dead body, a mystery right out of an Agatha Christie novel. It feels so real – but it isn’t. This is VR and this is THE Game; a rumoured Easter Egg hidden in other VR games that draws you into a competition for a prize beyond your wildest dreams. And there’s no escaping the VR world until the Game is won. But while Veronica and her fellow players are trying to figure out the puzzle, something is not right in the VR world. Blackouts, glitches, NPCs acting strange, and a mysterious figure haunting their footsteps. Then when a player dies, and also dies in real life, all hell breaks loose. Without warning, the game Veronica thought she was playing gets overshadowed by a much darker, and much more real, mystery: who is killing us?’ It may not be a game Veronica wanted to play, but it’s one that she has to win – or die trying.Trade Review‘The action gets going right from the start, making for a really good read, as you’re entertained throughout’ Independent * The Independent *Brilliantly executed with unexpected twists and turns, Let's Play Murder is like the best, most carefully crafted mystery mixed with classic video games. It will keep you guessing until the very last page. Ready Player One meets Agatha Christie, Let's Play Murder is the chilling thriller you don't want to miss * Alison Weatherby, author of The Secrets Act *I just couldn't put it down - Kesia's writing was so immersive, and she's taken a very unique concept and created such a gripping story with very distinctive characters * Aneesa Marufu, author of The Balloon Thief *Black Mirror meets One of Us Is Lying. Let’s Play Murder had me racing to finish and questioning everything right up to the explosive conclusion * Amy McCaw, author of Mina and the Undead and Mina and the Slayers *A fast paced mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Let’s Play Murder is like a dark, twisted escape room for your mind. The ultimate combination of fun and fear * Fran Hart, author of The Other Ones *I rattled through it in a couple of frantic nights' reading as I couldn't wait to get to the end! I loved the twisty mash-up of virtual reality and old-school murder mystery; it was delightfully creepy and atmospheric * Andreina Cordani, author of The Girl Who... and Dead Lucky *Talk about twists and turns – this book had me gripped and guessing all the way through. Everything about it was wonderfully dark: the secrets, the intricately-drawn setting, the shadowy characters. I’ve never been so desperate to get to the end of a book * Molly Morris, author of This is Not the End *Ready Player One meets Agatha Christie. I gulped down this thrilling, mysterious and highly original read, and I defy anyone to guess the ending * Anna Day, author of The Fandom and The Fandom Rising *A stormer of a story! * Kiran Millwood Hargrave on WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER *A gorgeously written fantasy, with a haunting, intricate world * Mary Watson on WE ARE BLOOD AND THUNDER *'Let's Play Murder is unputdownable, immersive, edge-of-your-seat excitement. If you're looking for a thrilling blend of thriller and horror to set your pulse-racing, plus a truly shocking, gasp-worthy twist, this is the book for you.' Katharine Corr / Elizabeth Corr Authors of Daughter of Darkness and A Throne Of Swans/A Crown Of Talons -- Katherine and Elizabeth Corr * Katherine and Elizabeth Corr *A fast-paced, tense read that combines murder-mystery with a sinister VR world - a thrilling ride! -- Ravena Guron (author of This Book Kills) * Ravena Guron (author of This Book Kills) *A nightmare VR escape room brilliantly combined with a gripping murder mystery - I was hooked from the first page and tore through Let's Play Murder! -- Tess James-Mackey (Author of Someone Is Watching You) * Tess James-Mackey (Author of Someone Is Watching You) *“The chilling world of virtual reality is the backdrop for this edge-of-your seat nightmare. Veronica, whose half-brother, Max, is desperately ill, is accidentally sucked into a dark-web murder mystery game where the victor wins millions. It could save Max, but four others are also competing, all with reasons of their own. Then something goes wrong, people get killed and someone starts haunting the house for revenge. Genuinely creepy” * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis*** A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER *** "A riveting debut from a remarkable new voice! Trang Thanh Tran weaves an impressive gothic mystery in which Jade's father is determined to restore a decrepit home to its former glory and Jade is the only person who feels the soul-crushing devastation of colonialism lingering within its walls." -Angeline Boulley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Firekeeper's Daughter Jade Nguyen has always lied to fit in. She’s straight enough, Vietnamese enough, American enough – at least for this summer with her estranged father in Vietnam. Just five weeks of ignoring the quietly decaying French colonial house he's fixing up, then college and freedom are hers. But soon Jade begins waking up every morning certain that something has clawed down her throat. . . from the inside. Then the ghost of a beautiful bride visits her with a cryptic warning: DON’T EAT. When her father and little sister don't believe her, Jade decides to scare them into leaving by staging some haunting events of her own. She recruits Florence, the daughter of her dad's business associate (and more of a distraction than Jade bargained for) to help. But the house has other plans. It's hungry. A home, after all, is only as powerful as those who breathe new life into its bones. And this one is determined never to be abandoned again … This deliciously spooky, yearningly romantic ghost story from a brilliant debut author will thrill fans of Kalynn Bayron and Wilder Girls by Rory Power.Trade ReviewA riveting debut from a remarkable new voice! Trang Thanh Tran weaves an impressive gothic mystery in which Jade's father is determined to restore a decrepit home to its former glory and Jade is the only person who feels the soul-crushing devastation of colonialism lingering within its walls. * Angeline Boulley, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Firekeeper's Daughter *

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Book SynopsisYoung and fearless, Helen and Eliza race against time to unmask their mothers' murderer. With death close on their heels, can they outsmart their foe? Gripping suspense awaits in this thrilling pursuit of justice.

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Book SynopsisThe eagerly anticipated, deadly prequel to the number one bestselling Alex Rider series.In the prequel to the number one bestselling Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, contract killer Yassen Gregorovich is given orders to kill Alex. But Yassen knows a secret from the past that connects him to the fourteen-year-old spy. What is it that makes one of them choose to do evil, and what does it take to turn him into a killer?Trade ReviewImmensely gripping . . . extremely enjoyable * Carousel *Bestselling Anthony Horowitz doesn’t miss a beat in this thrilling new adventure that links back to his favourite hero, Alex Rider through the terrifying and gripping story of Yassen Gregorovich […] An absolute must-read after finishing the Alex Rider series * Love Reading 4 Kids *

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Book SynopsisForced to move to a remote island, Blair is miserable. When an otherworldly woman offers an irresistible deal, Blair discovers that her new home is a darkly magical place, and a fey bargain cannot be broken. From the author of The Sky Beneath the Stone.

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Book Synopsis*Squid Game at an American High School - the twisty YA thriller that everyone will be talking about in 2023.*Twelve girls. Three rounds. One ultimate prize . . . for the last one left alive.Edgewater Academy is a school for the very rich and very powerful.Adina Walker is neither of those things. Alone and outcast, when she gets into a fight with a fellow student (and former friend), her scholarship to a top college is revoked, and her world falls apart.Until she''s invited to The Finish.Annual games for the brightest and the best, hosted by power-family The Remingtons, the winning prize for The Finish is everything Adina wants. This is her chance at the life she''s dreamed of.Then the contestants start to die.Love, revenge, pride - all are on the line. This isn''t a game any more . . .Horrific and engrossing in equal measure, THEIR VICIOUS GAMES is also a thoughtful and clever comme

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Book SynopsisA brilliantly imagined new 8+ adventure about resilience, family and hope. From the bestselling and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted author of BOY IN THE TOWER. Perfect for fans of Ross Welford, Lisa Thompson and Onjali Rauf.Rule number one: Always be prepared . . . Billy’s mum isn’t like other mums. All she wants is to teach him the Rules of Survival – how to make fire, build shelter and find food. She likes to test Billy on the rules until one day she goes too far, and Billy is sent to live with a dad he barely knows. Then the world changes forever as people begin to be infected with a mysterious virus that turns their skin grey. As chaos breaks out, Billy has to flee the city. Suddenly he realises that this is what his mum was preparing him for – not just to save his family, but to save the whole world. Praise for How I Saved the World in a Week

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Book SynopsisSarah has played many roles - but now she faces her most challenging of all. Because there's only one way for a Jewish orphan spy to survive at a school for the Nazi elite. And that's to become a monster like them. They think she is just a little girl. But she is the weapon they never saw coming... with a mission to destroy them all.Trade ReviewA pulse-pounding, pitch-black Nazi espionage thriller... Killeen sets a cracking pace - and pulls off the risks he takes with breathtaking panache. * The Guardian *A riveting plot-driven thriller...Sarah's psychological journey is particularly compelling. * The Bookseller *a thought-provoking and incredibly page-turning debut. * The Irish Times *I found myself mesmerized by Sarah’s journey into a world of human monsters. Orphan Monster Spy weaves one heroine’s courage through a spectrum of darkness, and the effects resonate long after the final page. * Ryan Graudin, award-winning author of the Wolf By Wolf duology *Deeply disturbing and chillingly good. * Elizabeth Wein, author of Code Name Verity *

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Book SynopsisFive Nights at Freddy''s fans won''t want to miss this pulse-pounding collection of three novella-length tales that will keep even the bravest FNAF player up at night...For Delilah, Stanley, and Devon, being left behind is practically a way of life. Orphaned from a young age and recently divorced, Delilah escapes deeper into her dreams each night, in desperate need of a wake-up call. Stanley is newly dumped, stuck in a dead-end job for a mysterious employer, and unable to connect with anyone. And Devon, abandoned by his dad and ignored by his mom, can''t understand why love and friendship come so easily to everyone except him. Unfortunately, in the callous world of Five Nights at Freddy''s, it''s always in the depths of loneliness when evil creeps in.In this third volume, Five Nights at Freddy''s creator Scott Cawthon spins three sinister novella-length stories from different corners of his series'' canon, featuring cover art from fan-favorite artist LadyFis

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Book SynopsisThe sixteenth title in the number one bestselling CHERUB series! Fay has spent eighteen months locked up in a Secure Training Centre. Drug deals and rip-offs are the only things this teenager knows. Now she''s back on the street, looking to settle old scores. CHERUB agents Ryan and Ning need Fay''s knowledge to unearth a major drug importer. They''re trained professionals with one essential advantage: even experienced criminals never suspect that children are spying on them. But Fay''s made a lot of enemies and she''s running out of time ... For official purposes, these children do not exist.Trade ReviewThe 16th novel in the spy series from this entertaining weaver of a good story. * Irish Daily Mail *Muchamore's done it again... 10/10. * The Olly Book Blog *The pace is fast and action awaits you on every page... a real page turner 10/10. * The Olly Book Blog *Teenage readers who appreciate gritty, fast-paced, high-octane drama will be gripped. [Muchamore] at the top of his game. * Daily Express *It's difficult to put the book down ... This book is perfect for anyone who likes action stories and people who like being kept in suspense * School Librarian *Downright fun. It's hard not to compare it to Class A, but this felt like it was amped up to a higher level * Adventures of a Subversive Reader *The 16th novel in the spy series from this entertaining weaver of a good story. * Irish Daily Mail *Muchamore's done it again... 10/10. * The Olly Book Blog *The pace is fast and action awaits you on every page... a real page turner 10/10. * The Olly Book Blog *Teenage readers who appreciate gritty, fast-paced, high-octane drama will be gripped. [Muchamore] at the top of his game. * Daily Express *Pacy writing, punchy dialogue and a gripping plot, it's got it all. * Daily Express *Crackling tension and high-octane drama. * Daily Mail *Punchy, exciting, glamorous and, what's more, you'll completely wish it was true. * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThe spooky, swoony YA debut from BookTok star @Merrowchild! Someone is stripping Europe's most haunted city of its spirits. When self-destructive, 16-year-old seer, Charlie Frith, realises that one of his own ghostly friends has gone missing, he must put aside his own safety - and reclusive existence - if he is to save them.

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Book SynopsisA scorching debut and pyschological thriller, perfect for fans of Black Mirror. Since her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else's, a number pops into her head - the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen. Over 1,000,000 copies sold worldwide. ‘First-time author Rachel Ward is certainly one to watch. But I’d avoid eye-contact if I were you.’ PHILIP ARDAGH, THE GUARDIAN 'Even the idea of this book gave me chills! How would you like to know someone’s fate just by looking in their eyes? Creepy and original!’ R. L. STINE

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Book SynopsisCharlie Higson is a well-known writer of screenplays and adult thriller novels. He's also a performer and co-creator of The Fast Show. He has written five mega-selling novels about Young Bond - Silverfin, Blood Fever, Double or Die, Hurricane Gold and By Royal Command, as well as Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier and best-selling teen thrillers The Enemy and The Dead.Trade ReviewCharlie Higson's Young Bond books get an A* * GQ *This is writing for children of the highest order * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisCHERUB: the number one bestselling spy thriller series for kids.Trade ReviewA must read for any real fan. It is a fast paced action thriller well up to the usual Robert Muchamore standard * School Librarian *Chillingly familiar and modern ... a captivating yet complex and wide reaching narrative. Taut, tense and with stakes so high they sometimes feel hard to look over, this is a cacophonic climax to the latest trilogy * Books For Keeps *The latest thrilling instalment in the second CHERUB series, featuring a brand new cast of characters who are just as compelling as the first * Regency Bookshop *A must-read for teenagers * Daily Express *The pace is fast and action awaits you on every page ... a real page turner * The Olly Book Blog *Readers should brace themselves for an action-packed ride * The Daily Express *A skilful writer and the book has great pace. * Financial Times *The latest thrilling installment in the second CHERUB series, featuring a brand new cast of characters who are just as compelling as the first. * Regency Bookshop *

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Book SynopsisBook one in the new OFFICIAL Minecraft fiction series for readers age 7+ the Stonesword SagaJoin Morgan, Ash, Harper, Po, Jodi and Theo as they return for another adventure in the world of Minecraft. Someone or something has turned the Evoker King to stone. Do the gang have what it takes to solve the mystery and return the Evoker King to normal? Theo''s coding skills might just be what the gang need, but does he have what it takes to be a part of the team or will his meddling put a crack in the code that none of them will survive?For fans of the Minecraft game, Jumanji and Wreck it Ralph.

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Book SynopsisJACK FLETCHER IS ON THE RUN. With no sensei to guide him, he has just his wits and his swords...

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Book SynopsisROOM 13Somebody was in there. Somebody - or some thing.There is no room thirteen in the creepy Crow''s Nest Hotel, where Fliss and her friends are staying on a school trip. Or is there? For at the stroke of midnight, something peculiar happens to the door of the linen cupboard next to room twelve. And something is happening to Ellie-May Sunderland, too - something very sinister.INSIDE THE WORMThe worm was close now. So close Fliss could smell the putrid stench of its breath. Its slavering jaws gaped to engulf her.Everyone in Elsworth knows the local legend about the monstrous worm - or dragon - that once terrorised the village. But it never really happened. Or did it? For when Fliss and her friends are chosen to re-enact the legend for the village Festival, the four who are to play the part of the worm dance as one across the ground. They are the worm. And Fliss begins to feel real fear. Somehow the worm itself is returning - with a thousand-year hunger iTrade ReviewIf you enjoy being scared out of your wits then this is the book for you . . . * Independent on "Room 13" *A satisfying story, simply told but missing no opportunity to turn the screw of suspense. There is a nice mixture of humour and creeping horror, and the eventual triumph of good over evil comes in a thrilling climax * The School Librarian on "Inside the Worm" *

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Book SynopsisAn all-consuming story of revenge, redemption and dragons from the twice Carnegie Medal-winner Patrick Ness.On a cold Sunday evening in early 1957, Sarah Dewhurst waited with her father in the parking lot of the Chevron Gas Station for the dragon he'd hired to help on the farm. This dragon, Kazimir, has more to him than meets the eye. Sarah can't help but be curious about him, an animal who supposedly doesn't have a soul but is seemingly intent on keeping her safe from the brutal attentions of Deputy Sheriff Emmett Kelby. Kazimir knows something she doesn't. He has arrived at the farm because of a prophecy. A prophecy that involves a deadly assassin, a cult of dragon worshippers, two FBI agents and somehow, Sarah Dewhurst herself. From the bestselling author of the Chaos Walking trilogy comes a heart-stopping story of fanaticism, hope, bravery and impossible second chances, set in a world on the very brink of its own destruction.Trade ReviewSimon Mayo selected Burn as one of his favourite reads of 2020, praising: “Revenge, redemption, the Cold War and dragons. Another great tale from the master with the best opening line of any book this year…” -- Simon MayoNess is on tip-top form here, deftly propelling a complex plot… Ness shows that although monsters exist in every world, there are many more who wish to overcome them; and that even in the smoking ruins of civilisation, there is room for hope. * The Guardian, Book of the Day *Award-winner Ness excels himself in this powerful allegory about a rare, fire-breathing dragon whose arrival on a mid-western U.S. farm in the Cold War 1950s incites an FBI chase, a time-slip family drama, a love story and an exposé of the racist, homophobic and sexist attitudes of the time. Incendiary stuff. * The Daily Mail & The Scottish Daily Mail *Ness’s latest YA blockbuster follows prophecies of Armageddon in a world where dragons are real, prejudice bites and teens find love across the divides. * The Guardian *PREJUDICES — racist, sexist and homophobic — underpin this extraordinary story set in 1957, during the increasingly tense Cold War. Enter dragon-worship cults, a hired assassin, FBI agents, a time-slip love story… FABULOUS in every sense of the word. * The Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe first in an exciting series of YA thrillers from the master of the hook-and-twist.When tragic events tear him away from his parents, 15-year-old Mickey Bolitar is sent to live with his estranged uncle, Myron. For a while, it seems his train wreck of a life is finally improving - until his girlfriend, Ashley, goes missing without a trace. Unwilling to let another person he cares about walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley''s trail into a seedy underworld, revealing a conspiracy so shocking it will leave him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.Trade ReviewA gripping tale * DAILY MIRROR *SHELTER will introduce a whole new generation of fans to the humorous dialogue and clever plotting of his popular suspense thrillers. * TAKE A BREAK *Harlan Coben is the modern master of the hook-and-twist - luring you in on the first page, only to shock you on the last * Dan Brown *His thrillers come with the guarantee of a great read and a twist in the tale * EVENING TELEGRAPH *Harlan Coben specialises in rousing the snake that lurks in the perfectly cut grass of American suburbia ... Coben makes you care about them but never neglects a plot that is full of his trademark shocks * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *

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Book SynopsisAn electrifying novel from the Carnegie medal-winning Kevin Brooks. Now a Netflix movie starring Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).Before the attack, sixteen-year-old Tom Harvey was just an ordinary boy.But now fragments of a shattered iPhone are embedded in his brain and it''s having an extraordinary effect...Because now Tom has powers. The ability to know and see more than he could ever imagine. And with incredible power comes knowledge - and a choice. Seek revenge on the violent gangs that rule his estate and assaulted his friend Lucy, or keep quiet?Tom has control when everything else is out of control. But it''s a dangerous price to pay. And the consequences are terrifying. . .''A compulsive, atmospheric mystery'' Sunday Times''A masterly writer, and this book would put many authors of ''grown up'' detective fiction to shame'' Mail on SundayKevin Brooks is the award-winning author of nine grippiTrade Review[Kevin Brooks'] pacey plots, masterly style and philosophical ideas in novels such as Martyn Pig, Killing God and Black Rabbit Summer have made him a cult among teens. This, though, is the big one. Its power as literature draws on a reality that few adult novelists have the stomach to address. It should be read by everyone. -- Amanda Craig * The Times *Children's Book of the Month: Gripping, streetwise and profound. -- Geraldine Brennan * The Observer *iBoy is a hugely readable revenge fantasy....confoundedly gripping. -- Nick Tucker * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA new instalment and standalone adventure charting series protagonist Jack Fletcher''s return to pre-civil war England.His quest: to find his missing sister, with the help of some familiar faces...

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Book SynopsisThe eleventh title in the number one bestselling CHERUB series! James discovers a love for high-speed motorcycle riding ... Every CHERUB agent comes from somewhere. Dante Scott still has nightmares about the death of his family, brutally murdered by a biker gang. Dante is given the chance to become a member of CHERUB, a trained professional with one essential advantage: adults never suspect that children are spying on them. But when Dante joins James and Lauren Adams on a mission to infiltrate Brigands Motorcycle Club, he''s ready to use everything he''s learned to get revenge on the people who killed his family ...For official purposes, these children do not exist.Trade ReviewA thoroughly enjoyable Cherub book once again ... I highly recommend it ... a must-read for all teenagers -- Camilla Lee, Year 9 * Bristol Evening Post *Skilfully paced page-turning plotting and racy dialogue keep readers hooked * School Librarian *realistically gritty and as addictively believable as usual * Waterstone's Books Quarterly *A page-turner * Sunday Express *Praise for books in the CHERUB series: 'Punchy, exciting, glamorous and, what's more, you'll completely wish it was true.' * Sunday Express *'Crackling tension and high-octane drama.' * Daily Mail *'A really good book that you could re-read over and over again.' * Guardian *'Pacy writing, punchy dialogue and a gripping plot, it's got it all.' * Daily Express *'Fast-moving action ... and cool gadgets!' * The Times *

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