Synopses & Reviews
The Secret of Rover follows the clever and resourceful twins Katie and David as they race across country in their attempt to outwit an international team of insurgents who hold their parents and baby sister captive in a foreign land.
Held hostage because they invented a spy technology called Rover that can locate anyone in the world, Katie and Davids parents are in grave danger. Now, its up to Katie and David to rescue them. But first they must find their reclusive uncle, whom they have never met—the only person they know who can help them.
This page-turning story from a debut author with insider knowledge of Washington is fun, suspenseful, and convincingly real.
Praise for The Secret of Rover
*STARRED REVIEW*
“David and Katies relationship is realistically and amusingly portrayed in all its sibling rivalry and friendship. Fun, intelligent, political page-turner.” -School Library Journal, starred review
“One of the drawbacks of young-adult fiction these days is that compelling stories, well told, so often include both expletives and depictions of dark unpleasantness that many parents would rather their teenagers not encounter. Rachel Wildavsky's The Secret of Rover offers a considerably gentler degree of tension for children. Somehow, even as the action heads toward its big conclusion, it all happens without expletives.” -Wall Street Journal
“As if a road trip without any money isn't exciting enough, escape from demented villains ups the ante in this survival tale with international-spy overtones. Sort of a 24 for middle-grade readers. Fans of spy stories and political intrigue will find plenty to appreciate here…” -Kirkus Reviews
“Kids making the transition from series mysteries to more sophisticated thrillers will do well by this suspenseful and age-appropriate drama.” -Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books
“Lets hope that the sequel wont be so long in appearing, because children need more first class books to read.” -The Washington Examiner
“Wildavsky spins a yarn thats tight and compelling, balancing high-stakes jeopardy (escaping kidnappers in a high-speed car chase) with more basic, earthy troubles (what to eat and where to go to the bathroom). Carefully placed bread crumbs will satisfy young mystery enthusiasts, while the sweet, detailed portrait of a tightly knit family will widen this titles appeal.” -Booklist
Review
"An entertaining, nicely layered novel, especially for boys who may not like to read but have a soft spot for good-verses-evil adventure." Booklist
Review
"What if James Bond had started spying as a teenager? Non-stop action keeps the intrigue boiling." Kirkus Reviews
Review
The novel provides bang after bang....Alex is a strong, smart hero. If readers consider luck the ruling factor in his universe, they will love this James Bond-style adventure....an excellent choice for reluctant readers." School Library Journal
Review
"Thrills all the way." Kliatt
Review
"This uncomplicated novel is fun fare enough for the Young Indiana Jones fan or reluctant reader." Voya
Synopsis
They told him his uncle died in a car accident. Fourteen-year-old Alex knows that's a lie, and the bullet holes in his uncle's windshield confirm his suspicions. But nothing prepares him for the news that the uncle he always thought he knew was really a spy for MI6 Britain's top secret intelligence agency. Recruited to find his uncle's killers and complete his final mission, Alex suddenly finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Synopsis
They told him his uncle died in an accident. He wasn't wearing his seatbelt, they said. But when fourteen-year-old Alex finds his uncle's windshield riddled with bullet holes, he knows it was no accident. What he doesn't know yet is that his uncle was killed while on a top-secret mission. But he is about to, and once he does, there is no turning back. Finding himself in the middle of terrorists, Alex must outsmart the people who want him dead. The government has given him the technology, but only he can provide the courage. Should he fail, every child in England will be murdered in cold blood.
The first in a thrilling new series by British writer Anthony Horowitz, Stormbreaker will have pulses racing from start to finish.
Synopsis
The Secret of Rover follows the clever and resourceful twins Katie and David as they race across country in their attempt to outwit an international team of insurgents who hold their parents and baby sister captive in a foreign land.
Held hostage because they invented a spy technology called Rover that can locate anyone in the world, Katie and Davids parents are in grave danger. Now, its up to Katie and David to rescue them. But first they must find their reclusive uncle, whom they have never metthe only person they know who can help them.
This page-turning story from a debut author with insider knowledge of Washington is fun, suspenseful, and convincingly real.
About the Author
Anthony Horowitz is perhaps the busiest writer in England. He has been writing since the age of eight, and professionally since the age of twenty. He writes in a comfortable shed in his garden for up to ten hours per day. In addition to the highly successful Alex Rider books, he has also written episodes of several popular TV crime series, including Poirot, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders and Murder Most Horrid. He has written a television series Foyle's War, which recently aired in the United States, and he has written the libretto of a Broadway musical adapted from Dr. Seuss's book, The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. His film script The Gathering has just finished production. And...oh yes...there are more Alex Rider novels in the works. Anthony has also written the Diamond Brothers series.