Adventure in Istanbul (The Spy Who Wasn't there) - Softcover

Cora Taylor is one of Canada’s best-known children’s authors, having published more than a dozen juvenile novels, including the Ghost Voyages trilogy and The Deadly Dance for Coteau. Other recent titles include On Wings of a Dragon, and Angelique – The Buffalo Hunt.

Grade 4-6-When Jennifer, 13, stumbles upon a magic spell that renders her invisible, she enlists the help of her twin sister, Maggie, and best friend, Samuel, in a quest to solve the mystery surrounding their father's disappearance. The young detectives join the girls' grandmother on a cruise to Greece where the girls hope to find their father, a pilot who vanished two years earlier, and whom they believe is being held captive. This riveting mystery is a definite page-turner, complete with engaging, interesting three-dimensional characters and some life-threatening moments created by very real villains. Maggie's methodical and cautious approach to situations is cleverly juxtaposed with Jennifer's carefree, adventurous behavior. Samuel is a conscientious, thoughtful friend whose own lack of familial unity makes his relationship with the two girls a very special one. Chapters blend nicely with one another, never faltering or losing momentum. Jennifer's invisibility acts as a catalyst, propelling the plot along. Dangling subplots may leave readers searching for a connection linking them to the ultimate story line, but young people will overlook these shortcomings, finding delight in the characters and the high suspense.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY
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