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The Bad Spy's Guide
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BBC Audio

Bd Spy

The Bad Spy's Guide, by Pete Johnson

Everyone thinks Tasha's a big joke because she is OBSESSED with spies. But when Henry, the new boy at school, accidentally MIXES up his notebook with hers, Tasha has breathed her LAST EVER bit of dull air. Henry tells her he is a TEENAGE SPY. And he needs to use her room for surveillance on his latest TARGETS.

Tasha is just THRILLED to discover that her neighbours are enemy agents. And her new life of spying, gadgets and sneaking around is really cool. But is Henry all he claims to be? Or could he be stretching the truth?

Tasha's doubts grow . . . and then she receives an incredible shock . . .

ISBN-10: 0440867630
ISBN-13: 978-0440867630

Shortlisted for The Blue Peter Award ('The Book I Can't Put Down' category)

A School Library Association 'Riveting Read': "Pete Johnson writes very fine books for the young and always seems to be in tune with their thoughts, attitudes and concerns . . . Parent and child relationships and interaction are lightly handled in the context of the story. And the short chapters make it all very reader- friendly. As well as the unfolding mystery, there’s the writer’s usual observant wit and sparklingly fitting dialogue."

‘A pacey, eventful story full of humour and excitement. There are plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing to the end – a real page turner.’ Primary Times

‘AWESOME’ Kraze Club

‘This book grabs you from the first page and it’s really funny. I think anyone of seven or over would love it … a great holiday read.’ Sunday Express

‘Fans of Pete Johnson will neither be surprised or disappointed to learn that he has penned no ordinary teenage spy novel. Johnson sows the seeds of his story with just the right precision to keep readers edging ever closer, but never quite guessing the truth behind this twisting, turning story. Fiendishly cunning and cleverly observed … giving food for thought to the teen spy novel.’ Jake Hope – Achuka

Sherlock Holmes Rocks!
A presonal tribute to The Bad Spy's Guide by Pete Johnson

The books I love reading most of all are thrillers. They are the stories which keep you awake half the night because you have to read just one more chapter . . .

I was crazy for Sherlock Holmes, Poirot and Miss Marple, Richard Hannay (in The 39 Steps). I loved the brilliant twists and the smooth villains. Yes, I liked James Bond too, but I preferred Paul Temple.

Paul Temple and his wife Steve (yes, Steve) were solving mysteries in a series of brilliant radio mysteries (now all available on BBC Audio) long before James Bond was known. And the actor, Pete Coke brought Paul Temple to such brilliant life that I dedicated The Bad Spy's Guide to him.

The book is an affectionate send-up of such stories. Tasha thinks she's found herself in the middle of a thriller when she's told the neighbours opposite her house are dangerous enemy agents. Fantastic! There's just one problem - the person who's told her this is a geeky, twelve-year-boy. CAn she trust him? Or is he mad? Or playing a joke on her?

I hope the surprise twist at the end will keep you reading through the night. and if The Bad Spy's Guide encourages you to look out all those classic thrillers of the past, then I'll be very happy.

The Bad Spy's Guide: Everything you need to know about 'Real Spies'

1. Spies always carry secret ID cards in the heel of their right shoe.
2. They also keep a compass and a tiny map in the heel of their right shoe.
3. You can start training to be a spy as young as three or four. You sit an exam in surveillance when you're eleven.
4. Children are often recruited to watch people suspected of being enemy agents. They are perfect for this job as no one ever notices them.
5. When you become a spy you're given headphones which look like an ipod but actually, they're a secret listening device called the 'magic ear.'
6. You're also given what looks like a 'chunky pen' but really it has a telescope fitted inside it, with a range of seven miles.
7. When you're fourteen and have passed loads of exams you get a second pen: this one has a cartridge of poison gas inside it, enabling you to knock out your enemies in seconds.
8. The spy pen has a second use. If you're ever in trouble, you try and leave it behind somewhere. That's like a secret signal that you're in mortal danger.
9. Real spies are ALWAYS the person you'd least expect. There are hundreds of children acting as spies around the country. There might even be one in your class.
10. If ever you find out a spy's true identity be very careful. One stray world could jeopardise the whole mission. You are also in great danger, yourself.