Killer spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The second in The Squad series, following Perfect cover, is another fun read starring Toby Klein, the unlikely cheerleader, who is leading a double life as a member of the elite varsity cheer squad and a government operative. This requires a lot of balancing - learning new skills as an athletic cheerleader, surviving the glitter of makeovers, being nominated for homecoming and trying to work out what dangerous crime is about to go down in Bayport. Is it a terrorist plot? Can the Squad work out who is trying to sell a dangerous weapon? Will Toby survive the machinations of Noah her brother who is determined that she will be homecoming queen?

Once again, the snarky comments from Toby, shining a light on life at Bayport High, are hilarious. Noah produces some incredible stunts promoting Toby for homecoming queen which provide even more hilarity, and Jack Peyton proves that he is more than just the most eligible bachelor in the school. Her slow burning feelings for Jack are also fun to follow.

Toby’s hacking skills come to the fore in Killer spirit, and the action becomes tense as she finds herself in some very dangerous spots with her team members having to rescue her. This helps her gradually begin to trust the squad and get to know their backgrounds and skills.

Ideal for summer reading, Killer spirit is likely to take readers on a wonderful escape with teenage spies facing danger, cheerleaders dominating the school and homecoming events causing chaos with relationships.

Themes: Mystery, Espionage, Cheer leaders.

Pat Pledger