Alex Rider Mission 13: Nightshade

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Anthony Horowitz

Interest age: 11 to 14
Reading age: 9+

Published by Walker Books, 2020

Adventure
Chapter books
Thriller

About this book

Alex Rider thought he had finally left his spying life behind him and was enjoying reconnecting with school and the best mate he had really missed while fighting organised crime.

But when bodies start piling up and a dangerous band of ‘terrorists for hire’ emerges onto the world stage, Alex is dragged into yet another risky undercover op. And this time it’s personal. Even as the adults in charge disregard his safety when they think they can use him, Alex is as fearless as ever and puts the greater good before his own chances of survival.

This is the 13^th slick and sophisticated adventure for the 15-year-old undercover agent and has all the tropes you would expect from a classic spy thriller; hidden safe houses, deadly weapons disguised as harmless toys, an impregnable high-security fortress and escape plans that stretch credibility to breaking point - whilst also touching on serious themes of radicalisation and chemical warfare. Nightshade is an exhilarating page-turner that will thrill existing Alex Rider fans and convert new ones.

About the author

Anthony Horowitz is a screenwriter and children's novelist. Born in 1955 in North London, he was educated at Rugby School and York University, and published his first book, Enter Frederick K Bower, in 1978.

He created the television series Foyle's War, Murder in Mind, Midsomer Murders, Crime Traveller and Menace, and has written episodes for many more, including Agatha Christie's Poirot, Murder Most Horrid and Robin of Sherwood. He has also written a horror film, The Gathering, starring Christina Ricci.

His books for children include the Alex Rider series about the teenage secret agent. There are nine books in the series including Snakehead (2007), shortlisted for the 2008 Book Trust Teenage Prize. He has also written The Power of Five series, Diamond Brothers series of mystery stories and the Groosham Grange series.