The Secret Life of Jamie B, Superspy

What boy hasn’t dreamed of being James Bond? Jamie B certainly has and for most of the time, even when washing cars as a holiday job, he’s preoccupied with his vivid fantasy lifestyle.

Fortunately, the car salesroom provides ample scope for him to mix daydreams and reality: for a start, there’s the gorgeous receptionist, 17-year-old Katie ‘Kitty’ Cat, and then he discovers that dastardly deeds are afoot involving stolen cars and drug dealing.

Jamie manages to beat the baddies – even though he doesn’t get the girl – but it’s not as easy and definitely a lot scarier than it is in the films. Fortunately M (aka Mum) is on hand to dole out practical advice. This is an entertaining, pacy adventure story with a wide appeal. Subject matter plus the short, action packed chapters and equally short, choppy sentences make it one to recommend even to reluctant and less able readers.