The first book in tie CITY SPIES series hit the shelves for the first time in 2021. The popularity of this unique story brought five sequels:
GOLDEN GATE
FORBIDDEN CITY
CITY OF THE DEAD
MISSION MANHATTAN
LONDON CALLING
Now in 2026, the seventh novel, CITY SPIES EUROPA has arrived.
I had read several of the books in the series but had missed the past three. A helpful appraisal of each of the seven team members appears in the back pages so I started there to re-familiarize myself with these smart group of kids. I then went back to page one and began reading.
This may not be the best approach if you are new to the series so I would suggest reading CITY SPIES first, or all six as they are available to purchase in a set.
CITY SPIES EUROPA brings another exciting and clue inducing story line. Umbra, a bad guy previously imprisoned with the help of the spies is somehow continuing his destructive thoughts from his cell with the help of outsiders he recruited. Umbra plans to bomb famous locations around Europe, destroying many landmarks and innocent people. He’ll stop the attacks only if he is released from prison.
The CITY SPIES separate into different teams to solve codes and investigate clues in Rome, Paris, London, and Amsterdam. It’s a nerve wracking adventure for all of them.
The third person narration takes readers through 39 chapters, often focusing on a few characters at a time. You’ll be confused right along with the spies as to what path they should take to stop this villain from creating havoc. The ending is a page turner and the door is left open for another book in the series.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: FEB. 10, 2026. PAGES: 384
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: CITY SPIES EUROPA by James Ponti
- Of course these kids aren’t traveling by themselves across Europe, There are helpful adults like TRU (their leader) and Mother (who is not a mother). They shined in their role as mentors.
- The mystery surrounding another adult, Clementine, will have you guessing and re-guessing as to which side she is on. Clues about her whereabouts and if she is working with the bad guy made for an engaging sidelight.
- Each of the spies expertise is different and working together is a must to decipher the clues. Paris was my favorite, but each one will for sure have fans.
- The cover for each book in the series is always an attention grabber. With EUROPA’s cover you are pulled right into the exciting plot.
- The time the author spent researching each location and the history of Europe brings another element to the appeal of City Spies. I learned many new things about this part of our world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Ponti is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of four middle grade book series, including City Spies and The Sherlock Society. His novels have been named to sixty state award lists, optioned by Hollywood, and translated into sixteen languages. He’s a two-time Edgar Award-nominee, winning in 2018 for Vanished. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. (Author Website)
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Always in the Middle... 