Wednesday, February 16, 2022

The Missing Passenger (Liars #2) by Jack Heath - ADVISABLE

The Missing Passenger (Liars #2) by Jack Heath
, 224 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2021. $19

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (rough handling of children, death from poison- not graphic)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Jarli, a young programmer, is infamous for creating an app that chimes if someone is lying. After gaining the unwanted attention of the mysterious villain Viper and almost dying, Jarli is trying to stay out of trouble in the small Australian town of Kelton. Unfortunately, his heroic instincts pull him back into Viper’s dangerous radar, and he’ll need brains, luck, and the help of friends to stay alive.

Heath’s fast pace, direct language, and relatable protagonist with a heroic heart are reminiscent of popular middle grades authors like Mull and Evans. Starting with a plane crash, it opens with action and keeps up the thrilling pace throughout. As soon as you think Jarli is safe, a new dangerous twist pops up. Friends become enemies and enemies friends, keeping you guessing about who can be trusted. Danger lurks around every corner for our tech-savvy hero in this realistic sci-fi thriller.

 Lindsay Blowers, Teacher 

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