Middle Grade Review: Risky Business

* Book 2 of the The Liars Society *

Now that Weatherby and Jack have determined they're family, they can't be separated. Their parents are not fond of their relationship and forbid them to visit each other's houses. Weatherby and her mom move into the guest house on Jack's property. 

They both have been invited to participate in a game to join a secret society. But the games aren't easy. Especially this time around - someone has it in for Weatherby. The stakes rise with each level of the game. Who is coming for Weatherby?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - lots of action, danger, and lots of drama. I felt badly for Weatherby with someone coming after her - the games were no joke. I really liked all the puzzles the society creating.  All the family stuff was interesting - from both sides. There are some really horrible people.  I loved Weatherby with her best friend- they were super cute together. There are a lot of secrets in this book. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I'm so curious so see where the next book is headed. 

Cover Thoughts: Love the secret bookcase 

Why I Read This: Loved the first book

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your middle grade school and public library collections. 

Hand this to Readers: who love puzzle books and action books

Author Event: James Ponti and Alyson Gerber

 

Last Friday, I attended a super fun book event:

James Ponti was at RJ Julia's with Alyson Gerber.

He was talking about the newest CITY SPIES book: London Calling

Read my review here. 

James is always funny; I laughed so many times.

He asked kids in the audience about their favorite middle grade authors - several mentioned were his friends. Then he texted them to see who would text back first (Sarah Mlynowski -Author of the Whatever After series - won)

Alyson asked really great questions.

My favorite was about research.

James talked about how he liked to travel to the places in his books but when he couldn't, he would use all the resources available to him. For example, for the Istanbul scenes, he talked with his Turkish book editor who had lived there all her life. He learned about some secret passageways from her. 

If he can't find someone to talk to, he uses videos for research. There's almost always a video online that will walk down roads and he can see everything.

Or he will talk to his neighbors about certain ideas.

On Naming Characters

Besides the main characters who are named after the city they lived in; the other characters are named for people in James's life: his mother, his editors, people who help with research....and in a funny tale he told, his sister the tour guide. 

There were jokes about other authors. 

On writing:

Both James and Alyson talked about how writing mysteries for kids is different than adults and honestly, I never put it together, but it makes sense. Most adult mysteries deal with solving a murder. But rarely in mystery books for kids does someone die - and if they do, it's off the page (like a cozy). The action and danger have to be there. The stakes have to be high. You can't have any boring moments, or the kids will put down the books. It's a different set of skills. 

Did you know that City Spies has been optioned for a movie? I really hope this happens!

It was great to meet Alyson.

She's a fashionista who grew up in New England.

Her childhood librarian was in the audience (how cool was that?)

She writes:

Read my review of The Liars Society here.

* Book 2 comes out in April and I can't wait! 

Look at the cover!!!! 

This was such a fun event! And I'm so glad I got to go!

No photos were taken this time because I was sick with a cold and didn't want to make anyone else sick. 

Here's one from our first meeting (this is now the third time we've met)

Blog Tour: The Liars Society

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE LIAR'S SOCIETY by Alyson Gerber Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:
Title: THE LIAR'S SOCIETY
Author: Alyson Gerber
Pub. Date: February 6, 2024
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 304
Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-LIARS-SOCIETY

 The Inheritance Games and One of Us is Lying for middle grade -- beloved author Alyson Gerber's new series is an unforgettable mystery featuring a secret society, a mysterious island, and dangerous family secrets.

Weatherby is a fish out of water. When she lands a scholarship to the prestigious Boston School, she’s excited to be in the same world as her dad, whom she’s never met, and make real friends. But Weatherby has a secret she’ll risk everything to protect, one that could destroy her new life.

Every member of Jack’s wealthy and privileged family has made their mark at the Boston School. Everyone, that is, except for Jack, who is entirely mediocre. He’s desperate to prove his worth to his influential father. But Jack has a secret of his own . . . one with the power to ruin everything.

When the money for their school trip to a private island―exclusive to Boston students―is stolen, Jack and Weatherby are invited to play a high-stakes game and solve the mystery of the missing money. If they win, they’ll be selected to join the oldest, most powerful secret society in the world―and they’ll be Boston royalty forever. If they lose . . . well, they better not lose.

Beloved author Alyson Gerber crafts an unforgettable mystery that asks―are some secrets and lies impossible to overcome?

My Thoughts: This is the start of a new series and I really enjoyed it. I loved watching Weatherby adjust to a new school and new friends. I enjoyed her banter with Jack - especially as it grew to friendship. I loved the sailing moments. I enjoyed watching the family secrets unfold. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series! 

 

About Alyson Gerber:

Alyson Gerber is the author of The Liars Society series and the critically acclaimed novels Focused, Braced, and Taking Up Space. A former marketing director, Alyson earned her MFA in creative writing at the New School. She grew up in New England and now lives in New York City with her family. Follow her @AlysonGerber and at alysongerber.com

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Follow the Tour:

2/18/2024	@enthuse_reader	IG Review/TikTok Post
2/19/2024	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
2/20/2024	The Momma Spot	Review
2/21/2024	@thepagelady	IG Review
2/22/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
2/23/2024	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
2/24/2024	@katherinebichler	TikTok Post

Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE LIAR'S SOCIETY, US Only.
Ends March 7th, midnight EST

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