4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Kidnapping, drug cartels, secret agents, and murder are just a few of the problems Bob Cheney and Justin Reed face in Eric Auxier’s Cartel Kidnapping. Themes of family, honor, smuggling, and people’s pasts are but a few things that also come up in this action-packed spy novel.
This book follows picks up the story where Code Name: Dodger: Operation Rubber Soul left off. In their previous adventure, 14-year-old, orphan, Justin Reed, set out to find his father’s murderer, a drug lord known as Pharaoh. Under the alias, Artful Dodger, and with the help of Agent Bob Cheney, he was able to succeed. Shortly after, Bob adopted Justin and retired from the CIA. Walking away from their past, however, is easier said than done. Determined to avenge Pharaoh’s death, a drug cartel member named Luis is after the one known as the Artful Dodger. To discover the Dodger’s identity, Luis kidnaps Bob and Justin. Dragged to a drug cartel-owned island resort known as Islandia, can Justin and Bob escape? Will the two ever get to be a family?
Reminiscent of James Bond films and Alex Rider series (Anthony Horowitz’ teenage spy novels), Auxier grabbed me hook, line, and sinker. The plot was fast-paced, action-packed, and well developed. The details in which the author creates Justin and Bob’s world is well crafted. I particularly like the details the author gave about how Justin’s spy gadget, the Spyphone, worked.
The characters are well developed, likable, and realistic, even the bad guys. The dynamics between Justin and his adopted father are entertaining and believable. I like how easily and realistically Bob seems to transition between being the spy and being a father to Justin. Although it is hard at first to suspend disbelief at first about Justin having such great combat and espionage skills, I think if I’d read the previous book those skills would’ve been easily explained.
Overall, I’d give the book 4 out of 4 stars. I loved the story and had a hard time putting it down. There aren’t any significant plot flaws, spelling or grammar issues, or character issues. The story has a satisfying, believable ending and I plan on reading the sequel. Reluctant and avid readers who enjoy teenage fast-paced, spy adventure will love reading this book. Although it is possible to read this one without reading the first adventure, I do recommend reading the Operation Rubber Soul first, so that you get the best reading experience.
******
Cartel Kidnapping
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like kio's review? Post a comment saying so!
. I just finished the other two in the series as well and I definitely would recommend it even more 
