Disappearing Act by Jacqueline Harvey
Kensy and Max book 2. Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780143780632
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Themes: Twins, Spies, Mystery, Espionage.
Eleven-year-old twins Kensy and Max return in Disappearing Act
another thrilling, action-packed adventure. Author Jacqueline
Harvey's second novel in this series is fast-paced, capturing the
interest of both boys and girls who will enjoy the twins' spy
training, their growing friendship with other spies in training and
the further revelations about the family's secrets. As the twins
learn new skills, develop their talents and forge new friendships,
we come to understand more about their own family secrets and the
secret Pharos society.
Max and Kensy are studying spy craft; all of their teachers at the
Central London Free School are all agents assisting in their
training. Their dormitories are located in the stables at Dame
Spencer's mansion, head of Pharos and the twins' grandmother. Late
night forays and early morning explorations uncover hidden family
secrets as the children search for meaning about their family
history and their parents' disappearance.
The twins' race-track lesson, spectacularly turns into a frightening
incident when their car is sabotaged. There are undercurrents and
tensions amongst the adults staying at the mansion but the Christmas
Eve celebrations, complete with festive food, dancing and an ugly
sweater competition lighten the mood.
A planned school trip to Rome suddenly takes on a much more serious
note when Kensy and Max become involved in solving the disappearance
of the Prime Minister's son. Powerful people greedy for money and an
organised gang of young thieves make trouble for the twins. Kensy's
keen skills of observation and Max's ability to navigate through the
streets of Rome past famous landmarks are vital to their secret
mission.
Jacqueline Harvey's Disappearing Act is filled with a cast
of exciting characters with this series appealing to both boy and
girl readers. Advanced technology, special gadgets, coded messages
and old-fashioned sleuthing add to the drama. Her detailed settings
in London, the palatial English country mansion and the vibrant city
of Rome heighten the drama as well. Themes of friendship, family
loyalty, collaboration and the strength of the twins' bond make this
second novel in the Kensy and Max series a highly engaging read. Use
of the Pigpen Cipher throughout gives readers a chance to practice
their code-breaking skills. Of course we are left with unanswered
questions and must eagerly await the next book to reveal more about
the twin's past and see where their future missions take them.
Rhyllis Bignell