Higson sets his story in the 1930s as a young James Bond (only 14) embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the missing Alphie Kelly. While at a boarding school in Eton, Bond first encounters George Hellebore and eventually his evil, overbearing, father. During a holiday trip to his aunt’s home in northern Scotland, Bond’s and Hellebore’s lives become intertwined when Bond begins to suspect that something very suspicious is going on behind the gates of the Hellebore compound. Many coincidences and fortunate encounters (and some unfortunate ones) lead Bond inside the compound and to heart-pounding scenes that will keep readers turning the pages. At times, the episodes, with key characters being spotted just by chance, seem contrived, but those pass by quickly as the action moves beyond the ordinary into the action. A great read for fans of detective tales. (Fiction. 10-15)
