This third entry in Giffs series featuring Abby Jones, Junior Detective, follows the formula that has made this grade-school heroine popular with middle-grade readers. All the familiar ingredients are here: mysterious characters (a ""weirdo"" boy who is hanging around; a young girl who may or may not be a pair of twins); crimes (an accused spy who may be hiding stolen film, a runaway girl); reassuring answers--all mixed together with a healthy dose of fast-paced if not always well-motivated action. As usual, Abby deduces the answers after jumping to a few rather wild preliminary conclusions. Many old friends from the previous books return, including Detective Garcia, who momentarily seems to be part of a spy ring. As common with this series, the style is rapid, and the dialogue and descriptions reflect a clear understanding of Abby Jones' age group. Abby is her familiar, pushy self; if the whole thing seems pretty far-fetched, it is no more so than in previous outing. Fans will not be disappointed.