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Spy Dog #1
Spy Dog
Spy Dog by Andrew Cope is the first book in the brilliant series about the loveable Lara - Spy Dog extroadinaire!
Forget 007, It's time to meet GM451: a Spy Dog - the first of her kind!
Agent's ID: GM451 or LARA or Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal or that pesky mutt
Distinguishing Features: Black and white mongrel, appears ordinary when working undercover, one black ear sticks up and the other flops down over one eye.
Skills: Whistling, computer skills, unarmed combat, five languages, PlayStation grandmaster and many others . . .
Employer: The Secret Service
Hates: Villains, injustice and crime
Current Mission: Escape an evil drug baron, go undercover, await retrieval by the Secret Service and try not to get too fond of the family she has chosen to looks after her . . .
***Fun, exciting books for boys and girls aged 7+***
'We love Lara! ****' - Kraze Club
'An imaginative, creative feast' - Radio Times
Andrew Cope was born in Derby in 1966. He is a teacher, writer and a huge fan of Derby County football club. He really does have a dog called Lara who has one sticky-up ear and came from the RSPCA, but he's not sure if she is actually a highly trained secret agent. Andrew lives with his wife and two children. This is his first book.
Forget 007, It's time to meet GM451: a Spy Dog - the first of her kind!
Agent's ID: GM451 or LARA or Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal or that pesky mutt
Distinguishing Features: Black and white mongrel, appears ordinary when working undercover, one black ear sticks up and the other flops down over one eye.
Skills: Whistling, computer skills, unarmed combat, five languages, PlayStation grandmaster and many others . . .
Employer: The Secret Service
Hates: Villains, injustice and crime
Current Mission: Escape an evil drug baron, go undercover, await retrieval by the Secret Service and try not to get too fond of the family she has chosen to looks after her . . .
***Fun, exciting books for boys and girls aged 7+***
'We love Lara! ****' - Kraze Club
'An imaginative, creative feast' - Radio Times
Andrew Cope was born in Derby in 1966. He is a teacher, writer and a huge fan of Derby County football club. He really does have a dog called Lara who has one sticky-up ear and came from the RSPCA, but he's not sure if she is actually a highly trained secret agent. Andrew lives with his wife and two children. This is his first book.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
15 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 5, 2014
So often the word that comes to mind when I’m thinking about Middle Grade fiction is fun. I feel like it’s something I end up saying a lot, but that doesn’t make it any less true. So many great Middle Grade books are fun and highly engaging, it’s one of the reasons I enjoy the age grouping so much. Spy Dog, actually aimed a little below the lower end of the 8 – 12 age band lives up to this idea of fun really, really well.
We’re first introduced to Lara, the Spy Dog from the title, when she’s hiding out at the RSPCA’s rehoming shelter. This is part of her training – if she gets split from her handlers she should go undercover as a regular pet until they can come and get her. The process of Lara getting rehomed is very entertaining, she’s a highly skilled dog so there are all sorts of extra things she can think of to do in order to get herself, or one of the other dogs selected.
I really enjoyed learning about how Lara had become this canine special agent, and laughed lots as she tried to integrate herself into the normal family life. The illustrations by Chris Mould that go with this work really well and add to the humour, there are some things that are a little difficult to imagine – he captures these really well.
There’s plenty of action within this story, keeping the read pacey and engaging. The chapters are short which I would imagine will work in the favour of young children who ask for “just one more…” to be read at bedtime! The tone is appropriate for the intended young audience, the big villain being a drugs baron could perhaps have been a little much but it’s well done with the focus being on the fact he’s the baddie rather than why he’s the baddie.
A fast, fun read that I’m sure young readers will lap up. If they do there’s plenty more waiting for them, there are currently 20 books involving Lara, her pups and most recently Shakespeare the spy cat.
We’re first introduced to Lara, the Spy Dog from the title, when she’s hiding out at the RSPCA’s rehoming shelter. This is part of her training – if she gets split from her handlers she should go undercover as a regular pet until they can come and get her. The process of Lara getting rehomed is very entertaining, she’s a highly skilled dog so there are all sorts of extra things she can think of to do in order to get herself, or one of the other dogs selected.
I really enjoyed learning about how Lara had become this canine special agent, and laughed lots as she tried to integrate herself into the normal family life. The illustrations by Chris Mould that go with this work really well and add to the humour, there are some things that are a little difficult to imagine – he captures these really well.
There’s plenty of action within this story, keeping the read pacey and engaging. The chapters are short which I would imagine will work in the favour of young children who ask for “just one more…” to be read at bedtime! The tone is appropriate for the intended young audience, the big villain being a drugs baron could perhaps have been a little much but it’s well done with the focus being on the fact he’s the baddie rather than why he’s the baddie.
A fast, fun read that I’m sure young readers will lap up. If they do there’s plenty more waiting for them, there are currently 20 books involving Lara, her pups and most recently Shakespeare the spy cat.
April 16, 2017
This book was a birthday present from my brother when I was a kid. (I think.) As a kid, loved it. As a young adult, not so much. But it's aimed at children, so three stars it is!
August 21, 2015
This book is simply another churned out best seller that is let down by its lack of characterisation. Most of the characters are just one dimensional stereotypes which makes the story quite dull. I was also quite disappointed by Lara's character, as she finds things too easy and not challenging, and I'm not sure many children (or adults!) could relate to this character.
What surprised me about the book was its large reference to drugs, namely 'a bag of white powder', and not only the presence of guns, but also that Lara gets shot! Bear this in mind if you buy this book for your child!
There is however, a good amount of action which keeps the pace off and shouldn't get too boring for any child.
What surprised me about the book was its large reference to drugs, namely 'a bag of white powder', and not only the presence of guns, but also that Lara gets shot! Bear this in mind if you buy this book for your child!
There is however, a good amount of action which keeps the pace off and shouldn't get too boring for any child.
February 3, 2020
Excellent
It’s always good because you don’t know what Lara will do next which is always a surprise!!!
Thanks for reading by Daniel Williamson
😉👍
It’s always good because you don’t know what Lara will do next which is always a surprise!!!
Thanks for reading by Daniel Williamson
😉👍
Read
May 4, 2025There's something nice about how twee and folksy this is. Lara is a spy dog trained by MI5, so she fights crime. What crime? Drugs, shoplifting, *baddies*. Naturally there's quite a lot of dog content, but quite a lot of the dogs are bad too? It's very much morally black and white, but not as animal-loving as I would have expected.
And Lara herself - comes into this village, and solves all the crime, and everyone notices how much nicer the place is because there's a constant undercover police presence. Lara has some odd lines too, about how she would never hurt anyone, *unless they're a baddie*. Like, not expecting deep moral treatises on over-policing, social justice and copaganda and all that, but the morality behind it is so stark.
The preface I think adds a lot too - AC is writing this really about his own dog Lara, like you have to see this as a whimsical story the author is telling his family about their dog and the adventures they have.
And Lara herself - comes into this village, and solves all the crime, and everyone notices how much nicer the place is because there's a constant undercover police presence. Lara has some odd lines too, about how she would never hurt anyone, *unless they're a baddie*. Like, not expecting deep moral treatises on over-policing, social justice and copaganda and all that, but the morality behind it is so stark.
The preface I think adds a lot too - AC is writing this really about his own dog Lara, like you have to see this as a whimsical story the author is telling his family about their dog and the adventures they have.
March 24, 2024
Great early spy story for dog lovers - Lara rules!
I've read this before, with my eldest, but never reviewed it. Now I've brought my second son into the world of a Spy Dog, and he loved it just as much.
Animal lovers will adore the idea of a dog smart enough to lock people up in cells, drive cars, catch criminals with no assistance, whistle and play football!
Slightly more complex a read than a newly independent reader will likely manage without assistance, I read this aloud to my newly-7-year-old, which worked well. It might be a year or two before he's ready to engage on his own.
This chapter book moves between Lara's two stories: her current situation in a dog shelter waiting for a family to take her and her past as we see her 'tryout' through a process designed to find a dog capable of becoming a spy. Then there's the criminal she's bitten and bested, on the lookout for the animal he seeks revenge on.
We took great delight in watching Lara control her own destiny, demonstrate her intelligence, and get to have lots of fun as a spy in both the spy world and the world of a loving, everyday family.
Easily slides into the need to read further into the series, also a precursor to future thriller/spy reading, I'm hoping we meet Lara again!
For ages 6-11.
I've read this before, with my eldest, but never reviewed it. Now I've brought my second son into the world of a Spy Dog, and he loved it just as much.
Animal lovers will adore the idea of a dog smart enough to lock people up in cells, drive cars, catch criminals with no assistance, whistle and play football!
Slightly more complex a read than a newly independent reader will likely manage without assistance, I read this aloud to my newly-7-year-old, which worked well. It might be a year or two before he's ready to engage on his own.
This chapter book moves between Lara's two stories: her current situation in a dog shelter waiting for a family to take her and her past as we see her 'tryout' through a process designed to find a dog capable of becoming a spy. Then there's the criminal she's bitten and bested, on the lookout for the animal he seeks revenge on.
We took great delight in watching Lara control her own destiny, demonstrate her intelligence, and get to have lots of fun as a spy in both the spy world and the world of a loving, everyday family.
Easily slides into the need to read further into the series, also a precursor to future thriller/spy reading, I'm hoping we meet Lara again!
For ages 6-11.
March 22, 2023
A fun book I read with my 7 year old. We’d accidentally started with book 11 in the series, enjoyed it, and sought out the beginning.
The tale of a secret service dog, who learns what life is like as a pet. Funny set pieces, and writing that leaves some jokes in for the adults. An enjoyable read for those who still keep reading together.
The tale of a secret service dog, who learns what life is like as a pet. Funny set pieces, and writing that leaves some jokes in for the adults. An enjoyable read for those who still keep reading together.
January 30, 2022
Read to the 9 year old children in my class. They loved it and gave it 5 stars, begging to read the next chapter. Started taking the next books out of the school library. Was good fun and they enjoyed the twists and turns, however a bit too much mention of drugs and cocaine for my liking!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
i first read it when i was 7, i've been wanting to re-read it since, and when i did, i didnt regret it. it's really exciting (esp for a 6-year-old like i was) and easy to read for youngsters. does mention a certain white powder, but it doesnt go into detail, so i think it's easily fine for 10+
March 8, 2019
What a fun and lively read! This seems a great book for kids, especially reluctant readers, but this adult found it quite enjoyable.
Want to read
November 17, 2020i think it is a great book for age 7-13 because it has a lot off pictures in it
March 23, 2021
Action-packed adventure. Fun read for young readers.
September 11, 2021
I love this book
Read
February 28, 2022i read this as a kid omg
October 15, 2023
Sometimes you wonder if your childhood favourites will still hold up as an adult, in this case I had no reason to fear as this was an absolute delight to re-read!
5 Stars
5 Stars
March 19, 2024
LOVE, dog was a rather inspiring character tbh
March 23, 2024
Amei ler esta coleção, amo cãozinhos!!!
books-i-have
July 24, 2016Spy Dog: Captured! by Andrew Cope is part of the brilliant Spy Dog series about the loveable Lara - Spy Dog extroadinaire!
NEVER MIND JAMES BOND, LARA, THE WORLD'S ONE AND ONLY SPY DOG, IS BACK!
AGENT'S ID: LARA - Licensed Assault and Rescue Animal. Also known as the Cook family's favourite mongrel
SKILLS: Goal-keeping legend, language skills including Advanced Cat and Basic Dolphin, ace surfer and champion juggler
EQUIPMENT: Two new secret weapons!
LATEST MISSION: Even in retirement, Lara's sharp spy instincts always give her a nose for mystery. There's more to the Cooks' holiday island than meets the eye, and it's down to Lara to sniff it out . . .
*Please note this book was previously published as Spy Dog 2.*
***Fun, exciting books for boys and girls aged 7+***
'We love Lara! ****' - Kraze...
July 5, 2013
I just finished reading this with my 5 year old and it really wasn't that good. The last few chapters had her pretty excited to find out what was going to happen, but most of the story just had us plodding through. We will be more particular in choosing our next chapter book!
Also to be aware, there is a lot of British slang in this book, so if your kids not British there is a lot of explaining to do!
Also to be aware, there is a lot of British slang in this book, so if your kids not British there is a lot of explaining to do!
December 30, 2016
Puggy isn't an ordinary dog. He is observant and when he notices that his next door neighbor seems to be acting strange, he starts to investigate. He finds out that many of the neighborhood dogs are missing and this gets him to thinking. Is there a connection between the stranger and the missing dogs?
A very cute little tale that children (even an overgrown one like me!) can enjoy,
A nice mix of doggie wisdom and fantasy!
A very cute little tale that children (even an overgrown one like me!) can enjoy,
A nice mix of doggie wisdom and fantasy!
February 28, 2025
I hope Andrew Cope knows of the impact this series had on me! :) I adore Spy Dog to this day, even if I 've long since matured past it. I think one of the first full stories I ever wrote was a Spy Dog fanfiction... and now I've had my full circle moment as now I'm posting a semi-serious Spy Dog/Inglourious Basterds crossover fanfic. Thank you Andrew Cope, if by some miracle you read this, for making my childhood.
July 6, 2013
It was nice. My favorite part was when the bad guy found Lara. I like dangerous parts of books because they are cool. Pretend fighting is good. I didn't like when the man wanted to take Lara away from her family. It is bad to take some people's dogs away from their family. It makes them sad. I want to read more books about Lara the spy dog.
October 18, 2015
A dog that could whistle? Do karate? And even go to the toilet? When those things adds up, that makes a SPY DOG. This is about Lara the dog joining the cook's family out of the Secret service that she used to work in. If you want to try it out, make sure you check out the other books from the spy dog series too!
December 27, 2012
Bought this son's 6th birthday and he really loved it. It took him a while to get used to the fact there wasn't pictures on every page, but we read a couple of chapters every night and he loved Lara and her super-dog antics.
October 6, 2009
It's a greaat book!
March 29, 2014
Spy dog was a good boo. I like the idea of a dog spy and follows that idea very well
Overall I rate this 3 stars
Overall I rate this 3 stars
August 30, 2012
when i found out that this dog was called lara, i had to have the series. because lara is my name :D
April 14, 2013
Really funny book about lara and her puppies going on diffrent adventures!! :)
February 8, 2014
i really liked it! ............ when i was in year 5/ 4th grade (i think)
September 10, 2014
It is a really great book and I am going to read all of the series. it is really cool that dog can communicate with people and Lara's adventure is very exciting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews