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I, Q #5
The Windy City
After Q and Angela help foil a Ghost Cell plot in San Antonio, they head to Chicago, the next stop on the Match tour. Since they've been busy fighting international terrorism, they're behind on their school assignments. Their parents tell them if they don't get caught up, it's off to boarding school. But who can concentrate on homework when there is a mystery to solve and international terrorism to thwart? Angela is obsessed with finding out more about the mysterious Boone. Q is more interested in not going to boarding school. But when Boone and his SOS crew are ambushed on their way to Chicago, it becomes abundantly clear. Someone inside their inner circle is feeding the Ghost Cell information. As they dig ever deeper to learn the identity of the mole, Angela and Q uncover the Ghost Cell's next plot. And it's much, much worse than a car bomb. They plan to unleash a chemical weapon over the skies of Chicago. And it's up to Angela and Q, along with Boone and Croc, to stop them.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
52 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Roland Smith
152 books837 followersRoland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 23, 2025
Fuck. FUCK. this book had me at the edge of my seat and I FLEW through this thing. I’ve read it before and forgot about multiple plot points but now seeing all the pieces coming together I’m on the edge of my seat. 10/10 book, 10/10 series.
March 22, 2014
Still not sure about the proofing thing...now it is necessary. It is a distraction to the original heart of the series.
September 26, 2017
I.Q. Book Five: The Windy City Book Review
Chicago: The Windy City, The Heart of America, and the perfect spot for a terrorist attack.
I.Q. Book Five: The Windy City is a book that follows Q, Quest, Munoz and his stepsister Angela Tucker after they foil a terrorist plot in San Antonio. They are headed to Chicago as that is the next stop on their parents' concert tour. While there, they, an ex-CIA agent named Boone, and Boone's S.O.S. team work to uncover and stop the attack of a secret terrorist organization known as the Ghost Cell. Malak, Angela's supposedly dead mother, who has been climbing her way up the Ghost Cell's leadership is now suspected of being a mole and is unable to do much as she is in a constantly monitored safe house.
I.Q: Book Five: The Windy City is overall a good book. All the characters are three dimensional, you care about them, and while the characters weren’t too relatable to me, and can totally see one sticking to the reader.The characters all have different reactions to the events in the book, and each of them are realistic for the character, and realistic given the situation. The story picks up right where it left off from the last book, and that is a very important thing to have in a series that I.Q. does really well. The plot of the book, along with the overarching plot of the series, is a blast to read, and the plot about stopping a terrorist organization gives this book a bit of relevance.
The only thing I say doesn’t work in this book are the perspective swaps. Throughout the book, you have chapters with Q’s first person point of view, and you have chapters with a third person point of view of Boone and Malak, and sometimes other characters too. Now while this works really well for the story, I find myself not wanting to read too much of Boone and Malak’s chapters as Q’s chapters are more exciting and always end on a cliffhanger.
I.Q. Book Five The Windy City is a book I highly recommend, that is if you’ve read the previous books. I see someone having no idea what some of the context is if they haven’t. Overall, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and you should most definitely read it, and the series, in your lifetime.
Chicago: The Windy City, The Heart of America, and the perfect spot for a terrorist attack.
I.Q. Book Five: The Windy City is a book that follows Q, Quest, Munoz and his stepsister Angela Tucker after they foil a terrorist plot in San Antonio. They are headed to Chicago as that is the next stop on their parents' concert tour. While there, they, an ex-CIA agent named Boone, and Boone's S.O.S. team work to uncover and stop the attack of a secret terrorist organization known as the Ghost Cell. Malak, Angela's supposedly dead mother, who has been climbing her way up the Ghost Cell's leadership is now suspected of being a mole and is unable to do much as she is in a constantly monitored safe house.
I.Q: Book Five: The Windy City is overall a good book. All the characters are three dimensional, you care about them, and while the characters weren’t too relatable to me, and can totally see one sticking to the reader.The characters all have different reactions to the events in the book, and each of them are realistic for the character, and realistic given the situation. The story picks up right where it left off from the last book, and that is a very important thing to have in a series that I.Q. does really well. The plot of the book, along with the overarching plot of the series, is a blast to read, and the plot about stopping a terrorist organization gives this book a bit of relevance.
The only thing I say doesn’t work in this book are the perspective swaps. Throughout the book, you have chapters with Q’s first person point of view, and you have chapters with a third person point of view of Boone and Malak, and sometimes other characters too. Now while this works really well for the story, I find myself not wanting to read too much of Boone and Malak’s chapters as Q’s chapters are more exciting and always end on a cliffhanger.
I.Q. Book Five The Windy City is a book I highly recommend, that is if you’ve read the previous books. I see someone having no idea what some of the context is if they haven’t. Overall, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and you should most definitely read it, and the series, in your lifetime.
July 7, 2022
New step-siblings Q (short for Quest) and Angela continue to trail a ghost terrorist cell along with SOS, a team made up mostly of retired operatives from the CIA and other organizations. Angela's mother is climbing her way toward the top of the ghost cell, but the danger is getting higher all the time. Meanwhile, Boone may not be the only one with a mysterious ability, and there seems to be a mole on the SOS team or amongst their allies.
Here we have part 5 of the series-long story, the kind of series that you really need to start from the beginning. A lot more happened in this book than in the previous, which I'm glad for, because the previous wasn't as interesting as the earlier books in the series had been. I was concerned the second half of the series would end up being a let-down compared to the first half. I can't say that we get much in the way of answers in this book, but there were certainly some revelations. And the story really moved forward, with action comparable to what we see in the rest of the series.
One thing I've begun to notice in this book is that Q, as the main character, isn't the stereotype we might expect in a book like this—an action-loving kid who has taken to all of this adventure and danger. He's anxious and jumpy and will probably need some therapy in the future. It makes for a much more realistic story, even while there are some unrealistic things happening as well. I do wish the author had had the foresight to realize he might want to include some scenes from the POV of someone other than Q later in the series, though, and not started it in 1st person. I'm not a fan of changing between 1st and 3rd. Overall, though, I'm really interested to see how this series ends.
Here we have part 5 of the series-long story, the kind of series that you really need to start from the beginning. A lot more happened in this book than in the previous, which I'm glad for, because the previous wasn't as interesting as the earlier books in the series had been. I was concerned the second half of the series would end up being a let-down compared to the first half. I can't say that we get much in the way of answers in this book, but there were certainly some revelations. And the story really moved forward, with action comparable to what we see in the rest of the series.
One thing I've begun to notice in this book is that Q, as the main character, isn't the stereotype we might expect in a book like this—an action-loving kid who has taken to all of this adventure and danger. He's anxious and jumpy and will probably need some therapy in the future. It makes for a much more realistic story, even while there are some unrealistic things happening as well. I do wish the author had had the foresight to realize he might want to include some scenes from the POV of someone other than Q later in the series, though, and not started it in 1st person. I'm not a fan of changing between 1st and 3rd. Overall, though, I'm really interested to see how this series ends.
February 26, 2020
I do think the action in the story is pretty good in these stories. The parts related to the Leopard and the terror cell are mysterious and tense, but I’m starting to worry that Q is going to have some serious PTSD by the end of the story, if he doesn’t already. He’s repeating himself quite a lot and constantly uncomfortable and worried. It had been a little annoying, all the rambling and fidgeting, and it really slowed down the action and the story’s pace, but the more I think about it, it’s reasonable to expect a 13yr old to experience these situations in this way. So I’m not complaining about the writing, I’m just saying that if these were real kids, they’d be in for years of therapy. If Q wasn’t exhibiting symptoms, I’d probably blissfully suspend disbelief and go along with the idea that these kids are perfectly managing the danger and deception of the last week and a half.
I’m still not sure what I think about the genre mash-up they’ve got going on, and I’ve got some ideas on what the end is going to look like, but I’ll have to see how they resolve it to really settle on an opinion of everything.
I’m still not sure what I think about the genre mash-up they’ve got going on, and I’ve got some ideas on what the end is going to look like, but I’ll have to see how they resolve it to really settle on an opinion of everything.
March 13, 2018
After Q and Angela help foil a Ghost Cell plot in San Antonio, they head to Chicago, the next stop on the Match tour. Since they've been busy fighting international terrorism, they're behind on their school assignments. Their parents tell them if they don't get caught up, it's off to boarding school. But who can concentrate on homework when there is a mystery to solve and international terrorism to thwart? Angela is obsessed with finding out more about the mysterious Boone. Q is more interested in not going to boarding school. But when Boone and his SOS crew are ambushed on their way to Chicago, it becomes abundantly clear. Someone inside their inner circle is feeding the Ghost Cell information. As they dig ever deeper to learn the identity of the mole, Angela and Q uncover the Ghost Cell's next plot. And it's much, much worse than a car bomb. They plan to unleash a chemical weapon over the skies of Chicago. And it's up to Angela and Q, along with Boone and Croc, to stop them.
October 12, 2018
In the book I, Q ( Book five; the windy city), by Roland Smith and Michael P. Spradlin. In this book, a brother and sister named Quest (Q for short), and Angela and their parents are on a trip around the country on tour. Their parents are the lead singers in a new hit band called match. Everybody thought that Angela's real mom was dead but really she is undercover and about to take down one of the most dangerous terrorist groups called the ghost cell. Their head of security named Boone seems to be hiding some things from Q, Angela, and the rest of the security team. Q, Angela, Malak, Boone, and the rest of his team are trying to take down the ghost cell but will they succeed.
This book has a lot of action in it. I would recommend this book to anybody that loves books that have a lot of action in them. The reading level of this book is not very hard but it is still a pretty detailed, fun book that I think almost everybody would enjoy.
This book has a lot of action in it. I would recommend this book to anybody that loves books that have a lot of action in them. The reading level of this book is not very hard but it is still a pretty detailed, fun book that I think almost everybody would enjoy.
April 9, 2018
This book is the 5th book of the I,Q series by Roland Smith. Book 5 starts out with Q and Angela in the library researching their parents tour bus driver Tyrone Boone aka member of the NOC (non-official cover.) Boone and his team who just recruited Q and Angela are undercover under the Presidents orders to capture and defeat the ghost cell once and for all, but Boone has been acting really weird latly and the presidents kid (better known as P.K.) is helping them figure out who Boone really is. Throughout this book the team goes through some pretty intense things including Q getting kidnapped by the terrorists, Roger and Blaze threatening to send Q and Angela off to boarding school and almost blowing up the whole entire city of Chicago I would strongly recommend this book to anyone.
February 15, 2021
In this book, it seemed like more of the story was from Q's point of view than the previous book--and that's a good thing, in my opinion. For much of the series, Q and Angela have just been along for the ride while the other characters handled most of the action. Maybe that's changing a little? Maybe the plot is becoming more personal? Certain things have me intrigued, and I'm hoping the last book doesn't let me down.
October 14, 2020
I’ve officially lost interest. 😂 But as there is only one book left in the series, I’ll go ahead and finish it out, I suppose. It’s probably because I’m reading them all right in a row, but there’s too much review over what has already happened. All of the books are just running together at this point, feeling like basically the same things are happening each time.
June 7, 2018
Reading to save for elementary school. It's hard to read book 5 when you haven't read any of the other books. The authors did a good job of giving enough backstory to get the gist. Adventurous and engaging that kids will like if they want this type of series.
August 29, 2018
Oh my goodness this is intense!! Buddy T is Number 2, the ghost cell did chemical attacks on three cities, the mystery with Boone grows ore and more weird, and I’m reading as fast as I can to keep my brothers off my back as they wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
I really liked book one, but kind of lost interest in the series somewhere along the line. I picked up book five to give it all another shot, and I’m glad I did! This story has some really cool ideas and a very engaging story.
I considered awarding it five stars. I WILL be reading book six.
I considered awarding it five stars. I WILL be reading book six.
September 18, 2025
My least favorite in the series thus far. Not much action, not much advancement of plot, very juvenile writing with unrealistic (and uniform) dialogue across characters. A dip from spy thriller to fantasy out of nowhere.
June 24, 2018
This series is great. The magical stuff wasn't really necessary, but I still enjoy the plot.
August 8, 2018
was a bit boring.
October 22, 2018
Asher (12yo) read. "Terrorists have no respect. That chemical bomb was low."
May 1, 2019
Once again I loved this book. I am so glad I found the series after it was complete. I would be MESSED UP!! If I had to wait more than a few minutes to start the next one.
May 2, 2019
I am now off to the sixth and final book.
August 15, 2019
READ IT!!!!
July 10, 2021
Q and Angela work with the FBI and other secret agencies to counter terrorism
April 21, 2024
I’m at the point in the series where I’m enjoying the books, but I’m also ready for it be over so that I can reach the conclusion of the journey with the character.
August 27, 2024
This was a fun quick read. I don’t totally understand what’s going on with Boone and Croc but hopefully it’s explained in the last book!
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February 20, 2017I thought the book was very good. One thing I Thought was interesting was how mentally tough being a spy is. He would always be alert and it has been really stressful for him. For Example on page 224, He lashed out on his stepdad for not letting him eat what he wants because his step dad has a very strict diet. I believe the reason he got mad was because of the stress of being a spy puts on you.
February 5, 2015
When we last saw IQ and Angela, they had just stopped the ghost cell's terrorist attack in San Antonio. They were now headed for Chicago and the next Match concert. Along the way, the SOS team is attacked and survive. In Chicago, they discover that the ghost cell is planning another attack, but they can not figure out where it is happening. The attack doesn't follow any of the other attacks' format. They also are trying to discover who Boone really is, having found photos and paintings that show him throughout the ages. Is he a time traveler or immortal? Spoiler: They don't find out in this book, but Q does go poof. From the plot synopsis for book #6, this series may be coming to an end. I hope not.
August 6, 2016
Not my favorite book in the series. I didn't really like the things that we learned in this book and not much actually happened. It was a transitional, informational book.
Likes:
* Q's observation skills making a difference
Dislikes:
* Malak making mistakes
* Terrorist attacks
With-reservations:
terrorism, violence, death, chemical weapons, sneaking out, deceiving parents
Likes:
* Q's observation skills making a difference
Dislikes:
* Malak making mistakes
* Terrorist attacks
With-reservations:
terrorism, violence, death, chemical weapons, sneaking out, deceiving parents
October 12, 2015
It took a long, long time to ready this, but only because I read this to my daughters at bed-time and the nights they didn't have sports/dance were few and far in-between. This is an interesting series, though a bit drawn out. One book in this series occurs in a mere handful of hours and this, being the 5th in the series, occurs a only a few weeks after the events of the first book. Terrorism is a difficult subject matter. If your child is too young to handle the concept of terrorists killing innocent people or kidnapping two particular children (because of the specific reason of whose children these are, then you might want to have your children wait to read these books.
August 10, 2014
I was disappointed in this book. This is the 5th in the series, and as a librarian I recommend I,Q for reluctant readers, or for students wanting a quick read. I don't know if it's because of the dual writers, or if the series just needs to end, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others in the series. The writing style of one/both of the authors distracted me and they use jargon and terms that are familiar to me as a reader in my 30s, but that would not be something my teen readers would understand.
February 3, 2015
excellent installment
The books in the I,Q series are in many ways a single book, a single story, split up to make them more marketable to a young audience. This is not a bad thing. But it means I have plowed through books two through five in little over a day. The story moves fast and the characters are relatable. Involving kids in this degree of danger is not at all realistic, so willingness to suspend disbelief is a must. If you can do that you are in for an awesome ride. I would write more, but I need to download book six.
The books in the I,Q series are in many ways a single book, a single story, split up to make them more marketable to a young audience. This is not a bad thing. But it means I have plowed through books two through five in little over a day. The story moves fast and the characters are relatable. Involving kids in this degree of danger is not at all realistic, so willingness to suspend disbelief is a must. If you can do that you are in for an awesome ride. I would write more, but I need to download book six.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews