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City Spies #5
Mission Manhattan
In this fifth installment in the New York Times bestselling series from Edgar Award winner James Ponti, the young group of spies take on New York City in another international adventure perfect for fans of Spy School and Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls .
The City Spies head to the Big Apple when a credible threat is made to a young climate activist who is scheduled to speak in front of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. With Rio acting as alpha and a new member in their ranks, the team’s mission to protect a fellow teen takes them on an exciting adventure in, around, and even under the greatest city in the world as they follow leads to the outer boroughs, the UN Headquarters, and even the usually off-limits stacks that extend deep under the main branch of the New York Public Library.
The City Spies head to the Big Apple when a credible threat is made to a young climate activist who is scheduled to speak in front of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. With Rio acting as alpha and a new member in their ranks, the team’s mission to protect a fellow teen takes them on an exciting adventure in, around, and even under the greatest city in the world as they follow leads to the outer boroughs, the UN Headquarters, and even the usually off-limits stacks that extend deep under the main branch of the New York Public Library.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
235 people are currently reading
3818 people want to read
About the author
James Ponti
57 books1,440 followersJames Ponti is the New York Times Bestselling author of three Middle Grade book series: the DEAD CITY trilogy about a secret society that polices the undead who live beneath New York City; the Edgar Award-winning FRAMED! series about a pair of Sherlockian tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, D.C.; and the all-new CITY SPIES about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 spy team.
James grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida and lives in Orlando. He's a die hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, the USC Trojans, and the Italian National Soccer Team. He loves travel, writing, and spending time with his amazing family.
James grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida and lives in Orlando. He's a die hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, the USC Trojans, and the Italian National Soccer Team. He loves travel, writing, and spending time with his amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
April 10, 2024
Excellent audiobook! I enjoyed the story's twists and turns. I liked the teamwork and how the characters watch out for each other, complimented each other, encouraged each other, and mentored each other. The ending was great. I hope there will be more books to this series. It has been a blast and I enjoyed them all.
In this story, the spy kids' mission was to protect the young activist. They know there are bad guys coming but they don't know what those bad guys look like except a term the walking dead. They just had to be ready and keep a look out without catching attention. The team: Mother, Monty with spy kids Paris, Cat, Sydney, Rio, Cairo, and Brooklyn each took up positions. This mission has mystery and thrills as well as humor. I enjoyed the characters' different personalities.
Thank you Simon Kids and Simon Audio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
In this story, the spy kids' mission was to protect the young activist. They know there are bad guys coming but they don't know what those bad guys look like except a term the walking dead. They just had to be ready and keep a look out without catching attention. The team: Mother, Monty with spy kids Paris, Cat, Sydney, Rio, Cairo, and Brooklyn each took up positions. This mission has mystery and thrills as well as humor. I enjoyed the characters' different personalities.
Thank you Simon Kids and Simon Audio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
February 27, 2024
We just finished listening to the 5th City Spies, Mission Manhattan, and loved it! Several of my kids have enjoyed this series, but my 13 year old son and I relistened to the first 4 books together to get ready for this new release.
You really have to read this series in order, and this book built on so many fantastic aspects from the previous four. We love how each book gives us closure about a few story elements, while the overarching mystery continues and even accelerates. These books are full of teamwork, found family, and feature a ton of real, down to earth conflict, despite still being about teen spies!
Plus, we are both big fans of James Ponti and love that he included really fun nods to both his zombie series, Dead City, as well as his first spy series, T.O.A.S.T., in this book. Each book in the City Spies series has little easter eggs for Ponti fans, and I highly recommend all his books, even though these are our favorites.
These are fantastic choices for family audiobooks that kids of all ages and adults can enjoy together.
You really have to read this series in order, and this book built on so many fantastic aspects from the previous four. We love how each book gives us closure about a few story elements, while the overarching mystery continues and even accelerates. These books are full of teamwork, found family, and feature a ton of real, down to earth conflict, despite still being about teen spies!
Plus, we are both big fans of James Ponti and love that he included really fun nods to both his zombie series, Dead City, as well as his first spy series, T.O.A.S.T., in this book. Each book in the City Spies series has little easter eggs for Ponti fans, and I highly recommend all his books, even though these are our favorites.
These are fantastic choices for family audiobooks that kids of all ages and adults can enjoy together.
January 21, 2024
"Mission Manhattan" by James Ponti is an exhilarating addition to the series, offering readers another high-stakes adventure with the City Spies. In this fifth installment, Ponti masterfully combines espionage, suspense, and the vibrant backdrop of New York City to create a thrilling narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
The story unfolds as the City Spies, under the leadership of Rio, embark on a mission to protect a young climate activist facing a credible threat. The timely and relevant premise adds a layer of social awareness to the plot, making it not only an entertaining read but also one that addresses contemporary issues. The inclusion of a new member to the team injects fresh dynamics into the group, keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging.
Ponti's writing style is fast-paced and well-suited for the target audience, capturing the attention of young readers who enjoy the spy genre. The author skillfully balances action sequences with moments of camaraderie and humor, creating a narrative that is both exciting and lighthearted. The use of New York City as the setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, with the characters navigating iconic locations and even exploring hidden spaces beneath the New York Public Library.
The plot's twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the inclusion of various locations, from the outer boroughs to the UN Headquarters, adds a sense of adventure and discovery. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, with well-integrated clues and challenges that allow readers to follow the characters' investigation while maintaining an element of surprise.
One of the strengths of "Mission Manhattan" lies in its ability to provide a satisfying continuation of the series while introducing new elements to keep the story fresh. The characters continue to evolve, and their interactions remain a highlight, showcasing the importance of teamwork and friendship. The combination of espionage, technology, and the unique skills of each spy adds depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Mission Manhattan" is a four-star success that delivers another exciting mission for the City Spies. James Ponti's ability to create a compelling and relevant storyline, combined with a well-crafted setting and dynamic characters, makes this installment a must-read for fans of the series and young readers who enjoy thrilling adventures. Whether you're a fan of spy novels or simply looking for an action-packed and entertaining read, "Mission Manhattan" delivers on all fronts.
The story unfolds as the City Spies, under the leadership of Rio, embark on a mission to protect a young climate activist facing a credible threat. The timely and relevant premise adds a layer of social awareness to the plot, making it not only an entertaining read but also one that addresses contemporary issues. The inclusion of a new member to the team injects fresh dynamics into the group, keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging.
Ponti's writing style is fast-paced and well-suited for the target audience, capturing the attention of young readers who enjoy the spy genre. The author skillfully balances action sequences with moments of camaraderie and humor, creating a narrative that is both exciting and lighthearted. The use of New York City as the setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, with the characters navigating iconic locations and even exploring hidden spaces beneath the New York Public Library.
The plot's twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the inclusion of various locations, from the outer boroughs to the UN Headquarters, adds a sense of adventure and discovery. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, with well-integrated clues and challenges that allow readers to follow the characters' investigation while maintaining an element of surprise.
One of the strengths of "Mission Manhattan" lies in its ability to provide a satisfying continuation of the series while introducing new elements to keep the story fresh. The characters continue to evolve, and their interactions remain a highlight, showcasing the importance of teamwork and friendship. The combination of espionage, technology, and the unique skills of each spy adds depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, "Mission Manhattan" is a four-star success that delivers another exciting mission for the City Spies. James Ponti's ability to create a compelling and relevant storyline, combined with a well-crafted setting and dynamic characters, makes this installment a must-read for fans of the series and young readers who enjoy thrilling adventures. Whether you're a fan of spy novels or simply looking for an action-packed and entertaining read, "Mission Manhattan" delivers on all fronts.
March 23, 2024
Such a fantastic, high stakes series with epic plots and lovable characters! I loved seeing Rio get to shine in this one.
My one complaint is that Cairo was set up to be a major problem at the end of book four, and then his threat of betraying them… never really had any consequences? He did communicate with Clementine sometimes, but while that made the team distrust him for a bit, I was a little disappointed that he didn’t cause more problems for them. It felt like pulling punches or misleading us or something.
Still, I love this series and am looking forward to book six!
My one complaint is that Cairo was set up to be a major problem at the end of book four, and then his threat of betraying them… never really had any consequences? He did communicate with Clementine sometimes, but while that made the team distrust him for a bit, I was a little disappointed that he didn’t cause more problems for them. It felt like pulling punches or misleading us or something.
Still, I love this series and am looking forward to book six!
April 25, 2024
Ahhhh, I love this series so much!! This one was my favorite so far though I think!
I thought it was super interesting how the target for this one was a Brazilian environmental activist that was only in her teens, and the antagonists were part of an oil company trying to kill her so she would no longer be able to try and block them from extracting oil from wildlife. This meant we also got a few sections in the book about environmental awareness which was really great!!
The whole embassy twist on it was super fun too, because of how once you escape from an embassy that country can’ catch you which is how Rio managed to escape out of the Brazilian Embassy.
I think Cairo has made a good edition to the City Spies. Definitely doesn’t seem like a forced added character.
Lots of fun settings and such a crazy plot line as always! Can’t wait for another one to come out!
I thought it was super interesting how the target for this one was a Brazilian environmental activist that was only in her teens, and the antagonists were part of an oil company trying to kill her so she would no longer be able to try and block them from extracting oil from wildlife. This meant we also got a few sections in the book about environmental awareness which was really great!!
The whole embassy twist on it was super fun too, because of how once you escape from an embassy that country can’ catch you which is how Rio managed to escape out of the Brazilian Embassy.
I think Cairo has made a good edition to the City Spies. Definitely doesn’t seem like a forced added character.
Lots of fun settings and such a crazy plot line as always! Can’t wait for another one to come out!
March 7, 2025
I hate to admit it, but for the first half of the book I was thinking 'this makes no sense. #5 is a step down.' I was so very, very wrong. I've quite a few books by James Ponti. I eagerly anticipate more City Spies and HIS NEW SERIES The Sherlock Society!!! I can't believe I doubted!! So yes, the beginning was a little confusing, but in the end it all made sense. In fact this may be my favorite one yet!
A word of advice: do not go into this expecting answers. Expect more questions!
Also, DO NOT read the end first (never ever read the end first anyway, but especially in this case). It is a heinous crime, and would result in great personal disappointment.
6 stars 😉
A word of advice: do not go into this expecting answers. Expect more questions!
Also, DO NOT read the end first (never ever read the end first anyway, but especially in this case). It is a heinous crime, and would result in great personal disappointment.
6 stars 😉
March 21, 2024
Another fast paced spy adventure with the City Spies. This time they are trying to protect a young climate activist. Like the other four books in the series, there's lots happening to the kids on a personal level, plenty on their spy craft and current mission, and some development with Mother and his family. Fans of the series will appreciate learning more about Rio and his past and Cairo and his relationship with his mother. A fun page turner that will leave readers wanting more!
"I love bees because they are a constant reminder that even if you're very little, you can still be very important."
"I love bees because they are a constant reminder that even if you're very little, you can still be very important."
February 18, 2024
I continue to totally enjoy the City Spies series! This mystery thriller of kids solving crimes has the globe hopping spies protecting a young environmentalist from Europe to New York City. What I continue to love is each characters' specialty in solving crimes, working with each other and fooling adults to get results. A must read!
March 29, 2024
not enough NYC!
May 2, 2025
Rio's book, and I loved his backstory! The concept of a split mission in this one was very fun (and stressful). I enjoyed being back in the world of City Spies, and I'm excited for the next book.
March 19, 2024
5 stars. As usual, well researched travelogue sprinkled with kid led espionage. Love when I’ve visited the places in the book, like watching the action live, James really brings the setting to life. Perfect amount of mystery action - I jumped at one point - but nothing gruesome or scary. Loved Beatriz and her bees - best character yet. Ending seems like there will be more adventures for our City Spies!
Forgot to add that back in the day I thought if I was a Spanish major in college (after my year in Colombia as an exchange student) I could be a translator at the UN!
Forgot to add that back in the day I thought if I was a Spanish major in college (after my year in Colombia as an exchange student) I could be a translator at the UN!
February 4, 2024
Quick Summary: A high stakes action/adventure YA read
My Review: Mission Manhattan by James Ponti is book five in the City Spies series.
About the Book: Plots and plans, codes and clues, gadgets and guts, secrets and truths exist in plain sight. As the team works to protect a young activist, they become even more aware of what they are up against. At the same time, they deal with the challenges and struggles that come from life, family, and friendships.
My Final Say: Who is the real enemy? What threat awaits? Is anything what it seems? What's up with that cliffhanger? Can you tell I'm well and truly hooked??? 🤓 Each installment gets better and better.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: MG/YA
Series: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐👍💬
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Aladdin), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this exciting work of fiction. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own.
My Review: Mission Manhattan by James Ponti is book five in the City Spies series.
About the Book: Plots and plans, codes and clues, gadgets and guts, secrets and truths exist in plain sight. As the team works to protect a young activist, they become even more aware of what they are up against. At the same time, they deal with the challenges and struggles that come from life, family, and friendships.
My Final Say: Who is the real enemy? What threat awaits? Is anything what it seems? What's up with that cliffhanger? Can you tell I'm well and truly hooked??? 🤓 Each installment gets better and better.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: MG/YA
Series: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐👍💬
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Aladdin), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this exciting work of fiction. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own.
December 9, 2023
James Ponti knows how to write an ending that makes you shout “Oh No!” just as you’re ready to close the book. This is especially true at the end of the fourth and now fifth City Spies adventure. Each time one ends, it leaves me more than ready for the next one!
Mission Manhattan has all the action, intrigue and entertainment you come to expect from the City Spies series. I love getting to spend more and more time getting to know these characters and seeing them problem solve their way through challenging circumstances.
I enjoyed Beatriz’s character and also loved that this one started out in Venice.
My students are going to be talking, talking, talking about this one.
So thankful to be able to read an ARC via Netgalley!
Mission Manhattan has all the action, intrigue and entertainment you come to expect from the City Spies series. I love getting to spend more and more time getting to know these characters and seeing them problem solve their way through challenging circumstances.
I enjoyed Beatriz’s character and also loved that this one started out in Venice.
My students are going to be talking, talking, talking about this one.
So thankful to be able to read an ARC via Netgalley!
January 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, author James Ponti, and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing: Aladdin for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
Anytime a new City Spies installment comes out, it is an immediate read for me! I first discovered City Spies through the Lone Star Award list that came out right after I was hired as a children's librarian. It was my favorite read off of the list, and thankfully each subsequent book has lived up to the first. I really enjoyed getting to see more of Cairo in this book and watching his relationship grow with the kids was sweet. There were a lot of great heists and scheming in this book and definitely no lack of action. The book ended on a big cliff hanger that already has me excited to see where the team goes in book 6!
Anytime a new City Spies installment comes out, it is an immediate read for me! I first discovered City Spies through the Lone Star Award list that came out right after I was hired as a children's librarian. It was my favorite read off of the list, and thankfully each subsequent book has lived up to the first. I really enjoyed getting to see more of Cairo in this book and watching his relationship grow with the kids was sweet. There were a lot of great heists and scheming in this book and definitely no lack of action. The book ended on a big cliff hanger that already has me excited to see where the team goes in book 6!
January 18, 2024
The City Spies are a group of teenage MI6 agents who can blend in in places where adults would stand out. When a young climate activist appears to be the target of a threat, the City Spies get to work. Their mission may start in Venice, but takes them back to the UK, Washington, DC, and NYC. Will the City Spies be able to protect the climate activist and thwart the bad guys? Or is she even the target of the threat? A great middle grades book that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 10, 2025
My third grader and I are really enjoying listening to this series together and are now eagerly awaiting the release Book 6 next month! I liked how this installment moved the stories of both the City Spies and Mother’s family forward.
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April 22, 2024Every time I finish one of these books written for children, I think to myself “wow I’m such a good reader!”
October 4, 2024
Very booky book
November 10, 2024
This is SO good. The characters. The clues. The mystery. The backstory. Ahhhh. Ponti is a genius and I get so excited when reading his books!
September 27, 2025
Rio taking center stage turned out just as perfectly as I had hoped, and I loved it. I loved his helping his brother along. These books just keep getting better and I can't wait to read the last one!
March 15, 2024
Another amazing City Spies book. Each time I read the new one it becomes my new favorite of the series. I loved everything about this book, and after that cliffhanger at the end I can't wait to find out what happens next!
February 27, 2024
I read and enjoyed James Ponti’s Dead City series and book 1 of the Framed series as well as his contribution to the outstanding Hope Wins anthology but despite the huge success of City Spies, this 4th installment is my first one. And now I have to go back and read the first three. On the surface, it might seem that City Spies is an attempt to recreate his good friend Stuart Gibbs’ successful Spy School series and as a huge fan of that one, maybe that’s why I avoided Ponti’s spy series. No worries. While on the surface the two series sound similar-kid spies doing grown-up “save the world” stuff-they have enough differences that I will enjoy both for their own unique reasons. Ponti’s teens come from diverse and often disadvantaged backgrounds and their unit has come together as a family rather than good friends and/or couples. Gibbs’ series is filled with one liners and funny scenes amid high tech gadgets and gizmos and City Spies is clearly action-adventure with a focus on world travel and stealth. Readers in grades 5-8 are likely to enjoy visiting Italy, South America, New York and Washington D.C. as the city spies attempt to protect a teenaged environmental activist and will definitely enjoy the mix of chases, computer hacking, infiltration, and misdirection that keep the book moving at breakneck speed with very little down time. While reading the previous books would have given me more background on each of the young sleuths, I was certainly not lost or confused at any point. Text is free of profanity and sexual content and the small amount of violence was completely bloodless and it appears that none of the teens carries a weapon outside of their intellect. Highly recommended series.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
March 11, 2024
James Ponti always delivers an exciting read! I already can't wait for the next one to come out!
February 29, 2024
This might be my favorite in the series! Such good pacing and character development. I even teared up a few times! Can’t wait for book 6 and getting some more answers surrounding our favorite 🍊
February 12, 2024
By far the best book in this series
May 5, 2024
《Spy missions were nothing like spy movies》
The City Spies are back with new member Cairo in an exciting adventure spanning countries. A fun installment in the series...and the ending makes me think a book six may be coming...
Content:
Mild violence
Ages 9+
The City Spies are back with new member Cairo in an exciting adventure spanning countries. A fun installment in the series...and the ending makes me think a book six may be coming...
Content:
Mild violence
Ages 9+
March 26, 2024
Absolutely amazing. I love going back to Manhattan! Sydney is the best!
April 8, 2024
I’ve come to love this series. I think it’s the way the tweens/teens learn to be friends, family, and teammates in the midst of also being secret agents. I’m invested in the emotional and social development of all them now. Also it’s cheesy (sometimes feels a little forced) but the uplifting of teen voices on important global issues kind of melts my heart. I would want any pre-teen or teen in my life to read these!
The spy adventure side is very G-rated. There are “bad men” and the only violence that happens is usually against the adults and never the kids. Yet it’s still engaging and it honestly made me consider a career change for a hot minute.
10/10 if you want a sweet easy read or want to give some books to middle-grade readers in your life.
My favorite of the series is still Forbidden City with the chess tournament.
The spy adventure side is very G-rated. There are “bad men” and the only violence that happens is usually against the adults and never the kids. Yet it’s still engaging and it honestly made me consider a career change for a hot minute.
10/10 if you want a sweet easy read or want to give some books to middle-grade readers in your life.
My favorite of the series is still Forbidden City with the chess tournament.
May 6, 2025
How can a middle grade spy novel be so good? I loved these books during my early high school days and rediscovered the books after hunting them down on Goodreads. A chat with a friend led me to pick up Mission Manhattan, and here we are.
The stakes couldn't be higher in the 5th City Spies installment--and I loved it. All the characters--including Cairo, who was introduced in the 4th book--feel so real. (Side note: reading this when you're older than the characters hits different. They're just BABIES! Paris is the oldest, and he's just 14.) The plot was as suspenseful as ever, and I didn't see that twist coming. It's not my personal favorite (wasn't a fan of the climate change stuff, sorry), but it's definitely a worthy addition to the series. 4.5/5 stars.
The stakes couldn't be higher in the 5th City Spies installment--and I loved it. All the characters--including Cairo, who was introduced in the 4th book--feel so real. (Side note: reading this when you're older than the characters hits different. They're just BABIES! Paris is the oldest, and he's just 14.) The plot was as suspenseful as ever, and I didn't see that twist coming. It's not my personal favorite (wasn't a fan of the climate change stuff, sorry), but it's definitely a worthy addition to the series. 4.5/5 stars.
May 4, 2024
I listened to the audio. At first, I did not like it because of the voice for Kat- it is extremely irritating. Her character was in the lead, so it was really prevalent. As the story moved on to highlight other characters, it was better. This installment has a terrific plot with great action. In the other books, there is always a lull, but this one is non-stop action all the time. Each character shows their strengths and value to the team. Cairo’s character really blossoms. My favorite part was when the team had to figure everything out without any adults. I was surprised to find a book 5 of a series that is my favorite. Great series for kids to dig into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews