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Secrets & Spies #1
Treason
Fourteen-year-old Beth Johnson is a talented and beautiful young actress. She is also a spy. The year is 1664, and Charles II is on the throne, but all is not well in the bustling city of London, and there are those who would gladly kill the king and destroy the Monarchy. One morning, a mysterious ghost ship drifts up the Thames. Sent to investigate by the King’s Master of Secrets, Alan Strange, Beth quickly finds herself embroiled in a dangerous adventure. Will Beth be able to unravel the plot to kill the King before it’s too late?
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 12, 2018
I read the book Secrets & Spies, by Jo Macauley. So to sum the book up there is this 14-year-old girl/actor/spy(Beth)! Beth was one day approached by the spymaster Alan Strange. Beth lives in London. Beth longs to be one of Londons actors and best spy but the missions from Strange Beth has received low missions. Then one day Beth receives an important mission from Strange and off she goes working double lives.
The author makes it so you can like solve the mysteries with them. He also explains stuff like if they found something out they will have someone be like “what is that” so that they can explain it so you don't feel like “I have absolutely no idea what they just said”.like this:
‘They rowed along the side of the huge, dark shape. The ship’s name was at the bow, picked out in blood-red letters against the black timbers:’
DOODGAAN
“‘What does it mean?’”
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries and historical fiction. It does talk about King Charles the II. I would also recommend it a mystery because they are spies and they are trying to stop a plot to kill the king. I liked the book because I like a mystery I don't know why but I do.
The book was not confusing. The book was not to easy but also not too hard. I think that in some part it was predictable but not too often.I liked the ending a lot! My favorite part is where they are running away from the bad guy on a boat on the great Thames!!
The author makes it so you can like solve the mysteries with them. He also explains stuff like if they found something out they will have someone be like “what is that” so that they can explain it so you don't feel like “I have absolutely no idea what they just said”.like this:
‘They rowed along the side of the huge, dark shape. The ship’s name was at the bow, picked out in blood-red letters against the black timbers:’
DOODGAAN
“‘What does it mean?’”
I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries and historical fiction. It does talk about King Charles the II. I would also recommend it a mystery because they are spies and they are trying to stop a plot to kill the king. I liked the book because I like a mystery I don't know why but I do.
The book was not confusing. The book was not to easy but also not too hard. I think that in some part it was predictable but not too often.I liked the ending a lot! My favorite part is where they are running away from the bad guy on a boat on the great Thames!!
October 29, 2018
“Treason”, by Jo Macauley the first book in the “Secrets and Spies series” is an exciting historical fiction book. The story takes place in the mid 1600s in England. Beth is an actress for the king, and it’s new for girls to be able to act in her time. She’s also a spy for the king. John works for the navy in England and when a strange ship is spotted in the river, John and his friend Will go to investigate. But Will gets kidnapped on the ship. When Beth is assigned to investigate the ship by her spymaster, she meets John, who helps her on her mission. Along the way, Ralph, another spy serving the king under the same spymaster, meets Beth and John and helps them too. They go onto the ship, and find a letter written in code. They also find Will. Will is okay, but the other people on the ship evacuate, setting fire to a trail of gunpowder. Will tells Beth, John, and Ralph to get out and he will stop the fire and escape if possible. So Beth, John, and Ralph go back on land and decode the letter by a criminal who was supposedly dead, but had written the letter recently. Will stopped the ship from blowing up, and escaped. The secret code made the spies think that the king was going to be attacked that night, on Bonfire Night, once the castle’s bonfire was lit. But they realized the hog that was going to be burned over the bonfire was going to explode, so they threw the hog into the river, saving the entire castle. The book is really interesting and has a lot of action. If you’re interested in historical fiction, or an action book, you will enjoy this book. It was great that there wasn’t really a boring part in the book, and they were always on the move or doing something interesting and worth reading. The main character, Beth, is very brave. In the book, while escaping the ship, the book says , “We must take our chances!’ Beth shouted. ‘London Bridge might kill us, but Edmund definitely Groby will.” this shows how Beth is brave throughout the book.
January 19, 2018
Truthfully, I have not read a YA or Middle Grade book since middle school, however, my #ReadHarder challenge asked us to read the first book in a "New-to-You" YA or Middle Grade series and after perusing the library I found this one. The book is set in mid-17th century England between King Charles 1 execution and Oliver Cromwell's reign of England. It is a story of mystery, espionage, and intrigue featuring one of the first female actresses. I honestly found this book hard to follow and lacking a bit in its written quality. I am sure that such a book is a lovely read for youngesters, but at this point in my life, I like something a bit deeper with a more intellectual plot line.
September 18, 2017
There was nothing wrong with this book. It just didn't hold my attention. I kept wanting to put it down and find something else to do. I really was hoping for more from this book. It just wasn't my kind of book.
October 17, 2021
Very good, fast paced fun, specially for its age group (tween-young teen.)
If I hadn't know the protagonist were 14, she might as well have been anything from 17 to 24.
If I hadn't know the protagonist were 14, she might as well have been anything from 17 to 24.
September 1, 2024
Just okay.
December 22, 2013
Beth Johnson is an actress with other tasks set before other than reciting her lines. She is a spy in the service of King Charles II. After her recruitment Beth goes to work to discover the reason why a strange vessel is lying in the river. No one knows anything about her and she is by all reports abandoned. Well almost. According to naval clerk John Turner, someone - or something - took his friend aboard the ship by force and he fears the friend is dead. There is one thing they know about the ship. She bears a Dutch name. Could it be the Dutch are up to something? After all they are Britain's enemy. For king and country, Beth joins forces with two newfound colleagues to get to the bottom of the mystery. She's going to uncover the facts...even if it kills her.
La! Treason started out good, but after Beth entered the scene everything took a downturn. She's a flirt and she's arrogant (even if none of the characters comments on this). She seems to have a pretty good opinion of herself even if she isn't as good as she thinks. Then there is John. Gracious! I don't know when I've read anything so sappy. It's not the can't-stop-blushing sappy - it's the can't-stop-retching sappy. Speaking of John, he's terribly inept even if he likes to fancy himself a grand hero in his imagination. The mystery ship was intriguing enough but after awhile it grew tiresome. Many chapters into the book and we still don't know anything new about it. Instead the old information is beat to death by repetition.
There is a rather morbid incident where a character has his throat cut and leaves a trail of blood for John to follow. Nassy! Then there is the language. I understand that if the book had been written in 17th century English young readers might have found it difficult to grasp but that's not what bothered me - it was the post-18th century (that is not a typo. I really mean post-18th century) speech (e.g. "hang on", "okay"). I doubt young readers will find this much of an annoyance but I do remember a time when juvenile historical fiction didn't lack for color, speech-wise. Pick up a book set in the Civil War era by Patricia Beatty. She manages to throw in words that would have been used at the time while helping to expand children's vocabularies (some might say not for the better!)
The story lacked substance and for that reason I did not like it. Do I recommend it? By all means! Children with an appreciation for history should be able to dive into this story with enthusiasm as the characters tell them about life in the aftermath of Oliver Cromwell's rule.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “Secrets & Spies: Treason” from NetGalley.com provided by the publishers, Capstone Young Readers, in exchange for our honest review.
La! Treason started out good, but after Beth entered the scene everything took a downturn. She's a flirt and she's arrogant (even if none of the characters comments on this). She seems to have a pretty good opinion of herself even if she isn't as good as she thinks. Then there is John. Gracious! I don't know when I've read anything so sappy. It's not the can't-stop-blushing sappy - it's the can't-stop-retching sappy. Speaking of John, he's terribly inept even if he likes to fancy himself a grand hero in his imagination. The mystery ship was intriguing enough but after awhile it grew tiresome. Many chapters into the book and we still don't know anything new about it. Instead the old information is beat to death by repetition.
There is a rather morbid incident where a character has his throat cut and leaves a trail of blood for John to follow. Nassy! Then there is the language. I understand that if the book had been written in 17th century English young readers might have found it difficult to grasp but that's not what bothered me - it was the post-18th century (that is not a typo. I really mean post-18th century) speech (e.g. "hang on", "okay"). I doubt young readers will find this much of an annoyance but I do remember a time when juvenile historical fiction didn't lack for color, speech-wise. Pick up a book set in the Civil War era by Patricia Beatty. She manages to throw in words that would have been used at the time while helping to expand children's vocabularies (some might say not for the better!)
The story lacked substance and for that reason I did not like it. Do I recommend it? By all means! Children with an appreciation for history should be able to dive into this story with enthusiasm as the characters tell them about life in the aftermath of Oliver Cromwell's rule.
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “Secrets & Spies: Treason” from NetGalley.com provided by the publishers, Capstone Young Readers, in exchange for our honest review.
January 30, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
General Overview
I enjoyed this book, but there were a few parts that were not relevant to the time period. Some language was used by the youngsters that was too modern. It was very fast paced, full of action, a little confusing at times, there was always something going on. The characters were relatable, but Ralph, I felt could have had a little more development, I never really got a feel for his character. Even Alan Strange was a better character, he was cloaked in mystery but it worked, did not work so well for Ralph. The time line is a little off, unless the king is 80, I do not see how he had an assassination attempt on him 60 years before.
3.5 stars out of 5
Step by Step Overview
0% – Ooh a ghost ship, I love stories about them. Looks like it going to be an interesting story aimed at 9-12 year olds. Hoping there’s enough intrigue and mystery for me.
Page 30 – Nice prologue, interesting start. What is happening on the ghost ship? Nice easy way to get the traitor but it was by chance she saw the person doing it. The sword fighting was a good action part, glad to see the girl winning.
Page 50 – I’ve never really thought about when people started celebrating Bonfire night, but it’s a nice thought that 60 years later they were celebrating his failure (not sure if it’s true or not). There’s a few bits of modern language that has slipped in that makes it feel less authentic.
Page 70 - The mystery gets deeper. Even though this is set in 1644 some of the scenes feel like they are set in modern times, which is off putting.
Page 90 – The play scene was good but a little all over the place.
Page 110 – I am guessing the boy with the earring is the third young wannabe detective from the synopsis.
Page 130 – I am intrigued to find out more about the ship and why are they trying to keep it a secret?
Page 150 -Aww no, I hope John survives and Will managed to get out. So the ship was smuggling gun powder. Are they planning on another treason attempt?
Page 170 – Beth is quite strong to be able to save John. I am not sure why the spymaster is leaving a plot of this magnitude to children.
Page 190 – The timing would need to be perfect with them putting the gunpowder in the hog. Interesting idea though.
End - Nice ending, leaves room for the next one in the series. I think it was a fairly good book, since it is aimed at younger readers, the parts I did not like are forgivable. I would read the next one in the series. Overall a good book.
Who would I recommend this too?
Younger readers, it’s a nice way of instilling a passion for history.
General Overview
I enjoyed this book, but there were a few parts that were not relevant to the time period. Some language was used by the youngsters that was too modern. It was very fast paced, full of action, a little confusing at times, there was always something going on. The characters were relatable, but Ralph, I felt could have had a little more development, I never really got a feel for his character. Even Alan Strange was a better character, he was cloaked in mystery but it worked, did not work so well for Ralph. The time line is a little off, unless the king is 80, I do not see how he had an assassination attempt on him 60 years before.
3.5 stars out of 5
Step by Step Overview
0% – Ooh a ghost ship, I love stories about them. Looks like it going to be an interesting story aimed at 9-12 year olds. Hoping there’s enough intrigue and mystery for me.
Page 30 – Nice prologue, interesting start. What is happening on the ghost ship? Nice easy way to get the traitor but it was by chance she saw the person doing it. The sword fighting was a good action part, glad to see the girl winning.
Page 50 – I’ve never really thought about when people started celebrating Bonfire night, but it’s a nice thought that 60 years later they were celebrating his failure (not sure if it’s true or not). There’s a few bits of modern language that has slipped in that makes it feel less authentic.
Page 70 - The mystery gets deeper. Even though this is set in 1644 some of the scenes feel like they are set in modern times, which is off putting.
Page 90 – The play scene was good but a little all over the place.
Page 110 – I am guessing the boy with the earring is the third young wannabe detective from the synopsis.
Page 130 – I am intrigued to find out more about the ship and why are they trying to keep it a secret?
Page 150 -Aww no, I hope John survives and Will managed to get out. So the ship was smuggling gun powder. Are they planning on another treason attempt?
Page 170 – Beth is quite strong to be able to save John. I am not sure why the spymaster is leaving a plot of this magnitude to children.
Page 190 – The timing would need to be perfect with them putting the gunpowder in the hog. Interesting idea though.
End - Nice ending, leaves room for the next one in the series. I think it was a fairly good book, since it is aimed at younger readers, the parts I did not like are forgivable. I would read the next one in the series. Overall a good book.
Who would I recommend this too?
Younger readers, it’s a nice way of instilling a passion for history.
February 19, 2014
Received from NetGalley for review.
3.5 stars
In Treason we follow Beth Johnson, fourteen year old actress and spy, as she completes the tasks given to her by spymaster Alan Strange, tasks that become increasingly more complex and dangerous, until Beth finds herself amidst a plot to kill the King that needs to be stopped.
I found reading Treason very much like reading The Girl in the Mask, not necessarily because they were similar in plot and protagonists (there are some similarities but that’s to be expected of young adult historical fiction), but because I mostly enjoyed both of them and felt that both of them could have been so much more. More exciting, more intense, more adventurous, just…more. There is no denying that Treason is a good little story, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, something about it just felt a bit flat, though I’m not sure what exactly.
I quite liked Beth, unrealistic as it would be for a young girl to be a spy in the 1600’s. She was spunky, sassy and strong and worked hard as a spy to gain the respect of Strange and be entrusted with tougher missions. The other characters – wonderfully introduced at the beginning of the book as the ‘cast of characters’ – were enjoyable to read; Ralph was my absolute favourite, and I liked how dastardly the bad guys were. It also made a nice change for the male lead to turn into a pile of mush; John Turner is rendered practically speechless the first time he meets Beth and it made a rather nice change. Whatever you think of Beth, simpering and ridiculous around men she is not.
I think Treason will definitely appeal to younger readers, but I was hoping for a slightly more sophisticated plot, not one that took so long to really get going – after a gripping prologue it took sixty pages for any real action and mystery to start, and I wasn’t really interested in what happened until nearly the end – and had some shudder inducing clichés in the characters language: ‘I shall have him, by God!’ just sounds silly to me, regardless of the context. It was a fun enough little read, fast paced and intriguing enough, but nothing ground-breaking.
3.5 stars
In Treason we follow Beth Johnson, fourteen year old actress and spy, as she completes the tasks given to her by spymaster Alan Strange, tasks that become increasingly more complex and dangerous, until Beth finds herself amidst a plot to kill the King that needs to be stopped.
I found reading Treason very much like reading The Girl in the Mask, not necessarily because they were similar in plot and protagonists (there are some similarities but that’s to be expected of young adult historical fiction), but because I mostly enjoyed both of them and felt that both of them could have been so much more. More exciting, more intense, more adventurous, just…more. There is no denying that Treason is a good little story, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, something about it just felt a bit flat, though I’m not sure what exactly.
I quite liked Beth, unrealistic as it would be for a young girl to be a spy in the 1600’s. She was spunky, sassy and strong and worked hard as a spy to gain the respect of Strange and be entrusted with tougher missions. The other characters – wonderfully introduced at the beginning of the book as the ‘cast of characters’ – were enjoyable to read; Ralph was my absolute favourite, and I liked how dastardly the bad guys were. It also made a nice change for the male lead to turn into a pile of mush; John Turner is rendered practically speechless the first time he meets Beth and it made a rather nice change. Whatever you think of Beth, simpering and ridiculous around men she is not.
I think Treason will definitely appeal to younger readers, but I was hoping for a slightly more sophisticated plot, not one that took so long to really get going – after a gripping prologue it took sixty pages for any real action and mystery to start, and I wasn’t really interested in what happened until nearly the end – and had some shudder inducing clichés in the characters language: ‘I shall have him, by God!’ just sounds silly to me, regardless of the context. It was a fun enough little read, fast paced and intriguing enough, but nothing ground-breaking.
February 14, 2015
14 year old Beth Johnson is a rising star on the London stage, a profession newly available to women in 1664. She is also a spy, working for the king’s spymaster, Alan Strange. Her latest mission has her at the Navy Board, asking about a strange ship that appeared out of the mist. Young John Turner—-who rather yearns for more adventure—-knows about the ship because he and a friend were sent out to investigate it-—and only John returned. Soon John is fleeing for his life, and joins forces with Beth and the mysterious young Ralph, a former pickpocket and pirate now supposedly working for Strange as well. They’ve heard about a plot against the king, and are determined to stop it…do they have any chance?
Here’s one for fans of the 'Cat Royal' series—-a plucky young woman in the theater and espionage in the Restoration era. There’s a relatively simple plot, lots of action, one-dimensional villains, rather stereotypical heroes whom kids will enjoy nonetheless, and an entertaining panoply of 17th century London, lovingly described. There are anachronisms, of course-—I don’t think anyone was drinking lemonade in 1664-—but this is more history as show, made-for-TV (there’s even a reference to “those meddling youngsters!” ala Scooby Doo). John Turner christens himself “Captain Jack Turner,” which is clearly an amalgamation of Capt Jack Sparrow and Will Turner, from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movies. So, overall this is light and entertaining, without a lot of depth, but would make a good movie and kids will enjoy it.
Something that made me think of a friend who complains about food metaphors perpetually used to describe the skin of people of color—there’s finally a food-based metaphor for white skin! “All brawny arms and wobbly white flesh—much of which…appeared about to spill out like rolls of raw pastry from the low-cut dresses she wore.”
Here’s one for fans of the 'Cat Royal' series—-a plucky young woman in the theater and espionage in the Restoration era. There’s a relatively simple plot, lots of action, one-dimensional villains, rather stereotypical heroes whom kids will enjoy nonetheless, and an entertaining panoply of 17th century London, lovingly described. There are anachronisms, of course-—I don’t think anyone was drinking lemonade in 1664-—but this is more history as show, made-for-TV (there’s even a reference to “those meddling youngsters!” ala Scooby Doo). John Turner christens himself “Captain Jack Turner,” which is clearly an amalgamation of Capt Jack Sparrow and Will Turner, from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movies. So, overall this is light and entertaining, without a lot of depth, but would make a good movie and kids will enjoy it.
Something that made me think of a friend who complains about food metaphors perpetually used to describe the skin of people of color—there’s finally a food-based metaphor for white skin! “All brawny arms and wobbly white flesh—much of which…appeared about to spill out like rolls of raw pastry from the low-cut dresses she wore.”
November 29, 2013
Daisy (12) for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Amazing! This book is very good for historical fiction novel devourers like me! So it’s 1664 and Beth is an actress at a theatre in London and a spy. She has been waiting for a while to get a good spying assignment and hopes that solving puzzles will help. The only problem is her arch enemy Benjamin Lovett is used to having the women parts in the plays but since the law changed, every theatre now needs a woman actor.
Being a spy is good, but that big assignment just hasn’t come yet and Beth is wondering if her Spymaster (Alan Strange) really doesn’t want her after all. So when she gets a call from him she rushes there to see what he wants. Her heart sinks as she gets assigned a ghost ship.
Meanwhile, John and his close friend William also go to investigate this Ghostship as he is a small junior Clerk and seeks adventure. Will disappears on the ship mysteriously, John is left alone. One day a pretty girl (aka Beth) turns up and asks him about the ship. Better together, they team up with a back street pickpocket and uncover the 2nd great gunpowder plot!
Will they save the king, rescue Will and warn everyone before it’s too late?
This book is very good and if you like historical novels this is definitely for you. This book is in the same genre as the ‘My Story’ series, although in my opinion not quite as good, but that is a lot to live up too! Definitely still worth a read though. I read this book in 4 hours and it was very good. Check out the others in the series: plague, inferno and New World.
Verdict: A very good book but may only appeal to a small age bracket (12-13 years)
Reviewed by Daisy (12)
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Amazing! This book is very good for historical fiction novel devourers like me! So it’s 1664 and Beth is an actress at a theatre in London and a spy. She has been waiting for a while to get a good spying assignment and hopes that solving puzzles will help. The only problem is her arch enemy Benjamin Lovett is used to having the women parts in the plays but since the law changed, every theatre now needs a woman actor.
Being a spy is good, but that big assignment just hasn’t come yet and Beth is wondering if her Spymaster (Alan Strange) really doesn’t want her after all. So when she gets a call from him she rushes there to see what he wants. Her heart sinks as she gets assigned a ghost ship.
Meanwhile, John and his close friend William also go to investigate this Ghostship as he is a small junior Clerk and seeks adventure. Will disappears on the ship mysteriously, John is left alone. One day a pretty girl (aka Beth) turns up and asks him about the ship. Better together, they team up with a back street pickpocket and uncover the 2nd great gunpowder plot!
Will they save the king, rescue Will and warn everyone before it’s too late?
This book is very good and if you like historical novels this is definitely for you. This book is in the same genre as the ‘My Story’ series, although in my opinion not quite as good, but that is a lot to live up too! Definitely still worth a read though. I read this book in 4 hours and it was very good. Check out the others in the series: plague, inferno and New World.
Verdict: A very good book but may only appeal to a small age bracket (12-13 years)
Reviewed by Daisy (12)
September 30, 2015
{my thoughts} – This book was incredibly enjoyable. It takes place during 1664 when King Charles II is ruling over England. The main character is Beth and she is a spy for one of the King’s associates. Throughout the book she is sent on task after task, mostly simple missions that she feels are a waste of her skills as a spy. Towards the middle of the book she is sent on a more promising mission and things become more interesting when it comes to life and death circumstances.
Along the way she has a friend named Maisie that was introduced is a sort of younger sibling and an older woman named Moll that allows her the privilege of Boarding with Maisie above her tavern. Moll also was introduced as a mother like figure. Beth seemed to have had a rough go at life as she had been abandoned at a church as a small baby and then adopted by a nice family that had passed away when she was a young child. She was taken in by a neighbor but was treated poorly and like she was less then a person and wasn’t important in the least. When she got old enough she ran away and somehow ended up falling into the spy trade.
The biggest mission she is sent on has so many twists and turns. It begins with investigating a ship and ends with an attempt on King Charles II’s life. If you want to find out what happens with Beth on her mission and if she succeeds in saving the King’s life you will need to read the book. I personally look forward to reading book II in the series as this was a wonderful read!
Along the way she has a friend named Maisie that was introduced is a sort of younger sibling and an older woman named Moll that allows her the privilege of Boarding with Maisie above her tavern. Moll also was introduced as a mother like figure. Beth seemed to have had a rough go at life as she had been abandoned at a church as a small baby and then adopted by a nice family that had passed away when she was a young child. She was taken in by a neighbor but was treated poorly and like she was less then a person and wasn’t important in the least. When she got old enough she ran away and somehow ended up falling into the spy trade.
The biggest mission she is sent on has so many twists and turns. It begins with investigating a ship and ends with an attempt on King Charles II’s life. If you want to find out what happens with Beth on her mission and if she succeeds in saving the King’s life you will need to read the book. I personally look forward to reading book II in the series as this was a wonderful read!
July 13, 2014
It’s 1664 in London, England, and somebody has formed a plot to kill King Charles II. Beth, a 14 year old actress/spy, has been given a potentially important mission from her spymaster, Mr. Strange, to investigate a mysterious looking ship that has drifted up the Thames. During her investigation she is introduced to John, a Junior Clerk at the Navy Board, who has some very interesting if not frightening information about the mysterious ship. John has investigated it personally. They slowly begin piecing together this mystery when they run into a fellow spy named Ralph with “life skills” that are proving very useful in their investigations. The three embark on an adventure of saving lives, solving coded messages, and nearly escaping death on more than one occasion to solve the mystery behind the mysterious ship, and unveil the plot to kill the King of England. Their investigations lead them to the Tower of London where the Kings prisoners are sent. Can they piece these mysteries together in time to save the King? Or, will they end up a prisoner themselves in the Tower of London?
Author Jo Macauley has created a very cool series for any spy buff or history buff. Young readers will become engrossed in the eerie plot that will quench their thirst for action and intrigue. This fast-paced read has characters that readers can relate to along with vivid scenery that pulls them back in time. The back of the book has a personal note from the author to the reader along with a sneak peek into the next book of the series titled Plague.
Author Jo Macauley has created a very cool series for any spy buff or history buff. Young readers will become engrossed in the eerie plot that will quench their thirst for action and intrigue. This fast-paced read has characters that readers can relate to along with vivid scenery that pulls them back in time. The back of the book has a personal note from the author to the reader along with a sneak peek into the next book of the series titled Plague.
March 2, 2014
Treason is a surprising novel, both in good and bad ways. The very beginning of the novel is admirable, a great introduction to the story and the mysterious atmosphere of the novel. I'll get my dislikes out of the way. The story lacks in believability, because seriously, would a you actually believe there were 14 year old spies in the 17th century? I think not. That kind of bugged me throughout the novel. I also dislike the flirtatious hints that were given to our 14 year old protagonist, Beth, from older men. It's creepy.
Other than that, Treason is pretty good. The writing is fantastic, fun, descriptive, I almost thought the language was a bit advanced for a younger children's book, but I really did like it. The mystery develops brilliantly, with thrilling scenes and likeable characters. Every character has a distinct voice, there is a great range of characters all together. The ending to the novel is my favourite part. The funny, suspenseful conclusion let the story go out with a bang.
Overall, Treason is interesting. Historical fiction usually isn't my thing, but I have a soft spot for Treason. I don't think I'll continue with the series though, because Treason does have it's faults and let-downs. I enjoyed the mystery and although I found some of the characters incredibly irritating, it is a fun, quick read.
For book reviews and more, visit my book blog, The Book Stop
Other than that, Treason is pretty good. The writing is fantastic, fun, descriptive, I almost thought the language was a bit advanced for a younger children's book, but I really did like it. The mystery develops brilliantly, with thrilling scenes and likeable characters. Every character has a distinct voice, there is a great range of characters all together. The ending to the novel is my favourite part. The funny, suspenseful conclusion let the story go out with a bang.
Overall, Treason is interesting. Historical fiction usually isn't my thing, but I have a soft spot for Treason. I don't think I'll continue with the series though, because Treason does have it's faults and let-downs. I enjoyed the mystery and although I found some of the characters incredibly irritating, it is a fun, quick read.
For book reviews and more, visit my book blog, The Book Stop
December 9, 2014
Women were not allowed to tread London’s stages until 1629, and the first to do so were booed from the stage. By 1664 women are accepted, and Beth Johnson appears regularly at the King’s Theater. The attractive fourteen-year old is sought out by audiences – and also by Alan Strange, King Charles II’s spymaster.
When Beth hears St. Paul’s bell toll in her special code, she knows that Strange has an assignment for her. Fortunately, Beth has able helpers. The resourceful Ralph Chandler survives on his own in London’s alleys, John Turner is a junior clerk at the Navy Board, and little Maisie White sells oranges at Beth’s theater.
All good guys need a villain, and Beth’s troupe protects the king from the plots of Sir Henry Vale. That criminal mastermind was supposedly beheaded, but when his personal seal turns up on an encrypted note, there is yet another mystery to be solved.
Jo Macauley presents young readers with an entertaining series in Secrets & Spies. In Treason, the king’s foes have an irresistible opportunity to kill the monarch on Guy Fawkes Night. The anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot against King Charles’ grandfather is marked by fireworks, which will be attended by Charles II. Can Beth and her courageous friends defuse Vale’s infernal device?
When Beth hears St. Paul’s bell toll in her special code, she knows that Strange has an assignment for her. Fortunately, Beth has able helpers. The resourceful Ralph Chandler survives on his own in London’s alleys, John Turner is a junior clerk at the Navy Board, and little Maisie White sells oranges at Beth’s theater.
All good guys need a villain, and Beth’s troupe protects the king from the plots of Sir Henry Vale. That criminal mastermind was supposedly beheaded, but when his personal seal turns up on an encrypted note, there is yet another mystery to be solved.
Jo Macauley presents young readers with an entertaining series in Secrets & Spies. In Treason, the king’s foes have an irresistible opportunity to kill the monarch on Guy Fawkes Night. The anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot against King Charles’ grandfather is marked by fireworks, which will be attended by Charles II. Can Beth and her courageous friends defuse Vale’s infernal device?
January 26, 2014
Treason is the first book in this exciting historical adventure series for young people.
The first thing I noticed was the very thick, durable cover on the book...I know, I know, you can take the girl out of the library...but that is a very important sign of quality from Curious Fox. Now, back to the story...
The cover image is striking and made me want to read the book immediately. It pictures 14 year old Beth Johnson who is treading the boards of the King's Theatre, London. However, skills with a script and stage dagger are not the only talents in young Beth's repartee, for Beth is a spy, working for King Charles II's Spymaster Sir Alan Strange.
There is talk of a mysterious Dutch ship moored on the Thames, whispers of war and rumours of a plot on the King's life. As Beth and her friends search for answers, will the be able to put the clues together in time to save the King?
This was a fun, enjoyable, well-paced romp through 17th century London. Beth is likeable, confident and smart. There was a nice hint of romance between Beth and John and I loved the map included in the back of the book.
I hope to read more of this thrilling new series.
The first thing I noticed was the very thick, durable cover on the book...I know, I know, you can take the girl out of the library...but that is a very important sign of quality from Curious Fox. Now, back to the story...
The cover image is striking and made me want to read the book immediately. It pictures 14 year old Beth Johnson who is treading the boards of the King's Theatre, London. However, skills with a script and stage dagger are not the only talents in young Beth's repartee, for Beth is a spy, working for King Charles II's Spymaster Sir Alan Strange.
There is talk of a mysterious Dutch ship moored on the Thames, whispers of war and rumours of a plot on the King's life. As Beth and her friends search for answers, will the be able to put the clues together in time to save the King?
This was a fun, enjoyable, well-paced romp through 17th century London. Beth is likeable, confident and smart. There was a nice hint of romance between Beth and John and I loved the map included in the back of the book.
I hope to read more of this thrilling new series.
February 13, 2014
Treason held really descriptive language. I felt that I was really whisked away into the time period. The prologue set a very spooky tone for the opening of the story. It was felt through the rest of the book, although it quickly merged with a feeling of anticipation as the story continued through a pace of nonstop action. The author wrote regarding the characters in such a way that you were easily able to identify the characters, even though there were a number of similar aged characters in the story. The author also helped you enter into the lives of each character prior to the time of the actual story without it seeming like she was just telling you background. The one minor flaw that I felt the book had was the age of the main character, Beth. For this to be a believable tale, she should have been at least an older teen. The book was written for middle grade readers (approximately grades 4-8) but making Beth 16 years old would seem more realistic. I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2015
I typically love books about spies, so when I saw spies in the tittle of Treason I decided to give it a try. It is an exciting tale about spies with danger on every page. However I found this book a little too predictable, but then again I am in high school. I recommend this book for fourth through sixth grade. One of the things that really bothered my about this book is how the main character Beth seemed to have no flaws, making it hard to get to know her. It also bothered me how the main characters repeatedly got caught in life threatening situations but miraculously were never harmed. One thing that I did like about the book was the detail to the historical accuracy. You could tell that the author really did her research, making this book not only an entertaining story but also a history lesson.
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December 21, 2020
4.7 stars !! In my opinion these books are so underrated! They have very few ratings and nearly no reviews in comparison to more popular books, and I have no idea why! I love this series! This was a reread for me as I have not read them since I was younger, but remembered loving them, and my reread did not disappoint! I love the mystery and intrigue, and the character relationships between Beth, John and Ralph is nothing short of amazing. This is definitely my favorite book in the series, but I love all of them. I wholeheartedly recommend these books, and I have never more wanted to be a part of a spy ring in ancient London until now!
June 27, 2015
The most amazing thing about Treason is the fact that the entire book is action packed from the start to the finish. There isn't a single dull moment in the book, which I think is great. However, I really disliked John Turner because I felt that his character could've been much better, in the sense that he could've done more to help Beth and Ralph in their investigation. He did help, occasionally and at the most random of times, but he was essentially useless.
May 4, 2016
Great book , i enjoyed reading it as am living there in London
it was nice to meet Beth , shes such a clover girl for real haha.
it was nice to meet Beth , shes such a clover girl for real haha.
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