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Trouble Lurks
Sometimes, the most ordinary objects hold the deepest secrets.
While 16-year-old Tirana Caineson loves a good spy story, she isn’t so sure that she wants to live one. But when she discovers a new book in her local library that shouldn’t exist, she’s determined to unravel the mystery–because the author is dead. Right?
Whisked away into an incognito existence of secrets, danger, and insanity, it’s up to Tirana to protect a manuscript that could cost her her life. But she’s not the only one who thinks that an average book contains more than meets the eye, and there are other forces who will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.
The world of secret agents isn’t nearly as romantic as it is in the storybooks, and with the safety of those she loves at stake, Tirana must embark on a mission to uncover the truth… before the lies entangle them all.
Kara Swanson's Dust meets the works of P.D. Atkerson in this whimsical spy tale, where friendships, secrets, and trouble lurk.
While 16-year-old Tirana Caineson loves a good spy story, she isn’t so sure that she wants to live one. But when she discovers a new book in her local library that shouldn’t exist, she’s determined to unravel the mystery–because the author is dead. Right?
Whisked away into an incognito existence of secrets, danger, and insanity, it’s up to Tirana to protect a manuscript that could cost her her life. But she’s not the only one who thinks that an average book contains more than meets the eye, and there are other forces who will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.
The world of secret agents isn’t nearly as romantic as it is in the storybooks, and with the safety of those she loves at stake, Tirana must embark on a mission to uncover the truth… before the lies entangle them all.
Kara Swanson's Dust meets the works of P.D. Atkerson in this whimsical spy tale, where friendships, secrets, and trouble lurk.
- GenresThriller
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Joy
8 books27 followersElisabeth Joy is a master obfuscator, an incurable daydreamer, a seeker of little-known knowledge, and a writer at heart. While furthering her characters’ conflicts in a slew of different stories is her main vocation, she can oft be found chasing after her dragon of a dog or lost in the captivating world of research.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 12, 2025
Trouble Lurks is a one-of-a-kind novel with an imaginative premise and a gripping plot. I’ve been intrigued by this story ever since reading an early snippet shared on the King’s Daughters Writing Camp Slack group, and my anticipation for its publication has only grown since I started designing its cover.
This novel has everything: amazing main characters, an intriguing (and sometimes heartbreaking) plot, a unique setting, and a polished and professional writing style. Tirana is an excellent narrator. It’s through her that the reader experiences grief over Dallas’s untimely passing and confusion over the unfamiliar world of the ISA. The side characters are great too, especially the twins. Aurora may have been my favorite character.
Wonderland and the ISA are what make this book stand out. Regardless of realism, a spy agency themed around whimsical children’s fiction makes an intriguing premise. From the ISA’s headquarters in Indiana to their base in Florida to all the way overseas in London, the reader is transported to an array of vivid and immersive settings.
One of my favorite things about Trouble Lurks was the prose, which was replete with references to other works of fiction. I’ve never read anything by Tolkien, whose books are mentioned a lot, but I did mentally scream with excitement at all the P.D. Atkerson allusions. (There’s even a complete list of references in the back, if that interests you.)
If you enjoyed P.D. Atkerson’s AKA Simon Lee series or Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick’s Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott, you’ll love Trouble Lurks. I know I did, and I can’t wait to read more about what happens to Tirana, Aurora, Genius, Blake, and the ISA itself.
This novel has everything: amazing main characters, an intriguing (and sometimes heartbreaking) plot, a unique setting, and a polished and professional writing style. Tirana is an excellent narrator. It’s through her that the reader experiences grief over Dallas’s untimely passing and confusion over the unfamiliar world of the ISA. The side characters are great too, especially the twins. Aurora may have been my favorite character.
Wonderland and the ISA are what make this book stand out. Regardless of realism, a spy agency themed around whimsical children’s fiction makes an intriguing premise. From the ISA’s headquarters in Indiana to their base in Florida to all the way overseas in London, the reader is transported to an array of vivid and immersive settings.
One of my favorite things about Trouble Lurks was the prose, which was replete with references to other works of fiction. I’ve never read anything by Tolkien, whose books are mentioned a lot, but I did mentally scream with excitement at all the P.D. Atkerson allusions. (There’s even a complete list of references in the back, if that interests you.)
If you enjoyed P.D. Atkerson’s AKA Simon Lee series or Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick’s Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott, you’ll love Trouble Lurks. I know I did, and I can’t wait to read more about what happens to Tirana, Aurora, Genius, Blake, and the ISA itself.
June 5, 2025
“The Incognito SMILE Agency isn’t always as whimsical as it appears.”
I've had the pleasure of watching this story grow from its first few snippets, and love the book it has turned into. It's a whimsical and exciting YA spy novel. The characters are wacky and vivid, and the plot is fresh and fast paced.
I loved all the book references scattered throughout the story, and how the entire plot is literally based around a book. It's so fun and unique, and the ISA is such a fun setting.
And, Lise, how dare you make me almost cry with chapter 27.
(Also, Blake is the best character in this book, there is no other option. ...except for Pixie. *innocent smile*)
CW: The MC's dad has died. Spy violence/fighting. Trauma and all that fun stuff. A pretty intense few scenes with a lot of threats between the bad guy and the adult MC.
I've had the pleasure of watching this story grow from its first few snippets, and love the book it has turned into. It's a whimsical and exciting YA spy novel. The characters are wacky and vivid, and the plot is fresh and fast paced.
I loved all the book references scattered throughout the story, and how the entire plot is literally based around a book. It's so fun and unique, and the ISA is such a fun setting.
And, Lise, how dare you make me almost cry with chapter 27.
(Also, Blake is the best character in this book, there is no other option. ...except for Pixie. *innocent smile*)
CW: The MC's dad has died. Spy violence/fighting. Trauma and all that fun stuff. A pretty intense few scenes with a lot of threats between the bad guy and the adult MC.
May 7, 2025
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I had the pleasure of editing this novel, but this review is not influenced in any way by this. It wasn't my first read by Elisabeth Joy, but it was the first full-length work, and I enjoyed it. The spy/adventure vibes were similar to P.D. Atkerson's books, but with less violence and more sentiment. I loved very specific aspects of this story, such as Tirana's food allergy, which I related to; Aurora & Genius's crazy, hilarious ways; the lovely writing style; and most of all the awesome bookish feels, from the constant reference to books and films to the whole mystery centering around a book and Tirana's father being a writer. I also really appreciated the themes of home and family, Overall, it was unique and delightful.
*I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
June 12, 2025
Let me just start off by saying that I SO appreciate the handy movie & TV show references list in the back of the book). There were still so many I didn't realize had been Easter-egged in.
Right, official review time. This book was everything I thought it would be, and more. There's so many good quotes and scenes that I love, both inspirational and just all-out funny. Blake is, of course, my favorite character - it's not because Tirana, and the other POV character, because she totally is. But I just connected with Blake better. ;) So, so excited to see what happens in Trouble Follows!
Recommended for suspense and thriller fans, and for anyone who loves a good spy story. If you love sibling banter, fast-paced action, and a villain you'll love to hate (and of course, good winning out over evil), then this book is definitely for you. :D
Note: I was the developmental editor for this book; this did not influence my review.
Right, official review time. This book was everything I thought it would be, and more. There's so many good quotes and scenes that I love, both inspirational and just all-out funny. Blake is, of course, my favorite character - it's not because Tirana, and the other POV character, because she totally is. But I just connected with Blake better. ;) So, so excited to see what happens in Trouble Follows!
Recommended for suspense and thriller fans, and for anyone who loves a good spy story. If you love sibling banter, fast-paced action, and a villain you'll love to hate (and of course, good winning out over evil), then this book is definitely for you. :D
Note: I was the developmental editor for this book; this did not influence my review.
October 8, 2025
While this was more of a four star read for me personally, I'm giving it five stars for the service dog and food allergy representation- if you want accurate service dog rep, this book gets it spot-on! This is also quite a solid debut novel for a young writer. While some parts were confusing, the characters and story was a whole lot of fun. I think that I'm not quite the target audience, but middle grade mystery readers would probably love it. Also, this book is chock full of various references to stories and pop culture, including Studio C, which I honestly loved. Lady Shadow for the win. 😂
June 4, 2025
#1. I did not think I needed a lesson on grief.
#2. It was really neat to see a main character who did not always make the best choice for the situation but rather the choice that they would make if it were a real situation. In a similar vein, I really enjoyed how Secret was not a super powerful character. He was first and foremost, a medical device. We really need more disability representation that shows disability as something other than a fun quirk to make the character interesting, special and unique. Elisabeth delivered on that.
#3. Also! The list of references at the end was helpful. I enjoyed how niche they were.
#4. There were some things that I would have liked to have been fleshed out more, however maybe more answers and context will be given in the next book.
#2. It was really neat to see a main character who did not always make the best choice for the situation but rather the choice that they would make if it were a real situation. In a similar vein, I really enjoyed how Secret was not a super powerful character. He was first and foremost, a medical device. We really need more disability representation that shows disability as something other than a fun quirk to make the character interesting, special and unique. Elisabeth delivered on that.
#3. Also! The list of references at the end was helpful. I enjoyed how niche they were.
#4. There were some things that I would have liked to have been fleshed out more, however maybe more answers and context will be given in the next book.
June 30, 2025
First up, yes, I did get an ARC of this book. Yes, I was requested to write a review. But no, I was not required to write a positive review- only an honest one.
This is my honest review.
Elisabeth Joy's debut novel, Trouble Lurks, is an action-packed, adventure-filled story told mainly from the perspective of 16-year-old Grace Caineson.
Grace, who goes by her middle name Tirana, is the daughter of renowned author Dallas Caineson... recently deceased. So when she sees a book with his name on it at the library- a book published after his death, a book she's sure he never wrote- she knows that something's going on.
She and her medical alert dog, Secret, are thrust into a world of secrets, spies, and danger on every corner, as agencies from all around the world fight to get their hands on a book that should not exist. And Tirana is left with more questions than answers.
Who was her dad? What did he keep from her? And why is this book so important?
From the very start, it was obvious to me that the author is an avid reader. Book references, and even the occasional movie reference, were generously sprinkled throughout the pages. I loved this! There's something very satisfying about recognising an abstract reference to a childhood favourite book.
Also, it made the story feel more real. By grounding the story in the 'real world' with these references, all the action around it was so much more tangible.
I don't envy anyone the job of putting together the reference sheet at the end of the book, but I do admire it. Great job, Elisabeth!
Beyond that, I loved the characters. Aurora and 'Genius' especially. I'm guessing the author has personal experience with sibling dynamics, because it shows.
Agent Grizzled Fox got a lot of screentime for someone who, I felt, didn't fully show up until quite a while into the book. There were certainly points at which I wondered whether his perspective was absolutely necessary. That said, it did make him much more of a sympathetic character, and occasionally gave readers insight into events that Tirana wouldn't have had, so maybe it was needed, I don't know.
I would have liked to see a bit more of Secret, especially off-duty. As an alert dog, he was very well portrayed. None of it felt unrealistic or forced. But I get the feeling he has so much more of a personality, and I'd love to see more of it! Also, he could have been a bit more important to the story... but I guess there's still that potential for future books in the series.
As far as language goes, I only picked up on a few typos as I went, nothing major. The writing was seamless, and the action happened smoothly. For a story that could have had a lot of 'sagging middle' moments, it was actually written very well.
The only parts that felt a little off were the descriptions. As someone who's never been to anywhere this book happens in, I wanted to really feel the differences in setting! But the descriptions fell a little short of my expectations.
This might have been because I'm a very fast reader, and tend to skim through descriptions. But again, it might not have been. I'd love to re-read and see if any of it comes across differently!
All in all, the characters are fun, and the story is well-developed and full of suspense and action.
I rate this book 4 stars out of five! Highly recommended to all readers ages 12 and up, but with a little room for improvement.
Can't wait to see what you come up with next, Elisabeth Joy! I'm sure I'll love it.
This is my honest review.
Elisabeth Joy's debut novel, Trouble Lurks, is an action-packed, adventure-filled story told mainly from the perspective of 16-year-old Grace Caineson.
Grace, who goes by her middle name Tirana, is the daughter of renowned author Dallas Caineson... recently deceased. So when she sees a book with his name on it at the library- a book published after his death, a book she's sure he never wrote- she knows that something's going on.
She and her medical alert dog, Secret, are thrust into a world of secrets, spies, and danger on every corner, as agencies from all around the world fight to get their hands on a book that should not exist. And Tirana is left with more questions than answers.
Who was her dad? What did he keep from her? And why is this book so important?
From the very start, it was obvious to me that the author is an avid reader. Book references, and even the occasional movie reference, were generously sprinkled throughout the pages. I loved this! There's something very satisfying about recognising an abstract reference to a childhood favourite book.
Also, it made the story feel more real. By grounding the story in the 'real world' with these references, all the action around it was so much more tangible.
I don't envy anyone the job of putting together the reference sheet at the end of the book, but I do admire it. Great job, Elisabeth!
Beyond that, I loved the characters. Aurora and 'Genius' especially. I'm guessing the author has personal experience with sibling dynamics, because it shows.
Agent Grizzled Fox got a lot of screentime for someone who, I felt, didn't fully show up until quite a while into the book. There were certainly points at which I wondered whether his perspective was absolutely necessary. That said, it did make him much more of a sympathetic character, and occasionally gave readers insight into events that Tirana wouldn't have had, so maybe it was needed, I don't know.
I would have liked to see a bit more of Secret, especially off-duty. As an alert dog, he was very well portrayed. None of it felt unrealistic or forced. But I get the feeling he has so much more of a personality, and I'd love to see more of it! Also, he could have been a bit more important to the story... but I guess there's still that potential for future books in the series.
As far as language goes, I only picked up on a few typos as I went, nothing major. The writing was seamless, and the action happened smoothly. For a story that could have had a lot of 'sagging middle' moments, it was actually written very well.
The only parts that felt a little off were the descriptions. As someone who's never been to anywhere this book happens in, I wanted to really feel the differences in setting! But the descriptions fell a little short of my expectations.
This might have been because I'm a very fast reader, and tend to skim through descriptions. But again, it might not have been. I'd love to re-read and see if any of it comes across differently!
All in all, the characters are fun, and the story is well-developed and full of suspense and action.
I rate this book 4 stars out of five! Highly recommended to all readers ages 12 and up, but with a little room for improvement.
Can't wait to see what you come up with next, Elisabeth Joy! I'm sure I'll love it.
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed Trouble Lurks! The characters, the settings, the references (Studio C?!!??)
December 27, 2025
In all honesty this was more of a three star book for me, but since I met the author in person and feel like she has a lot of potential, (and how much lower reviews can be a detriment in the long run), I am giving it four stars.
So… I had higher hopes for Trouble Lurks. I was being picky and I’m even MORE picky with indie books, but the cover and formatting on this were lovely. The formatting is gorgeous, especially, and since not many authors pay attention to this, I thought that I was in for a decent read. Besides, supporting young authors is always a yes.
But if I’m honest… I was disappointed.
The concept and premise had so much promise and I don’t regret spending money as I feel like I’m still investing in Elizabeth Joy’s future as an author, which I feel is very bright. But this book could have benefited from a solid, professional developmental edit.
The characters. I could hear them and they had their own individual voices, which is amazing— but why is Tirana the MC? To be frank, she doesn’t DO anything. The protagonist is the character who has the most merit in the plot points— and that character was Blake (loved Blake). I loved the GF allergy rep (VERY relatable as a Celiac person) and everything and she’s a sweet character, but plot wise, she’s a doormat. In all the plot points, it’s BLAKE taking action, not Tirana. Personally, I would have preferred that either the whole book would be about him, or edit Tirana so she’s more active than reactive.
(And Aurora… I’m sorry I disliked her. She’s very annoying and irresponsible and I thought she would be a good best friend for lonely Tirana but personally she just irritates the heck outta me. She’s just so rude and snarky especially to her brother. There’s a difference between banter and bickering. She bickers. I wanted to duct tape her mouth shut. Or to a chair bc what the HECK was she thinking in that ending??? She just causes trouble and chaos and she’s unhelpful and juvenile and ughhhh.)
Sorry that was very harsh. I did not like her at all XP.
The plot and pacing definitely needed work. It was such a brilliant concept but the ending was so rushed that neither character arc felt fulfilled, and with Blake’s third person present tense I kept getting confused and removed from the book. I wanted to know what happened but between Tirana doing nothing and Blake being in third person present… it was painful, not gonna lie.
I don’t say any of this to hurt the author. I don’t regret spending the money. Girl, you clearly want to do your craft well and you put a lot of heart and work into this book. The references? So awesome! And you’ve got character voice down pat. But you published a little early in this book’s journey and I’m afraid it shows. A good developmental edit, maybe some plot and character tweaks, and this would have been a five star read. But it just isn’t there yet.
Still, I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.
Content Warnings: potentially gross descriptions of injuries. But a clean book.
So… I had higher hopes for Trouble Lurks. I was being picky and I’m even MORE picky with indie books, but the cover and formatting on this were lovely. The formatting is gorgeous, especially, and since not many authors pay attention to this, I thought that I was in for a decent read. Besides, supporting young authors is always a yes.
But if I’m honest… I was disappointed.
The concept and premise had so much promise and I don’t regret spending money as I feel like I’m still investing in Elizabeth Joy’s future as an author, which I feel is very bright. But this book could have benefited from a solid, professional developmental edit.
The characters. I could hear them and they had their own individual voices, which is amazing— but why is Tirana the MC? To be frank, she doesn’t DO anything. The protagonist is the character who has the most merit in the plot points— and that character was Blake (loved Blake). I loved the GF allergy rep (VERY relatable as a Celiac person) and everything and she’s a sweet character, but plot wise, she’s a doormat. In all the plot points, it’s BLAKE taking action, not Tirana. Personally, I would have preferred that either the whole book would be about him, or edit Tirana so she’s more active than reactive.
(And Aurora… I’m sorry I disliked her. She’s very annoying and irresponsible and I thought she would be a good best friend for lonely Tirana but personally she just irritates the heck outta me. She’s just so rude and snarky especially to her brother. There’s a difference between banter and bickering. She bickers. I wanted to duct tape her mouth shut. Or to a chair bc what the HECK was she thinking in that ending??? She just causes trouble and chaos and she’s unhelpful and juvenile and ughhhh.)
Sorry that was very harsh. I did not like her at all XP.
The plot and pacing definitely needed work. It was such a brilliant concept but the ending was so rushed that neither character arc felt fulfilled, and with Blake’s third person present tense I kept getting confused and removed from the book. I wanted to know what happened but between Tirana doing nothing and Blake being in third person present… it was painful, not gonna lie.
I don’t say any of this to hurt the author. I don’t regret spending the money. Girl, you clearly want to do your craft well and you put a lot of heart and work into this book. The references? So awesome! And you’ve got character voice down pat. But you published a little early in this book’s journey and I’m afraid it shows. A good developmental edit, maybe some plot and character tweaks, and this would have been a five star read. But it just isn’t there yet.
Still, I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.
Content Warnings: potentially gross descriptions of injuries. But a clean book.
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December 19, 2025Currently debating what to rate this...
RTC
RTC
September 16, 2025
Okay my thoughts on this book.
TL shows how nerdy the author is. I know her because we are friends in a writing camp. (So this review is my honest opinion of the book)
I loved it. The plot is very interesting. The characters are really cool. (Even referring to one of my favorite duology.) not to mention the Mary Poppins chapter😏 (i was surprised she put that reference in there)
I would recommend it to anyone i can
TL shows how nerdy the author is. I know her because we are friends in a writing camp. (So this review is my honest opinion of the book)
I loved it. The plot is very interesting. The characters are really cool. (Even referring to one of my favorite duology.) not to mention the Mary Poppins chapter😏 (i was surprised she put that reference in there)
I would recommend it to anyone i can
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews