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Never Say Spy #9
Spy High
“Fierce and fantastic – a totally different type of heroine who keeps you clinging to the edge of your seat!”
…If a kickass middle-aged bookkeeper got sucked into a spy’s life…
After four uneventful months spent guarding her boss’s eccentric hippie parents on an isolated raincoast commune, bookkeeper-turned-secret-agent Aydan Kelly is beginning to hope mildewed undies will be the only hazard she’ll face.
But some of the blissed-out flower children are not what they seem. Aydan discovers a plot to kill her lovable charges, and in her fight to protect them she unearths the commune’s deepest secret. Suddenly she’s facing dozens of enemies who threaten the lives of all the innocent commune members as well as her own. She’ll only survive with a little help from her friends…
* * *
Contains coarse language, consensual sex, and moderate violence including threat (but not completion) of sexual violence. The story can stand alone but will be more enjoyable if the series is read in order.
thriller, midlife, series, action-packed, humorous, strong tough female lead, racy & risque, espionage, amateur sleuth, secret agent, small town, technothriller, adventure, mystery, spy thriller series, women sleuths series, mystery series
“If Janet Evanovich’s quirky humour met Robert Ludlum’s taut thrillers, the Never Say Spy series would be their love racy, fun, and action-packed.”
Books in the Book 1: Never Say SpyBook 2: The Spy Is CastBook 3: Reach For The SpyBook 4: Tell Me No SpiesBook 5: How Spy I AmBook 6: A Spy For A SpyBook 7: Spy, Spy AwayBook 8: Spy Now, Pay LaterBook 9: Spy HighBook 10: Spy Away HomeBook 11: The Spies That BindBook 12: Kiss And Say Good SpyBook 13: Once Burned, Twice SpyBook 14: Friends In Spy PlacesBook 15: A Spy For HelpBook 16: Spy In The SkyBook 17: Live And Let SpyMore books coming...
…If a kickass middle-aged bookkeeper got sucked into a spy’s life…
After four uneventful months spent guarding her boss’s eccentric hippie parents on an isolated raincoast commune, bookkeeper-turned-secret-agent Aydan Kelly is beginning to hope mildewed undies will be the only hazard she’ll face.
But some of the blissed-out flower children are not what they seem. Aydan discovers a plot to kill her lovable charges, and in her fight to protect them she unearths the commune’s deepest secret. Suddenly she’s facing dozens of enemies who threaten the lives of all the innocent commune members as well as her own. She’ll only survive with a little help from her friends…
* * *
Contains coarse language, consensual sex, and moderate violence including threat (but not completion) of sexual violence. The story can stand alone but will be more enjoyable if the series is read in order.
thriller, midlife, series, action-packed, humorous, strong tough female lead, racy & risque, espionage, amateur sleuth, secret agent, small town, technothriller, adventure, mystery, spy thriller series, women sleuths series, mystery series
“If Janet Evanovich’s quirky humour met Robert Ludlum’s taut thrillers, the Never Say Spy series would be their love racy, fun, and action-packed.”
Books in the Book 1: Never Say SpyBook 2: The Spy Is CastBook 3: Reach For The SpyBook 4: Tell Me No SpiesBook 5: How Spy I AmBook 6: A Spy For A SpyBook 7: Spy, Spy AwayBook 8: Spy Now, Pay LaterBook 9: Spy HighBook 10: Spy Away HomeBook 11: The Spies That BindBook 12: Kiss And Say Good SpyBook 13: Once Burned, Twice SpyBook 14: Friends In Spy PlacesBook 15: A Spy For HelpBook 16: Spy In The SkyBook 17: Live And Let SpyMore books coming...
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
56 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Diane Henders
27 books105 followersBy profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 13, 2016
I've really enjoyed this series. Ayden is an atypical protagonist, a middle-aged bookkeeper who is mistaken to be a spy--and then becomes one. She is smart, loves to work on her farm and on cars, and swears like a sailor. There's a bit of a love triangle, but that also is atypical in that two of them, Ayden included--are very reluctant to make any kind of long-term commitment. The woo-woo/pseudo-tech stuff gets a bit odd at times, but it doesn't detract from my enjoyment.
That, perhaps, is why I liked this ninth book in the series. No woo-woo stuff in this one. Ayden is sent by Stemp to watch over his hippy parents at their middle-of-nowhere commune while she ostensibly recovers from her last mission. Only things and some people are not quite what they seem, and Ayden must use her ingenuity to keep everyone safe. Both Kane and Arnie make appearances and there's some satisfying relationship stuff happening at least with a couple characters in the story.
The books are well-written, and Ayden is a very likeable character whose quirks and flaws make the stories all the more enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next one.
That, perhaps, is why I liked this ninth book in the series. No woo-woo stuff in this one. Ayden is sent by Stemp to watch over his hippy parents at their middle-of-nowhere commune while she ostensibly recovers from her last mission. Only things and some people are not quite what they seem, and Ayden must use her ingenuity to keep everyone safe. Both Kane and Arnie make appearances and there's some satisfying relationship stuff happening at least with a couple characters in the story.
The books are well-written, and Ayden is a very likeable character whose quirks and flaws make the stories all the more enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next one.
December 26, 2019
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Spy High
Subtitle: (Never Say Spy #9)
Author: Diane Henders
Genre: Spy/Mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 9
Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read on its own but better after the 1st eight
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
At the end of the last book, Aidan’s spy-boss Charles Kemp became concerned about the safety of not only his wife and daughter, but also his parents. Charles’ parents are the leaders of a hippie commune and he sends Aidan there in this book to both heal from her post-traumatic stress and safeguard his parents. But all is not as it seems and as in the other books, Aidan comes across a lot of surprises. Surprises she can’t even tell her boss about. We, of course, also see John Kane and Arnie Hellhound pop out throughout the book to provide the intrigue of a love-triangle or a little more.
What I liked about the book:
I loved this book as much as I did the first eight. The twists and turns in this book lead to some surprising revelations and Stemp’s flower-power and peace parents hide their own secrets.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There is nothing in the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
Too many to count, I loved the book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There were no least favourite bits. The book makes you want to read on and not stop after the next.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
That is the good news, there are 14 more in the series already and I can’t wait for no. 15.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like a tongue-in-cheek spy mystery this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Book 9 of the NEVER SAY SPY series
After four uneventful months spent guarding her boss’s eccentric hippy parents on an isolated raincoast commune, bookkeeper-turned-secret-agent Aydan Kelly is beginning to hope mildewed undies will be the only hazard she’ll face.
But some of the blissed-out flower children are not what they seem. Aydan discovers a plot to kill her lovable charges, and in her fight to protect them she unearths the commune’s deepest secret. Suddenly she’s facing dozens of enemies who threaten the lives of all the innocent commune members as well as her own.
She’ll only survive with a little help from her friends…
- Spicy suspense served hard-boiled -
Books in the series:
Book 1: Never Say Spy
Book 2: The Spy Is Cast
Book 3: Reach For The Spy
Book 4: Tell Me No Spies
Book 5: How Spy I Am
Book 6: A Spy For A Spy
Book 7: Spy, Spy Away
Book 8: Spy Now, Pay Later
Book 9: Spy High
More books coming...
About the Author:
By profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
P.S. Are you a fan of the Never Say Spy series? Connect with other readers and discuss the series in the Never Say Spy Virtual Backyard Book Club at neversayspy.com!
Basic Details:
Book Title: Spy High
Subtitle: (Never Say Spy #9)
Author: Diane Henders
Genre: Spy/Mystery
Part of a series? Yes
Order in series: 9
Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read on its own but better after the 1st eight
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
At the end of the last book, Aidan’s spy-boss Charles Kemp became concerned about the safety of not only his wife and daughter, but also his parents. Charles’ parents are the leaders of a hippie commune and he sends Aidan there in this book to both heal from her post-traumatic stress and safeguard his parents. But all is not as it seems and as in the other books, Aidan comes across a lot of surprises. Surprises she can’t even tell her boss about. We, of course, also see John Kane and Arnie Hellhound pop out throughout the book to provide the intrigue of a love-triangle or a little more.
What I liked about the book:
I loved this book as much as I did the first eight. The twists and turns in this book lead to some surprising revelations and Stemp’s flower-power and peace parents hide their own secrets.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There is nothing in the book I didn’t like.
My favourite bits in the book:
Too many to count, I loved the book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There were no least favourite bits. The book makes you want to read on and not stop after the next.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
That is the good news, there are 14 more in the series already and I can’t wait for no. 15.
What books could this be compared to and why?
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like a tongue-in-cheek spy mystery this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Book 9 of the NEVER SAY SPY series
After four uneventful months spent guarding her boss’s eccentric hippy parents on an isolated raincoast commune, bookkeeper-turned-secret-agent Aydan Kelly is beginning to hope mildewed undies will be the only hazard she’ll face.
But some of the blissed-out flower children are not what they seem. Aydan discovers a plot to kill her lovable charges, and in her fight to protect them she unearths the commune’s deepest secret. Suddenly she’s facing dozens of enemies who threaten the lives of all the innocent commune members as well as her own.
She’ll only survive with a little help from her friends…
- Spicy suspense served hard-boiled -
Books in the series:
Book 1: Never Say Spy
Book 2: The Spy Is Cast
Book 3: Reach For The Spy
Book 4: Tell Me No Spies
Book 5: How Spy I Am
Book 6: A Spy For A Spy
Book 7: Spy, Spy Away
Book 8: Spy Now, Pay Later
Book 9: Spy High
More books coming...
About the Author:
By profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.
To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.
This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.
It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.
Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.
P.S. Are you a fan of the Never Say Spy series? Connect with other readers and discuss the series in the Never Say Spy Virtual Backyard Book Club at neversayspy.com!
February 23, 2021
The best surprise twist ever.
Like many others I do read a lot of novels. They all have a twist in them ranging from mundane and obvious to truly mind-blowing. Diane Henders made one of the best twists I have read in a long time. In my opinion, her novels are as good as Crichton or Patterson.
Like many others I do read a lot of novels. They all have a twist in them ranging from mundane and obvious to truly mind-blowing. Diane Henders made one of the best twists I have read in a long time. In my opinion, her novels are as good as Crichton or Patterson.
November 17, 2017
Nice story
What a wonderful story. I predicted some of the storyline, but there were some twists that I never saw coming. I can't wait to get started on the next book to see where the storyline will go.
What a wonderful story. I predicted some of the storyline, but there were some twists that I never saw coming. I can't wait to get started on the next book to see where the storyline will go.
August 7, 2018
Henders/spy high
Good as all the series from beginning. Packed with action some humour, self analysis of oneself and dealing with emotions with the two men whom she loves kane, and hellhound, while fighting terrorist and protecting her boss parents in a commune.
Good as all the series from beginning. Packed with action some humour, self analysis of oneself and dealing with emotions with the two men whom she loves kane, and hellhound, while fighting terrorist and protecting her boss parents in a commune.
July 29, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book (and series). Spy High takes place in an isolated raincoast commune. Loved her strict boss's hippy parents. What a contrast.
August 25, 2019
Spy High
Just when I wondered what other insane spy activity could ensue, it did. The antics and Aydan's extreme camping trip were awesome!
Just when I wondered what other insane spy activity could ensue, it did. The antics and Aydan's extreme camping trip were awesome!
April 27, 2023
Love this one!
I’m really enjoying the series, but this book was just a fun ride with the hippies and the commune. Well done, Diane!
I’m really enjoying the series, but this book was just a fun ride with the hippies and the commune. Well done, Diane!
May 30, 2018
Least favorite in the series. Seemed long and drawn out. Some things that I thought should have been dealt with or resolved weren't and some thing that came to a point was kinda left too. Of course, I like things nicely wrapped up with a ribbon or bow. I know there are more books but it felt like an add in book with not much of a point to the series.
February 16, 2015
When I grow up I want to be Aydan Kelly.
Well, maybe not. She's a bit too much of a commitment-phobe and she gets injured way too much (both physically and psychologically). But she's also one bad-ass bookkeeper.
I got the kindle edition of this book free from Amazon and liked it so much I bought the remaining books in the series. I read them all in less than a week and can't believe that I now have months to wait for the next installment.
The good:
Great character development, especially the characters of Aydan, Hellhound, Dave, Nichele, and Stemp. Most of the relationships seem genuine and why Aydan is working with Sirius is believable. Character traits (claustrophobia) are maintained from book to book. Each of the books don't spend a lot of time repeating themselves while still maintaining a self-contained plot.
The bad:
I get that Aydan finds Kane attractive, but I think the relationship is being pushed on the reader too much in the books. For me the sexual tension seems forced. Sometimes the situations Aydan ends up in are on the implausible side. I still don't buy why Dave jumped on board with believing her to be an agent and wanted to help her so much. And Stemp's parents? I don't want to include spoilers in this review so I'll stick to shaking my head.
Despite the flaws, these books are well-edited, well-paced, and enjoyable to read. Diane Henders is a new author for me but one who I will look forward to reading in the future.
February 22, 2015
Diane Henders' Never Say Spy series is one of my favorite go-to reads for pure fun. Her latest, Spy High, continues the action-packed (and downright sexy) adventures of bookkeeper/reluctant-spy Aydan Kelly. The setting this time is an isolated raincoast commune. Talk about a fish out of water! Poor Aydan is definitely out of her usual element on this assignment to guard her boss's aging hippy parents. Hilarity? Check. Danger? Check. Sexy men? Double-check! With visits from series favorites Hellhound and Big John, and an intriguing newcomer, there is no shortage of testosterone. Nothing our intrepid heroine can't, um, handle. ;)
If you haven't started this series yet, I envy you, because you have nine fantastic reads just waiting for you. Enjoy!
If you haven't started this series yet, I envy you, because you have nine fantastic reads just waiting for you. Enjoy!
June 25, 2016
I checked Spy High out from my local library. As always, excellent writing and witty dialog are this author's staple, but Ayden was by herself on this mission so much of the wit was reserved for inner dialog and not as fun as when she plays off another team member-- although, there are some great one-liners with Skidmark. I didn't like the commune setting, which is probably why I read through this one waiting to finish so I could get to book 10. The ending chapters were excellent, and more in line with what I've expected from this series... plot twists and classified toys. Not my favorite of the Never Say Spy series, but other fans may enjoy the setting and the craziness of the commune setting more than me.
October 29, 2015
It's a good thing it's not the first book of the serie because I wouldn't have read the rest.
I just didn't like it! I really didn't like the plot and it was not realistic. In the other books I like the tension between Aydan, Kane and Arnie, but in this one, I thought it was ridiculous. I just don't imagine a guy like Kane getting humiliated like that. Not credible at all.
And Stemp's parents... What they really are... Come on! I'm all for alert and active elders, but this is way to much.
Just hope the next one is better than than!
I just didn't like it! I really didn't like the plot and it was not realistic. In the other books I like the tension between Aydan, Kane and Arnie, but in this one, I thought it was ridiculous. I just don't imagine a guy like Kane getting humiliated like that. Not credible at all.
And Stemp's parents... What they really are... Come on! I'm all for alert and active elders, but this is way to much.
Just hope the next one is better than than!
January 6, 2016
A hippy commune, really? Says a lot about Stemp when Adyan finally finds out the truth. And what a revelation about his parents? This three way between Aydan, Kane and Arnie has got to come to a head soon. I really want Aydan to get together with Kane. Arnie is good for her soul but Kane can give her a life of peace and quiet - if she would just let go of the hurt she has felt for past relationships. This triangle won't work forever.
January 17, 2015
I won't bore you with the description of the story, since you can get that from the author.
I really didn't care for the first 70% of the book,it was a long buildup. I just kept reading to see what happens and I like her books. At about 70% it took off with the action and characters I really wanted to read about. The John and Arnie relationship is getting a little too weird for me!
I really didn't care for the first 70% of the book,it was a long buildup. I just kept reading to see what happens and I like her books. At about 70% it took off with the action and characters I really wanted to read about. The John and Arnie relationship is getting a little too weird for me!
January 21, 2015
This was one of those books that kept me engaged from page 1. And that meant, I was up until 2:30am finishing! I can't get enough of Aydan and her guys. I do hope that she gets a little more alone time with John next time. My only disappointment was that I have to wait until the end of 2015 to see what she gets into next!
February 3, 2015
Very different plot from the earlier books but just as awesome.
June 19, 2015
Excellent read!!!
Can hardly wait for the next one in the series!!! Hurry and get here!! Hurry...Hurry... I need to get a hold of the next book!!
Can hardly wait for the next one in the series!!! Hurry and get here!! Hurry...Hurry... I need to get a hold of the next book!!
November 29, 2015
Ok I kept reading book 9 because it was book 9 but it took me for ever to get through. Very boring until the last few chapters. Lots of irritation in this book.
December 12, 2016
Awesome.....
Absolutely love the heroics in this book. Aydan continues to be her own badass self. Life finds her in a bit of a pickle....so dam funny...
Absolutely love the heroics in this book. Aydan continues to be her own badass self. Life finds her in a bit of a pickle....so dam funny...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews