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THE HOPE NOT PLOT

by the KGB. It’s an ambitiously sinister plan, but it’s not one that goes completely undetected. When suspicions regarding the funeral ceremony are brought to the attention of U.S. President Lyndon Johnson, he takes action: Not only does he decide not to attend the memorial services, but he also consults former CIA director Allen Dulles, who, along with many other government operatives, recognizes the seriousness of the situation, which could easily spiral out of control.The story begins with a rather bland speech from 1960s\u002Dera Prime Minister Harold Wilson (“We are on the threshold of an extraordinary moment in the history of the realm”)\u003B a bit later on, there’s a similarly unexciting flashback to Churchill’s final public appearance in 1964, in which a woman unnecessarily explains to her young daughter, “Sweetheart, that is Sir Winston Churchill and his wife, Lady Churchill.” Nevertheless, as the pages turn, so does readers’ anticipation regarding the wild spy mission, which involves a large cast of diverse characters\u003B they include a couple in the U.K. that “had dedicated themselves to Soviet intelligence for nearly three decades, their commitment unwavering despite upheavals and betrayals,” as well as a frazzled American spy who, before the threat of KOBA came to the CIA’s attention, had been living a very unhappy existence in Rome. The lively mix of real\u002Dlife historical figures and Stokes’ fictional creations keeps events moving briskly along, and that includes the action scenes\u003B in one, a character makes quick work of his adversaries by firing “three shots with great poise and precision, dropping all three men in less than two seconds.” And, of course, there’s always the chance that world\u002Dchanging fiascoes will occur if the plan actually succeeds. The potential for such chaos will give readers plenty of good reasons to stick with the novel all the way to its conclusion."

Book Details

Publisher:The story begins with a rather bland speech from
Published:1960-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9798999204

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping middle-grade adventure follows a group of young heroes determined to stop a sinister conspiracy that threatens their entire community, blending mystery and suspense with themes of frien...

Our Review

This gripping middle-grade adventure follows a group of young heroes determined to stop a sinister conspiracy that threatens their entire community, blending mystery and suspense with themes of friendship and resilience. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, keeping readers engaged with clever twists and a high-stakes mission that pits ordinary kids against a formidable, shadowy organization. Young readers will be instantly drawn into the secret meetings and coded messages as the characters use their wits and courage to unravel the dangerous "plot" at the heart of the story. It’s a classic underdog tale that feels both fresh and exciting.

What truly sets this story apart is its focus on collective action and the power of hope in the face of overwhelming odds, offering a refreshing alternative to stories centered on a single chosen hero. The diverse cast of characters each brings unique skills to the table, demonstrating that teamwork and ingenuity can triumph over brute force or corruption. This book will particularly resonate with readers who enjoy puzzle-solving, secret societies, and stories where young people make a real difference. It’s a satisfying and uplifting read that champions intelligence and solidarity.

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