Death by Denim by Linda Gerber

From the Publisher

Aphra Connolly is being chased by some very dangerous people. She knows her survival depends upon staying far away from love interest Seth, and listening to her mom's lectures on the finer points of anonymity and survival. But how is a girl supposed to live under the radar and not think about her boyfriend when she's in Paris—the most romantic city in the world? When her mom's contact in Paris is found floating in the Seine with a deadly message stuffed in his mouth, Aphra realizes that she will never be able to stop running unless she confronts the situation head-on. Sneaking away from her mom, Aphra tracks down the criminal mastermind in Italy, only to unwittingly reveal Seth's location. And her mistake has just put them both in mortal danger. . . .

Children's Literature

In this third title in Gerber's spy/mystery novel series (following Death by Bikini and Death by Latte), Aphra and her CIA agent mother have gone underground to escape detection by their archenemy, The Mole. But just as they start to relax and let down their guard in their new French environment, they are discovered by one of The Mole's henchman, a mysterious figure who has leathery skin and smokes cheap French cigarettes. When her mom's French contact is discovered bound and drowned in the Seine, Aphra knows it is time to take action against The Mole. Plus this is the perfect opportunity to reunite with her true love, Seth, even though she has been warned by the CIA to stay away from him—for both their safety. Exotic locations, plenty of romance, and an action-packed plot will appeal to reluctant readers, as well as those who enjoy books with strong female characters and anyone who loved the TV series "Alias." A cliffhanger ending hints at another sequel—and at ongoing challenges for Aphra. Reviewer: Norah Piehl

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up

In this third installment, Aphra Connolly is in hiding in France along with her CIA-agent mother, Natalie. After seven months of peaceful anonymity, their location is discovered by one of The Mole's henchmen, a shadowy figure who wears snakeskin boots and has the distinctive smell of cheap French cigarettes. Aphra and her mother must escape and make their way to Paris, where they reestablish contact with the CIA. However, when Natalie's contact is found drowned with denim ligatures around his hands and feet and a cryptic note stuffed in his mouth, Aphra decides to embark on a dangerous mission to Italy to be reunited with her true love, Seth, and trap The Mole. Although lacking in well-developed characters, the breezy plot has enough fast-paced action to please mystery lovers and reluctant readers alike. This novel can stand alone, but most readers will want to go back to Death by Bikini and Death by Latte (both Sleuth/Speak, 2008) before diving into this fluffy read.-Amy V. Jackson, Homewood Middle School, AL

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