In Too Deep

This was fast paced and action packed and it was wickedly good. Unlike Alex Rider it's not overly sad and unlike Cherub - I like the main characters. As a reader, I relate to Amy but I love Dan's way of looking at things. They're a great team. Nellie, the au pair, is hilarious. She's laid back and loyal and can speak a seemingly million different languages. The rest of the Cahill family kind of suck, but what's an adventure story without a villain? Or ten? The plot is riveting - the mix of fiction and history is fascinating and I'm flying through the series. They're not particularly long - but then this kind of book never is - or at least never feels like it is. I can't wait to read the rest. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.


Nellie is looking show more more and more like a traitor. I still didn't love Irina but I guess she has some redeemable qualities. I wonder if Ian will abandon his mother. She is kind of evil. Or like totally. Dan and Amy seem to have come out with a stronger relationship and it was nice that they got to meet an Uncle who isn't out to kill them. Unless he is. Poor Amy, thinking its her fault - it was good of Dan to reassure her.
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The series has found its footing. Each of the last three books I've read have been entertaining, well written, and carried the plot forward at a furious pace. In this book, Amy and Dan follow a lead they discovered at the end of the last book, which takes them to Australia. This time, the hunt is personal: they aren't even sure that their information is related to the 39 clues, all they know is that the file they found showed them that their parents had traveled to Australia. They are following a hunch that everything is connected.

Their dad's cousin, Shep, is a surfer beach bum that lives in Australia. Amy and Dan, escorted by their au pair Nellie, track him down. They are not shocked to learn that their parents contacted Shep when they show more took their trip to Australia, but are pleasantly surprised to find out that Shep still has his itinerary from so many years back. Shep is also a pilot, and he flew their parents to a couple of destinations. Following in their parents' footsteps, the sister and brother team travel to the mining town of Darwin, and then to an island near Krakatoa, where they discover yet another clue in their hunt. The journey is anything but simple, of course. The Holts try to tackle them on surfboards, and Amy meets Ian Kabra's mother, who nearly feeds her to sharks. Worst of all, Amy learns the horrible truth that her parents were murdered. To fend off such ferocious blows, they need help, not only from Shep and Nellie, but from other unlikely allies. Hamilton continues to act like a human being, Alistair returns in his ambiguously friendly role, and they acquire aid from an even more unlikely source - Irina. Eventually, Amy and Dan survive their ordeals and are ready to forge ahead to a new location, with the clue from Jakarta secure in their minds.

As I wrote above, I really enjoyed this book. The series handles a large cast of players, but each successive entry adds new layers to these minor characters, while still focusing on Amy and Dan as they grow and change. The mysteries are deepening. What is Nellie hiding? Who killed their parents? What is Alistair's true motivation? At the same time, some puzzles are being resolved, like Irina's past. Since the start of the series, I have thought that a treasure hunt around the globe, where clues are historical facts and relics, is a great idea, and the series is really delivering on that potential now. With the sad events at the conclusion of this book, the stakes are raised higher than ever. I am excited to read the next one, and I think that I will finish this series at an ever-increasing pace. show less

I enjoyed the trip to Australia, both the more populated areas and the outback, and then to some islands of Indonesia. Though the Cahills, and thus us as well, are brief visitors to most of these places, they still gave me a chance to learn a little bit about somewhere I'll never go. Plus, I was curious enough to look online at some maps of the islands involved, which gave me a nice visual. The story was similar in pacing, mystery, and intrigue to previous books in the series, and I didn't notice any major differences in characterization either. Amy and Dan seem to be maturing, which one would expect, given when they've gone through so far.

I suppose it's all on purpose, but I struggle a lot with a book series in which I truly cannot show more trust anyone except the two main characters. And more than that, even supposed deaths can't be trusted in this series. This book in particular introduced a dangerous new character, (maybe) lost an existing one, and started to cast suspicion on someone that's seemed trustworthy from the start. I do appreciate being given some insight into the death of Amy and Dan's parents and assume more information about that will come in later books.

While I have had some frustrations with the series, and with this book in particular—for example, how do the other Cahills always seem to know where Dan and Amy are going to be? Sometimes it can be explained by saying they're going to an obvious place to find clues, but randomly going surfing, spur of the moment, and being found by the Holts? Really? Who's the mole in this outfit?—from past experience, I think they're the kind of thing that kids won't be as bothered by. There is a lot that I enjoy about this series, and now that I'm more than halfway through it, I'm pretty invested. I really do want to know what's going to happen, especially since, as of this book, I have developed a theory and a prediction about the ending. It's the kind of thing I feel like I should have been able to start guessing at sooner, but that kids of the age this series is meant for might not think of at all. I'm looking forward to seeing if I'm right! show less

Excellent, excellent continuation of the 39 Clues adventure! Amy and Dan Cahill are back and better than ever.

To get you newbies caught up to speed:

Ever since her (Amy) grandmother's will had been read, she'd been chased from one continent to another...by her own relatives. Her grandmother Grace Cahill had laid down a challenge to every branch of the Cahill family - either join the race for the 39 Clues and become the most powerful person in the world... or walk away with a million dollars. Amy and Dan had chosen the chase. Not that a million dollars wouldn't be pretty sweet. But they knew their grandmother wanted them to win.

pg. 3

In Too Deep provides much more of a back story, which is one of the things I was most excited about. The show more story was driven more by the characters, rather than the search for clues. And we finally get some semblance of an answer to the burning question: "What really happened to Amy and Dan's parents?" (Keyword being, "semblance") Amy and Dan are hit with some shocking news that sends their world in a brief spiral. And not only that, but images from the past are starting to burn their way into Amy's present. Pieces are coming together and new alliances are being formed in coalescence with that one fateful night.

In the 6th book, we see a little separation between the Amy and Dan due to a circumstance that Amy isn't fully prepared to share with her brother. But once the cat is out of the bag, you see an even stronger bond form between them which makes this such a well-rounded book amidst all the craziness.

In addition to the regular cast of characters, Amy, Dan, and their au pair Nellie, are met by two new relatives - one a long lost beach bum of a cousin, and the other a relative they have only known by name and her reputation for ruthlessness. The mother of Ian and Natalie Kabra. And my does her unannounced arrival add much excitement to an already perilous quest. Such an interesting twist! I love being able to glimpse other members of the Cahill family. And it doesn't look like she's going anywhere.

Another interesting turn of events was the discovery that Nellie, their trusted au pair and guardian, may be more than she says. Her character has the opportunity to become a great asset to the series. I just hope the next author follows suit.

The aspect I enjoyed most was the fact that there was a plot and purpose. Some of the other books lead Amy and Dan to wander around the globe, jumping from place to place all while trying to escape the snares of their conniving relatives - yet there's never really any depth to the story. But Jude Watson gave the book plenty. The twists and turns kept me in suspense and were well placed throughout the book. And I thought the storyline was met with a nice mix of history - which a few of the previous books tend to lack. Being the history buff that I am, I was quite thrilled with the direction it took. (Without giving too much away, it involves planes and one lost heroine)

Overall consensus - an exciting continuation that has once again sparked my interest in this series. I have to admit, it waned a little after the fifth book, but this was immensely satisfying. I can't wait to see what happens next! If you haven't read the series, I highly recommend it. The books are roughly 200 pages each and such a fun ride. show less

Watson, J. (2009). The 39 Clues: In Too Deep. New York: Scholastic.

054506046x

206 pages.

Kay, so I doubt the ten-year-olds are having this problem, but Scholastic is publishing the books too quickly! I'm having trouble keeping up! I guess I should just be thankful I'm not trying to keep up with the Conspiracy 365 series by Gabrielle Lord. That's being published each month. (Although, when I was a teen, I was all about the Fearless series by Francine Pascal. But I quit that around book seven or eight.)

Appetizer: In Too Deep doesn't start out too deep...or rather, a better term would be "too tense." Amy, Dan and their au pair, Nellie have arrived in Sydney, Australia, not on the hunt for one of the 39 clues but on the hunt for connections show more to their parents, who the siblings have learned travelled to Australia before their deaths.

Of course, as Amy and Dan reconnect with their father's old best friend, the extended Cahill family won't leave them in peace (and this includes the unexpected appearance of a new Kabra, who'd previously stuck to the sidelines).

So, I absolutely love the contrast between the cover image, the book title and the opening paragraph! The book begins: "The sound of rushing water filled Amy Cahill's ears."

Right there. I knew she was in a plane descending to the bottom of a lake or an ocean! Oh the dramas!

But then, the story continues: "If she kept her eyes closed, she could imagine she was standing under a beautiful tropical waterfall. Unfortunately, she was hiding in an airport bathroom" (p. 1).

Oh, Jude Watson and the cover designers, you had me going there.

I think I implied it previously, when I reviewed Beyond the Grave, the fourth book in the series, but thus far Ms. Watson is my favorite among the 39 Clues writers. In this book, I couldn't help but notice how well she integrates some of the previous Cahill adventures into her story. (I appreciated this because all of the books are running together. And since I can't keep up with the series, there's no way I could possibly find the time to go back and RE-read).

I did have a little trouble with the pacing of In Too Deep. This book seemed more relaxed (that's not to say there aren't tense moments? Exploring an opal mine only to have poisonous spiders and a deadly snake dropped into the the pit, cutting off the only exit, anyone?). But, when I was about three quarters of the way through the book, I kept flipping through the remaining pages, wondering why isn't this over yet? We'd had emotional upheaval (by the way, I don't understand how these kids will trust anyone EVER again. EVER! There is not a person in the world who does not have ulterior motives when it comes to them.), Dan and Amy were moving on to a new country
(Indonesia. They explore some of the history surrounding the Krakatau eruption)...But, why is this book still going? I felt like the new territory could have belonged in the seventh book.

But as I kept reading, the answer became apparent: More emotional upheaval ahead! Funz!

In this installment, Irina's characterization is explored in more depth. And she makes some difficult choices that made me like her a lot.

I was also drawn in by the murderous Isabel Kabra. That is one heartless lady. Like psychotic killer heartless. Vile villain heartless. In no way redeemable heartless (and kids, I'm someone who found redeemable aspects in Tom Riddle/Lord Voldemort).

I thought it was an interesting touch to bring in such a sinister character. Because most of the "bad guys" that the Cahill siblings have faced so far have all gradually been debunked from being pure-evil. Untrustworthy still? A few psychotic tendencies when you get in their way? Yes and yes! But not evil.

Dinner Conversation:

"She and Dan could be off on a tangent. This trip might not lead to a Clue. They had no evidence that it would. But they had both known the moment they saw [their parents'] passports where they were headed next. They didn't even have to exchange a word" (p. 4).

"Throw a roo on the barbie, mate!"
Amy winced as the bad Australian accent crashed against her ears. Then she cringed as she saw Dan dressed in an Australian bush hat and a safari jacket. He had a fake rubber snake wrapped around his neck.
"You call this a low profile?" she hissed, swiping the hat off his head and stuffing it in the side pocket of her pack.
"What was I supposed to do in the airport shop?" Dan asked. "I had to buy something" (p. 5).

"You have been resourceful, I give you that, " Irina said. "You think on your feet, you and your brother. But there comes a time when you must think deeper. You must face the thing you don't want to face. Until you do that, you're vulnerable."
"To what?"
"To someone who will tell you what you want to hear," Irina said. "So I ask again. What happened the night of the fire?" (pp. 55-56).

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This was a darn good read! This book took a bit of a different turn that the rest of the books in the series this far. The major turn was that this book really didn't have to do with a major Clue for Dan and Amy to solve, as in the other books, but there were some smaller ones for Amy and Dan to deal with. This book was character driven, and not Clue Driven.

We learn a lot about what happened to Amy and Dan's parents. What really happened that night of the fire, and who felt it was "their fault" that it happened. I like the fact that we are able to learn somethings about Amy and Dan's parents. We're they on The 39 Clue hunt as well? You'll have to read to find out.

In this book, Dan was likable character. In the past, Dan was kind of a show more jerk, but in this book, I really liked him and he made me laugh out loud. I was glad to see what Watson did with him.

We find out a lot more about Nellie. Is she who we were lead to believe? Nellie has the chance to be a fantastic character. If the character is followed through (and I hope the next author does) she has the chance to be a great character, and a real addition to the series.

Besides learning of Amy and Dan's parents, we learn more about Irina Spansky. We learn about her past, and why she turned into the KGB killer that she was. As a reader, we find out what heart breaks she had early in life. She's a *perfect* sympathetic character! I really liked how she turned out.

Along the way, Watson put Amy and Dan in so many dangerous situations, that the reader will be glued to the page to see how Amy and Dan get out of them. Watson's writing style will have the reader hooked to find out what happens to them. Kuddo's to Watson!

This is a great installment to the series. I had a ball reading it, and look forward to book 8. If you've read all of the books, then you'll want to read this one. If you haven't started the series, start with book one and en joy the ride. I know I am. show less

The way the authors of this series blend fact with fiction is absolutely astounding to me. I feel compelled to look up every little "fact" stated to see if it's true or simply part of the Cahill canon, but I stop myself because I REFUSE to destroy the temporary suspension of disbelief with this series (at least until I've finished it).