Title: Two Lies and a Spy (Two Lies and a Spy #1)
Author: Kat Carlton
Release Date: September 3, 2013 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 256
Source: Bought

Overall: 4 Stars

Summary:

Kari plunges into the world of espionage on a mission to save her parents while trying to impress the guy she’s been in love with forever.

When sixteen-year-old Kari’s dad sends her an unexpected text, she and her brother immediately go into hiding. Because when your parents are superspies and your dad declares a Code Black, it can only mean something bad. Very bad.

Kari soon discovers that her parents have been disavowed and declared traitors, and she’s determined to clear their names. Breaking into the Agency seems like a reasonable plan, especially with the help of a team that includes her longtime crush, Luke, as well as her two best friends—an expert hacker with attitude and a master martial artist—and Luke’s popular, vindictive twin sister. Oh, and a new guy, who’s as cute as he is complicated... 

My Thoughts: 
I hadn't heard anything about Two Lies and a Spy before I began reading it, but I'm so glad I didn't miss out! If you like books with teenage espionage and a hint of romance, I'm sure you'll be loving this book too. Kat Carlton's debut Two Lies and a Spy is pure fun!

A single text message from her father sends Kari Andrews and her younger brother, Charlie, on the run in this fast-paced thrill ride! Kari's spy parents have been captured and accused as traitors, but she's willing to do whatever it takes to prove the Agency is wrong, even if it means some computer hacking and breaking into one of the most secure buildings in the world with the help of her friends.

Kari is an awesome protagonist. She's headstrong, tough and knows how to protect herself in a fight, yet there's also a vulnerable side to her as well that she tries to hide. Under the circumstances, it would be understandable for Kari to crack and shatter as her life falls apart around her, but she remains steadfast and pulls herself together. After all, Charlie may be an adorable seven-year-old genius, but he still needs his big sister to look after him.

Kari may find herself in the serious situation of trying to rescue her parents and clearing their names, but Two Lies and a Spy is actually pretty cute and light. There were some really funny laugh out loud moments, especially in the form of trying to disguise identities. And Kari may have a crush on Luke, but her snarky banter with hottie British transfer student Evan will have you jumping ship to Team Evan at the first opportunity.

The execution of the plot could have been more complex to add a greater sense of danger and intrigue, but nevertheless, Two Lies and a Spy was an entertaining read from start to finish. After learning some very difficult truths about her life that will surely impact her actions in the future, I can't wait to see what's in store for Kari when the sequel is released next year!