Immediately upon her arrival in London to train as a spy, sixteen-year-old Nicki Haddon is assigned to help the British Secret Service infiltrate a drug cartel that is smuggling large amounts of heroin into the country. Placing herself in the midst of a tough East End street gang, she uncovers a plot to create a super-potent opiate and also discovers a royal connection -- one that goes all the way back to Queen Victoria. Nicki puts her life at risk as she goes after the kingpin of the cartel. Her kung fu skills are severely tested in this action-packed thriller, as the teen spy-in-training tries to unravel not only "the secret of the golden flower," but the ongoing mystery of her own past.
Readers should expect a fast-paced story with a powerhouse heroine and a punk rock soundtrack.
A worthy pick for a middle school readers, especially those who are adept at following an intricate plot.
[Caroline Stellings] is known for her writings on the Nancy Drew mystery series, and the influences are clear. Nicky Haddon is equally perky, as indefatigable, and as talented a role model for pre-teen girls.
Certain to be an enduringly popular addition to school and community YA Fiction collections.
I prefer Nicki to so many of the strong female protagonists of trendy YA lit... a clever and talented martial artist, with the right stuff to insinuate herself into situations in which she can problem-solve the mysteries within.
...the story unfolds at breakneck speed with Nicki in the middle of all the action.... [A] cracking good read.
This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.