Traitor » (Reprint)

Danny Watts' grandfather, Fergus, was a Deniable Operator in the SAS before he was betrayed, imprisoned, and falsely denounced as a traitor. Now Fergus has escaped, but the real traitor is determined to silence Fergus and Danny for good. Together Danny and Fergus are forced to go on the run in an against-the-odds battle for survival. As they try to clear Fergus' name, Danny learns all the military field craft, trade skills, and covert operations techniques that are second nature to his grandfather. When Fergus is recaptured, Danny must put those skills to the test and rescue Fergus before it's too late.

About the Author: Andy McNab's location is classified. Robert Rigby lives in the UK.

Claire Rosser - KLIATT

McNab is an experienced (highly decorated) British soldier and Rigby has written extensively for children. Their combined efforts here make for a compelling thriller with highly realistic details about covert operations. The main character, Danny, is 17 years old and has just been rejected by the British army because he is told that his grandfather, Fergus Watts, is a traitor. In a fury, Danny (an orphan) goes on a search for the missing grandfather, with the help of his friend Elena, who is a computer whiz. This is a set-up: a real traitor in the secret services wants to find Fergus and eliminate him, using Danny as bait to get Fergus to reveal his whereabouts. Danny does locate Fergus and is persuaded that he is innocent, and the two set about to clear Fergus's name and nail the real traitor. Here is when the reader, and Danny, find out how to stay hidden. There are detailed instructions about discovering tails, establishing an ERV (emergency rendezvous), and so forth, enough to satisfy the most reluctant reader. An added asset is the courage and intelligence of Elena, Danny's friend. The story ends satisfactorily but with plenty of openings for a sequel. We hope there will be one. (Editor's note: this is starred not because it's great literature, but because it has tremendous appeal.) KLIATT Codes: JS*—Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2005, Penguin, Putnam, 269p., Ages 12 to 18.