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Spy X #1
The Code
Leaving only a cryptic note, Andrew and Evie's mother vanishes on their eleventh birthday. Now, almost a year later, the twins receive a mysterious package from someone named Spy X. They soon learn that the contents of the box will lead them on an incredible journey toward finding their mother - and into a world where no one's identity can be trusted. In Book #1, Andrew and Evie aren't initially sure what to make of the package that arrives at their door soon after they move to a new town.
144 pages, Library Binding
First published July 1, 2004
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1142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
December 14, 2008
Evie and Andrew's mother mysteriously disappears on their birthday leaving a strange note. The twins are left confused and hurt, while their dad is increasingly paranoid. All they know is that their mother works for "The Company," but that this strange disappearance is not another one of her assignments. Their dad's military and after a move, the twins discover a strange package that leads them a strange chase to try and find their mothers. They meet a strange women named Mrs. Digitalis who teaches them to break codes, get chased by strangers, and come out of it all still confused. There is no doubt that their adventures will continue.
October 30, 2012
Spy X: The Code was a very entertaining book. I would recommend it to all my friends who enjoy a mystery.
The story is about 12 year old twins Andrew and Evie who have just moved to a new house in a new city. They are always having to move but the difference this time is their mother has been missing for about a year. Their father works for the military and their mom for "The Company". Andrew and Evie aren't sure what that means but their mom leaves them a lot for work.
Andrew and Evie receive a mysterious package that contains a telescope, a key, a package of seeds and a cryptic note. Strange things start happening next door at Mrs. Digitalis house who the kids learn knew their mother. The items in the package become more than they first appear and Andrew and Evie have to learn how to break codes.
You will want to keep reading to find out where all the clues lead Andrew and Evie. I also cant wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens to the twins.
The story is about 12 year old twins Andrew and Evie who have just moved to a new house in a new city. They are always having to move but the difference this time is their mother has been missing for about a year. Their father works for the military and their mom for "The Company". Andrew and Evie aren't sure what that means but their mom leaves them a lot for work.
Andrew and Evie receive a mysterious package that contains a telescope, a key, a package of seeds and a cryptic note. Strange things start happening next door at Mrs. Digitalis house who the kids learn knew their mother. The items in the package become more than they first appear and Andrew and Evie have to learn how to break codes.
You will want to keep reading to find out where all the clues lead Andrew and Evie. I also cant wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens to the twins.
May 22, 2011
Read this series with Rylan and Hudson. We had a blast reading about the main characters (11 yr old twins) trying to find their mom who suddenly had to leave-only to find out she was a spy. We each were anxious to read the next book and find out what happens next.
February 19, 2009
OMG! I cannot believe that I never rated this before! This is an AMAZING book! Still one of my favorites, even four years after reading it! A MUST read!
July 14, 2009
I remember I read this ages ago, and it hooked me. I was so upset to find out that the library didn't have the next in the series, and then promptly forgot about it.
October 3, 2010
My friend recommended it to me, so of course I read it! I love books with codes and stuff!
October 16, 2016
An exciting story. Wish I had the remaining volumes on hand.
November 15, 2019
Book review by: Zoe Weingarten
Spy X by Peter Leranigs is a very simple mystery book. Andrew, and Evie are 12 year old twins. They are both very intelligent with special talents. Evie is good with number patters, and Andrew is very observant. They have just moved from their old house, to a new house, after their mom went missing. After they move into their house, life goes on until they see their neighbors house being robbed. When their neighbor comes home, they try to warn her about the robbers. But she goes into her house. To their surprise, she beats up the robbers, and they run away. After a while, Andrew, and Evie are waiting for their neighbor to say thank you to them. But, after a few days they realize she isn't going to. So they head to her house, and find out she new their mom. Their neighbor, Ms.Digitalis, starts to train them to learn codes, and notice codes. They use her training to help them with codes she gives them. After something sudden happens, Ms.Digitalis leaves.
I think that the author was trying to send a message through the book to always be aware. Be aware of your surroundings, and always notice whats going on. Because if you aren't aware of your surroundings, you could get hurt. Also the author probably wanted us to think that life is hard. What you should do about it, is not give up and keep on trying. In the book when Evie and Andrews mom went missing, they didn't give up. They kept trying to find her. They had hope.
Overall this book was okay. It wasn't the best though. Not much happened and if you don't like reading series then don't read it. This book left off in a cliffhanger, because it is part of a series. I liked how this book showed some interesting codes. They where fun to figure out. I would recommend this book for people who don't really like to read. It is a short book with a fast moving plot. Even though the book is pretty simple, its still a good book. I would definitely recommend this to younger people.
Spy X by Peter Leranigs is a very simple mystery book. Andrew, and Evie are 12 year old twins. They are both very intelligent with special talents. Evie is good with number patters, and Andrew is very observant. They have just moved from their old house, to a new house, after their mom went missing. After they move into their house, life goes on until they see their neighbors house being robbed. When their neighbor comes home, they try to warn her about the robbers. But she goes into her house. To their surprise, she beats up the robbers, and they run away. After a while, Andrew, and Evie are waiting for their neighbor to say thank you to them. But, after a few days they realize she isn't going to. So they head to her house, and find out she new their mom. Their neighbor, Ms.Digitalis, starts to train them to learn codes, and notice codes. They use her training to help them with codes she gives them. After something sudden happens, Ms.Digitalis leaves.
I think that the author was trying to send a message through the book to always be aware. Be aware of your surroundings, and always notice whats going on. Because if you aren't aware of your surroundings, you could get hurt. Also the author probably wanted us to think that life is hard. What you should do about it, is not give up and keep on trying. In the book when Evie and Andrews mom went missing, they didn't give up. They kept trying to find her. They had hope.
Overall this book was okay. It wasn't the best though. Not much happened and if you don't like reading series then don't read it. This book left off in a cliffhanger, because it is part of a series. I liked how this book showed some interesting codes. They where fun to figure out. I would recommend this book for people who don't really like to read. It is a short book with a fast moving plot. Even though the book is pretty simple, its still a good book. I would definitely recommend this to younger people.
December 19, 2020
This book came in a box of children's books I bought for my son (he’s 3). I decided to read the ”older” books. Boy have I been surprised. Call me immature, but I absolutely enjoy these middle grade books. This one in particular has me looking for book 2 of the Spy X series. This a fun and suspenseful read for middle school kids. I would have loved this series growing up. Heck, I’m falling for it now! And talk about women power! I’m looking forward to reading the next one. Well done Mr. Lerangis.
August 10, 2023
2.0
As (almost) always, a low score means that the book was not that much fun for me, clearly not its intended audience. Younger readers will sure get a kick out of it. This one was a bit too straightforward, and it only seemed to get things going towards the end. It could've gone to three stars but then... cliff hanger. Hate that. If I buy a book I expect a full story, even if it leaves room for follow ups. But cutting the story short at its more interesting point with nothing solved, that's just cheap.
As (almost) always, a low score means that the book was not that much fun for me, clearly not its intended audience. Younger readers will sure get a kick out of it. This one was a bit too straightforward, and it only seemed to get things going towards the end. It could've gone to three stars but then... cliff hanger. Hate that. If I buy a book I expect a full story, even if it leaves room for follow ups. But cutting the story short at its more interesting point with nothing solved, that's just cheap.
May 11, 2024
Fiction / Mystery. Grades 3-6. This is a great boot to engage students in reading. It keeps them turning the pages and trying to solve the mystery of what has happened to their missing mother. Problem solving is automatic as codes are part of the story line and one can't help but try to solve them! I love it that fun books like this help develop a life long love of reading and learning. And I'm hooked by the ending for reading the next one.
November 14, 2017
Genre: Mystery, Novel
Unique Feature: This novel is a thrilling mystery (first in the series) about two 12-year-old twin boys, Andrew and Evie. In this book they investigate and uncover the truth about their mother's disappearance.
Suggested Grade Level (end of 2), 3rd - 6th would really enjoy this thrilling novel.
Unique Feature: This novel is a thrilling mystery (first in the series) about two 12-year-old twin boys, Andrew and Evie. In this book they investigate and uncover the truth about their mother's disappearance.
Suggested Grade Level (end of 2), 3rd - 6th would really enjoy this thrilling novel.
December 5, 2017
Genre: Mystery
Grade Level:3-5
Unique Feature: I love how this book makes the reader feel involved with the mystery itself as well. The book provides all the clues within the text so the reader is able to be a part of the mystery too. I love this feature because it prompts the reader to work at solving it too !
Grade Level:3-5
Unique Feature: I love how this book makes the reader feel involved with the mystery itself as well. The book provides all the clues within the text so the reader is able to be a part of the mystery too. I love this feature because it prompts the reader to work at solving it too !
April 7, 2018
The Code Spy is a mystery book. This book has you questioning every person and situation and keeps you in suspense. I couldn't put it down and want to read the next book to figure out what happens. This book is unique as it includes codes that the characters need to solve, and the readers can try to crack the codes too. I would use this book in a third and fourth grade class.
December 10, 2021
I forgot how much I loved spy books growing up. I actually only read the 3rd book in the series as a kid and decided it was time to know the whole story. Some parts took me a while because I wanted to figure out the code before moving on, but these codes were really well thought. Fast paced and can't wait to finish the next one.
June 16, 2025
Very enjoyable book. Written for kids in middle school.
Story that grabbed me right away. Good characters, plot, special things including codes.
It turns out there are three more books that continue this story and feature the same characters, making a series of 4 books total.
I'm planning to read the other three.
Story that grabbed me right away. Good characters, plot, special things including codes.
It turns out there are three more books that continue this story and feature the same characters, making a series of 4 books total.
I'm planning to read the other three.
January 24, 2018
*4.5 stars* I started reading this for the Biannual Bibliothon for the “read a book that you know nothing about” challenge and so I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. Can’t wait to read the other books in the series!
February 3, 2018
Mystery
Grades 3-6
This book has clues and secret codes throughout and would be very engaging for students as they try to solve the codes before the characters do. Students could also use the keys in the book to create their own codes and write secret messages to each other.
Grades 3-6
This book has clues and secret codes throughout and would be very engaging for students as they try to solve the codes before the characters do. Students could also use the keys in the book to create their own codes and write secret messages to each other.
March 12, 2019
Genre: Mystery
One Unique Feature: I love how the codes and "secret" letters received by the characters in the book were displayed. It gave the reader the opportunity to try and solve the code first!
Grade(s): 4th-5th
One Unique Feature: I love how the codes and "secret" letters received by the characters in the book were displayed. It gave the reader the opportunity to try and solve the code first!
Grade(s): 4th-5th
October 2, 2017
i want the second
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
I thought it was very good.
January 27, 2019
Genre: Mystery
Grades: 2-4
Interesting feature: great for imagination and detection of text, easily understood and comprehensible.
Grades: 2-4
Interesting feature: great for imagination and detection of text, easily understood and comprehensible.
April 27, 2019
Great book to start off the series. A big cliff hanger at the end to keep you reading. Aabout some twins that set out to find their mother.
November 21, 2023
It was AMAZING!! I loved it so much and I really would recommend the book it was very mysterious and I really want to read the second one!
July 23, 2025
Fun children’s book! Cryptic messages and entering their mom’s spy world sooner than they thought. Fun quick read.
June 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! It was different than other books in the same genre and included clever codes and smart and likable characters. It was a quick read that would interest readers of all ages- from young to old! I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
March 7, 2017
ll some i want to know code know
November 29, 2017
This is not a particularly marvelous book, but it will keep you entertained for the short amount of time it takes to read it. The story is simple but has plenty of exciting mischief and will have kids wanting to get their hands on the next copy. An extremely quick read, this book would be great for students who enjoy action, adventure, and a little mystery too.
May 17, 2016
Audience: Third grade and up (though younger readers can enjoy).
Plot: Andrew and Evie are twins who have just moved to a new town with their Dad. Their mom went missing a year ago on their birthday and all three are still trying to adjust. One day, however, the twins get a package of random junk from Alaska accompanied by a cryptic note. But further study reveals that each item has a special purpose (like a kaleidoscope that is actually a camera). Under the training of their new crazy next door neighbor, they enter the world of spying and begin to unravel the mystery of their mother's disappearance.
Warning: This is the first book in series that, alas, will never be finished. You can find books two (Hide and Seek), three (Proof Positive), and four (Tunnel Vision), but the series is now out of print, and Lerangis never wrote a fifth or sixth or seventh book. I was so upset when I learned this that I went on to his website and emailed him, begging him to consider continuing the series, or to at least tell me how he would have ended it, and within a day or two he emailed back! Props to him! He told me that he wished he could have continued the series, but in the end it was up to his publishers and he had to move on. He told me that he was considering many possibilities for the ending but never decided on one specific path. So really, I couldn't expect a nicer answer, but I was still a little sad. I guess I hoped that he would be a depressed man who had given up on his dream to write a series about child spies fighting against a top secret operation, and that he would read my email and suddenly have a purpose again--to write for his one true die-hard fan, and that through me, all would be made right. Of course, I am glad that he isn't depressed, and he is still writing awesome books, so I should just move on. Maybe this post can be my way of getting closure.
All right, here goes nothing...
FAREWELL SPY X! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HOURS OF JOY YOU GAVE ME! I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
Well, I feel a little better. "Spy X" is an awesome series, and I highly recommend it, but just know before you start that you will have to make up your own ending.
Plot: Andrew and Evie are twins who have just moved to a new town with their Dad. Their mom went missing a year ago on their birthday and all three are still trying to adjust. One day, however, the twins get a package of random junk from Alaska accompanied by a cryptic note. But further study reveals that each item has a special purpose (like a kaleidoscope that is actually a camera). Under the training of their new crazy next door neighbor, they enter the world of spying and begin to unravel the mystery of their mother's disappearance.
Warning: This is the first book in series that, alas, will never be finished. You can find books two (Hide and Seek), three (Proof Positive), and four (Tunnel Vision), but the series is now out of print, and Lerangis never wrote a fifth or sixth or seventh book. I was so upset when I learned this that I went on to his website and emailed him, begging him to consider continuing the series, or to at least tell me how he would have ended it, and within a day or two he emailed back! Props to him! He told me that he wished he could have continued the series, but in the end it was up to his publishers and he had to move on. He told me that he was considering many possibilities for the ending but never decided on one specific path. So really, I couldn't expect a nicer answer, but I was still a little sad. I guess I hoped that he would be a depressed man who had given up on his dream to write a series about child spies fighting against a top secret operation, and that he would read my email and suddenly have a purpose again--to write for his one true die-hard fan, and that through me, all would be made right. Of course, I am glad that he isn't depressed, and he is still writing awesome books, so I should just move on. Maybe this post can be my way of getting closure.
All right, here goes nothing...
FAREWELL SPY X! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HOURS OF JOY YOU GAVE ME! I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
Well, I feel a little better. "Spy X" is an awesome series, and I highly recommend it, but just know before you start that you will have to make up your own ending.
February 17, 2017
Written in a cryptic yet fast paced style, this is one of those books which are a bed-time-fav of neo-teens. Absolutely enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews