Jenn's Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover

Summary:  When Cammie "The Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept the nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnappers' plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth.

Review:  I had other reads planned for this week, but I suddenly found myself craving a visit with Cammie and the Gallagher Girls, so Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover jumped to the top of the pile.

Lots of important things happen your junior year of high school, SATs, college applications, driver's licenses... unless you're a Gallagher Girl, in which case it's covert ops, disguises, and code breaking. Cammie and Macey suffer a real attack from unknown assailants that puts their training to the test. It leaves both girls shaken and the school on high alert. Cammie is determined to figure out who is behind the attack and find a way to protect her friend.

This is probably the most serious of the books so far. But even trained teens get distracted by boys and have lapses in judgement. With Ally Carter's trademark wit and sarcasm, she brings levity to such a grave subject. It's one on the things I love about this series, but it's also one of the things that bothers me. I want them to be teens, but I want them to be responsible --probably just the mother in me, right? I got frustrated with some of the risks Cammie took, but I also understand her need to be involved.

The plot twists were unexpected and kept me guessing. I loved the new character additions too. All the little loose ends were tied up, but there are still some big questions that need answering, so I have a feeling I will be making another trip to the Gallagher Academy soon.

Final Take: 4/5