Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls #2)

Another fun Gallagher romp. If you haven't read my review for book #1 (I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You), I suggest taking a peek because much of my praise and criticism holds true.

Much of the new adventure harkens back to events in the first book. The story opens with Cammie and her mother visiting a secret CIA bunker (via a dressing room in the mall) to take a polygraph test to be sure she didn't permanently compromise Gallagher Academy's cover. I have issues with the CIA using polygraph machines, as they're notoriously unreliable, but that's an argument for another time. The test was only a semi-big deal. The REALLY big deal was the fact that Cammie's mother missed the test to attend to... "things."

Big things. Worrisome things that leave Headmistress Morgan visibly troubled. Only Cammie doesn't know what they are. As far as she and her roommates (Liz, Bex, and Macey) can tell, it has something to do with the East Wing, which has been mysteriously locked down. And possibly something to do with the secretive conversations Cammie's mother has been having with Mr. Solomon and the other teachers. And most definitely something to do with a word Cammie overhears - Blackthorne. Or possibly Black Thorn. They're not sure.

The book is filled with adventure and tense moments. Not tense in the apocalyptic, terrorists-are-attacking sense usually attached to spies (except when a Code Black is issued at Gallagher and CAMMIE is blamed!). No, the most tension comes from the girl stuff, such as the return of Josh, the arrival of a new boy who manages to convince Josh that he and Cammie are dating, and the fact that the new boy can beat Cammie at her own game. Whew, tension.

Unlike the first book, I found more conspicuous plot holes in CMHAHTS (please don't make me type out that entire title) and was dissatisfied and somewhat confused by the explanation given at the end for all the spy-business troubles. But, as always, the characters were enjoyable and genuine, and some showed significant growth from the previous book. In the end, I think, I'll live with myself much easier if I simply swallow the bobbles with the gems, because I really, really want to read that third book.

Reader reviewed by Pheonix

The second book to the Gallagher Girls series. 

Despite Cammie's best intentions, trouble comes quickly.  Cammie,
Bex, Macy, and Liz learn that the Gallagher Academy is hosting guests from
another spy school -- a school that is known to the world as the Blackthorn Academy--a secret spy school for boys.  After the disaster

with Josh last fall, Cammie isn't sure she's ready for the boy spies - especially after she meets Zach -- an arrogant cutie who everyone thinks is so perfect.

Personally I liked this book a whole lot better then the first one. Cammies a great lovable character despite being a spy, she's still a fun and reliable character. There never really seems to be much spy books. Yes there's Alex Rider, but I mean one with a herione. Thats one of the reasons I enjoed this book. Ally Carter does not disppoint. After you read this book you'll go through torture waiting for the next book.

Reader reviewed by Kit-Kat

As mentioned in the title, I did find this book more enjoyable than I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You.

There is more of a story and we learn more about the characters. The new characters entering the scene are more developed than in the first book, where some of the personalities fell flat. I think she really pulled off the Zach character - mysterious, yet strangely drawing you into him.

The book is fast-paced and funny and along the way Cammie discovers some very valuable lessons wrapped up in normal, everyday activities. Well, as normal as anything can be for someone who is a spy.

Reader reviewed by Tasha

Cammie Morgan returns from winter break to a debriefing at the super secret CIA headquarters in D.C. While her whole surrounding amazes her she can't help but to be nervous as it dredges up all the old memories of Josh. On her way home from her debriefing Cammie finds that her mom is acting very weird, but when she asks her about it she simply says nothing. When Cammie finally arrives back at Gallagher Academy she is overjoyed to be reconnected with her friends and even schoolwork, except she senses that something isn't quite the same. Her suspicion is soon confirmed when it is announced that the boys of Blackthorne Academy will be spending the semester at Gallagher Academy. Having never really been exposed to boys all the girls are shocked and don't really know quite how to handle the situation. While most girls are head over heels excited about the boys' visit, Cammie and her friends are a little skeptical. Even though she's a little hesitant Cammie can't help falling into a hard to read relationship with Blackthorne cutie Zach. Will Cammie figure out her relationship with Zach? Are the Blackthorne boys at Gallagher for a good reason, or are they up to no good?



I was really excited about reading this book as I really, really liked the first one, I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You. I liked this book almost as much as the first one. The story was still great and the book was jam packed with lots of adventure, but I found Cammie wallowed a little too much in this book. Other then that though the book was great. I loved all of the spy adventure that was going on and especially loved the girl power! I think this series is almost like a girl version of Alex Rider, except Cammie's not as adventurous, yet! I also really liked how Cammie grew as a person in this book. She started off a little shaky, but then resolved all her trust problems and returned to the good old Cammie we knew in the first book. As always with these kind of books though the ever so talented Ally Carter left us hanging on a thread as to what was going to happen next! All the information regarding the next book in the series, including the title, is highly top secret, but I do know that it is in the works and I cannot wait.