Teen Spies: Wartime Charlottesville Sleuths

In a small Virginia city during the World War II, teens James and his sister Natalia discover that their friendly and trusted neighbor, Otto, is part of a sinister plot against the United States. But who will believe them?

One year later, James is awakened by a nightmare triggered by his narrow escape from death while trying to rescue his sister and her boyfriend, who were being held captive by Otto.

The narration of the story by sixteen-year-old James adds vivaciousness to the book. A seamless collaboration of the authors, grandfather and granddaughter, makes it appealing to an intergenerational audience of readers.

This suspenseful adventure is fun to read, and I look forward to a sequel.

“Spies: Wartime Charlottesville Sleuths” is an engaging novel co-authored by Jim Sargent, a former history professor, and his teenaged granddaughter Audrey Deichmann. Set in the summer of 1942, amidst the backdrop of World War II, the story follows 15-year-old James and his sister Natalia (Nat) as they suspect their neighbor, Otto Herman, could be a Nazi!

Jim utilizes his love of history and baseball, as the novel blends historical elements, thrilling adventure, and mystery. Jim’s expertise adds a layer of authenticity, making the historical context educational and captivating. Audrey’s youthful mind brings the characters to life, making them engaging for all readers.

The authors use themes of courage, loyalty, and the importance of what is right, making this novel not just entertaining by insightful.

This grandfather/granddaughter team has successfully hit a home run with this novel! It’s exciting to anticipate what they’ll create next,

The venue is new. The ages of the protagonists are younger. But Teen Spies is still quintessential Jim Sargent – always entertaining filled with adventure and mystery along with a few interesting history lessons from the former history professor. This novel is different in another important way as well. The contributions of his coauthor and granddaughter, Audrey Deichmann, are significant and especially relevant to both the new venue and the protagonists’ ages. There seems to be a slight hint of a sequel. I certainly hope so.

Teen Spies has an interesting storyline and is difficult to put down! Written by mystery writer Jim Sargent in collaboration with his granddaughter, Audrey Deichmann, this story takes place in 1942 and involves a brother and sister and a neighbor’s nephew who suspect the nephew’s uncle may be a Nazi spy! How they attempt to learn more about their suspicions, the actions they take, and the danger in which they find themselves makes for an exciting story; a page turner, if you will. This story has it all: well defined characters, suspense, strong family relationships, and even a teenage crush. I hope there will be follow-up with the characters James and Nat.

In this novel, siblings James and Natalia (Nat) are a couple of brave teens. It's an exciting story that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. I would recommend it for all ages. This is the third novel I've read by Jim Sargent, and he has a way that makes you feel you are right there in the action. I plan on reading all his other books because of his great writing ability. Thank you, Jim and Audrey for Teen Spies.