First Strike (Chance #4)

First Strike is the fourth book featuring Rich and Jade Chance written by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards.

While at the White House for a personal thank you from the president of the United States, Rich and Jade Chance and their father John, learn of a plot by a rebel group in China. Unfortunately, they do not realize until too late to save the White House from being taken over by terrorists.

Now Rich and Jade must fight for their lives along with everyone else in the West Wing. The President and the football that controls the nuclear launch codes must be protected at all costs.

The Chance series is pure adrenaline from page one to the end. This latest book is no exception. Don't read these books if you don't like heart-stopping action.

Higgins, Jack & Justin Richards. (2010). First Strike. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Sharp Shot (Chance #3)

Sharp Shot is the third adventure in the Jade and Rich Chance series by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards.

With their dad away on an assignment, Jade and Rich are surprised one evening by gunfire. And old friend of their father needs help, and he needs it fast. Luckily, Rich was just looking at old photos in his father's desk so he recognized the man who crashed through their door.

Rich and Jade help him get away from the men chasing him. A wild adventure through rural England changes when the three realize that they need to find a crowd to hide in - and what better place to find a crowd than at an amusement park?

I cannot say more without revealing a twist, but the book (and the series) is worth a read. Higgins and Richards can pack a lot of adrenaline into an easy to read, relatively short YA book.

Higgins, Jack. (2009). Sharp Shot. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Death Run (Chance #2)

Death Run by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards is the second book in the Chance series.

Rich and Jade have adjusted to living with their father John. After their adventures in the first book, they are glad to be going on holiday. Of course, when your father is a secret agent, holidays are not as relaxing as they are for other families.

The Chance family is put in the middle of an international crime ring when John rescues the accountant of the most notorious criminal in Europe. Once again Rich and Jade will have to prove that they are as creative as their father when it comes to survival.

Higgins and Richards have created a fast-paced series that will appeal to a wide variety of readers, including being a good pick for reluctant readers.

Higgins, Jack. (2007). Death Run. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Sure Fire (Chance #1)

Sure Fire by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards is the first book in their series featuring Jade and Rich Chance.

Jade and Rich grew up with their mother. When she is killed in a car accident, their father comes to get them - the father they have never met. John Chance never knew he had children and now, 15 years later, he is their only living relative. Though he is excited to find his kids, he is in the middle of a dangerous assignment.

When the twins see their father beaten and forced into a van, they know they must do something to help him. They don't know who they can trust - the police, the people who say they are from the intelligence branch, or the helpful woman who is trying just a bit too hard to gain their confidence.

Soon Rich and Jade are fighting bad guys and attacking secure compounds in the former USSR.

This series will appeal to readers who enjoyed other teen spy series such as Alex Rider, CHERUB, and Boy Soldier.

Higgins, Jack. (2006). Sure Fire. New York: Speak.