MELTDOWN

The final, exciting book in the Watts Family adventures from Britain reaches a satisfying resolution with this caper about a dangerous new drug that threatens all Europe. Now 18, Danny and his grandfather Fergus reluctantly agree to find and destroy the evildoers who are manufacturing “Meltdown” before terrorists take over the operation for their own ends. As in the previous episodes, McNab’s military expertise and Rigby’s writing skills combine to rivet readers’ attention while the duo infiltrates the drug operation. Original villains, snafus and the resulting improvisations by the good guys vary the action and keep interest high while the tension between Danny and Fergus adds even more emotional weight. Altogether, this truly entertaining and well-written series entry will can give young readers plenty of fun and insights into real, not imaginary, military techniques. By far the best of the imitation James Bond genre. Highly recommended. (Fiction. YA)