This is the second book in the adventure series by J. Ryan featuring Joe, a reckless, rule-breaking teen with good heart, and his delightful best friend/girlfriend, Becks.
I received a reviewer’s e-copy of this book through Net Galley. Despite the author’s attempt to set the stage in chapter one, this is most definitely not a stand-alone book. The first six chapters were so frustrating that I stopped reading (temporarily). Instead I bought and read the first book in the series: Missing Dad. I’m glad I did. It definitely helped me understand the characters, and I was able to then finish the second book more comfortably.
I love a good action thriller, and one written for teens is a brilliant idea. But for me, this was more of a shaggy dog story, with the protagonists being hurled into ever escalating situations. Each situation was original and exciting on its own, but simply stacking one crisis on top of another is not enough of a reason to turn to the page.

Sorry, not into the subject matter. Can see it appealing to teen boys. Just not for me.