Fun and entertaining with a lot of varied puzzle type. This is perfect as a gift for someone who likes sudokus and want to dive deeper into the puzzles of the world.

The test here consists of a lot of quizzes, most are interesting and a few are lame (those I didn't solve). There's also a lesson in the history of spying, as it has very little value in our modern world. Hopefully, the youngsters will get their faces off their screens and see what spying was before hacking.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Joel Jessup’s The Spy Test is a delightful foray into the world of espionage, cleverly disguised as a puzzle book. This engaging read is part of The Escapist’s Library Series and invites readers to test their mettle against a series of challenges that could determine if they have what it takes to be a spy.

The book is structured around a variety of puzzles and tests, each designed to mimic the real-life challenges faced by spies. From logic puzzles and code-breaking challenges to observation tests and creative problem-solving scenarios, Jessup has crafted a comprehensive and entertaining experience. The book’s format is interactive and immersive, making it a perfect gift for anyone fascinated by the mysterious world of espionage.

Jessup’s background in writing for television and film is evident in the book’s engaging and dynamic content. The puzzles are challenging and creatively presented, often framed within intriguing scenarios that add a layer of narrative to the experience.

The writing is clear and concise, with instructions that are easy to follow. Jessup’s tone is both authoritative and approachable, making the book accessible to a wide audience. His experience in creating bestselling puzzle and quiz books shines through, as each puzzle is meticulously crafted to be both challenging and enjoyable.

Jessup has successfully combined his expertise in puzzles with his flair for storytelling to create a unique and captivating experience. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast, a fan of spy fiction, or simply looking for a fun and engaging read, The Spy Test is sure to entertain and challenge you.

This is an interesting, fun looking puzzle book with a variety of lateral thinking challenges, code-breakers and brain teasers. It has a clear layout and is easy to read but goodness, it made my brain hurt! I guess they weren’t kidding when they equated it to GCHQ and MI 5/6. The book contains very little instruction and throws you into the deep end from the start. The sheer variety of different puzzles is impressive, but I imagine this could be overwhelming for some too, especially if they’re struggling from the beginning. Thank goodness the author’s included solutions at the end of the book because otherwise I’d have no hope! I trust they know the correct answer. Let’s just say I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon as I don’t think I’m cut out to be a spy.

I did not finish the book because I find the puzzles too time consuming, there are so many, but they were interesting and I think many readers would enjoy them, but I just don't have enough time. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.