Pi, Lightman and Tollhouse are back for another installment of Jason Ancona's hilarious and brilliant series! If you haven't yet put these books on your TBR list, I intend to change your mind before the end of this review. Trust me, they are too good to pass up. Do you love hilarity? Are you amused by witty sarcastic banter? Does the idea of adorably awkward teenage interactions make you smile? This is a series for you.

The Sext Crime brings back all the fantastic characters. There's Pi (Peter) the math whiz and adorable nerd. He's smitten with Vera, who he's too afraid to talk to. Then there's Lightman. Or Delilah, but don't call her that or she'll probably hit you. Hard. She's a bit of a tomboy, and computer hacker extraordinaire. Rounding it out is Tollhouse, the sweetest and probably silliest guy you'll ever meet. He's witty, loves a good conversation, and fights with Lightman on an almost constant basis. Point being, this motley crew of kids fits together perfectly, and they will pull you in to the C.Y.A. I guarantee it.

This second book had me enamored with each page that went by. I liked the first C.Y.A. book, The Case of Tangled Love, but I think that it is here that the characters really come into their own. I could see the real bond between the three of them. More than friendship even, since they are connected to something so secretive. However what was added to this story that I loved, was an extra element of depth. See, in this story each of the characters goes their own way and is learning who they really are. Sure there's still that bond of friendship, but it's nice to see that they each have their own personalities that can stand apart too. I'm going to change my like to a LOVE for this one.

Wondering what I mean? Too bad, you'll have to read. I shan't spoil it for you. What I can say is that the plot in The Sext Crime is fantastically written! If you are a fan of mysteries, this will be on that draws you in. The use of technology in this book creates really familiar territory for teens, and I know even I was nodding along with agreement, even when I couldn't figure out the mystery. Along the way you'll also be treated to witty banter between the characters, hilarious situations, and a few laugh out loud moments. I'm probably rambling, but that just goes to show you how much I love these characters. They make me laugh, and isn't that what we all need sometimes?

I'll wrap it up here, since you're probably reeling from me trying to explain so much in so little space. Suffice it to say that Jason Ancona remains one of my favorite hidden gem writers! His writing is always a little different, but I'm not afraid to say it just keeps getting better and better. I know I'm a rambler, but I can guarantee you that if you give The Sext Crime a shot, you'll find something to love. I'm a C.Y.A. fan and I'm proud of it. ( )

Pi, Lightman and Tollhouse are back for another installment of Jason Ancona's hilarious and brilliant series! If you haven't yet put these books on your TBR list, I intend to change your mind before the end of this review. Trust me, they are too good to pass up. Do you love hilarity? Are you amused by witty sarcastic banter? Does the idea of adorably awkward teenage interactions make you smile? This is a series for you.

The Sext Crime brings back all the fantastic characters. There's Pi (Peter) the math whiz and adorable nerd. He's smitten with Vera, who he's too afraid to talk to. Then there's Lightman. Or Delilah, but don't call her that or she'll probably hit you. Hard. She's a bit of a tomboy, and computer hacker extraordinaire. Rounding it out is Tollhouse, the sweetest and probably silliest guy you'll ever meet. He's witty, loves a good conversation, and fights with Lightman on an almost constant basis. Point being, this motley crew of kids fits together perfectly, and they will pull you in to the C.Y.A. I guarantee it.

This second book had me enamored with each page that went by. I liked the first C.Y.A. book, The Case of Tangled Love, but I think that it is here that the characters really come into their own. I could see the real bond between the three of them. More than friendship even, since they are connected to something so secretive. However what was added to this story that I loved, was an extra element of depth. See, in this story each of the characters goes their own way and is learning who they really are. Sure there's still that bond of friendship, but it's nice to see that they each have their own personalities that can stand apart too. I'm going to change my like to a LOVE for this one.

Wondering what I mean? Too bad, you'll have to read. I shan't spoil it for you. What I can say is that the plot in The Sext Crime is fantastically written! If you are a fan of mysteries, this will be on that draws you in. The use of technology in this book creates really familiar territory for teens, and I know even I was nodding along with agreement, even when I couldn't figure out the mystery. Along the way you'll also be treated to witty banter between the characters, hilarious situations, and a few laugh out loud moments. I'm probably rambling, but that just goes to show you how much I love these characters. They make me laugh, and isn't that what we all need sometimes?

I'll wrap it up here, since you're probably reeling from me trying to explain so much in so little space. Suffice it to say that Jason Ancona remains one of my favorite hidden gem writers! His writing is always a little different, but I'm not afraid to say it just keeps getting better and better. I know I'm a rambler, but I can guarantee you that if you give The Sext Crime a shot, you'll find something to love. I'm a C.Y.A. fan and I'm proud of it. ( )

THE SEXT CRIME is such a great book because of it's rich character development and the interaction between said characters. Pi (Peter), the math nerd, Tollhouse, the field agent, and Lightman (do not call her Delilah!), the extraordinary computer hacker, are a great team because they fit so well together, despite their differences. The constant bickering between Lightman and Tollhouse create laugh out loud scenes. And Lightman has a way of using her intelligence to get adults to do whatever she wants, even with her sarcastic banter and attitude.

And dare I mention the important issue that Ancona has tackled with THE SEXT CRIME? Normally, I dislike books where the main storyline is the "issue" the author is trying to get across to readers. Ancona has done a great job of showing the dangers of "sexting" and the blackmail that can ensue from it, yet he has an actual story that is engaging and hilarious, and not too "Afterschool Special." (Those of you who don't recognize this reference: Ask your parents.)

Jason Ancona has created wonderful characters that draw readers into their story. The characters are realistic, funny and likable. Ancona has written yet another great novel that will appeal to teens and older middle graders. Check out the first book in the series, THE CASE OF TANGLED LOVE, for an introduction to the COVERT YOUTH AGENCY and it's members. ( )

The Covert Youth Agency (C.Y.A.) series is about a group of teenagers in high school who run the C.Y.A., a secret crime fighting group that helps students (like the C.I.A. for high school). The CYA is made up of three members: Pi, Tollhouse, and Lightman. Pi is the leader; Tollhouse is the main field agent; and Lightman is the computer genius.
In this installment, the group gets involved in the student council elections. When Meredith, one of the candidates for student council president, gets blackmailed into dropping out of the race, the C.Y.A. steps in. But whoever hacked into Meredith's phone is extremely skilled. After Meredith dropped out, the C.Y.A pushes for another candidate to run against the remaining one, supporting the same issues in hopes that the blackmailer might try to strike again. However, this time, the hacker/blackmailer targets Pi. Now it's a race against time. Meanwhile, Deeks, the gym teacher, is out to get the C.Y.A. since they blackmailed him into resigning from his coaching job since he was responsible for the bullying of the "Noble Nerds."
I was smiling and laughing the entire time I was reading The Sext Crime. Tollhouse and Lightman had the BEST scenes. Just having them in the same room together brought at least five minutes of straight-up-out-loud laughing (per scene!). Honestly, they are my favorite characters. They have a love-hate, well, maybe a like-hate relationship. They are always bickering; but deep down, and I mean deep deep down, I think they like each other. Unlike the last book, Lightman is allowed to work in the field. Although she quickly regrets it when she realizes that being undercover means going shopping with "the girls" for a dress. Lightman is so smart and can be nice when she wants to (very rarely). She uses her genius status to bully the principal and teachers in to letting her do what she wants. Tollhouse is a likeable nerd. He's not the coolest guy in the world and he does get picked on by the jocks, but he is very easy going. He can get along with anyone (well, anyone that's not trying to bully him-and Lightman). Pi was such a cute nerd! Seriously! Some of my favorite Pi scenes involved rap music, youtube videos, and some awkward dancing. One word: hilarious! He's a bit insecure when it comes to social interactions with people other than family and very close friends. When it comes to the C.Y.A., he's in his element and the insecurity disappears.
Jason Ancona did a great job! I was drawn back into the world and did not want to leave. I felt like I was back in high school with all the drama. Ahhh, it was so funny. I really wish Pi, Lightman, and Tollhouse went to my high school (if it was co-ed). I would SO want to be in the C.Y.A.. Also, if I was Vera, Pi's crush, I'd give Pi a chance. He's so sweet. The whole book was very entertaining. I can't wait until the next book (fingers crossed that there will be a next book). ( )