As the sun blazes over the Caribbean island of Lagrimas Negras, its bloodthirsty ruler is watching and waiting. Criminals come here to hide, with blood on their hands and escape on their minds. On the mainland, in the quiet town of Tres Hermanas, ex-flying ace Jack Stone leaves his son and daughter in the company of James Bond. But a gang of thieves lies in ambush - they want Stone's precious safe, and will kill for its contents. James embarks on a deadly chase through the Mexican jungle. On this terrifying trail of greed and betrayal, only danger is guaranteed ...Survival is not.
One of these days, I really want to read about Charmian being with James for the whole adventure and being totally badass. I will say that Higson writes very strong female characters. There's been few if any girls in this series that I've disliked. Or thought was stupid. Even Precious. Which seriously? Precious. What a name. I really hated it. I really came to like her though. At first she seemed a complete and utter moron and a spoilt brat, but she overcame her flaws and became a really strong female heroine. And if nothing else, she did love her brother. James is up to his usual tricks in this one, managing to find trouble by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I liked the letters from Eton, they were a nice touch, adding just that little bit of familiarity to a new plot. Great read. Solid four stars.
