Kensy and Max 6: Full Speed

Jacqueline Harvey

Puffin, 2020

384pp., pbk., RRP  $A14.99

9781760890025

Twins Kensy and Max are off on another mission for Pharos, this time set in the skifields of Switzerland. On this mission they are to infiltrate the mysterious but suspicious Van Leer family. Strange as the Van Leers are, proof of their misdeeds is scarce. Filled with the sort of action that only snowy mountain country can offer, these apprentice spies are determined to uncover the truth.   But when a surprising figure appears in the ski town, it seems there is more than one mystery to solve. 

Kensy and Max epitomise the sorts of kids we would all like ours to be – clever, resourceful, resilient and respectful – who lead the sort of lives that their readers can only dream of, particularly in these times. But for all that, they remain grounded and real, offering that magical mix of realism and escapism that has been the hallmark of successful stories for the upper primary age group for decades/

Whenever I ask Miss 14 what she is currently reading, a reread of the previous stories in this series is always on the list, as, having started it when it first appeared in 2018 she is keen to see what happens next to these heroes. In fact she often asks me when the next one is coming so after a long Canberra winter spent in trying circumstances, this will be most welcome in her letter box. Miss 9 has just begun the first in the series,  so this is going to be one of those wonderful reading experiences they will be able to share and talk about together.