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Dive into the thrilling world of espionage and storytelling with author James Ponti as he unveils his latest thriller, London Calling, from the City Spies middle grade adventure series. Discover how real-world experiences, travel, and expert insights (he's interviewed a former CIA director!) enrich his narratives. Plus, there's a fun lightning fill-in-the-blank section based on listener questions.

Chapters and Clues:

1:29: All Things London Calling and City Spies

James Ponti introduces London Calling, the sixth book in the City Spies series, sharing how personal adventures in Rome and London fuel the story's rich setting and complex characters. Discover how his background as a History Channel producer adds depth to the narrative, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming storyline twists.

17:40 - Lightning Fill in the Blank

Enjoy a playful fill-in-the-blank segment and delve into the essence of mystery writing as James answers such questions as:

• a good spy needs...
• your secret spy skill would be...
• a good mystery has...
• next stop for the City Spies is...
• being a renegade of middle grade means...
• I make my hair silky smooth by...
• favorite City Spies memento..
• books are...
• you should have asked me...

28:32- Navigating the Noise

We discuss the importance of the children's literature community in creating worlds for readers to explore -- and in supporting each other in times of struggle.

Links:

Order London Calling and the rest of the City Spies series

Join the book tour

Mission Manhattan interview

Sherlock Society interview

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.