This is a new title in the Usborne Young Reading Programme Series Three, which is aimed at children whose reading ability and confidence allows them to tackle longer and more complex stories. The book tells the story of spying, from Alexander the Great's secret scouts to more recent Cold War espionage techniques. It contains fascinating details of real life plots uncovered by spies, famous spies such as Violette Szabo, amazing inventions used in the world of spying, and the important roles which spies have played through the ages.

It is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University.