Review of "The Spy-Catcher Gang," by John Kelly and Inklink

Review of

The Spy-Catcher Gang, by John Kelly and Inklink ISBN 9780756638504

Five out of five stars

 This short graphic novel is also a history lesson regarding the first year of World War II in Europe. The German Armies have defeated France and now control all of Western Europe. Their next target is the defeat of the last European power that they are still at war with and the aerial battle of Britain is at its ferocious height.

 Harry Tucker is twelve years old and lives in the East End of London and it is 1940. His father is off fighting the war, so he lives with his mother and baby sibling. Air raids are a nightly occurrence, so they spend a great deal of time in the shelter and try to lead as normal a life as possible. Harry has read about German spies and through a coincidence, he encounters one and very bravely pursues the matter at great risk to himself. With the help of Jenny, a girl his age, he is able to expose the spy and do his bit to aid the war effort.

 While there is a bit of embellishment in the specifics, the background of this graphic novel is historically accurate. The people of London faced daily terror with the regular deaths of people they knew. Yet, the adults went to work and the children to school as best they could. While they did this, the fierce air war was taking place over their heads and quite likely decided the ultimate victor in that titanic struggle for world supremacy.