I'm thinking maybe this one is my favourite so far... I don't know. But I loved it so much and I'm so pleased with how realistic Alex was acting in it. From everything that Alex has gone through, I firmly believe he has some depression in this book. It's very evident from the way he behaves.

I also just have to mention the very final scene in this book. It is honestly one of the best written scenes ever (I might be biased). Every time I read it I can absolutely and truly see what is happening. It's like I'm experiencing it. This might be confusing but I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't read the book... (you should read it, is what I'm trying to say).

Seriously I don't care what age you are, these books are grEAT.

Spoiler

Having Yassen Gregorovich tell him that his father was also a Bad Guy (at the end of the last book), it's no wonder Alex got depressed. He wants to feel close to his dad, who he never knew, so he tries to be more like him and even joins Scorpia in his attempt. He's lost almost all of his sarcasm. He doesn't care about anything. It's so clear to me that he's depressed in this book.

I remember first reading this book and reading the ending. Where Alex gets shot. AND NO ONE KNEW IF THERE WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER BOOK!? WAS THIS THE ENDING? DID ANTHONY HOROWITZ JUST KILL ALEX? In some ways it was a perfect ending, in others I WAS SO ANGRY. But wow. When Alex is shot and it describes the world tilting and everything, just... WOW. I love it.

Yeah, I think it's my favourite book.

Summary time:
Venice, bird-seed handbag snatchers, Tom, scorpion gift, masquerade, Live Tiger, nearly drowned, Tom is the best friend ever, BASE jumping, Scorpia is Friendly, the 'Truth' about John Rider, sent to kill Mrs Jones, bullet-proof glass, fake car escape, nanoshells, hot air balloon, John Rider was a Good Man, SHOT TO THE HEART.