This book picks up shortly after the first one leaves off. Nathan Abercrombie is a zombie and only two of his friends know his secret. At least, that's what he thinks until he notices that he is being followed (rather shabbily) by a man in a shrub costume and an electronic squirrel. When the man finally contacts him, he reveals that he is head of B.U.M., The Bureau of Useful Misadventures. The man wants to recruit Nathan to use his special skills to help the world. But can Nathan trust this man -- especially when he offers a partial cure to Nathan's woes?

This is a really fun book. I found myself chuckling in a few places and laughing a bit too loudly at 2 am during one of the final scenes. I love the direction that the book takes and that it deals with some of the everyday challenges that Nathan faces with his "condition". He has his same personality but he doesn't need to sleep or eat and he has to be careful with his slowly deteriorating body. I also like the way that friendships and school kid alliances are portrayed in the books. This story has depth despite its light-hearted topic.

http://webereading.com/2010/03/new-release-dead-spy-guy.html ( )

Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com

As if becoming a zombie permanently wasn't bad enough, Nathan's problems have just gotten worse.

His limbs keep falling off and having to be glued back on; his wrestling-obsessed gym teacher is determined to toughen the whole class up; and now some weirdo, secret organization is trying to make him a spy. The spy thing wouldn't be so bad if they weren't already trying to kill him if he doesn't join.

Will Nathan Abercrombie find a way to cope with school and survive the spies?

DEAD GUY SPY is a hilarious adventure in true Lubar fashion. The characters are well-developed and entertaining. The plot is unique and fun to read. Readers will have a hard time keeping a straight face while enjoying this book.

Although you'll definitely want to read the first book in the series, MY ROTTEN LIFE, this is a great stand-alone story and will keep reluctant and avid readers wanting to read more. ( )

A fun book featuring a likable main characters, his two friends - who each help in their own way - and a cast of interesting characters whose quirks don't overshadow the story. There's plenty of action, particularly in the later half of the book, and lots of humor and amusing situations, some of which might be less appreciated by adults. Overall, a fast and fun read. ( )

Not as good as the first one, but clever and fun. ( )

I enjoyed the first book in the "Nathan Abercrombie" series. There was a guffaw on nearly every page and the concept was clever. Dead Guy Spy deviates from this pattern. And in fact, was a different sort of read. For one thing I thought there was less humor, and for another thing the book started off very slowly. Neither of which is a good thing in a book meant for Tweeners and Middle-schoolers.

And yet, towards the last third of the book, the pace picked up and the story was very engaging in the adventure sense. The mystery about whether the spy group B.U.M was legit or not was great.

So all-in-all I'm finding it difficult to rate this book. For those who enjoyed the first book, I'd say give it a try. Just remember though, that you are going to have to be patient, that the story takes it's time building. The ending though was good.

a mini-review by Pam T~
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