SPYGLASS: Coldfinger

By Author / Illustrator

David Solomons

Genre

Spy stories

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781805132370

Format

Paperback

Published

08-10-2026

Synopsis

The second book in a laugh-out-loud new series of hilarious, action-packed spy adventures from number one bestselling, multi-award-winning author, David Solomons.

It's winter at GoldenCliff Holiday Park. Adam's parents hope to pull in the Christmas crowds with their latest event. But something very strange has happened to the weather and, with temperatures soaring, Adam faces a holiday of mending unfixably melted, snow-based attractions . . . Summoned to Spyglass Manor, Adam, Zada and Tyler discover the source of the weather crisis is one of Professor Goodspeed's inventions. But they're not the only ones looking for it!

Armed with an impressive array of the professor's gadgets, the three friends - with the help of Malone the Drone and Rocket the dog - set off on another hilarious adventure. Can they outwit the dastardly Solara and her aquatic sidekick, Lido before it is too late?

A fast-paced, funny adventure series, packed with illustrations. Have you read? SPYGLASS: Mastermind of Mayhem

Reviews

Sam

If you are a KS2 primary school teacher looking for a book to inspire and motivate readers in your class, then the Spyglass series by David Solomons is just what you are looking for.

Coldfinger is the second book in the laugh-out-loud Spyglass series and the adventure starts with Adam at the start of the Christmas holidays, helping out at the holiday park owned by his parents. The park is struggling and some of his dad's hair-brained ideas don't always go to plan, leaving Adam to 'pick up the pieces' in the hope that the holiday makers enjoy their stay.

However, the winter season seems a little bit off; the sun is out, temperatures are soaring and Adam is continually trying to mend the park's snow-based attractions, so it comes as no surprise when he receives a call from Professor Goodspeed, a retired MI6 quartermaster. Adam soon realises that it's one of Goodspeed's inventions that is causing chaos at the park, and he needs Adam's help before things get even worse.

Just like the first book in this series, Coldfinger is an action-packed spy adventure. Adam and his friends, Tyler and Zada, find themselves racing to recover the Skycore, a device built to stabilise atmospheric conditions and redirect weather patterns, before it falls into the hands of Solara, Goodspeed's former partner turned villain.

Equipped with gadgets similar to those used by 007, the three friends must take on Solara and her sequin clad bodyguard, or as Tyler calls them 'the sun queen and her pool noodle ninja', to save the world, once again.

Coldfinger will make a great class read; not only is it a very funny action-packed tale but it also has plenty of points for discussion and teaching, such as the meteorological terms and references, and some super descriptive language and imagery that will appeal to young readers: 'Pipes and vents twisted around its blazing heart. Lightning crawled across the seams.' This book will also be an excellent choice for reluctant readers with its short chapters, detailed illustrations and page turning sense of excitement.

Coldfinger is an imaginative, highly readable adventure that will no doubt quickly become a popular addition to classroom bookshelves.

240 pages / Reviewed by Sam Phillips, teacher