A lot of people have been writing to me, asking when this reveal was going to come, noting that often, I have revealed the new SS book much earlier in the year of release. Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer for everything to be fall into place.
So here we go. Allow me to present the new cover of the twelfth book in the Spy School series:
When Ben Ripley’s latest mission goes horribly wrong, he ends up lost in a dangerous wilderness without any of his support team — and stuck with his longtime nemesis, Murray Hill. To make matters even worse, a new, devious enemy is hatching an evil plan and plotting revenge against Ben. Now, Ben must figure out how to survive — and how to thwart the evil scheme — before it’s too late.
Available September 24.
Click here to pre-order your copy today!
Please be aware that I know you probably still have questions about what happens in the book. I want you to have questions about it. Because i want you to read it. But I am not going to answer any questions about what happens in the book, because doing that will spoil the fun of reading it. Therefore, if you do write a question asking me for more info, I am just going to ask you to read this post again.
William –
I am not planning any crossovers at this time.
Hi Mr. Gibbs!
Really enjoying the books as of now post SPYDER era. I’m curious to know if you have developed/developing any arcs for the rest of the SS books? For example, I like to think of the first SS to SSBI as the SPYDER era. So I was wondering if there are any plans or if you’ve given any thought to roadmapping where the next books will go?
Loving the series!
You are correct that it is fiction. I respect your decision to keep it aimed towards younger audiences. And honestly, sometimes we all need to read something awesome that ends well. Thank-you for answering my comment. I am super excited for the next Spy School book coming out this September.
Alvin –
Since i have already had on big, menacing evil organization (SPYDER) I’m in no hurry to create another. I am just coming up with plots (and threats) without trying to tie everything together under some overarching storyline. (Although one could argue that the true storyline of the SS series is the development and growth of Ben his friends.)
Hi Stuart Gibbs, I’m david. you probably don’t remember me, but I posted an older comment half a year ago on one of your new books. I know you have lots of creativity to get where you’ve gotten, but I’ve been thinking about some ideas regarding the Spy School series for a long time now. I love how you always make your Spy School Books related to historic events, so I was thinking: what if you made a Spy School book with the plot being this: Ben is sent on a mission to discover secrets hidden in files and bunkers from the Cold War after a secret encoded message written by a Cold War veteran is found on his deathbed. This message warns the government about a secret weapon in development during the Cold War that has been rediscovered by S.M.A.S.H, Murray’s evil organization that was briefly mentioned in Spy School at Sea. Now Ben and his friends must race against the clock and find S.M.A.S.H remote weapons development lab before Murray launches this secret weapon. I haven’t thought much on further details and content for this book. I understand that you probably already have future plans for Spy School, but it would mean the world to me if you could somehow incorporate this into your future books. I know it’s a long shot, but if you love this idea and would like to discuss this further, please contact me via email. Thank you so much for your awesome books, Stuart Gibbs! 😀
Oh, sorry for posting that comment a few minutes ago, Mr. Gibbs. I looked at other comments and realized you’ve made it very clear you do not accept ideas from fans. Also, what got you into writing and how did you get to publishing your books? One of my friends is publishing a book and I think it would be great to get publishing advice from YOU: the man, the myth, the legend. Thank you, I hope you give me some great advice for publishing (my friend would be ecstatic if you did)
David –
Yes, as you noted, it is very hard for me to accept ideas from readers.
I have an entire page of writing advice on this website which discusses how to get published.
I love your books and you are my favorite author.
Just letting you know i have read the whole series twice and my favorite book was ssas. I really enjoyed Bjorn Turok and am really curious about what Jessica Shang will do now since she has no parents. Will she get cared for by Bjorn?? If it is a spoiler for the next book, sorry, but if not please consider adding it to a following book maybe.
“Hello, Mr. Gibbs! I just wanted to let you know how much I love your books and how they have helped me get into reading. Tomorrow is my first day of school, and I already know which book I’m going to Hint: it might be a book from the Spy School series.”
Christos –
I can’t really say what happened to Jessica — or any character — after a book ends. In part, that’s because it could spoil fufure books but also because, well, a book has to end somewhere. Obviously, the character’s lives go on afterwards, but I can only tell so much of each story.
Henry F –
Thanks for your kind words. I hope you have a great first day of school.
Hi, Mr. Gibbs love your books read the series 6 times over, and it is still hard to piece together SPYDERS plots even now I am still finding clues that you give as to what evil is planning. I can not wait to read your next book but alas September 24 seems so far away to a reader with no books.
every time I finish a spy school book I always try to spend one whole guessing what the next book will be about and seeing how close I come to predicting what you wrote.
Aiden Runcle –
If you’re a big reader, there are plenty of other great books out there to tide you over until Sept 24. Check out my Book Recommendations blog post on my website.
how come Cyrus barely has any reaction to Zoe having a crush on Svetlana but is the type to say “liberal hooey about climate change”
A
Any person is capable of having different opinions on different subjects. Just because someone dismisses climate change as liberal hooey does not mean that they are unaccepting of a same sex crush.
Alright, that makes sense. Thanks for the answer. Another question, have you read any of Patrick Ness’s books? also, do you think you would ever have a member of the main cast, or someone close to them die?
A
I have read the Knife of Never Letting Go. Really cool idea.
Since I am writing escapist fiction for younger kids, I see no point to killing off anyone in the main cast or anyone close to them.
Stuart Gibbs when do you think the series (spy school) will end, do you think it’s gonna end very soon or not I just want to know.
Iskander –
I can’t really say when the series will end. It probably won’t get to 50 books, though.
Can you add more Romance in your books please? I LOVE Erica and Ben and Trixie and Mike.
Aria –
Since my books are meant for younger readers, I can’t really have them get too romantic.
Mr Gibbs,
Hello. I and other teenage readers enjoy Spy School. Is it possible that you make another series where the characters face the romance and development elements of teenagehood? It wouldn’t have to be an inappropriate book, just one that comforts struggling teens. Long shot, but I would buy it and I assure you so many others would too.
– Jamey
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
I don’t know how many questions I can ask but, I will ask two, that I can’t think of an answer to.
1. Is Nefarious still in prison? Since I am in book 11, the letter said everyone had to go home right? If that is the case did everyone just leave him in the prison cell in there and if not where did they take him?
2. I read book 1 twice now and it said 6 years of Academy of Espionage and I believe Tina was a sixth year right before Spy camp but now in book 9 or 10 it said seven years? Which should I believe?
From, Double O Monkey
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
I have a question about Murray, why do you bring him back in the series every book? I am currently reading book 11 but, I find it hard to believe Murray will be captured ever. Like if the finale turns out to be book 22 (a complete random number) I truly wouldn’t believe that Murray is captured because of the pervious books? It?s something that I just noticed while reading. Thank you.
From, Double O Monkey
Jamey –
I think that the book you are requesting would be more of a Young Adult book. While I greatly appreciate you (and other teens) reading my books, I am not sure that I could pull off that type of bok. I am really drawn much more to writing adventure and mystery.
Double O Monkey –
1) Nefarious is still in prison. They would have transferred him somewhere else. I don;t know where. I have an older blog post about Questions I Can’t Answer that might explain why.
2) When you write book series over the course of fifteen years, it is impossible to keep track of every single detail. So I guess it’s six years.
Double O Monkey –
I bring Murray back because readers like Murray. (And so do I.) But there may come a time when he doesn’t appear in a book.
Hi Mr.Gibbs! I just have a quick question, what’s the age of your children?
Kaash –
These days, I don’t share information about my children to protect their privacy.
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
I do agree Murray is fun sometimes. I finished listening to the 11th book and I have a question.
Is there a reason romance has a b plot in the whole series? Is it a storytelling reason? Or is it popular to put romance in middle school books?
Thank you.
From, Double O Monkey
Will the new enterance exam have any story or will it kind of just be a gimmick?
Sam –
The entrance exam does not have a story. It is what is known as a companion book. It’s got a lot of fun stuff in it. And I’m releasing a book with a story on the same day: Spy School Goes Wild.
Double O Monkey –
To me, the missions and the character development are the primary focus of Spy School. The romance developed because fans wanted it and I figured I should be responsive to that. It’s not that common to have romance in middle grade fiction.
Dear Mr. Gibbs
Hello i somewhat recently found your spy school series and was immediately hooked. sometimes when i get started on one of your books i just can’t put it down and you definitely helped me make it through the long road trips unscathed. Thank you for making such an amazing series i could stay up late reading.
Matteo –
Thanks for your kind words.
Hey, Mr. Gibbs,
I love times infinity times two plus seventy two. Names Abhimanyu Paul, by the way.
I love your books and I am currently reading them for the second time. September 24th can’t come soon enough!
Mr. Gibbs,
As the story progresses and each character becomes more advanced and skilled as a spy, I feel that the comedy relief becomes less frequent. For example, in Spy School X, Alexander can be seen as a skilled pilot, but I feel the humor about him being a clumsy spy is becoming dull and less seen because of his skill.
Chris –
Characters need to change, but I feel like I’m still finding ways to keep the series funny.
So excited for the new book!! 😀
That is very interisteng
Mr Gibbs , I love your books and your creativity you put into them, if there was one thing I could change it would be the wait time for the books, instead of a new book coming out every year could you try making one every 6 months
Jack –
I release far more than one book every year. This year alone, I have released the Evil Spy School graphic novel and the Charlie Thorne and the Royal Society, and am releasing Spy School Goes Wild and the Spy School Entrance Exam on the same day. Last year I actually released five books. So when you say that I should try to release a new book every six months… I am doing better than that. I can’t possibly write any faster than I am writing currently.
Dear Mr. Gibbs,
I have been wondering if the phrase “I am training to be a spy. It’s my job to know things” is supposed to be a catchphrase. It’s been said every book up to book 7 then it stopped.
What is the purpose of the phrase?
Thank you, Double O Monkey
Mr. Gibbs –
What’s up! I’ve been wondering if you can, or if you would, write a new book.
I know it might seem awkward, but if you can, what will it be about? Do you have any new ideas?
Also, just a question – What is your favorite book series so far. I’m guessing Spy School, and I doubt it’ll be the Charlie Thorne series. I don’t know this so I’m just guessing, although I know where you live as said according to Whale Down. 🙂
Sincerly, Shubham (do you remember me? it’s been like a year..)
P.S. Sorry if I wrote a lot.
annihilated nefarious –
I have plenty of new books coming. In fact, I have two coming out next week.
Or did you mean could I start a new series? If so, it’s a little tricky to ask someone to write a new book series and then ask them what it will be about. Part of the reason I haven’t started a new series is that I don’t have an idea for one. I’m too busy writing my other series.
That said, I do not have a favorite series. I like them all equally. You can’t spend years working on a book series and not like it.
Double O Monkey –
that’s my favvv phrase i love when erica says that
Double O Monkey –
If a character says things in multiple books, then it’s a catchphrase.
Hi Mr. Gibbs! I have read the funjungle and spy school series over 7 times now! I am currently writing an essay on your books. You are easily my favorite author, and how many books do you think there is going to be for Spy School? Thanks for all the amazing books, Mr. Gibbs!