When Archie's dad - a police officer - is accused of stealing an invaluable dimaond necklace, Archie realises that he is the only one who can prove his dad's innocence and that learning how to pick locks and open safes is going to come very handy indeed.

But Archie ends up mixed with the criminal underworld. He doesn't know who to trust and he finds incredibly harder and harder to differentiate right or wrong. Will he be able to save his dad without losng himself?

Deadlock was a great fast-paced read. The characters are extremely well drawn, with a complexity that makes them feel authentic. As Archie uncovers the truth about the crime his dad is accused of, he has to trust in his dad's complete innocence while himself tiptoeing the line between right and wrong. This is masterfully executed by Simon Fox, exploring grief, anger and trust between a father and son. Deadlock is a must-read, both for its page-turning quality and the great depiction of a family fighting for survival.

My 9 year old co-reviewer enjoyed between Archie and Bunny, they confide in each other. Archie's dad is accused of stealing an expensive necklace and Archie sets about clearing his dad's name, a read for fans of adventure books!

Enjoyed this as much as Running Out of Time.
A fast paced page turner of an adventure. I read this in one go, needing to know what happened next.
I look forward to whatever Simon writes next.

Deadlock
By Simon Fox
Published by Nosy Crow Ltd

Simon Fox writes with great flare and passion drawing you into the mind and journey of a father and his son.
Archie Blake loves spending “quality time” with his dad, but who would have thought that teaching him to pick locks and safes would be a life saving skill?

But when a diamond necklace is stolen and his dad is arrested, Archie has to use all his strength, knowledge and lock picking skills to “do the right thing.”
Archie realises the only way to prove Dad's innocence and get him out of prison is to go on the run. Using everything he's learned alongside his ability to trust is the only way he can uncover the truth.

But finding himself deeply tangled in the criminal underworld, Archie discovers knowing who to trust is a challenge worth fighting for.
Will he see what's right or wrong?
Will he trust or will he be fooled?
Will Archie be able to find a way out before it's too late?

Another page turner from Simon Fox, full of drama, questionable truths and life changing decisions. A must for all young thrill seekers to enjoy.


Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.

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Readers who might find Alex Rider or the Cherub series a bit challenging will love this action-based thriller. It's really exciting and I couldn't put it down. I'm also left with a strong desire to teach myself how to pick locks but maybe that's just me...!

A fun adventure story for KS3 readers, Deadlock explores the lengths Archie must go to to rescue his dad who has been caught up in a crime syndicate.
Archie's mother was recently murdered in a home invasion and he and his police officer father are struggling. As part of their attempts to get to know each other better, Archie is routinely challenged by his father to pick locks and escape from tight situations. This has all been in training, it would seem, for Archie uncovering the mess that his father has got himself into while trying to discover who killed his wife. When Archie's Dad is arrested, Archie follows a trail to find out who is responsible for setting his father up and killing his mother.
Fairly implausible but super fun with it, Deadlock will appeal to readers of Alex Rider or the Cherub series. Fox has created a wonderful champion in Archie, 13 but six foot tall. He is seen as an adult but worries like a child and many young readers will see themselves in him or his new friend, Bunny. as they file the ring of jewel thieves and try and rescue their fathers.

Such a gripping story! I could not put it down. A story of bravery, friendship and family bonds. Would recommend to any kid 8+. Very well written with comedy and drama rolled in to one

Deadlock is a must read! This gripping adrenalin fuelled page turner is akin to Young James Bond meets Alex Rider. Simon Fox does not the energy of this read lag at any point. I was hooked from the onset and had to read in one sitting. This is a highly recommended read; an unputdownablelock picking, safe cracking fight for justice!
Huge thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for this e-Arc.

Archie's dad is a police officer and each week on race night they compete to see who can pick a lock the fastest. It's a good way for father and son to connect. After his dad gets in trouble at work, Archie goes on the run, determined to find out what has really happened to cause his dad to be arrested by his own colleagues.
Deadlock is fast paced from the start and I could have happily read it in one breathless sitting. This book would make a great film. A recommended read for fans of Alex Rider or the Young Bond series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC