Spy novels tend to be hit or miss for me, and I believe that, if I read this particular book in elementary or middle school, I would’ve loved it. However, as a girl bordering on adulthood, I’m not entirely sure what to think of I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You.

In the past, I’ve had rocky experiences with Carter’s work. I went into this aware it’s her most popular, and I think her oldest work. I won’t deny that it was a fun read, with talk of international shenanigans and unbelievable gadgets. It was also a quick read, clocking in at under 300 pages, and I fully believe I could’ve read it in a single day if not for The Sims 4.

My most prominent issue is that, from time to time, the story simply wasn’t probable. If this was a fantasy to any degree, it would be completely different. But this is a contemporary, and I had a hard time believing the staff of Gallagher Academy invented such and such object for missions, or that not one student, parent, or random suburban citizen questioned anything.

While the friendship between Cammie, Liz, Bex, and Macey was a nice touch, it didn’t keep me from rolling my eyes at character antics as I read, from them or other characters. In my eyes, Mr. Solomon’s teaching, Rachel’s parenting, and Josh and Cammie’s budding, forbidden relationship were all very questionable, for varying reasons.

But if I’m being honest, I’m not the intended audience for this novel. I’m six to ten years too old. This reminds me of the discussion about the need for YA books and characters actually suitable for younger teens, and that’s what I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You. Although I’m a bit curious regarding the end of this novel, I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series; I’m sure there are other novels more suitable and enjoyable for my age group.

CW: death of a parent, grief