Review – Jessica Cole Model Spy – Code Red Lipstick by Sarah Sky

Models, spies and lipstick gadgets in this fast-paced new teen series. Jessica Cole is just your average teenager, except when she’s strutting down the glamorous catwalks of Paris. When her father, a former spy, vanishes mysteriously, Jessica takes matters into her own hands. She’s not just good at striking a pose, she’s going to take on MI6 and beat them at their own game. Following her father’s trail, Jessica’s investigation lands her hot on the heels of a deranged former supermodel, Allegra Knight, who plans to unleash mayhem on an unsuspecting teenage population with the launch of her new miracle face cream, Teenosity.

Publisher – Scholastic

Date Published – 5th June 2014

Pages – 336 pages

Format – Paperback

Category – UK YA

Source –

I was sent a copy of this book by the wonderful author Sarah Sky as a gift.  This does not affect my review or my opinions in any way and am delighted to write an honest review.  Thank you Sarah for sending this to me to read!

** Please note Tales Of Yesterday Reviews are written as spoiler free as possible**

Wow!  This book had everything I could possibly want from a book!  A strong main character, super cool gadgets, super gorgeous dresses , mystery, an evil villain and the possibility of putting you off face cream for life!  I loved every second of reading this book and Sarah Sky pulls you right into the action, danger and suspense with twisty turns and a trip to Paris!

Code Red Lipstick is the 1st book in the Jessica Cole Model Spy Series telling the story of school girl Jessica who is a model surgically attached to her favourite lip gloss and mascara wanting to branch out into bigger fashion campaigns and who loves gadgets and has unintentionally started training to become a spy!  Trained by her ex MI6 spy Dad who has OSDS (Overprotective Single Dad Syndrome) and has mysteriously disappeared Jessica finds herself accepting a modelling job in Paris to give her an alibi in beginning the search for her missing Dad and the mysterious disappearance of Sam Bishop who Jessica finds her Dad was employed to find before he disappeared!  Jessica finds that someone does not want her to find her Dad or Sam Bishop and they will go to an lengths to stop her!  And who is the mysterious Starfish?!  Phew…..what an action packed summary!

All of the characters in this book are so easily likeable, well except the bad guys of course!  You have Jessica a head strong feisty girl who whilst being a model is juggling school work and giving her Dad a hand with some night time spying.  As well as being awesome Jessica is also caring and loving and the relationship she has with her best friend Becky who asks very little questions and supports Jessica no matter what is everything you would want in a best friend.  Then there’s MI6 agents Margaret and Nathan who are both polar opposites and very unique whilst giving the sense that being MI6 they mean business!  There is a love interest for Jessica but in this book it is not forced to the forefront and lays in the background which was perfect as it did not distract me from reading all the action as she leaves him at home whilst road tripping to Paris!  You go girl!

The way that Sarah Sky develops the character of Jessica and her back story is a revelation.  The back story of Jessica’s Mom, who died when Jessica was little, is revealed to the reader the further you progress in the book which hooked me in wanting to know more and with Jessica hunting and finding clues towards finding her Dad this made this book a page turner.

There is so much to love above this book!  Something I especially loved is that is has gadgets galore!  I simply want them all!  There’s secret powder compacts, flame thrower hair spray, foam perfume, a super cool “spiderman” bracelet, and fab I-pads with super technology!  I could do some damage with those gadgets!  There is a part in the book where Jessica uses one of her Dad’s gadgets to tackle a school bully with hilarious consequences which really made me laugh and think I need one of those in my life!  I’m also a big fan of moving book cases that reveal hidden passage ways and I got my fix early on in the book.

For a teen spy novel I felt Code Red Lipstick had the right amount of action and mystery for me all mixed with some humour and fashion.  Whilst not being a fashion expert and no where near what I would class as fashionable (lol) I had heard of many of the fashion names suggested and whilst the modelling and fashion are part of the book they are not overpowering as they just weave into the story line perfectly.  The descriptions of the beautiful dresses are just gorgeous with Sarah Sky really making me imagine the beautiful clothing and wishing I could reach out and grab them!  Although maybe not wear them as I’m no Kate Moss you know 🙂

Being taken on a trip to Paris within the book was also wonderful.  I haven’t been to Paris for a few years now and I have fond memories.  The descriptions in this book have made me want to revisit that Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and French bistros asap! *yes this is a hint to my husband if you are reading this – hint hint hint!*

I would recommend this book to any one looking for an action packed adventure with a hint of mystery, humour and a kick ass heroine!

If ever I were in trouble I would call Jessica Cole….or if she’s not available definitely Sarah Sky who is a master of Karate and could do some serious damage! *gulps*

I have also read book two – Fashion Assassin – see my full review here.   I also did a spotlight on Jessica Cole for a recent blog tour which you can find here.

I have also read and reviewed the third book in the series – Jessica Cole Model Spy Catwalk Criminal here

Also find out if music influenced Jessica Cole here

Also check out Sarah Sky being asked some quick fire questions at #UKYAEXTRAVAGANZA here

I award this book 4 out of 5 Tales Of Yesterday Books!

You can find out more about Sarah Sky and Jessica Cole by visiting her website – www.sarahsky.co.uk

Or you can follow Sarah on twitter – @sarahsky23

Have you read this book?  What did you think?  Has this review made you want to go grab a copy?  Do you have any super cool gadgets I should know about?  I would love to here from you!  Why not leave a comment using the reply button at the top of this review or tweet me on twitter using @chelleytoy!

Happy Reading….or maybe spying and you might be undercover!