Also Known As

Maggie is a teenage safecracker who works for an elite spy organization called the Collective, alongside her parents. When she receives her first solo assignment in New York City, she must enroll in high school and get close to Jesse Oliver, whose father threatens to expose the Collective's operations. Living as a normal teenager proves challenging for Maggie, who has spent her life traveling the world and dealing with sophisticated criminal enterprises. She navigates new experiences like making friends, dating, and handling high school social dynamics while trying to complete her mission. The story combines elements of espionage and coming-of-age as Maggie balances her secret identity with her desire for a regular teenage life. The mission becomes complicated when her growing relationships with classmates conflict with her spy duties. The novel explores themes of identity, trust, and the universal teenage experience of finding one's place in the world - albeit through an unusual lens. Through Maggie's perspective, readers see how extraordinary circumstances can highlight ordinary truths about growing up.

Readers describe this as a light, fun spy story that doesn't take itself too seriously. Many call it a cross between Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series and Heist Society. Readers appreciated: - The witty dialogue and humor - Romance that develops naturally - Family relationships, especially between Maggie and her parents - Fast pacing and engaging plot Common criticisms: - Plot feels predictable and follows YA romance formulas - Some found the protagonist's voice too sarcastic - Side characters could be better developed - Spy elements sometimes feel unrealistic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.89/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (80+ ratings) Reader quotes: "Fun fluff with clever banter" - Goodreads reviewer "Like Veronica Mars meets teenage spies" - Amazon reviewer "Expected more actual spying, less high school drama" - Goodreads reviewer

Heist Society by Ally Carter A teenage thief recruits fellow con artists to steal back paintings from a dangerous collector.

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter Students at an all-girls spy school balance covert operations training with normal teenage experiences.

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen A servant who steals her princess's identity navigates magical heists and deadly consequences.

Not Your #Lovestory by Sonia Hartl A small-town girl becomes entangled in deception when she allows social media followers to believe she's dating a famous actor.

Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn A sixteen-year-old artist searches for stolen Japanese art while uncovering yakuza connections and family secrets.

🔍 Author Robin Benway worked as a book editor before becoming a full-time writer, giving her unique insight into both sides of the publishing industry. 🎭 The book's teenage spy protagonist, Maggie, is named after the author's grandmother, who was known for her quick wit and sharp mind. 📚 "Also Known As" was partly inspired by Benway's childhood love of spy stories and her fascination with the idea of secret identities. 🗝️ The art of safecracking, which features prominently in the story, requires an understanding of complex mathematics and precise mechanical engineering in real life. 🌃 The book's New York City setting was meticulously researched, with Benway making several trips to Manhattan to scout specific locations that appear in the novel.